Etiquette in Practising Buddhism --What is walking meditation

Walking meditation also known as circumambulation. It refers to reciting Buddha Name (Namo Amituofo) in motion. The conductor-in-charge leads the prayer by using a hand bell and he is assisted by the wooden-fish player walking behind him. Walking order of sequence: Conductor-in-charge, the wooden-fish player, monks, nuns, gentlemen with cultivation robes, ladies with cultivation robes, gentlemen without cultivation robes, ladies without cultivation robes and the monk who is in charge of the ceremony. Purpose of playing the hand bell and the wooden-fish: The sounds help us to concentrate, especially when our minds stray or feeling drowsy. Sound of wooden-fish also tells us what footstep to take. When it is hit, take the right step. When we recite "Namo Amituofo" in walking meditation, there are altogether 8 syllables (sounds), ie "Na-mo-Ah-mi-tuo-o-fo-o". Take a step as we recite a syllable. To enable the procession to walk in step, we take a right step when we recite "Nam". The sound of the wooden fish is our guide.

Etiquette in Practising Buddhism --Entering a Practice Hall

The first thing we do when entering the practice hall is to pay our respect to Buddha by performing three prostrations and one bow.


Bow

Etiquette in Practising Buddhism

Buddhist etiquette was passed down to us about two thousands years ago. These practices survive our present day modern society because they have helped us to develop respect for the teaching, our teachers and gradually, all beings. A respectful person is well-liked everywhere.

Furthermore, with practice, we can discipline our mind, speech, and actions, from which our integrity is judged. A person with integrity is a respectable person, and will always be trusted in his or her community.