(Mishnah): The outer [Paroches] was tied partially open from the south, and the inner [Paroches] was tied partially open from the north. [The Kohen Gadol] walks between them until he reaches the north. When he reached the north, he turned his face to the south. He went to his left with the Paroches until he reached the Aron;

He reached the Aron, put the Machtah between the two staves, piled the Ketores on the coals, and the Bayis became full of smoke. He came out the way he entered and prays a short prayer. He did not pray at length, lest he frighten Yisrael.

(Gemara - Beraisa - R. Meir): He entered [between the Parochos after going] between the Menorah and the south;

R. Yosi says, [after going] between the Shulchan and the north he entered.

Some teach that from [between] the gold Mizbe'ach and the Menorah he entered.

He walks between them until he reaches the north. He presses with his elbows [to lift the Parochos], lest the Parochos burn [if the Machtah would touch it].

He reached the north and turned his face to the south. [When he reached the place between the staves,] he went back (into the Paroches), lest it look like he step on the area between the staves. (Even though there was no Aron or staves in Bayis Sheni, it is improper to stand where they used to be in Bayis Rishon.)

Question: How does he [burn the Ketores]?

Answer #1 (R. Chaninah): He rests the Kaf on the ground and throws [the Ketores] in the air, and catches it in the Machtah.

(Shmuel): He nudges [the Machtah] with his foot [in order to catch the Ketores].

Answer #2 (R. Yochanan): He pours [the Ketores] from the Kaf [into the Machtah].

A cloud of smoke rises, and after [it reaches the ceiling] it spreads and descends.