Monastery Etiquette

If you are visiting the Giac Tam Meditation Center (GTMC) for the first time, you are encouraged to attend one of our weekly Introduction to Zen Meditation classes on Thursday evening. These classes are open to everyone and provide basic instruction in sitting meditation technique, an overview of the monastery etiquette and temple’s rituals, and an opportunity to meet regular practitioners. An online version of the Introduction to Zen Meditation class is also available. After participating in either program, you are welcome to join our other recurring weekly practice meetings; please refer to the calendar for details.

 

The Humble Practice of Prostration and Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels:

 

In Buddhism, the Three Jewels or Triple Gems are the foundation supports in which practitioners take refuge in by means of recitation at the beginning or at the end of the day or a practice session. These Three Jewels are:
            1. The Buddha, the fully enlightened one
            2. The Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha
            3. The Sangha, the monastic order of Buddhist monks and nuns who practice and transmit the                 Dharma.    

 

Everyone is invited to join palms at the heart center in the shape of a lotus bud. Then, gently lower the body to the ground so that all four limbs and your forehead are resting comfortably on the floor. While touching the Earth, turn the palms face up, showing our openness and respect to the Three Jewels. When we touch the Earth, we breathe in all the strength and stability of the Earth, and we breathe out our suffering – our feelings of anger, hatred, fear, inadequacy, and grief.

 

Of note, we recognize that not everyone coming to the Zen center are Buddhists and are familiar with this tradition of showing respect to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). Still, we invite everyone to take this in as a practice of mindfulness, of being humble and showing respect to your own Three Treasures: (1) All of your ancestors and teachers, (2) All of the teachings in life that have received and cherished, and (3) The Sacredness of Life and Mother Earth from which you are being nourished and sustained. If you cannot lower yourself to the ground as in full prostration, you can do standing bows.
 

Creating an Atmosphere of Mutual Respect

 

Our meditation practice thrives in an environment free from distractions. The Zen form and etiquette at GTMC are designed to foster mutual respect and minimize disturbances. Practitioners are encouraged to behave inconspicuously to avoid drawing attention to themselves, allowing everyone to concentrate fully on their practice. Please observe the following guidelines for Monastery Etiquette and Respectful Conduct.
 

Preparing to Visit the Monastery:

• Wear clean, dignified, and understated attire. Avoid shorts, tank tops, distracting patterns or colors, and skin-tight clothing.

• Refrain from wearing perfume, aftershave, or other fragrances.

• Arrive early to allow time to settle into the calm atmosphere of the meditation hall. If you arrive after the meditation session has begun, enter the meditation hall quietly and with minimal disturbance.

• If bringing food, ensure it is vegetarian.
   

Practices Upon Arrival:

• Silence your cell phone.

• Remove watches, noisy jewelry, and electronic accessories before entering the Meditation Hall.

• Engage fully in the practice; deeper understanding comes with wholehearted participation.
   

Shoes and Entry Protocol:

Before entering any temple area, it is customary and respectful to remove shoes worn outside. This practice ensures cleanliness and expresses reverence for the sacred space.
 

The Importance of Bowing and Dignified Behavior:

Bowing, along with maintaining decorum and dignity, reflects an understanding of Buddhist principles and Vietnamese cultural values. Such conduct demonstrates self-respect, respect for others, and fosters humility. When someone bows to you, return the bow. When a teacher bows to the room before a Dharma talk, everyone returns the bow.
 

Entering and Leaving the Temple:

Upon entering or leaving the temple, turn toward the Buddha altar and offer a slight bow. Place both hands together at chest level with palms touching in a prayer position. This gesture signifies respect and mindfulness.
 

Greeting and Leave-Taking:

When greeting others or taking leave within the temple, it is traditional to hold both hands in a prayer position at chest level and bow slightly. This hand position indicates wholehearted respect and mindfulness, especially when interacting with ordained members such as monks or nuns.
 

Sitting Down in the Meditation Hall:

Enter the Meditation Hall and walk mindfully to an empty seat. Face the seat and bow to it before sitting down. When getting up from your seat at the end of the meditation session or a Dharma talk, kneel down and reshape your cushion, brush off the mat, stand up, and bow to your seat. Please refrain from using your feet to move the meditation cushion or mat. Instead, use your hands when repositioning these items as a sign of respect, recognizing their role in supporting our awakened nature.
 

During Meditation Session:

Make as little disturbance as possible. Avoid unnecessary movement during the meditation session to prevent disrupting others and to maintain optimal focus and meditation quality. Quiet, gentle, and mindful movements are appreciated. If you cough or sneeze, please do so into your sleeve to minimize noise.
 

Addressing Members of the Sangha:

Show respect and appreciation for the dedication of the Sangha by addressing the abbot or monk teacher as ‘Thay’ (pronounced “Tie”), and any nuns as ‘sister.’ This form of address honors their commitment to the community.
 

Conversational Etiquette:

When conversing with ordained members of the Sangha, avoid interrupting or talking over them. Allow them to finish speaking before responding to show courtesy and respect.
 

Meal Etiquette:

Vietnamese communal temple/monastic dining customs emphasize specific practices regarding utensils. Chopsticks are used to transfer food from communal dishes to individual bowls or plates, while spoons are reserved for personal use. It is considered impolite and unhygienic to use chopsticks to take food directly from a communal dish to your mouth and then return them to the dish. For noodle soups, people may use their own chopsticks with a spoon; additional communal serving utensils are provided for shared dishes.
 

Additional Guidelines:

_Mind Your Feet & Hands: Do not point your feet toward a Buddha statue or a monk. Use your right hand, palm up, to point or hand items, while the left hand supports the right hand at the wrist or elbow.

_Mindful Photography: Ask permission before taking photos of people. Do not take photos during ceremonies or of people praying.