You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re looking for a Buddhist temple near me. Simply follow the guidelines on the map beneath to get going. The map below will show you where Buddhist temple may be found in your area.
Many Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia exist in two worlds: they are hallowed places of devotion and big tourist attractions at the same time.
The majority of visitors to the region will stop by at least one, if not many, of these attractions during their stay. Many temples are fascinating places to visit, full with history, mystery, stunning architecture, and sculpted reliefs.
No matter whatever your religious views are, roaming the lawns of a temple while caught in your thoughts may be a calming experience. Keep reading to find out more about Buddhist temple and where you might locate Buddhist temple near me.
Visiting Buddhist Temples Etiquette:
There’s no reason to be intimidated as long as you obey the rules. Visitors who are kind and knowledgeable about the regulations will always be welcomed.
Learn about the special dos and don’ts that pertain to one of Southeast Asia’s Buddhist-majority countries. If you’re looking for Buddhist temple near me, you may use the map given in this page to find the closest one.
Respect:
Turn off your phone, take off your headphones, lower your voice, avoid improper discussion, take off your cap, and refrain from smoking or chewing gum.
You’re probably approaching a hallowed space where residents go to communicate with the divine, so any suggestion of disrespect might cause serious offence.
Taking off your hat and shoes is a must:
Before entering a temple, remove your hat and shoes. You can leave your shoes in a designated spot outside the temple and keep your hat on your head or put it away throughout your stay. This isn’t only a rule of the temple in certain nations; it’s also the law.
Cover Yourself:
This is the most often guideline broken by travelers in Southeast Asian nations who dress for the heat. Shoulders should be covered, and long pants rather than shorts should be used. Some tourist-oriented temples may be more forgiving, although your humility will be much appreciated.
If the gatekeeper believes you are not sufficiently covered, certain temples, but not all, may supply a sarong or some other cover-up for a modest price.
Respect for Buddha Statues:
Never touch, sit too near to, or climb on a Buddha statue or the pedestal on which it stands. Before snapping pictures, obtain permission and do not do it during service. Before turning your back on the Buddha, you should walk backwards and gain some distance.
Pointing is a bad idea:
It is considered exceedingly impolite to point at objects or people in the temple. Use your right hand, palm upwards, to indicate something. Never aim your feet at an individual or a Buddha picture when you’re sitting.
Stand Up:
If you’re sitting in the meditation space and monks or sisters enter, rise and await until they’ve completed their prostrations before returning to your seat.
Interacting with Buddhist Monks:
Monks are among the most welcoming individuals you may encounter on your travels. The monks scrubbing the temple stairs may be more concerned with eliminating insects so that no one walks on one by mistake!
First and foremost, bear in mind that monks do not eat in the afternoons, so avoid eating or snacking in their presence.
Second, show more respect by sitting before having a discussion with a monk, and avoid sitting above than a monk if at all possible. While seated, never aim your feet at a Buddhist. Finally, while offering or receiving anything from a monk, you must use your right hand.
Women must also be conscious of a few additional guidelines while dealing with monks. Women, for example, shouldn’t ever touch or hold a monk’s hand, and perhaps even brushing up with a monk by mistake may make them feel uneasy.
When passing over the meal or gift to the monk during the tak bat rite in Luang Prabang, ladies are not allowed to make physical contact with him. In most other situations, women give their offerings to a man, who subsequently gives it to the monk.
Increasing to the Respect:
While not required, such actions will demonstrate that you researched Buddhist traditions prior to your visit. Step in with you left shoe first of all and depart with your right foot while entering a shrine. This gesture is a representation for the totality.
Final Words
That’s all there is to it when it comes to discovering the best Buddhist temple near me. You can also perform wai, Thailand’s traditional welcome, or som pas, Cambodia’s customary greeting. When welcoming a monk, place your hands together in a prayer-like motion and give a small bow.
You can raise your hands higher than normal to indicate respect, such as towards your brow. Almost every temple includes a little metal box where people can donate money. These contributions keep the temple afloat, which is normally on a shoestring budget.
If you enjoyed your visit, even a tiny donation would be greatly appreciated. A average gift is less than $1 USD. So, if you’re looking for a Buddhist temple near me, look for one using the map above.
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FAQs
Is it possible for anybody to visit a Buddhist temple?
No matter what religion you practice, your age or gender, you are welcome to visit a Buddhist temple; there are no barriers.
Is it permissible for me to wear black to the temple?
When visiting temples, there are no rules prohibiting you from wearing black or any other colored clothing. Because black is associated with failure, grief, and unpleasant things, some people avoid wearing it on most occasions including when visiting temples.
Is it possible to live in a Buddhist temple?
You can offer to live in a Buddhist monasteries for a few months and get life-changing experience. A Buddhist Monastic volunteers has the chance to not only interact with Buddhists, but also to live among them and learn their struggles, as well as their culture and customs.
Do Buddhists consume alcoholic beverages?
Despite the wide range of Buddhist traditions found in different nations, Buddhism has typically prohibited the consumption of alcohol from its inception. Long before the Buddha’s time, the manufacturing and usage of alcohol were known in the countries where Buddhism began.
