Cultural diversity: My adventure at the Buddhist temple

[Droopy]

I got turned off by Christianity when I was 16. Buddhism turned me back on when I was 22. I read several books about Eastern philosophy when I was in my early 20s, but never did get up enough courage to go and experience Buddhism in practice.

So a couple of years ago I finally got up enough courage to go to a local Buddhist temple. I did exactly what I was trying not to do: I made an ass of myself.

When I got there a couple of monks greeted me at the door. They were from Thailand, but they spoke very good English. We talked for a little while and they gave me some literature. Then they asked me if I would meditate with them. So we got down on the floor and I spread my legs out to get into a modified lotus position. I pointed my feet directly at both of the monks as I got into my position. They didn't say anything more; they just lit a candle and some incense and we meditated for about ten minutes. Afterward, they invited me to a ceremony that they were going to have in a couple of days and I said yes and went on my way.

The ceremony was comprised mostly of westerners. The monks talked to us for a little while and then we all meditated together. I got into my lotus position the same way as before and nobody said anything to me and we meditated. Afterward, I talked to one of the monks in private. He gave me my own private little sermon and I was pretty psyched about that. Then I asked him a question that I should have asked the first time I met the monks. "Are there any kind of cultural practices that I should be aware of when I come here." He said, "Not really. Just, please, do not point your feet at anyone when you are here. It's horribly insulting to do that in our culture."

I was so embarrassed. I apologized to the monk and said I didn't know about that. He said it was alright- he understood.

The driveway for the temple was very tight and they didn't have much room for people to park there. On my way out that night I backed into one of the member's cars and did several hundred dollars worth of damage. We exchanged insurance information and I headed out feeling horrible. I haven't been back since.