Buddhism is one of the largest and most widely practiced religions across Southeast Asia. With thousands of Buddhist Temples scattered across dozens of countries, visitors could be hard pressed to pay attention to the do's and do not's of the Buddhist faith.
While proper temple etiquette is something visitors should be mindful of at all times, here are some tips of what not to do when visiting:
1. Wear the wrong attire: Wearing the appropriate clothing when visiting a temple might sound like common sense, however, a surprising amount of tourists find that having to cover themselves up somewhat uncomfortable especially in the South Asian heat, Got Passport reports.
Women, in particular, have to be mindful of their clothing and are often asked to bring a scarf and wearing jeans or leggings to cover below the knee is a must when visiting.
2. Public display of affection and boisterous behavior: Many of the tourists who do visit the temples are on their honeymoon and are looking to appreciate the divine works these temples provide. Newlywed couples should be mindful that there could be children in the temple area.
Parents should go over with their children on the proper behavior inside the temple grounds. These rules are set by the monks and should be respected at all times.
3. Disrespecting the Monks: The Buddhist monks who live in these temples follow strict rules. While some of these rules may seem strange to the modern society, they have been in place for hundreds of years, About Travel states.
Some of these traditions include not being allowed to interact with women what so ever. Monks are not allowed to touch or receive any gifts from women. If a donation of food or money is to be given to the monks they must first be handed over a man.
4. Do not point: Pointing at the relics and statues inside the temple is considered extremely rude by Buddhist standards. If someone would like indicate a point of interest he or she would use their right-hand palm up.
5. Sitting incorrectly: Visitors should know the proper way of sitting or worshiping. While most temples realize that it can be strenuous to trek up some mountains and stairs to reach the temple, certain sitting positions can be found rude or discourteous.
Sitting with legs outstretched, for example, is considered to be disrespectful as well as lying down altogether. The proper position to sit down is legs crossed on a cushion on the floor, Thranguk reports.
6. Forgetting to give a donation: Small metal boxes can be seen around the temple grounds, these boxes are for donations that keep the temple running. Many patrons do not realize this as most temples do not require admission to enter the sacred grounds.
Donations do not have to be large and as little as $1 can do a lot for the monks.
7. Praying incorrectly: Many of the Buddhist prayers require lamps and incense to burn. Many visitors incorrectly blow out these prayer tools instead of the correct method of waving with their hand to extinguish.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
