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.

[Sanity Claws]

1. Namaste

I would feel exactly the same way but I hope you get over it and go again. If you are too embarrassed, is there another Buddhist temple in town? Don't give up spiritual nourishment out of a sense of embarrassment. :hug:

[Droopy]

2. There are a couple of other temples about 40 miles away

I think I would really feel awkward if I went back to the same temple again. Everybody there was nice, but I think I would feel like a bull in a china shop if I went back. Maybe a fresh start at one of the other temples would be good.

[Blue_Tires]

4. my thoughts as well

[I Have A Dream]

3. If anyone would overlook such things, it would be Buddhist monks.

Thank you for sharing, and please continue searching for what feeds your soul. (It really is a life-long journey.)

[Droopy]

5. True

They were good about it, too. I will keep searching. Right now my main interests have to do more with financial matters and work. There will probably come a time soon when I start feeling that old spiritual pull again, though.

[Evoman]

6. Sometimes I'm glad I'm an atheist....lifes just all that much easier for me.

:rofl:

I'm sorry you had such a shitty experience, though.

[sasquatch]

7. Where's it at in Dayton?