The owner of an incense shop told me that ‘agarwood 沉香’, when lit, releases an aroma that higher beings love. And if you offer such fragrances, then you are effectively inviting them (e.g. Buddha) to gather around you. Even if you don’t burn the ‘agarwood 沉香’, the fragrance of this wood in your home is sufficient. This is why you see ‘agarwood 沉香’ wood cuts selling for more than $600 for a small 3cm by 3cm piece. Another friend who often goes to visit temples tell me that ‘agarwood 沉香” is used when you are asking for a favour in your prayers. ‘Sandalwood 檀香’, on the other hand, is more frequently used for chanting and meditating. But who knows for sure? I have tried burning both incense types, and things are generally good. TBC.