Buddhists do not use incense

I REFER to the letter from Mr Brennen Young headlined, ''Overpowered by joss sticks'', which appeared in the South China Morning Post, on January 7.

As a Buddhist, I would like to clarify matters.

The burning of incense is not a habit of Buddhism.

For Chinese people, it is simply a way of showing respect towards their ancestors.

People who do burn joss sticks in areas where they are banned by law, should be given a warning by the authorities and if necessary, should be prosecuted.

Mr Young also complained that he could not breathe properly in smoky temples.

I would advise him not to go to such places if the smoke bothers him.

People have the right, in temples, to burn incense if they wish to.

WONG YUEN-WAH New Territories