General Buddhist Etiquette

Etiquette - a moderation in conduct in order not to be offensive and disrespectful to others

1) Greetings
With reference to a teacher or monastic, for a traditional greeting or parting, stand with the body slightly bowed and the hands folded at the heart. An unfurled white scarf can also be held in the hands (Tibetan custom). Stand when a teacher enters or leaves a room.

2) Terms of Address
The term 'rinpoche' (precious one) can be used for addressing His Holiness Sakya Trizin, all Khon lamas, Abbots and tulkus. Jetsunma is the polite form of address for all female Khon family members.

3) Shoes
Shoes are generally left outside the door of a shrine room, or temple.

4) Appropriate Dress
Revealing clothing, such as tank tops, short skirts, shorts and the like may be inappropriate attire in some temple or shrine room settings. Within Buddhism, appropriate attire is flexible and based on the polite and inoffensive social custom of each country.

5) Legs Outstretched
It is considered disrespectful when seated on the floor or a cushion to outstretch the legs and direct the soles of the feet toward the shrine, teacher, monk or nun.

6) Prostrations
Buddhists will typically direct three prostrations toward the shrine or the Guru-teacher. This will be done on entering the shrine room or once the teacher has been seated.

7) Stepping Over
When moving through a crowded shrine room make every effort not to step or pass over top of another persons body, i.e., leg, knee or foot. When seated, if others are passing by, raise the knees to afford a pathway so they are not forced to step over. Stepping over is considered disrespectful and rude.

8) Religious Materials
Do not place Dharma books, meditation texts, or prayer beads (mala) on the floor, carpet or on a sitting cushion. Use a small table or shelf or have somebody hold them while you are performing prostrations and arranging the seat. Do not step over Dharma books and articles.

9) The Alphabet
The letters of the alphabet in each language are used to compose Dharma teachings. Where possible, avoid treading on letters on the ground.

10) Turning Pages
When turning the pages of Dharma books or meditation texts do not wet the fingers with the tongue.

11) Teachings
Face toward the Guru-teacher when receiving instructions, not the shrine. When receiving formal teachings ask if it is permissible to take notes or make tape recordings.

12) Mala Beads
Do not place Mala Beads on the ground, the floor or on a bed. During teachings and initiations do not recite mantras or count beads unless told to do so as part of the teachings and initiations. When wearing the mala about the neck place the head bead at the top (resting against the neck).

13) Indicating
When pointing to a teacher, monastic, or fellow Dharma companion, a painting (thangka) or temple mural, indicate with the right hand open, fingers extended and the palm up. Do not point with the index finger; this is considered very rude. - "One should not point out anything with one's finger but should respectfully show the way with one's whole right hand," Bodhicaryavatara Ch.5-94, (Wallace).

14) Incense
When lighting incense, after the stick has ignited with a glowing ember do not blow the flame out with the breath, but rather wave with the hand to extinguish.

14) Candles & Butter Lamps
To extinguish candles and butter lamps use a candle snuffer or wave gently with the hand to extinguish, do not blow the flame out with the breath.

15) Offerings
Having placed offerings on a shrine, such as fruit and cookies; when replacing the offerings - do not eat them oneself, but rather give them away to others.

16) General Conduct
Do not stand with the arms akimbo in the presence of the Teacher. Do not chew food loudly or with an open mouth. Do not spit where other people walk. In the presence of a teacher, monastic, or in a shrine room, cover the mouth when yawning, coughing - or laughing with a wide gaping mouth.