Preserving sacred sites: No votive paper burning

Each year, Vietnamese people burn nearly 60,000 tonnes of votive paper, equivalent to almost 228 million USD going up in smoke. This not only results in waste but also contributes to environmental pollution and fire hazards. Interestingly, burning votive paper is not a tradition in Buddhist culture, prompting many pagodas to reject this practice. By limiting the burning of votive paper and incense, the pagodas have contributed to protecting the environment in sacred places and guiding Buddhist followers towards a more positive direction.

At Yen Phu Pagoda in Hanoi’s Thanh Tri district, the bronze censer once used for burning votive paper now sits in a corner with only ashes remaining. This change follows the pagoda's new rule prohibiting votive paper inside.

This is also the case at Pho Linh Pagoda in Tuyen Quang province. For many years, the pagoda has not only banned the burning of votive paper but also uses smokeless incense coils, which are lit only inside the pagoda.

A peaceful and serene atmosphere is created for everyone who visits the pagoda, fostering genuine belief rather than superstition./.