The Mysterious Orient

A few years ago we visited a popular Buddhist monastery in Guangzhou, China. In the center of a beautiful interior courtyard there is a large incense burner. Nearby is this enigmatic sign:

What is one to do? If you ignore the burner and don't light a joss stick is that a sign of disrespect? But if you're seen burning joss sticks, does that mark you as an irreverent Buddhist?

Damned if you do and damned if you don't.