- 1). Call ahead of time or check the event calendar on the temple's website. You don't want to rudely interrupt by entering in the middle of a solemn service or a scheduled meditation. Major Buddhist temples have extensive websites that provide the dates and times of important events.
- 2). Wear clean socks. Devotees and visitors remove their shoes before entering a temple. Buddhists consider entering a temple in bare feet highly offensive and dirty, so wear clean socks inside your sandals or sneakers.
- 3). Dress modestly. As a visitor in the temple, your appearance is subject to scrutiny. Men and women should wear clean, comfortable clothing that is not revealing, torn, skin-tight or low-cut. Women should wear long skirts or dresses that cover well past their knees and long-sleeved shirts or elbow-length sleeves with high necklines. Neither gender should wear black clothing inside a Buddhist temple.
- 4). Offer prayer. Prayer procedures differ between Buddhist sects and regions so research before visiting whether you should bring coins, incense or another type of offering for the temple.
- 5). Speak very softly. Displaying decorum and serenity inside a Buddhist temple shows respect and reverence for the people and their religion. Some ceremonies require complete silence, while others involve communal chanting. Familiarize yourself with the type of service you'll attend beforehand so you can properly participate.
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