Correct form of address

A forum for beginners and members of other Buddhist traditions to ask questions about Theravāda (The Way of the Elders). Responses require moderator approval before they are visible in order to double-check alignment to Theravāda orthodoxy.
Post Reply
JackV
Posts: 93
Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:19 am

Correct form of address

Post by JackV »

Hi.

I have a question regarding the correct manner in which to address venerable persons such as Bhikkhu's etc.
I have seen many old Sri Lankan Buddhists on entering the Vihara kneel or bow down before the monks there, yet I haven't noticed this being done in the nearby Thai temple.
Does the approprite way of showing respect change between culture or does the Pali Cannon set some guidlines?

Thank you in advance
Here where a thousand
captains swore grand conquest
Tall grasses their monument.
User avatar
Vepacitta
Posts: 299
Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 3:58 pm
Location: Somewhere on the slopes of Mt. Meru

Re: Correct form of address

Post by Vepacitta »

Hey Jack, usually just putting one's hands in anjali and saying, Hello Bhante, is sufficient.

Best,

V.
I'm your friendly, neighbourhood Asura
User avatar
Phra Chuntawongso
Posts: 274
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 11:05 am
Location: Wat SriBoenRuang,Fang,Chiang Mai
Contact:

Re: Correct form of address

Post by Phra Chuntawongso »

Hi Jack. The kneeling down would normally happen if the monk is seated, even in Thai temples.However as was said above, often just placing the palms together in Anjali is fine, especially if 1- The monk is standing, or 2- you are just passing by.
With metta
And crawling on the planets face,some insects called the human race.
Lost in time
Lost in space
And meaning
Euclid
Posts: 200
Joined: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:33 am
Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Re: Correct form of address

Post by Euclid »

Seems like a good thread to pose my question: what is the female equivalent of Bhante?
User avatar
retrofuturist
Posts: 27848
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:52 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Contact:

Re: Correct form of address

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,
Euclid wrote:Seems like a good thread to pose my question: what is the female equivalent of Bhante?
I believe it would be Ayya.

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Euclid
Posts: 200
Joined: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:33 am
Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Re: Correct form of address

Post by Euclid »

Cheers Retro, I'll keep it in mind.
Post Reply