Expert: Justin Choo - 9/13/2007

Question
I’m working on a final for World Religions. My assignment is to compare and contrast a religion I know something about (I have chosen Catholicism) with one I do not (I have chosen Buddhism). After days of searching I have finally been able to arrange to meet a man (I'm confused on titles) at the Buddhist Temple. I'm extremely excited as I have recently relocated in a very predominant Baptist community and thought I was going to have to travel to complete this assignment.

So my issue is I already know that language and comprehension are going to be obstacles. I do not want to make matters worse and of course I do not want to offend anyone. Do you have any insight for visitors and/or do you know of any on-line resources that I can do a little self-educating in the area of, behavior, dress (my own), etiquette, ethics, etc? I would like to offer a small token of appreciation but am clueless as to what would be acceptable and appreciated.


Answer
Hi Carmen,

You did not give detail info of the man you are meeting.  Is he a monk or a layman?  If he is a layman, then just treat him as "normal".  If he is a monk, then the only thing you need to be aware is when greeting him, you don't shake hands but clasp your hands as in prayer.  I don't think you need to behave "differently"; just be your usual self, and dress befittingly as if you are visiting a church.  Some temples require you to enter the hall/room barefooted.  Socks are OK.  You just need to observe or just confirm with the person.  As a token of appreciation, a cash donation is usually accepted.  There may be a donation box for this purpose.  Again, just check with the person.  As a precaution, you can always inform the person that you are not familiar with temple etiquette as you are not a Buddhist.  He will understand.

There are alot of Buddhist sites on Buddhism; but I have not come across one regarding Buddhist etiquette.  Moreover, different Buddhist traditions differ in their protocol.  Reffering to "Buddhist etiquette" is like referring to "Western etiquette".  

The "mother" of all Buddhist sites is www.buddhanet.net.  You may like to try this site and see whether it is of any help.

Don't worry too much.  Just be yourself.

Smile from justinchoo :-)