A guide to visiting Buddhist temples: Do’s and Don’ts

Our world is a collection of diverse cultures and religions. The 7.8 billion individuals living on the planet are immensely different. The display of a brilliant variety of languages, cultures, religions, races, ethnicities, values, traditions, and more is a part of humanity. With these differences comes a chance to explore a life completely different from others. With all the connectivity now, the world is a smaller place. Travelling and exploring other cultures and their institutions is one of the best decisions you can make to evolve yourself.When visiting a religious place, it is only polite that we uphold and adhere to its tenets. Many tourists interested in visiting Buddhist temples are unaware of the traditions of this faith. Visitors frequently make embarrassing mistakes and unintentionally hurt others’ sentiments.

Southeast Asia is home to several Buddhist temples. They provide tranquillity and enchant us to the core. India also has a significant share of sacred Buddhist temples. The Mahabodhi in Gaya is the biggest temple. The best time to visit Mahabodhi Temple is from October to March when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing. One of the best hotels in Gaya is OYO SPOT ON 79980 Saigon Guest House.

If you are also keen on visiting a Buddhist temple, you should know the regulations and traditions. Here is a list of dos and don’ts you should keep while visiting a Buddhist temple.

Do’s

Keep hats and shoes outside.

You cannot wear shoes or a hat inside a Buddhist temple. They must be left outside. Buddhists consider it disrespectful to wear shoes and hats before a deity. You can easily find the location of the area where other people are also removing their footwear. Keep your hat in your hands or tuck it away while visiting the temple. You can leave it in your hotel room as well. You can always search for the best OYO hotels near monasteries.

Dress accordingly

It is a rule most tourists break when dressing for the heat in Southeast Asian countries. Do not wear short skirts, cropped pants, or clothes that expose your waistline or cleavage. Keep your body covered and dress appropriately.

Show respectfulness

You must show consideration for the people who go there to pray. Keep your phones off, and do not smoke, drink or spit inside the temple or even in a close radius. Keep your voice low and avoid laughing. Try to keep to the right side but don’t use the right side to enter. It demonstrates respect for the Buddha. Use your right hand when handing or receiving something from a monk, and be cautious when eating near them.

Don’ts

Don’t disrespect the Buddha statue.

Never touch a Buddha statue, the raised platform it is seated on, or climb on it. Never take photos during worship without first getting permission. Please don’t abruptly turn away from the Buddha statue. Take two or three steps backward before turning.

Do not point

Pointing at objects or people within the temple grounds is considered impolite. Use your right hand, palm facing up, to indicate something. Never keep your feet pointing at a person or image of Buddha while sitting.

Abstain from irresponsible behaviour

Any suggestion of irreverence may cause great displeasure as you are likely visiting a real sanctified spot where residents go to communicate with the sacred. Don’t smoke or litter. You shouldn’t go to a temple if you are ill or injured. These are impurity sources. You should bow your back, touch your palms together, and fold your hands when you greet a monk. Women are not allowed to touch the monks.

Conclusion

Even though regional and national customs can differ, these guidelines can help you respectfully visit a Buddhist temple and avoid looking like a lousy tourist. When visiting a Buddhist temple, you will find that every temple has a little metal box for donations from the general public. These contributions enable the temple to operate. A small donation would mean a lot if you enjoyed your visit.

The oncoming season is the best time to visit Mahabodhi Temple. You can get the best family hotels in Gaya with OYO. OYO 91414 The Hunger Bite Resort and SPOT ON 79980 Saigon Guest House are one of the two best hotels in Gaya. So plan a visit to a Buddhist temple and follow these tips to have a safe and respectful trip.