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Temple Etiquette

All of our services are open to the public.Everyone is welcome to participate in any activities (provided there is space still available). Etiquette is an important practice in itself that sets a tone and mindset of all those present. We kindly ask both members and non-members to follow these simple rules while visiting us.

What to Wear

Please wear appropriate clothing, preferably muted colors without writing or busy designs. Avoid clothing that is too revealing. You should be comfortable in what you are wearing, so we advise you to wear loose fitting clothing that you are able to sit in for long periods.

Etiquette While in the Practice Space

  • During the service, please keep cell phones and electronics in silent mode.
  • Always remove your shoes before entering the hondo (main practice space). You may leave your shoes on the shoe rack by the door.
  • Gassho gassho_small.jpg(hands together in front of your heart) and bow toward the front of the room upon entering the room.
  • Proceed to your spot at a zafu cushion or a chair. Gassho & bow first to the Honzon (Buddha image on the altar) and then to the person (or space) across from you. Be seated facing “in”.
  • When leaving your space, gassho & bow first to the person across from you. Step toward the middle of the room, then gassho & bow to the Honzon. Turn and walk to the back of the room. Before leaving the room, gassho and bow to the front.
  • When passing in front of the Honzon’s main Buddha image; stop, face the Honzon, gassho & bow.
  • Two bells indicate the beginning and the end of a shikan (meditation) period. Hyoshigi (wooden clappers) are used to indicate a new activity during the shikan period (kinhin, kan period, nembutsu, etc.).
  • To be respectful of Dharma materials such as sutra texts, service booklets, and Buddha images, avoid placing them directly on the floor or ground, and do not step over them.
  • A bowl for dana (practice of generosity) is next to the entrance of the hondo. Any donation will be gratefully accepted to sustain running the temple. We are run by the generous effort of clergy and unpaid volunteer lay leaders. Our main expenses are for our property loan, insurance, and utilities .You may also donate online.
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