Tibetan temples symbolize the age-old traditions of Buddhist principles preached by Atisa Dipankar. It dates back to the 5th century when the Palas of Bengal set the traditions and values in Tibet. After the Chinese invasion in the 1960s, Tibetans followed to Singapore, where they managed to keep their Tibetan traditions.
Besides, they maintained certain etiquette, which is necessary for entering the temple and praying to Lord Buddha. Therefore, you need to follow these steps to enter the temple respectfully. Remember, they follow Vajrayana, and you don’t want to be in Bodhisattva’s bad books.
So, let’s begin the discussion in the next part to get you ready for the temple visit.
Etiquettes To Follow While Entering A Tibetan Temple
Here are a few etiquette that you should follow when entering a tibetan temple in Singapore. This will help you to feel the wonders of Southeast Asian culture and traditions –
Tip 1: Always Show Respect To Cultures And Values
First things first, you need to show respect for their traditions and cultures. Therefore, you should maintain basic etiquette by switching off your phones and headphones. In addition, you should lower your voice and refrain from any inappropriate conversations. And if you choose to film their prayer, always get permission first.
Furthermore, you should always remove your hats and avoid smoking and chewing gum, which are disrespectful to the monastery and its culture. Lastly, do not cause any chaos. Otherwise, it will disturb the locals who come to pray every day.
Tip 2: Remove Your Hat And Shoes
In Asian traditions, removing hats and shoes before entering the temple is necessary. Therefore, whenever you go near the temple, you will see people keep their shoes outside the temple. That way, you need to follow the traditions before you enter the temple.
In most temples, it’s a law, and if you enter the temple with shoes on, the temple might take legal action against you. This is because shoes touch the ground and carry dirt with them. Hence, when you enter the temple without wearing them, you will have them inside, and it will ruin the purity of the temple. So, remove it before you enter the temple.
Tip 3: Respect The Buddha Statues
Another thing that you should do is respect the Buddha statues. They are the symbol of great devotion and faith for the Tibetan people. Therefore, do not touch the idol, sit near it, or go near the place where the statue sits. That way, you can respect the statue and get blessings from the Bodhisattva.
In addition, you should ensure that you have permission to click pictures of the idols or prayers. It’s best not to do it. Taking pictures is disrespectful and rude, so it’s better to avoid it and stay put. Lastly, when you exit, you should walk backward and maintain a distance between you and Budha before turning your back. That way, you can respect Buddha statues properly.
Tip 4: Respect Monks
Buddhist Monks are the center of the temple, so it is important to respect them. Even though they are among the friendliest people in the world, they are always concerned about removing insects from the floor so that you do not step on them. Therefore, you should follow some basic etiquettes like –
Before starting a conversation, you should always talk before them and then initiate a conversation.
Furthermore, you should sit in a place higher than the monks. It is a way of paying respect to them.
You should always use your right hand to give and receive gifts from the monks.
If you are a woman, you should avoid touching monks or getting too close to them.
Hence, you need to follow these rules, which will enable you to see the magic of the Tibetan temple and how age-old traditions still echo in it.
The Bottom Line
In the end, if you want to enter a Tibetan Temple in Singapore, you should follow the etiquette mentioned in the above discussion. This will help you to have a smooth experience and get blessings from Buddha and monks. And who knows, you might get to meet the Dalai Lama in the temple.
Buddham saranam gacchami!!