How to Behave in Burmese Monasteries

Myanmar’s monasteries hold a special place in the spiritual and cultural landscape of the country, offering a retreat from the material world and an opportunity for deep meditation. For foreigners, entering these sacred spaces is a profound privilege, but it also carries certain expectations. Misunderstanding or ignoring local customs can disrupt the delicate balance of monastic life, potentially harming the reputation of foreign yogis and limiting future opportunities for others to engage in these practices. Therefore, it is essential that foreign visitors to Myanmar’s monasteries follow the guidelines and customs set by the local community, respecting the sanctity of the space and the generosity of their hosts.

First and foremost, visitors should recognize that they are stepping into an entirely different cultural and spiritual environment, and their behavior must align with this new reality. A common mistake among foreign visitors is to approach a monastery with a mindset shaped by their experiences in other countries, or worse, treat the monastery as a mere tourist attraction. In some cases, monasteries that were once considered places of serenity have become overwhelmed by the influx of tourists who treat them as photography opportunities, disregarding the proper decorum expected of visitors. For instance, the renowned Maha Gandayone monastery in Myanmar became a “human zoo” due to frequent tour buses and crowds of visitors who neglected basic monastic etiquette .

Foreigners must approach these spaces with deep respect and awareness. The monasteries are not mere sightseeing locations but sacred places where monastic discipline and mindfulness are practiced. Burmese monasteries follow strict behavioral codes, and visitors are expected to comply with these customs. Disrupting the monastic routine, whether through inappropriate attire, loud behavior, or disregard for the spiritual practices of the monks, can erode the sanctity of the monastery and burden the local community. As noted by one Burmese monk, although seeing a monk may lead to increased faith in the Dhamma, this should not be taken as permission for visitors to behave as they please .

Foreign visitors should also remember that everything they receive at a monastery—whether it is accommodation, food, or teachings—is a gift from the local community. Bhikkhu Agga, a Western monk, eloquently noted that some foreign visitors forget that “all facilities, food, teachings are gifts coming from the generosity of others.” The Burmese Buddhists who support the monasteries give out of their faith and reverence for the Dhamma, not expecting any payment in return .

Foreign yogis must understand that they are not guests in a hotel but participants in a spiritual exchange based on mutual respect. Therefore, behaviors such as complaining about the food, failing to follow monastery rules, or showing ingratitude reflect poorly on all future foreign visitors and could potentially damage the goodwill of the monastic community.

It is crucial for foreigners to show appreciation for the support they receive by following all rules, maintaining a humble demeanor, and contributing to the harmony of the monastic environment.

In a monastery, discipline is paramount, and foreigners must adapt to the practices of the monks. Even if some of these practices seem unfamiliar or inconvenient, they are designed to aid spiritual development and maintain the harmony of the community. Monks follow strict schedules for meditation, alms rounds, and meals, and foreign visitors must adjust their behaviors accordingly.

For instance, meals in many monasteries are taken before noon, in line with monastic precepts, and it is essential that visitors follow this schedule as well. Monks also practice noble silence, and foreign yogis should strive to maintain an atmosphere of quiet and focus. Any deviation from these rules, whether intentional or due to ignorance, can disrupt the monastic community and detract from the meditative environment .

Many monasteries, particularly in Myanmar, impose a higher level of responsibility on foreign visitors because the monks and lay supporters are held accountable for their behavior. Foreigners should understand that immigration procedures require the monastery to inform local authorities of their arrival and departure, and if any regulations are violated, it is the local community that will suffer the consequences .

In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the way some foreigners treat monasteries. Some visitors, seeking to prolong their stay in the country, have misused the hospitality of the monastic community. Reports from both Thailand and Myanmar indicate that foreign visitors have stayed at monasteries under the pretext of practicing meditation, only to use the facilities as free lodging while traveling or conducting other business. Such behaviors not only betray the trust of the monastic community but also damage the reputation of future foreign visitors .

A Western monk observed that this trend is leading to stricter regulations at many monasteries, with some meditation centers limiting the duration of a foreigner’s stay or imposing accommodation fees. This unfortunate turn of events was brought about by the actions of a few who failed to respect the rules and the spirit of the monastic environment . Therefore, it is essential that foreign yogis approach their stay with the utmost sincerity and commitment to practice, ensuring that their presence does not exploit or undermine the monastic community.

Foreigners entering Myanmar’s monasteries must do so with a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations that come with such an experience. The privilege of staying in a monastery is a gift that must be treated with deep respect and gratitude. Visitors should aim to contribute positively to the spiritual community, following the rules and customs, and ensuring that their behavior strengthens the bond between foreign and local practitioners. In doing so, they help preserve the sanctity of the monastery, allowing future generations to continue benefiting from these sacred spaces. Ultimately, the behavior of foreign yogis plays a critical role in maintaining the positive relationship between the local Buddhist community and the wider world .