|  Many
visitors who have never been to a Buddhist monastery are unfamiliar
with Buddhist practices and are not certain what is expected of
them during their visit. What follows can be considered a brief
guide, one that will hopefully help visitors to understand many
of the practices they may encounter during their visit.
Our motive
Our purpose is not to convert individuals
to Buddhism. The intention in offering the teachings is to assist
others in attaining happiness and peace.
Dress Code
There is no dress code required to attend
teachings, but please wear articles of clothing that are comfortable
but respectful.
Atmosphere
Our members are both friendly and supportive
to visitors. Please feel free to approach anyone if you have questions.
Especially during the break, feel free to engage in conversations
with other members of the community while you enjoy your cookies
and cup of tea.
Dharma Etiquette
Here are some elements of respect and etiquette when receiving
teachings from a Lama (Teacher) in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Before entering
Leave all shoes in the area near the
door or outside the shrine or teaching area; never enter the shrine
or teaching area with shoes on.
Teacher's entrance
Stand and bow slightly when the Lama
enters the room. Remain standing while s/he prostrates to the Buddhas
and his/her own Teachers (visualized on the throne) and takes his/her
seat.
Prostration
After the Lama is seated, practicing
Buddhists will perform three formal prostrations as a sign of respect
to the Lama and teachings. Others may join in or stand quietly.
For those wishing to participate, the form is: with palms together
touch crown of head, forehead, throat, and heart; kneel on hands
and knees, touching forehead to ground very briefly and rising quickly.
Perform the entire act three times altogether. At the conclusion,
once more touch hands to crown, forehead, throat, and heart, pausing
briefly at the end for contemplation; then take your seat.
Opening prayers and chants
These are to make a break from ordinary
activities and engender in ourselves good motivation to receive
the teaching. Prayers will be recited from the books and sheets
available throughout the room. Please share if there aren't enough.
Students and visitors may join aloud, or contemplate silently.
General etiquette
Other than the usual respectful behavior, such as sitting
quietly and alertly during the teaching, there are some points of
etiquette specific to Eastern traditions and Buddhism:
• Avoid stretching your legs toward the Lama
or altar, as pointing the soles of one’s feet is considered
disrespectful.
• Wearing revealing clothing, such as tank tops, short skirts,
and the like is considered inappropriate attire in temple and
shrine room settings.
• Do not place spiritual texts or Dharma materials on the
floor or rug (ok on a folder, pack, pillow, handbag, etc., which
is on the floor).
• When turning pages of Dharma books or meditation texts,
please do not wet the fingers with the tongue.
• Do not place malas on the ground or on the floor. Malas
should not be worn when using the bathroom.
• When pointing to a teacher, other monastic, thangka, etc.,
indicate with the hand open and fingers extended and palm up,
rather than pointing with the index finger, which is considered
very rude.
• If you must enter the shrine room and meditation or teaching
has begun, do so as quickly and as quietly as possible, so as
not to disturb others.
• When moving about, try not to step directly over texts
or over other people’s cushions.
• 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 the flame. The same is
true when blowing out candles and butter lamps: do not blow them
out, but rather use a candle snuffer or wave gently with the hand.
• Do not interrupt the formal teaching, but reserve your
questions for later, when the Teacher indicates it is appropriate.
Dedication
The teaching ends with prayers that
dedicate, to the benefit of others, any improvements and insights
we may have gained during the teaching. Again, one may join in or
contemplate silently.
Teacher’s exit
As the Teacher stands to leave, stand
and bow slightly until s/he is out of the room. Students will again
perform three prostrations, except at the last teaching session,
where the omission conveys our wish for the Teacher to return.
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