Incense exists in a variety of colors and shapes, but when it burns, it transcends its individual shape and color and becomes one in smoke. This symbolizes the transcending of individual selfishness and ego, to become one with all others to become one with the Oneness of Life. Each and all of us are unique and independent, and at the same time, all are interrelated and interdependent. This is Oneness. All things arise and subside, appear and disappear.
Nothing is permanent.
This very dynamic state continuously changing, continuously becoming is called life. These core tenets of Buddhism are expressed in the teaching known as the Heart of the Great Wisdom Sutra. Although it is the shortest of all the sutras, containing only 632 characters in the traditional Chinese translation, it explains the essence of Buddhism, which is KU, or Emptiness. While the English translation of the Hannya Shingyo may sound unusual the actual meaning is that by letting go of your preconceived notions, opinions, and attachments, you can become open to all the wonders of our life. All things are empty.