Tibetan Traditions - Taboos for Visiting Monastery

In Tibet, there are many well-know monasteries and temples. They are the highlights of Tibet tour for many foreign visitors who want to know more about Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. In order to avoid unnecessary troubles, there are some taboos about visiting monastery in Tibet traditions should be followed when visit the monasteries.

Tibetan Traditions- Taboos for Visiting Monastery

The first taboo is about the address. The address to the monks and priests in monastery should be "Shi" or "Fashi" (means master). The address to the abbot monk should be "Zhanglao (master), "Fangzhang" (Buddhist abbot), or "Chanshi" (Chan Master). The address to the monks in the monasteries should be (Lama), which means "Guru". It is prohibited to call them "monk" or some other insulting address.

The second taboo is about etiquettes. The way to greet the lamas in Tibet is to put the palms together devoutly and slightly bow the head; or to set up a single palm in front of the chest and bow the head slightly. It is prohibited to shake hands and hug with lamas or use hand to touch the head of lama.

The third taboo is about chatting with lamas. When you talk with lamas, please do not mention the words about kill and the things about marriage, as well as eating meat. All of these will make lamas feel uncomfortable.

The fourth taboo is about visiting the monastery. When you visit the monastery, please do not speak loudly, randomly comment, discuss or sneer at something; do not randomly walk and touch things in monastery. It is especially prohibited to touch the Buddha statue. If come across religious activity when you visit monastery, please stand there and look quietly. At the same time, please carefully take care of your children order to avoid they do any impolite things.