White Horse Monastery, as a Buddhist holy place, tourists need to pay attention to the following matters when visiting:
First, basic etiquette
Respect for Buddhist beliefs: Please keep quiet when entering the temple, do not make loud noises, do not laugh and joke. Respect the monks and other believers and do not interfere with their practice and activities.
Dress appropriately: It is recommended to wear comfortable and decent clothing, avoiding clothing that is too revealing, short or too casual. When entering a temple, please remove your hat as a sign of respect.
Threshold Etiquette: When entering a temple, please be sure to walk around the threshold and not step on it. The threshold symbolizes the boundaries of the Dharma, and crossing it shows respect and reverence for the Dharma.
Second: Taking Pictures and Photographs
Respect for Buddha statues and halls: When taking photos inside the temple, please respect the rules of the temple and do not take photos of Buddha statues or monks at will. Photography may be prohibited in some halls, so please follow the relevant instructions.
Civilized photography: If you need to take photos, please remain civilized and do not use flash, so as not to disturb the Buddha statues and other visitors.
Third, incense and prayers
Incense: You can buy incense outside the temple and bring it into the temple, or you can ask for incense at the Dharma Circulation Office inside the temple. Please make sure to use the incense burners provided by the temple to light incense and do not discard the incense.
Incense etiquette: It is usually recommended to use three sticks of incense. After lighting the incense, gently fan out the flame with your hand, rather than blowing it out with your mouth. When holding the incense, the left hand should be on top and the right hand on the bottom, holding the incense with both hands together. Face the Buddha statue and bow respectfully three times before inserting the incense into the incense burner.
Fourth, Excursions and Visits
Observe order: When entering the main hall, please enter through the doors on both sides and avoid the center door. The center door is usually used by monks and VIPs.
Listen to the explanation: In order to better understand the history and culture of the White Horse Monastery, it is recommended to hire a professional tour guide to give the explanation, or rent an electronic audio explainer.
Take care of cultural relics: The cultural relics and ancient buildings in the temple are valuable cultural heritage. Visitors are requested not to touch, climb or write on them, and to work together to maintain a clean environment and the safety of cultural relics in the temple.
Fifth, other notes
Reservation in advance: During holidays or peak tourist seasons, there are more tourists, so it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance to avoid delays.
What to bring: It is recommended to bring water and snacks, there are fewer choices for meals in the temple. At the same time, please take care of your personal belongings and pay attention to safety.
Environmental awareness: During the tour, please maintain environmental hygiene, do not discard garbage. Together to maintain the beauty and purity of this pure land.
Respect local customs: in the temple and the surrounding area, please respect local customs and habits, do not make improper behavior.
By following the above precautions, visitors can have a pleasant and fulfilling journey at the White Horse Monastery, and at the same time better understand and experience the charm of Buddhist culture.
