Training

Shrine Room Courtesy

If you are unsure of what to do, please don't worry too much. No one is going to criticise you.

The basic idea is to be mindful, and to show others and Dharma objects courtesy and respect.

On entering the room

Please take off your shoes before entering a shrine room.

On entering a shrine room we usually do three prostrations or show a suitable form of respect to the shrine.

When attending teachings, it is better to arrive before the teacher if possible. When the teacher enters we put our hands together and keep our heads lower than the teacher's.

The teacher will do three prostrations. We wait until the teacher is seated, do three more prostrations and then sit down.

It is generally considered to be disrespectful to point your feet towards a shrine or a teacher while sitting down. This especially applies to the soles of your feet. If you aren't able to sit cross legged, use a chair.

Scriptures and Prayer texts

All printed matter, especially Scriptures and Prayers, is always treated with respect.

This generally means that we do not put them on the floor, step over them, or put food etc on top of them.

When on retreat

Eating

Visiting teachers, ordained Sangha (monks and nuns) and other special guests are served first. After that we can serve ourselves.

It is usual to wait until everyone has their food, say the prayers and then eat. Please take your meal and sit quickly so that the teacher is not made to wait too long and eat cold food.

After a session

When the session is over, we usually stand before the teacher, wait until he or she leaves (if appropriate) then leave ourselves.