Read this before you visit a temple in Thailand for the first time! Find out how to dress, what to do and discover all the beautiful, engaging ways of praying, meditating & making an offering.
Here are some of the most important do's & dont's when visiting a Thai Buddhist Temple in Bangkok or South East Asia. Some of the few rules can seem quite conservative, but once you're accustomed to them, spending time at a Thai temple can be really fun, engaging & relaxing!
š How to dress when visiting a Thai Buddhist Temple?
When visiting a Buddhist temple in Thailand, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should avoid revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, or anything that is too tight-fitting. It is also important to avoid clothing with offensive images or language.
Men should wear long pants, and women should wear long skirts or pants, or a dress that covers the shoulders and knees. It is also a good idea to wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or blouse.
Note: Nowadays, most temples in Thailand are frequently being visited by tourists and offer 'Sarongs' (large scarfs) for men and women to cover up if necessary.
ā Do's:
Dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid revealing clothing and dress in a way that covers the shoulders and knees.
Remove your shoes before entering a temple building.
Bow your head when entering a temple with monks and/or a Buddha statue.
Light incense and make a small offering of flowers or other items, such as fruit or candles, as a sign of respect.
Be quiet and respectful inside the temple.
Use the prayer-like gesture known as "wai" when speaking to a monk or other religious figure.
Follow any specific rules or requests made by temple staff or monks.
ā Don'ts:
Touch or lean against statues of Buddha or other religious artifacts.
Point your feet or sit with your feet pointing towards a statue of Buddha, as the feet are considered impure and disrespectful in Thai culture.
Take any photographs of monks without permission.
Engage in any behavior that might be considered disrespectful, such as loud talking or smoking.
Wear clothing with offensive images or language.
It is also important to note that some temples may have specific rules or restrictions, such as not allowing visitors to take photographs or only allowing entry to certain areas of the temple. Visitors should be respectful of any rules or requests made by temple staff or monks.
šš» How locals worship & pray at a Thai Temple?
Worshipping at the main altar: Thai people will often light incense and make offerings of flowers, candles, and food to the main statue of the Buddha at the temple. They will kneel or sit in front of the altar, with their hands in a praying position called "wai" which is a sign of respect. They will then make a bow (usually 3x times when starting a prayer & 3x times to end the prayer) or prostrate towards the altar and recite prayers or mantras.
Circumambulation: Thai people will often walk clockwise around the main shrine, pagoda or buddha statue. They walk with respect and humility, no talking, no distractions. The purpose is to align mind with body and to be present in the moment. During some Buddhist festivities, you can observe people walking three times around the temple, while holding lit candles, incense & a lotus flower.
Chanting: Thai people may chant traditional Buddhist mantras or sutras while at the temple.
Making merit: Thai people may make donations to the temple, such as contributing to the construction or maintenance of the temple, or supporting the monks and nuns who reside there.
Participating in ceremonies: Thai people may participate in ceremonies such as ordination ceremonies for monks and nuns, or rituals for deceased loved ones.
Listening to Dharma Talks: Thai people may listen to teachings by the resident monk or visiting monk, in which they will learn more about Buddhism and how to apply it to their daily lives. When you visit some of the temples in the morning on a weekend, you will have the opportunity to make merit to the monks and chat with them if they speak your language or you speak theirs.
Meditating: Thai people may practice meditation in the temple. Walking meditation is also very common and can be observed in temples, as well as smaller shrines in parks or public areas.
Note: Customs may vary - I've spoken to many locals and everyone has a slightly different approach, twist or wrinkle to the way they worship at a temple.
In general, Thai people approach the temple and their worship with respect, humility and mindfulness, as Buddhism teaches that one should approach the practice with a pure mind, and a heart full of respect and gratitude.
āØ Different ways to make merit & give offerings
This is probably the most fascinating and engaging part of visiting a Thai Buddhist Temple! There are various ways to make many small offerings in different ways, whether it is laying down flowers, rubbing gold-paper off on a Buddha statues or lighting a floating candle. You can also give a small donation of your choice to use the "Kau Cim" Sticks (also called Chi Chi Sticks or Esiimsi) to draw a fortune card!
Offering flowers: Thai people may offer flowers to the main altar of the temple or to the statues of the Buddha. Flowers are often used as symbols of beauty and impermanence, and are believed to help purify the mind.
Lighting candles and incense: Thai people may light candles and incense at the temple as a way to make merit. The lighting of candles is believed to symbolize the elimination of ignorance and the lighting of the path to enlightenment, and incense is believed to purify the air and the mind.
Applying gold leaf to statues: Thai people may apply gold leaf to statues of the Buddha as a way to make merit. This is believed to symbolize the attainment of enlightenment and to bring good luck and prosperity.
Building or renovating a temple: One can make a merit by offering time and money to build or renovate a temple.
Offering books or other materials to the temple library: Thai people may donate books or other materials to the temple library as a way to make merit. This is believed to symbolize the accumulation of wisdom and knowledge.
Do fortune sticks: Thai people may do fortune sticks in the temple, this is a traditional way of seeking guidance or asking questions. The sticks are shaken in a container until one of the sticks with a number falls out - the number on the stick will correspond to a fortune or advice on a board or card.
Planting trees or flowers : One can make a merit by planting trees or flowers around the temple or in the temple's grounds
Supporting the temple community: Thai people may support the temple community by volunteering their time or skills, such as helping to maintain the temple grounds, or by participating in community activities. This is considered an act of generosity and helps to accumulate positive karma.
If you're unsure how to help, you can always ask for a broom to clean around the temple. Why not? There is never a bad time for a generous act... and why not stock up on Karma-Points while on vacation?
What are your most favorite Temples? š Let me know in the comments below!
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