In short: greet with palms together and a slight bow, and use "Venerable" if you are unsure. Common titles are Bhante or Venerable (Theravada), Ajahn (a senior teacher in the forest tradition), Sayadaw (Burmese teacher), Roshi or Sensei (Zen), Lama (Tibetan) and Shifu (Chinese). Ask the temple what its community prefers.
Common titles
- Venerable: the safe, general English form for ordained monks and nuns.
- Bhante: Pali for "Venerable sir"; used for monks in Theravada communities in the West.
- Ajahn: teacher, used in the forest tradition.
- Sayadaw: a senior Burmese teacher.
- Roshi / Sensei: Zen teachers.
- Lama: teacher in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Shifu: master, used in Chinese Buddhism.
Greeting and manners
- Palms together at the chest, slight bow.
- Do not touch monks; women in Theravada traditions do not hand things directly. See temple etiquette.
- Sit lower than the monk or nun and avoid pointing your feet at them.
- Offer food in the morning: how to offer food to monks.
Also: monk rules · how to stay at a monastery · why Buddhists bow
Questions people ask
What do you call a Buddhist monk?
It depends on the tradition: Bhante or Venerable (Theravada, Western), Ajahn (forest tradition teacher), Sayadaw (Burmese), Roshi or Sensei (Zen), Lama (Tibetan), Shifu (Chinese). 'Venerable' is a safe general title.
How do you greet a Buddhist monk?
Put your palms together at the chest and give a slight bow. Wait for them to speak first, and do not offer a handshake unless they do.
What if I don't know the title?
Ask someone at the temple, or use 'Venerable' followed by their name. It is respectful in most traditions.