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In general, Thai Buddhist temples (Wats) are open to everyone. The temples are very often not just beautiful but they also have a very pleasant,
calm, soothing atmosphere and you should try to visit at least some of them. There are, however, several rules
that you must observe. Modest clothing is required, which means for ladies: a skirt or dress that covers the knees and
a top with sleeves that covers the shoulders and is not transparent. For men, modest clothing means long pants
and a shirt that covers the shoulders. Shorts will not do! (In general, I don`t understand why so many grown men
believe they can only withstand the heat if they dress like little schoolboys - and look definitely ridiculous!)
Before entering any building in a temple you must always take off your shoes. Outside are often shelves for the shoes
(sometimes separate shelves, one for Thais and one for foreigners). In general, you may photograph anything in a Wat,
but taking pictures while people are praying is not polite! You should also never, ever have your picture taken with any
Buddhist image. The monks may be photographed, by they often do not like it; they just hide when they see a camera
aimed at them. Women may talk to monks, but may not touch them (and the monks may also not receive anything directly
from a woman`s hand).
You should also never, ever touch the head of a Buddha statue or point with a foot a it, or climb on anything in a temple.
In general, just ask yourself: would I behave this way in a church or temple of my own confession? and act accordingly.
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| Form of the Funeral Ceremony
There are two main traditions that are observed.... |
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| Funeral rites
are the most elaborate of all the life-cycle ceremonies and the ones entered into most fully by the monks.
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| Funeral Miscellaneous
In Thai, Burmese, Laotian, Cambodian, Sri Lankan and Chinese Traditions.....
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