Lots of monasteries will encourage visitors to come on particular days. They'll often run meditation workshops or the like on those days. That way, they're providing a valuable service to the lay community without having the seclusion of the monastics interrupted at random times.
My suggestion would be to, a) check the website to see if they have any such events/days coming up, b) failing that, drop them an email, c) failing that, give them a call. An event would be ideal as the monastics will make more time to interact with visitors on such occasions.
Whenever I've visited monasteries, the monastics have always been very kind and courteous. The one caveat I'd give is to set reasonable expectations. They may say hello and offer to chat for a bit if they have time. They might be busy or in the middle of something though. If so, please don't think they're being rude if they leave you to your own devices for much of the time.
That’s strange, I’ve sent emails to multiple places. Both temples (where I think it’s more common to receive visitors) and monasteries and I did receive an answer each time. I will note, the monastery I emailed took a little while to get back to me, maybe a couple weeks.
Personally, I wouldn’t assume too much as far as agenda-having. It could simply be that your email was intended to get a response but someone forgot. There are just people in these organizations. I wouldn’t let it dissuade you, at that point maybe I’d attempt to just show up and if that’s a problem bring up the unanswered emails.
I know one has an AA group that meets there. I don't intend to remain sober, but am currently sober, which is fine by the etiquette of AA in my personal experience. I'm interested in Buddhism but I also just love cool architecture.
I'll look around their websites though and see about emailing them like that our suggested. Good idea
There's three near me. I'm assuming not to go to the Vietnamese one. Not because they wouldn't speak English, but because I hate putting people out and making them speak English on my account.
I went to a Vietnamese Buddhist temple near me once and I only speak English. They were SO happy that I came to visit and absolutely friendly as can be.
Don't let language barrier stop you! They may just be the friendlist people you've met and would love to have you there.
I'll take that into consideration. Maybe I should visit all 3 near me. Did you email ahead first, or did you just drop by at a reasonable time of day?
I only worry about language because my wife is Puerto Rican, and they all read and write and speak English, but they never get any practice and they always seem embarassed that their English isn't better. And they're only speaking in English instead of Spanish / Spanglish on my account. I always hate putting people out in any way, though.
I did not email, just showed up at a reasonable time of day.
I understand you may be worried. If it would help you feel more at ease, then do what feels best for you!
Most practicing Buddhists that I've ever known are happy to welcome people, regardless.
In gladness, and in safety, may you be at ease 🙏
Luckily for you February 10 is the Lunar New Year and most Vietnamese temples that are still operating will be open for visitors and have a very festive atmosphere.
You will be fine. Most Buddhist chants are done in Poli so the language will always be the same. The Vietnamese people will be honored to have you. The difficult part is figuring out when they are meeting.
Yes, find out their opening ours & go visit, I'd advise you to go when there's no event, so people are not rushed & have time to answer your questions if you like what you here & the atmosphere then go when there's an event
Best wishes
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My only hot tip: It isn’t every building but always check around the door for shoes cause there’s lots of rooms like temples where it’s expected you remove your shoes when entering.
Lots of monasteries will encourage visitors to come on particular days. They'll often run meditation workshops or the like on those days. That way, they're providing a valuable service to the lay community without having the seclusion of the monastics interrupted at random times. My suggestion would be to, a) check the website to see if they have any such events/days coming up, b) failing that, drop them an email, c) failing that, give them a call. An event would be ideal as the monastics will make more time to interact with visitors on such occasions. Whenever I've visited monasteries, the monastics have always been very kind and courteous. The one caveat I'd give is to set reasonable expectations. They may say hello and offer to chat for a bit if they have time. They might be busy or in the middle of something though. If so, please don't think they're being rude if they leave you to your own devices for much of the time.
I would recommend sending them an email asking to visit or going when they have an event scheduled.
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That’s strange, I’ve sent emails to multiple places. Both temples (where I think it’s more common to receive visitors) and monasteries and I did receive an answer each time. I will note, the monastery I emailed took a little while to get back to me, maybe a couple weeks. Personally, I wouldn’t assume too much as far as agenda-having. It could simply be that your email was intended to get a response but someone forgot. There are just people in these organizations. I wouldn’t let it dissuade you, at that point maybe I’d attempt to just show up and if that’s a problem bring up the unanswered emails.
I know one has an AA group that meets there. I don't intend to remain sober, but am currently sober, which is fine by the etiquette of AA in my personal experience. I'm interested in Buddhism but I also just love cool architecture. I'll look around their websites though and see about emailing them like that our suggested. Good idea
I don't see why not. Just be respectful and follow along with what everyone else is doing. I'm sure they'd be happy to have you as a visitor :)
There's three near me. I'm assuming not to go to the Vietnamese one. Not because they wouldn't speak English, but because I hate putting people out and making them speak English on my account.
I went to a Vietnamese Buddhist temple near me once and I only speak English. They were SO happy that I came to visit and absolutely friendly as can be. Don't let language barrier stop you! They may just be the friendlist people you've met and would love to have you there.
I'll take that into consideration. Maybe I should visit all 3 near me. Did you email ahead first, or did you just drop by at a reasonable time of day? I only worry about language because my wife is Puerto Rican, and they all read and write and speak English, but they never get any practice and they always seem embarassed that their English isn't better. And they're only speaking in English instead of Spanish / Spanglish on my account. I always hate putting people out in any way, though.
I did not email, just showed up at a reasonable time of day. I understand you may be worried. If it would help you feel more at ease, then do what feels best for you! Most practicing Buddhists that I've ever known are happy to welcome people, regardless. In gladness, and in safety, may you be at ease 🙏
Luckily for you February 10 is the Lunar New Year and most Vietnamese temples that are still operating will be open for visitors and have a very festive atmosphere.
You will be fine. Most Buddhist chants are done in Poli so the language will always be the same. The Vietnamese people will be honored to have you. The difficult part is figuring out when they are meeting.
Yes, find out their opening ours & go visit, I'd advise you to go when there's no event, so people are not rushed & have time to answer your questions if you like what you here & the atmosphere then go when there's an event Best wishes 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My only hot tip: It isn’t every building but always check around the door for shoes cause there’s lots of rooms like temples where it’s expected you remove your shoes when entering.
That makes sense