Practice Thai Buddhist Monastery Etiquette
Template:CopyeditbotVisiting a Thai Buddhist monastery can be an educational and worthwhile experience, whether you are a new convert to Buddhism, a tourist, or a Thai unfamiliar with monastery etiquette. Knowing a few general guidelines can show respect, prevent embarrassment and help you to make the most of your visit.
Contents
Steps
- Wear modest clothing.In general, everywhere between the elbows and ankles should be covered at a minimum, with a modest neckline. Showy clothing is not appropriate. In Thai culture, black is a funeral colour, so dressing in all black is not advised. Long shirts and long skirts or long trousers in plain colours are recommended, especially in higher-ranking or stricter temples. Other places may be slightly more relaxed, and you may even see Thais wearing shorts, but modesty is still appreciated.
- Don't wear flashy jewellery. Showy jewelry or other overt displays of wealth are unacceptable.
- Do not climb on, touch, or pose to take pictures with buddha-images, no matter how old, broken or well-cared for.
- Take off your shoes before entering any building. Don't be surprised if your shoes are 'borrowed' at a larger monastery with many entrances...just wait patiently and they will be returned.
- Do not point your feet at the buddha-image, or at anyone else.
- Women must not touch, be alone with, come close to or speak suggestively to monks. If a woman must offer something to a monk, do not hand it directly to him. Put it down somewhere he can pick it up. An offering cloth may be used for this purpose in Thailand, however, in Thai monasteries outside of Thailand, the use of an offering cloth is not as common.
- Know where to stand or walk.
- The person in the highest position is the most respected. If a monk is seated, try not to stand/walk past with your head above him. This can be done by shuffling while kneeling if you need to move.
- Do not walk in front of people who are bowing.
- Do not step on the threshold.
- Greet monks by pressing your palms together, bowing your head, and moving them to your forehead. This gesture of respect is called a "wai". The monk will not return this gesture. He is not being impolite, just accepting your respect.
- Do not kill any insect, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
- Always pour the libation jar or container with two hands.
- When offering food, do not touch the edge of the alms-bowl with the spoon.
- Do not bring alcohol into the monastery grounds.
- Be quiet and respectful. Don't make a lot of noise or run about.
Tips
- In Thai culture, touching anyone on the head is taboo.
- Ask someone at the monastery if unsure. They will be able to tell you.
- Younger people always greet or 'wai' (press their palms together) for older people. The etiquette for this gesture is complex, but an attempt is still appreciated.
Warnings
- Women especially should be respectful around monks, and vice versa, men around nuns and mae chee (Buddhist laywomen). You may talk with monks, just not alone.
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