What visitors are likely to see
Buddhist ritual ranges from a single bow before an image to large festivals with hundreds of monastics. This article describes public, general forms that a visitor may witness. Many practices are specific to a country, school or temple, and some ceremonies are private. Treat the descriptions as a guide to common patterns, not as a rulebook.
Chanting and recitation
Chanting is among the most common practices. In Theravada countries, monks chant in Pali, often including verses of refuge, the precepts and protective texts (paritta). In East Asia, chanting may include sutras recited with a wooden fish drum and bell, and in Korea, early morning bells, drums and chants set the rhythm of the day, as described in our note on Korean temple dawn rituals. In Tibetan settings, chanting is often accompanied by horns, cymbals, drums and bells, and can be deep and sustained.
You do not need to understand the language to listen respectfully. Lay people may join in, or sit quietly with palms together. Chanting is generally understood as a way to focus the mind, remember the teaching and share merit with others.
Offerings
Offerings are made at nearly every temple. Common ones include:
- flowers, which are sometimes understood as reminders of impermanence;
- incense, whose fragrance symbolises ethical conduct;
- lamps or candles, which stand for wisdom dispelling darkness;
- water, food, fruit and sometimes money.
These are expressions of respect and generosity rather than payments to a deity. The practical rules are covered in our article on shrine offerings, but a general rule is to watch what locals do, and ask if unsure.
Butter lamps
In Tibetan and Himalayan communities, small lamps filled with clarified butter or, in some places, vegetable oil are lit before images and in lamp halls. People may sponsor lamps for the health of relatives, for those who have died or for the welfare of all beings. A lamp hall can be warm and smoky, and hot wax or butter is a fire risk. Do not touch the lamps, do not move them, and follow the attendants’ instructions. Donations for lamps usually have a set procedure, so ask the monastery staff.
Prostration, circumambulation and rosaries
Bowing and prostration are signs of respect to the Three Jewels. Circumambulation practice, walking clockwise around a stupa, temple or sacred mountain, is widespread; in Tibetan areas the circuit is called a kora. Rosaries (malas) help count mantras or prayers. Prayer wheels and flags are explained in a separate article. When joining a circuit, walk with the flow of people and keep clear of those who are prostrating.
Alms and food offerings
In Theravada countries, giving food to monks is a central act of merit. In parts of Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, monks walk silently in the early morning to receive alms, and visitors should note that the Luang Prabang alms round has become crowded with tourists. The giving alms respectfully article covers how to behave. If you wish to take part, learn the local custom first and avoid treating it as a photo opportunity.
Ordination
Ordination is the ceremony by which a person joins the monastic community. In Theravada countries, novice ordination of boys and young men is a significant family event, sometimes with a procession in which the candidate wears rich clothes, recalling the Buddha’s renunciation of his princely life. Full ordination follows a formal procedure with a quorum of monastics and is carried out within monasteries. Nuns’ ordination exists in several traditions, and its status varies between Theravada communities. Temporary ordination of a few weeks or months is common in some countries.
If you are invited to an ordination, ask what is expected. Dress modestly, sit lower than the monks and do not stand in the way of family members. Some parts are private.
Other public ceremonies
- Blessings, in which monks chant and may sprinkle water or tie a cord around the wrist.
- Kathina, a Theravada ceremony in which lay people offer robes to the monastic community after the rainy-season retreat.
- Festival days, such as Vesak and Poya days, which have their own customs.
- Funeral and memorial rites, which are usually family occasions.
Etiquette for observers
Customs vary, so watch locals and follow the guidance of staff. As a general rule:
- dress modestly and remove shoes and hats where required, in line with local temple entry customs;
- keep a quiet voice and switch off your phone;
- do not point your feet toward images or monks, and do not step over offerings;
- do not touch monks, especially women, and do not touch sacred objects;
- ask before photographing, and avoid flash and filming of worshippers;
- sit or stand where the attendants indicate, and never cross between monks and an image;
- when visiting during ceremonies and festivals, give priority to worshippers.
A calm approach is best: you are a guest at a religious event. If you are unsure, step back and watch.
A word on belief
Participants hold different views about what rituals do. Some see them as devotional acts with real effect, others as training of the mind and heart, others as cultural custom. You do not need to share a view to respect it. Check current official sources for dates, schedules and any restrictions before travelling.