Buddhism being a very popular religion has a lot of Buddhist temples all around Asia. Though Buddhism encompasses variety of traditions, it does not allow offensive attires or behavior in the temples over there. Buddhist temples are the places of worship and the praying environment should be honored and respected there. People from different parts of the globe visit Buddhist temples every now and then. Before visiting a Buddhist temple, you need to learn about maintaining the discipline and honor of the temple. Many of the Buddhists in the Asian countries complaint about the attire practiced by the western visitors during their visits to the Buddhist temples. You need to follow the code of conduct of a Buddhist temple before you enter into one. No one has the rights to hamper the religious sentiments of the local Buddhists.
Let us discuss few of the things to remember during your visit to a Buddhist temple.
Do’s
- You need to dress yourself appropriately as you are visiting a temple. You should keep yourself away from the discotheque and beach wears as those attires are very disturbing and offensive for the people who go to offer prayers there.
- You need to learn how to behave in a spiritual place. If you are visiting with your girlfriend or spouse, you need to behave properly with them and you need not come in regular physical contact. You should not roam in the temple as you do in beaches.
- You should take of your shoes before you enter the temple premises as it shows your faith and belief in the superpower. To remove your footwear easily you may visit the temple with a slipper. You need to remove your hats as well if you are wearing one as the Buddhist monks do not allow people with hats to the temple. Switch off your mobile phones inside the temple.
- If you are a woman traveler, do try your best to cover yourself with a scarf or some clothes as the Buddhist monks do not enjoy nudity in the temple premises.
- You should bow your heads to pay respect to the Buddha statues and the temple. Keep your head down before Buddha statues, monks, and nuns. You should maintain silence in the temple as talking loud mat hamper the meditations or prayers.
Don’ts
- Do not publicize your love or affection for your better half in the temple. Do not go close to the Buddha statues while taking a picture. Do not use your index finger to paint something or somebody in the temple.
- You should not use your left hands while giving or receiving something. You are not allowed to carry eatables inside the temple premises. You must refrain yourself from pointing your feet at a Buddhist monk.
- Do not touch any Buddhist monk. If you are a male tourist, you need to wear something that covers at least below your knees.