Won Buddhism of Manhattan

The recommendations we offer in order to create an environment in which we can all practice together with a sense of oneness are as follows:

• Maintain mindfulness and keep your mind open.
• Wear appropriate, yet comfortable clothing; remove your shoes when you enter.
• It is customary to greet others in the temple by bowing with palms together.
• Perform a standing bow to the altar upon entering and exiting the dharma room.
• Respect all people in the temple, young and old.
• If you meet sick or elderly people, care for them and help them.
• Step softly and do not run or shout.
• Speak well to people in the temple, in the manner of a Bodhisattva. Do not use vulgar language.
• When you hear the gong, move immediately to the dharma room– Do not linger.
• Do not enter the dharma room, if sitting in meditation has begun, wait until sitting meditation is finished and quietly enter.
• Maintain silence and keep still while sitting in meditation.
• If legs cramp, quietly stand until the legs un-cramp and return to sitting, or consult a one of the ministers after sitting.
• Do not bring food or drink into the dharma room during service.
• Please turn off cell phones before the dharma service begins.
• Be on time for all activities.
• Be hospitable to guests and make them feel welcome.