Temple Stay Fails

A short list of Do's and Do Not's when participating in a Temple Stay:


1a. DO make sure you communicate properly with the reservation staff.
1b. DO NOT ever enter a building with your shoes on.

2a. DO make sure you watch those around you for clues on how to behave.
2b. DO NOT zone out when those clues are your only means of direction.

3a. DO take any opportunity to try something new.
3b. DO NOT hold incense sticks tightly. (They break.)

4a. DO wear appropriate clothing for all activities and weather.
4b. DO NOT leave any amount of food in your dish.

5a. DO talk with the other guests.
5b. DO NOT talk at your regular decibel.

6a. DO bring extra food.
6b. DO NOT leave the wrappers in the trash.

7a. DO enjoy your stay.
7b. DO NOT invite your friends of the opposite sex into your room.

8a. DO attempt to communicate with the Monks/Dharmas.
8b. DO NOT assume there is no one around when you are at a shrine in early morning darkness.

9a. DO ask questions in the Q&A sessions.
9b. DO NOT drink your tea quickly in an attempt to "catch up".

10a. DO practice all the new skills you are learning.
10b. DO NOT practice them at the wrong times.

11a. DO listen carefully to everything you hear.
11b. DO NOT openly contradict anyone else.

12. DO everything slowly and intentionally.


Our group may or may not have learned all of these rules by experience.