What are Buddhist temples? What rules should be followed by those inside this religious building? Such questions are primarily of interest to those who are going to visit Thailand for the first time . The religion of this country - Theravada Buddhism - is clearly expressed in all areas of life. The teachings of the Buddha strengthened on these lands more than one and a half thousand years ago, and representatives of other faiths in total make up no more than 8% of the total population of the country. Respect for religious subjects and representatives of the monastic community is of great importance for the inhabitants of Thailand . And if those who are familiar with this school of Buddhism firsthand can safely go to explore a variety of Buddhist temples, of which there are so many throughout South Asia, then a person unfamiliar with the subject under discussion should arm himself with all the necessary information.
Whatever temple you have to visit - large or small, city or village, empty or crowded - remember the simple rules, the violation of which can lead to an insult to religious feelings and condemnation by the indigenous population. Traveling to places with a high concentration of tourists, you will find here amazingly beautiful buildings, such as the well-known temples of Phuket and Chiang Mai.
clothing
You probably know that Thailand is famous for its rather high temperatures throughout the year, but those who do not consider themselves to be uncultured should adhere to certain standards when choosing clothes. Buddhist temples are a sacred place for most locals, so when you go to the temple in a neckline and mini shorts, be prepared for a sharply negative reaction. Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, your knees and shoulders should be closed, transparent fabric is unacceptable. Do not wear too tight clothing so that your appearance is fully consistent with the concepts of decency.
Take off your shoes on site. In large temples, which are popular with tourists, plaques asking them to take off their shoes are duplicated in English. The easiest way to observe this rule is for those who go on an excursion in spanking.
Behavior
Even if you come to Thailand to spend your honeymoon, refrain from any demonstrative sympathy while in a religious place. Do not stretch your legs toward Buddha statues or images, monks, nuns, or other worshipers when you visit Buddhist temples. In Thailand, the legs are considered the “dirty” part of the body, and directing them toward the shrine or even a person of equal status is a gesture of extreme neglect. Do not touch the images of Buddha, as well as monks of the opposite sex - this prohibition is associated with a complex set of monastic discipline. Try not to point your finger at anything. Facing the Buddha statue, fold your arms near your chest and bow your head in respect.
Keep silence. If you travel with children, take the responsibility to teach them how to behave in a sacred place.