Visiting A Buddhist Center

The following are some guidelines for visiting a Buddhist center. By adhering to these and observing
how others behave, you will be comfortable visiting any center. You can also ask the person in charge if you are unsure of what to do.
 
1. Refrain from any practices other than those of the centre.
2. Avoid talking loudly or unnecessarily so as not to disturb others.
3. Dress in a respectful manner and do not wear short skirts or shorts, see-through or tight      clothing. Discreet, loose-fitting clothing is appropriate.
4. Do not use perfume and scented lotions; refrain from wearing anything that could make noise.
5. Greet others with hezang and a slight bow.
6. Remove your shoes before entering the cultivation hall. You will usually leave them on in other areas, like the dining hall. It is polite to wear socks. Also try to remove your shoes in a place where you will not step on the ground prior to entering the hall.
7. Place your hands in the hezang position and bow to the Buddha after you step into the  cultivation hall. If the room is not currently being used, you may move to a cushion and do a half bow, three full bows, and a half bow.
8. In many centers it is customary for men to sit on the right side and women to sit on the left. If you are unsure if this custom is followed at the center you are visiting, you might ask ahead of time. If that is not possible follow this arrangement to be safe.
9. When moving around the cultivation hall, try to avoid crossing in front of those who are chanting or prostrating.
10. People come to the centre to practice and to learn. A quiet environment is necessary for both pursuits. In order not to disturb others, please refrain from all unnecessary talking. If talking is necessary, do so quietly. Please respect others' wishes if they indicate they do not want to talk.
11. When you greet, or write to, a monastic, it is polite to use the honorific of Venerable before the monastic's name. If you do not know their name, you may simply address them as Venerable. If you would like to use the Chinese, Shifu is Chinese for teacher and can also be used.

related post:  Guidelines For Spiritual Advisors

Source Of Information:
《Going Home To The Pure Land》, by Venerable Wuling, translated by J.C.Cleary, published by Pure Land College Press in 2010, distributed by: Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Amitabha Malaysia, 90 & 92, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.