Maintaining Silence and Decorum in the Temple: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Sacred Presence Within the Temple

A Buddhist temple is a place of profound purity and sacred stillness. At any given moment, and in every corner of this space, there are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, ancestral masters, and the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors present. Furthermore, there are countless ghost deities, spirits from the underworld, and those represented by memorial tablets residing here. Because this environment is so sacred, it is essential that the fourfold assembly of disciples—including monks, nuns, lay practitioners, volunteers, and children—uphold a standard of conduct that reflects this reverence.

Cultivating Harmony in Every Space

Whether you are in the Buddha Hall, the lecture hall, the kitchen, living quarters, administrative offices, laundry facilities, or even the restrooms, you must treat the space and those around you with the utmost respect. We encourage you to practise silence and speak only in soft, gentle tones. Carry a smile upon your face and maintain a peaceful, harmonious heart at all times. This is how we cultivate the atmosphere of a true Buddha-land.

The Etiquette of Compassionate Interaction

When you encounter another person, please use the name of Namo Amituofo as your greeting. A simple nod or a warm smile is a beautiful way to acknowledge the presence of another. Do not look past one another or pass by in silence as if the other person does not exist. By acknowledging each other with the Buddha's name, we reinforce our shared commitment to the path of awakening. When you are taking your meals, please do so in silence, avoiding unnecessary discussion or chatter.

Mindfulness in Motion and Stillness

When you walk through the temple, please move with light steps. Avoid making heavy, thumping sounds or causing vibrations that disrupt the peace. It is vital that you do not disturb the quiet retreats, purification, prostrations, or the time others spend to recite the Sutras. This applies to everyone, but especially to children and adults alike: please do not shout, call out loudly, or engage in emotional outbursts, angry speech, or boisterous laughter. Such behaviour is not appropriate in a place of practice.

The Karmic Weight of Our Conduct

Unless you are performing a specific duty for the temple, you must be mindful of your impact on the environment. If you disturb the purity of others, you are creating negative karma through your body, speech, and mind. This, in turn, interferes with your own purification, allowing confusion, karmic obstacles, and physical ailments to manifest. One must be extremely cautious in this regard. This is the essential education that every practitioner must receive when entering the temple to seek the Dharma. Please remind one another of these standards, as they are the fundamental temple rules that all residents and visitors must know and uphold.

Namo Amituofo