The rules and taboos of going to the Taoist temple to offer incense are as follows: don't step on the threshold of the Taoist temple, make correct gestures of worshipping God, don't address the Taoist priest in disorder, dress appropriately, and don't waste it when eating vegetarian food.
first, we can't step on the threshold of the Taoist temple
before entering the Taoist temple, we will find that the threshold of the Taoist temple is built very high, and we can't step on it when we step forward. The threshold was a symbol of status and power in ancient times. For example, in the Book of Rites, it was mentioned that "doctors go in and out of the royal gate without practicing the valve".
Second, the gesture of worshipping God should be correct
In the Taoist temple, many tourists are seen with their hands folded to worship God, which is actually a wrong gesture. Taoism is combined with traditional culture. When worshipping God, it is a traditional boxing ceremony, and the left hand wraps the right hand, which means to promote good and suppress evil. In Taoism, holding the right hand with the left hand symbolizes negative yin and embracing yang, which also contains five elements, namely, the meridian tactic is pinched inside and the Tai Chi diagram is shown outside.
Those who are familiar with Taoist etiquette can use meridian seal, that is, the thumb of the right hand is pinched at the root of the ring finger of the left hand, and the thumb and middle finger of the left hand are buckled together.
3. Don't address Taoist priests in disorder
When visiting Taoist temples, don't address Taoist priests as in TV dramas, or address female Taoist priests as Taoist priests, which is very impolite.
Taoists, as Taoist clergy, take infinite people as their practice goal, which deserves our respect. Therefore, we can call them "Taoist Priests" or "Taoist Priests" for both male and female Taoists, and "Taoist Priests" for some older Taoists. Remember that you can't say "boundless Buddha" but "blessed with boundless Buddha"
Fourth, dress appropriately
The Taoist Temple is a clean and solemn place. We should pay attention to dress appropriately when entering the Taoist Temple. Female tourists must not be exposed or wear heavy makeup. Some male tourists like to be "arms" in hot weather, which is also not acceptable. These behaviors not only affect others, but also blaspheme the gods. It is best to wear some loose clothes, which is also convenient for worshipping the gods.
5. Don't waste food when eating fast
Taoist temples usually prepare fast food for tourists. When eating in a fast hall, you need to pay attention not to waste food. When fasting, Taoist priests should recite the "Sacrifice Mantra" and "Jiezhai Mantra" before and after meals, and feel that "ten parties provide for food, which is hard-won, and you can't enjoy it for fear of sin."
Taoist thanksgiving fasting is supported by ten parties, and it is a sin to waste food. In addition, the precepts require you to keep quiet during fasting, not to talk loudly, and not to play around.