Buddhist monasteries have certain social conventions intended to support mindfulness and a sense of respect in everyday interactions. For people visiting the monastery who are unfamiliar with the etiquette, it can sometimes feel intimidating.
Please know that a well-intentioned attitude is much more important than getting all of the details right. You can always ask one of the monastics or a lay supporter if you have any questions regarding monastic etiquette.
Suggestions for Interacting with the Monastics
- When addressing a monastic, it is appropriate to use the title “Ayya” or “Ayye.”
- Añjali is a lovely gesture of respect that can be used when greeting a monastics. It consists of placing the palms together at the heart level and can be used as a greeting, a goodbye or a thank-you.
- Please dress modestly when visiting the monastery (no tank tops or skirts/shorts which fall above the knee).
- It is inappropriate for a bhikkhuni to be alone with a man. It is also not appropriate for a bhikkhuni to hug a man.
- A monastic cannot receive or handle money. Instead, lay supporters manage donations that are offered to support the monastics.
Teaching Meditation/Dhamma
- When listening to a Dhamma talk it is respectful to remove any headwear (unless one needs to cover one’s head for health reasons).
- One should not eat or drink while listening to a Dhamma talk, so one can pay full attention.
In the Shrine Room
- In the monastery, it is traditional to “pay respect” (bow three times) to the image of the Buddha when entering or leaving the shrine room. This is a suggestion, but not a requirement.
- In Buddhist cultures it is considered impolite to extend one’s legs and point one’s feet to a Buddha statue or towards people.
- Lying down is also considered inappropriate in the shrine room, unless it is neccessary for health reasons.
Meals
A monastic:
- can only eat between dawn and noon (1:00 pm in daylight savings time).
- cannot consume food or drink other than water unless these are offered by handing it to them to directly or placing it in their almsbowl.
- would typically eat their main meal in silence from their almsbowl.
Making an Offering
- Part of the monastic training is to practice contentment with only what is offered. They cannot ask for anything without an invitation being made.
- If you would like to make an offering to the whole community or an individual monastic, there are two ways to do so:
- By offering a specific item.
- By inviting a monastic to let you know if there is something that individual or the community needs.
- If you wish to offer something for a monastic’s personal use, the item can either be offered directly or funds can be given to a resident volunteer, who can purchase the item for them.
- With regard to food offerings, please feel very welcome to bring food for a specific meal offering or at any time for the vihara pantry.