Respecting Buddha – Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand

Though Buddhism is practiced in India and its neighboring countries, we do not see Monks, Buddhist temples and Prayer wheels very often in western India. It is when I spend few days in Thailand, I got to know the Do’s and Don’ts to follow for respecting Buddha in Thailand and in our own country aswell,

Do’s

1.   You don’t need to be Buddhist to pay respect to Buddha. One should respect Buddha in the way you respect your friend’s father, as Buddha is worshipped as the enlightened father.

2.   Your body language should be respectful when near Buddha images and/or statues. It is polite practice to Wai (hands together in praying position) when passing Buddha.

3.   If you see a picture, amulet or statue of Buddha in inappropriate places such as a walk way floor, in a toilet or on a chair, please help to place it in a proper place up high such as on a shelf or higher. Buddha should be placed high to honour him.

Do Not

1.   You may think it would make a “cool” photo to pose on the image of Buddha but don’t do it. Buddha is not a piece of furniture. It is extremely disrespectful.

2.   It is quite common for foreigners to buy figures of the Buddha when on holidays as they want a nice ornament to display in their house or garden. However, do not treat Buddha as merchandise. Buddha figures should only be bought by Buddhists who acquire statues and images to place in the temple or other appropriate places with the intention to respect them.

3.   If you are respecting Buddha then don’t place Buddha objects in inappropriate places. Buddha should always be placed away from objects of daily use such as tissues, napkins, rags, cleaning items etc.

4.   Don’t display Buddha in the middle of a table, in the bathroom or at bars and restaurants. Buddha should be placed up high to honour his divine virtue.

5.   Never use the Buddha for toys, furniture or as items of clothing.

6.   Displaying Buddha should not be used for clothing of the lower part of the body i.e. shoes, socks, underwear, skirts etc.

7.   It is inappropriate to get a tattoo of Buddha.

8.   When sitting down never point your feet towards Buddha. Feet are seen as the unholiest part of the body and thus pointing it towards Buddha is disrespectful. If sitting, men should sit cross legged and women usually will sit in the mermaid position. Alternatively you could sit with your knee on the ground and your feet behind you.

9.   It is disrespectful to use Buddha’s name in a discourteous way. You wouldn’t disrespect the person you worship like this.

By following these helpful tips you will be able to make sure you have a nice time in Thailand without disrespecting the religion. It’s important to pass the message on to friends and family so they will be aware of the correct practice when in a country that follows Buddhism.

Buddha is a Big Figure, Bigger Than The Big, Much Bigger Than Our Imagination!