Customs and Taboos in Lhasa

Customs and Taboos in Lhasa

Deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, all aspects of Tibetan life show traces of Buddhist influence. When traveling to Tibet, you may want to bear in mind local customs and habits.

1. Don't talk about sensitive issues like politics or religion.

2. It's better not to call Tibetans by their names. You can add a "la" after the name to show respect.

3. Don't touch the heads of the Tibetans or pat them on the shoulder.

4. Tibetans do not eat dog, monkey, horse or donkey meat.

5. Try not to refuse the drink you are offered when you are a guest in a Tibetan home. If you really can't drink, please decline politely .

6. When receiving hada, one should take it with two hands; Do not remove it immediately if it is put directly around your neck. 7. According to the rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, one should walk around the temple and swirl prayer wheels in clockwise direction.

8. Do not sit on a stone with scripture on it, or step over a place where prayer flags are hung.

9. When visiting a temple, do not point your finger at a Buddha statue, do not touch any objects in the temple, and keep the voice down. Do not wear suspenders, short trousers, or mini skirts.

10. You should take off your hats and sunglasses when visiting Buddhist temple.

11. you can pay respects to Buddha with a Hada or some changes.

Pilgrimage Walk

According to Tibetan religious believers, Pilgrimage Walk refers to a walk in a full circle around the Jokhang temple in order to worship the Sakyamuni Buddha consecrated in it.

Depending on the length of the route, the Pilgrimage Walk can be divided into three types: a minor walk means a circle around Jokhang temple, and it is called "Re Kuo" in Tibetan. A medium walk means a circle around Barkhor Street, and it is called "Pa Kuo" in Tibetan. A circle around the old city of Lhasa is called "major walk", and the Tibetan word for it is "Lin Kuo".

Generally, a complete pilgrimage walk takes the order of major, medium, and minor, which all centers on the Buddha statue brought to Tibet with Princess Wencheng.

When walking in Tibetan areas, some children often ask for money and goods from travelers, you are not encouraged to give them anything, because it might become a bad habit of theirs.