Having visited Buddhist temples in Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, I have picked up on simple ‘do’s and don’ts’ when it comes to being a tourist.
1. Be Respectful
– Although some temples are more lenient than others, it is best to make sure that you are covered up. I know that when in hotter countries shorts and vests seem like the perfect clothing but to enter a temple dressed this way is highly unacceptable. My advice is to wear long maxi skirts or linen trousers and carry a cardigan or pashmina in a bag so that you can cover your arms when you get to a temple.
– Take your shoes and hat off before entering.
– Cover your mouth when yawning or showing your teeth.
– Don’t disturb the peace. Keep conversation to a minimum and when you do speak, ensure you do so quietly. Turn off your mobile phone and try not to use the flash on your camera if possible.
– Do not touch, climb or point at things – especially the statues of Buddha.
– Sit with your legs crossed. It is very insulting to have your legs stretched out and the bottom of your feet facing someone or a statue.
– Stand up if a monk or nun enters the room.
2. Offerings and Prayer
– It is custom to make an offering of flowers, food, candles or incense to the Buddha before performing a prayer or asking for guidance. Usually there is a table where the offerings are left near the altar.
– If you use any incense, make sure that you do not blow it out. Instead you must wave the sticks to put the flame out. It is the same for candles. You must use a candle snuffer or your hand to put them out.
– It is respectful to say a short prayer in front of the temple entrance or the main statue. Then take a small bow or take three small bows quickly. The light the incense, let it go out and place in the large gold burner that is outside every temple. You should waft the smoke from the incense towards you for a moment as this is seen as a way of cleansing and is said to have healing powers.
– In every temple there is a small box, usually metal that is there for collecting donations. You do not have to give a donation but if you want to the usually a small amount of $1 or less is acceptable.
3. Interacting with Monks, Nuns and Buddhists
– If you are visiting a temple and there are Buddhists praying, you should try your hardest not to walk in front of them. This is seen as disrespectful and can interrupt their prayer.
– Try to walk clock wise around a temple, starting on the right hand side. This is to show deep respect for the Buddha.
– Monks are incredibly friendly people and are often open to talking to visitors. However there are some important rules when doing so. For women, you should never touch a monk or hand him anything. If you do so, they have to go and perform a cleansing ritual.
– When greeting a monk you should place your hands together as if when praying and bow slightly.
– If a monk hands you something then you must accept it with your right hand and not your left.
– Never stand over a monk, if you wish to speak to one who is sat down, then you must sit down too before engaging in conversation.
– Do not touch another Buddhists prayer beads or prayer book unless given permission.
4. If You Really Care
– It is custom to enter the temple/shrine with you left foot first and to exit with your right foot first. This then represents a whole and helps to create balance in the world and your life along with paying respect to the teachings of Buddha.
Temples of Taiwan 