In short: dress modestly, take your shoes off before shrine halls, keep your voice low, never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk, ask before taking photos, and walk clockwise around stupas. Bow or put your palms together to greet monks and nuns. A small donation is welcome but never required.
Do
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or see-through.
- Take off your shoes (and hat) before entering a shrine hall or a monk's room. Look for a pile of shoes at the door.
- Greet with palms together at the chest and a slight bow. Follow what others do.
- Sit lower than monks and nuns during talks or meals, with your feet tucked to the side or behind you.
- Walk clockwise around stupas, shrines and Buddha images, keeping them on your right.
- Speak quietly and switch your phone to silent.
Read the full guide
Don't
- Point your feet at a Buddha image, a shrine or a monk.
- Touch a monk, or for women in Theravada temples, hand things directly to a monk.
- Climb on statues or pose with your back to a Buddha image for photos.
- Touch people on the head.
- Bring alcohol or meat as an offering.
- Use flash or film during a ceremony without asking.
Offerings and donations
Temples and monasteries run on dana, freely given support. You can leave a small donation in the box, offer flowers, candles or incense at the shrine, or bring food in the morning where monks receive alms. In many Theravada monasteries, monks do not eat after midday, so food offerings are made in the morning. Nothing is expected of a visitor; your respect is enough.
Visiting for longer
If you want to stay, join a retreat or keep the precepts for a day, read how to stay at a Buddhist monastery and the Eight Precepts. For Tibetan centres, see what to expect at a Tibetan centre.
Find a temple or centre near you: the directory · find a group near you
Dress: what to wear to a retreat
Offering food: how to offer food to monks
Titles: how to address a monk or nun
Questions people ask
What should I wear to a Buddhist temple?
Modest, clean clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Avoid tight, see-through or revealing clothes, and hats inside. Light colours are welcome; plain is always safe.
Can I take photos in a Buddhist temple?
Usually outside, and often inside too, but ask first, never use flash during ceremonies, and never pose with your back to a Buddha image or photograph people meditating without permission.
Can women touch a monk?
In Theravada traditions, monks do not touch women and avoid handing objects directly to them. Place an offering on a cloth or table in front of the monk instead.