I want to visit a temple – any cultural tips? Part Two
A few more things to remember in the effort to avoiding unwanted Balinese temple faux pas:
You are free to pray at the temple and the Balinese are very accepting of people who are interested in their culture and their religion. You can safely copy the actions of an older person who will be well practiced at the art of worship. Women should kneel and men sit cross-legged. Cup both hands in front of your chest to ask for flowers to pray with. It’s not so important to have the incense but you may be able to ask for some from someone next to you or a nearby priest.
Even though you may think a temple wall is an excellent vantage point for semi-aerial photography, it’s not a good idea to climb up onto them. In general one’s body should not be higher than shrines or high priests.
Pointing is considered rude in Indonesian culture – if you need to point something out, use your thumb or gesture your chin in the direction of the thingyou’re talking about.
If you happen to be near gamelan instruments on the ground or on the pavilion, don’t touch them without asking (in Tenganan for example, outsiders are not allowed to touch selonding instruments which are considered sacred) and definitely don’t step over them.
Any offerings which still look fresh or the incense is still smoking should not be stepped on if you can avoid it. This is of course not always possible if there are hundreds of offerings on the grounds.
Don’t step up onto any of the shrines or the pavilions where the high priests are sitting – they are reserved for holy people or people with a special role in the ceremony.
This should go without saying, but don’t attempt to get involved with anyone in a trance. Many people are either unconscious or semi-conscious and may unwittingly make violent actions and you could get hurt.
If in doubt, take clippings of my Temple Tips Part One & Two with you to the ceremony!
