Thinking of visiting a Buddhist temple, what to expect?

#1 01-03-2011, 11:18 PM

There are a couple of Buddhist establishments in my area, not even sure what they are called. I have experimented with meditation and read some Buddhist philosophy and I just want to experience some it. Just looking for some peace. I have no religion and not much serenity either, sounds like a good idea. But I have no idea what to expect, how to act or dress, or what to say.

#2 02-03-2011, 07:11 AM

Dress modestly, remember that you may have to take your shoes off. Greet using the Namaste greeting.
When walking in tell the person in charge that you don't know what to do and whether they would help you avoiding the worst mistakes.

Samana · #3 02-03-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pre-dawn

Dress modestly, remember that you may have to take your shoes off. Greet using the Namaste greeting.
When walking in tell the person in charge that you don't know what to do and whether they would help you avoiding the worst mistakes.

Hi Captain Kirk,

Yes, dress modestly and comfortably and all buddhist traditions expect you to remove shoes before entering a shrine room.

Its not a good idea to say 'Namaste' though. Theravadins don't use that term and I've not heard Mahayana Buddhists ever using it offline here in the UK either. I am familiar with centres for both traditions.

Just be yourself say 'Hello' and be friendly and tell the secretary or whoever appears to be in charge of visitors that its your first visit to a Buddhist centre.

Kind wishes,

Samana

Silver · #4 02-03-2011, 06:30 PM

I appreciate that info too, as there are two in my area that I could visit, and have actually wanted to, just didn't know the etiquette of doing so. I'm glad you asked, Capn Kirk~* Btw, do they have a collection plate of sorts? Is there a way to donate some modest amount like in Christian churches?

Samana · #5 02-03-2011, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvergirl

I appreciate that info too, as there are two in my area that I could visit, and have actually wanted to, just didn't know the etiquette of doing so. I'm glad you asked, Capn Kirk~* Btw, do they have a collection plate of sorts? Is there a way to donate some modest amount like in Christian churches?

Depends on the tradition, donations are always welcome - its best to ask in the office.

Silver · #6 03-03-2011, 01:54 AM

Do they call them shrines? or temples?

#7 03-03-2011, 03:40 AM

oh great thread. im very interested in this myself - how does one go about finding a place near me? is there a good resource on the internet?

#8 03-03-2011, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ82Sky

oh great thread. im very interested in this myself - how does one go about finding a place near me? is there a good resource on the internet?

Just ask the local pastor, s/he must know about such things.

Ask at health shops, if you have Chinese or Japanese business people in your community ask them.

Silver · #9 03-03-2011, 05:09 AM

I just happened to drive by one near where I used to work. Then in the past few years since moving, I drove by one. You could try googling it, too, for something in your area.

Samana · #10 03-03-2011, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvergirl

Do they call them shrines? or temples?

They're called Buddhist centres, Monasteries or Temples. They don't have to be Chinese or Japanese in origin either because there are western groups as well as those that originated in Thailand, Burma, Tibet, and Sri Lanka.

A 'shrine' is a little bit like an altar and usually has a Buddha statue (which isn't worshipped, its there for inspiration and as a reminder.)