Etiquette at Buddhist Monasteries in Sri Lanka - Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery

In general, it is enough to act respectfully as you would in your own culture. Just remember you are in a sacred place and exercise common courtesy. There is no need to be afraid.

Clothing

Please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and if possible your knees. This can be accomplished even with a sheer scarf and sarong. Many devout Buddhist wear white when they come to the monastery but there is no expectation that visitors will.

Please remove shoes. (Seeing a pile of shoes is a good reminder.) As the ground is often hot, you can feel free to wear socks. If you are not able to remove your shoes for serious medical reasons, please inform anyone who asks.

Photography

Unless posted, photography is generally acceptable. However, please don’t pose with your back towards sacred objects like Buddha statues.

Phones

Please turn off your ringer when at shrines or in buildings. If you need to make calls, please find an area away from others.

With monks

Monks do not shake hands. Please greet them with a smile or by placing your hands together as if praying. Buddhists will usually make a full bow to monks and nuns, but it is not expected for visitors.

Do not offer money to monks. If you like to make a donation, there will be clearly marked donation boxes.

Private spaces

The monastic residences are off limits to the public. They are usually clearly marked.

What you can do

We want everyone who comes to the monasteries to feel welcome and at home. Feel free to meditate in the shrine rooms and in front of any sacred areas. You are also welcome to chant quietly and do your own puja if you like.

You can approach any one you see and ask for assistance. If they can’t help you they will surely find someone who can.

Other websites may tell you that you have to be careful what hand you use to do things, that you must walk around the monastery clockwise, enter with your right foot, etc, etc. Please don’t worry about any of those things. They are not part of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.

Children are welcome to be children, explore the space, and ask questions. But they should be supervised. Too much screaming or running may bother others.