Sangha Guidelines

• Greetings: When the Lama(s) enters or leaves the shrine room, please stand as a sign of respect and please stand as the Lama(s) get up to leave the shrine room.  With reference to a teacher or monastic, for a traditional greeting or parting, stand with the body slightly bowed and the hands folded at the heart. 

• Shoes: Shoes are left outside the door of a shrine room, or temple.

• Legs Outstretched: As a sign of respect, please avoid pointing your feet towards the shrine while stretching your legs. In the Tibetan tradition, it is considered disrespectful when seated on the floor or a cushion to outstretch the legs and direct the soles of the feet toward the shrine, teacher, monk or nun. If one needs to stretch one's legs, they should be pointed in another direction.

• Prostrations: Buddhists will typically direct three prostrations toward the shrine or the Guru-teacher. This will be done on entering the shrine room or once the teacher has been seated.

• Religious materials: As a sign of respect, please avoid placing prayer books, Dharma books, meditation texts, or prayer beads (mala) on the floor or carpet. If possible use small tables, or another object to place materials on.

• Appropriate Dress:  Please dress appropriately, as you would when entering any place of worship. Revealing clothing, such as tank tops, short skirts, shorts and the like are inappropriate attire in the shrine room settings. Shoulders should be covered and if wearing short skirts or shorts it is appropriate to cover the lap and legs with a shawl or scarf when seated in front of the lama or while meditating or practicing a sadhana.   In addition to the lap and legs, traditionally one's feet would be covered, although during hot weather in the West this tradition has been relaxed. 

• Be on Time: for teachings.  remember that our Sangha is small so seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Late arrivals can be disruptive, and if you do need to come late please take your seat quickly and quietly.
  
  
• Cell phones: Please turn off your cell phone before entering the shrine room and please refrain from texting during teachings and practices.
  
  
• Talking: Please do not talk or whisper while the lamas or translators are speaking.

• Meals prepared by our volunteer cooks are for the Lamas and translators ONLY, unless specified otherwise. This includes food in the fridge and cupboards.
  
  
• Food & Beverages: While beverages are permitted during the teachings, we ask that you please refrain from eating during the Dharma teachings.
  
  
• Alcohol & drugs: Under no circumstances is it acceptable to be at CRSS under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  
  
• Guest Lamas & Translators: While guest Lamas or translators are staying at CRSS, we ask that people not come to CRSS unexpectedly or uninvited and to not linger late into the evening. The Lamas and translators need privacy and rest.