🛕 Introduction
When traveling in Sri Lanka, it’s common to come across Buddhist monks in temples, towns or even on public transport. But how do you interact with them respectfully? Can you talk to them? Take photos? Offer something? This article gives you all the keys you need to understand their way of life and how to act as a tourist.
📍 Where can you meet Buddhist monks?
✅ In Buddhist temples (Dambulla, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Mihintale…).
✅ In forest monasteries (such as Ritigala or Arankele) where some monks live in seclusion.
✅ During religious ceremonies (Poya, processions).
✅ In villages and markets, where they collect alms early in the morning.
✅ Sometimes on public transport (bus, train), seated in a reserved area.
⚠️ Rules of respect
🚫 Never touch a monk: This is strictly forbidden, especially for women.
🚶 Keep your distance: Avoid sitting too close or passing them in a line.
🙏 Do not interrupt them if they are in prayer or meditation.
👕 Dress appropriately: Shoulders and knees covered in a temple or monastery.
🎁 Use both hands to give an object (if you’re making an offering).
🦶 Avoid pointing your feet towards them when sitting (considered disrespectful).
🗣️ Can you talk to a monk?
💡 Yes, if he himself initiates the conversation.
📖 Some monks speak English and like to chat about Buddhism.
❓ Questions about their daily lives or spirituality are welcome.
🚫 A void sensitive subjects such as politics or civil war.
📸 Taking a photo of a monk: permitted or forbidden?
📷 Always ask permission before taking a photo.
🙅♂️ Never pose next to a monk by touching him or being too close.
🛑 Never turn your back on a Buddha statue when posing for a photo.
🎁 Can we offer something to a monk?
✅ Yes, but only appropriate gifts like food, books or clothing.
💰 No money! Monks can’t possess money according to monastic rules.
🤲 Make an offering respectfully, holding it out with both hands.
🙏 Receiving a blessing from a monk in a temple
If you want a unique spiritual experience, know that some temples allow visitors to receive a blessing from a monk.
📌 Where can you receive a blessing?
- The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
- The Temple of Dambulla
- Numerous small local temples
📌 How does the blessing take place?
1️⃣ Dress appropriately: Decent attire, shoulders and knees covered.
2️⃣ Buy an offering: In front of some temples, you can buy a basket of lotus flowers, incense or fruit.
3️⃣ Kneel or sit cross-legged in front of the monk.
4️⃣ The monk recites prayers in Pali and ties a sacred thread (called pirith nool) around your wrist.
5️⃣ Receive a few drops of holy water on your head to symbolize purification.
6️⃣ Don’t forget to give thanks with a gentle bow (anjali mudra 🙏) after the blessing.
📌 Why receive a blessing?
- To attract luck and protection during your journey.
- To experience a moment of authentic spirituality.
- To mark an important milestone (many locals come before an exam or life event).
ℹ️ Good to know: Blessings are generally free, but you can leave a small offering of food or flowers as a thank-you.
🙏 My first surprise blessing!
On my first visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, I simply wanted to observe a ceremony, not really knowing what to expect. But a monk beckoned me to approach and, before I even understood what was happening, he began reciting prayers in Pali while tying a sacred thread (pirith nool) around my wrist. Then he poured a few drops ofholy water over myhead, which surprised me at the time! 😅
I realized afterwards that I’d just received a traditional blessing. A beautiful moment of spirituality… even if I wasn’t quite prepared! Moral: in Sri Lanka, blessings sometimes come when you least expect them! 😊🙏
🏁 Conclusion
Meeting a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka can be a life-changing experience, but it requires you to respect certain cultural rules. By adopting a respectful attitude, you can not only avoid awkwardness, but also experience an enriching and authentic exchange with these emblematic figures of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
