Thank you for participating in Templestay.
We welcome all who have come to discover their ‘true self,” regardless of differences in nationality, world view, age, or gender.
Let us introduce you to a some temple etiquette that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.
We hope that every day is a good day. Thank you.
GREETING
Even one gentle smile or kind word manifests the mind of the Buddha.
Whenever meeting someone on the temple grounds, place your palms in front of your chest, called “hapjang,” and offer a half-bow.
Whenever entering or passing by the Main Buddha Hall, face the direction of the Buddha statue, place your palms in hapjang, and offer a half-bow.
NOBLE SILENCE
Noble silence is a way of having a conversation with yourself. Experience the joy of practicing looking inward.
The temple is a place of spiritual practice and devotion. Try to keep noble silence at all times.
Please refrain from idle talk in any building where the Buddha is enshrined.
BUDDHIST SERVICES
Through utmost dedication and adoration toward the Buddha, you can attain boundless merits and wisdom.
Gather at the Main Buddha Hall each morning and evening to renew
devotion and faith in the triple gems of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Sit in designated seats in the Main Buddha Hall and follow the signals of the moktak, or wooden handbell.
TEMPLE MEAL (OFFERING)
Meals are part of spiritual practice at a temple. During meal time, we make an offering with heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributing to
producing our food.
Participation in temple meals is mandatory. Comments about the taste or quality of the food are highly discouraged.
Try to eat as quietly as possible. Refrain from making any sound at all, if possible, including the sound of slurping food or clanking bowls.
ATTIR
Buddhist practice begins when we are modestly dressed in clean and tidy clothes.
Please refrain from using strong perfume or thick make-up.
Please return your uniform when you leave the temple.
CHASU AND PEACEFUL WALKING
In the temple, please keep your hands in a position called “chasu,” meaning “crossing the hands.” Chasu is a posture that signifies inward contemplation of your mind and outward consideration toward others.
When you move around the temple, follow the person in front of you with
your hands in chasu.
Abstain from running around or rough or crude behavior. Try to refrain from individualistic activities.
EMPATHY AND CONSIDERATION
Empathy, consideration, respect and civility are essential to maintain harmony and peace within the community.
Keep to the time schedule and do not wander into the off-limit areas.
Alcohol and cigarettes are absolutely forbidden in the temple.
Keeping the waste to the minimum in the temple is a way of expressing
gratitude to the material abundance granted to you.
Actively participate in the communal work.
Please try not to bother others during the free rest period.
EMPATHY AND CONSIDERATION
Empathy, consideration, respect and civility are essential to maintain harmony and peace within the community.
Keep to the time schedule and do not wander into the off-limit areas.
Alcohol and cigarettes are absolutely forbidden in the temple.
Keeping the waste to the minimum in the temple is a way of expressing
gratitude to the material abundance granted to you.
Actively participate in the communal work.
Please try not to bother others during the free rest period.
