Home

Offerings
Calendar
Intro Classes
Retreats
Retreat calendar TBA
Space Rental

Contact/About Contact and monthly email bulletin
Payments/donations
Buddhist Arts
FWBO
 What is the FWBO?
 What is an Order
Member?
 What is a Mitra?
 Local Order members
 Sangharakshita
Giving
  Dana Program
  Ways You Can Help
  More Ways You Can Help
  Who Does What

Resources
What is Buddhism?
What is Meditation?
What are Buddhist Ethics?
Recommended books
Audio – talks TBA
Audio – meditations TBA
Pictures TBA
Sites in N. America
Sites outside N America

Shrine Room Etiquette

The shrine room is a space dedicated to the development of wisdom and compassion. We use the following etiquette to remind us of the significance of the space and to become more receptive to the practice that takes place in it.

There is no need to be intimidated by this etiquette! We ask that you observe numbers 1, 4, and 5 explained below but the rest you can participate in as you feel comfortable.

1. We enter the shrine room in silence for the meditation.
2. Bowing - You will notice people bowing to the shrine as they enter and leave the room. Bowing is a way to express gratitude and receptivity to the teachings and methods being practiced as well as acknowledge our potential for enlightenment.
3. Salutation - Once everyone is in the room, the class leader will approach the shrine for a traditional salutation. This formally marks the beginning of a session of practice. A very short ritual is done in call and response. People will bow in the salutation.
4. We ask that people not leave the shrine room in the middle of a meditation unless it is absolutely necessary.
5. At the end of the class we each mindfully put away our mat and cushion.