Buddhist Protocols
Buddhist etiquette varies by location, often shaped by the cultural context. Many of Australia’s Buddhist population grew up overseas and are well-versed in Buddhist customs. However, their children and other Australians may be unfamiliar with the protocols for showing respect to Buddha images, greeting monks and nuns, and visiting temples.
The cultural protocols below foster a sense of reverence, mindfulness, and respect within the Buddhist community. They are observed across various Buddhist traditions, though specific practices may differ depending on regional and cultural differences.
Most Buddhist communities are very welcoming and happy to help newcomers understand the customs and practices, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about anything.

Respecting Buddha Images
- Physical Posture:
When you’re near a Buddha image, it’s common to bow or kneel as a sign of respect. Avoid turning your back on the image—if you need to pass by, walk around it, not in front. - Placement:
Buddha images should be placed on a higher surface, like an altar or pedestal. It’s considered disrespectful to put them on the floor or in low places like a garden. - Offerings:
People make offerings like flowers, incense, candles, fruit, or water to show gratitude and respect. Lighting incense or candles is a common act of reverence. - Cleanliness:
Buddha images should stay clean. If you’re cleaning one, do it gently and respectfully. - Avoiding Disrespect:
Don’t point your feet towards a Buddha image or touch it with your feet. It’s also best not to place Buddha images on the floor.

Respecting Buddhist Texts
- Handling and Storing Texts:
Always handle sacred texts with clean hands and avoid placing them on the floor or sitting on top of them. Keep them on a shelf or table, ideally elevated. - Reading:
When reading texts, it’s customary to sit respectfully, not eating food, or licking your fingers to turn the pages. Approach the teachings with mindfulness and humility, as they represent Buddha’s wisdom.

Respecting Monks and Nuns
- Physical Gestures:
When you meet a monk or nun, it’s respectful to bow or make the “anjali” gesture (palms together in prayer). This is especially important with senior monks and nuns. - Offering Alms Food:
In some Buddhist traditions, monks rely on laypeople for food and other necessities. If you’re offering alms, use both hands, and approach the monk respectfully from the front. Theravada monks normally eat their main meal before 12 noon and fast for the rest of the day. Mahayana and Vajrayana monks do not have this restriction. - Speech and Address:
Monks and nuns are usually addressed with honorifics that acknowledge their special role in BUddhist communities. Forms of address vary across communities. In Theravada tradition Bhante is used for monks and Ayya for nuns. Thai communities say Ajahn or Tan, whilst Vietnamese communities use the word Thay. A good way to refer to monastics from all traditions is to use “Venerable”. - Respecting Boundaries:
Monks and nuns follow strict codes of conduct regarding bodily contact. Never touch a monk or nun, and be mindful of not toencroach on their personal space. - Offering Seats:
If there’s no seat available, offer yours to a monk or nun as a gesture of respect. - Money
In many traditions, monks and nuns do not handle money themselves. If you want to offer money, it’s best to do so indirectly, through a donation to the temple or community. Always be mindful of their practice and respect their way of life.
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General Etiquette in Temples, Monasteries and Retreat Centres
- Dress Simply
When visiting a Buddhist centre, it’s best to dress simply and modestly. This usually means wearing clothes that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees. In some communities, it is common to dress in all white to visit a temple, or whilst on retreat as a symbol of purity. - Removing Shoes:
Before entering a temple or sacred space, remove your shoes. This is a sign of purity and respect. - Mindful Silence:
- It’s best to be quiet around monks, nuns, or in temple and retreat settings, especially during ceremonies or meditation.
- Participation in Ceremonies:
During Buddhist ceremonies, join in mindfully—follow the monks or nuns’ lead. Offering incense, chanting, and praying are common ways to participate. - Respect for Elders and Teachers:
In many Buddhist communities its common to show extra respect to senior monks, nuns, and teachers. Younger monks and lay practitioners often bow to their elders as a sign of humility.
