Staying over at a temple
What to keep to when you stay a night or more. It is measured differently from the manners for a short visit to a hall - this is about sharing the temple's day while you are there. Each temple differs a little, so read the guidance you are handed on arrival first. Many places put the day's schedule on the wall of the room, so look at that sheet if you forget a time.
- Change into the clothes you are given. You wear them in your room and in the hall.
- Keep to the set times. The dawn service and the meals are the frame of the day.
- There are hours for keeping quiet, announced as mugeon. Nobody speaks then.
- Silence your phone, and ask first whether photographs are allowed where you are.
- Take your shoes off at the hall and the room, and turn them to face outward.
Many temples do not allow alcohol or tobacco on the grounds. If you cannot join part of the day's programme, saying so in advance is enough.