The Buddha taught that one of the most important factors on our spiritual path is speaking with people who know his teachings. The monks at our monasteries are happy to speak with you and share the teachings they have learned. You can ask them questions about:

  • Meditation techniques
  • Problems when meditating
  • Buddhist ethics
  • Buddhist symbols
  • Parts of a monastery
  • Buddhist chanting
  • Karma and rebirth
  • Buddhist daily practice
  • The life of a monk or nun
  • And anything connected with living a good life

You can also ask them

You should not feel nervous at all to speak with a monk. Here are some things to keep in mind..

  • People from Buddhist cultures won’t ask monks personal questions such as why they ordained or how much they meditate. You can ask questions in general like, “How much time do monks spend meditating.”
  • Please avoid physical contact with monks or nuns. Remember this if you ask to take a photo with the monk or nun.
  • If you can sit on the floor that is great. If you need a chair, just ask.

How to greet monks and nuns

Buddhist will bow briefly when they greet a monk or nun. If they are able, this is done by kneeling on the ground and touching the elbows and forehead to the ground. The elderly or sick will often put their palms together at their forehead and crouch as low as possible. At a minimum people will put their palms together and raise them to their chest.

Although bowing to people is not common in western countries, it is ubiquitous in Asia. Children bow to parents and teachers, lay people bow to monks, junior monks bow to senior monks, and all Buddhists bow to the Buddha images or symbols. If it is new to you, you will get used to it quickly.