Visitor's Guide
Clothing
- Please do not come in short, low-cut, tight or revealing clothes; this applies to men and women alike: Bermuda shorts, shorts, skirts, vests, tops with low necklines at the front or back, see-through or skin-tight clothing, etc.
- We recommend comfortable, appropriate and respectful clothing, as monks use the space;
- Shoes are not allowed in the Gompa, so be ready to take them off easily;
- As this is a space for meditation, please avoid very strong perfumes.
- Caps and hats are not allowed inside the Gompa;
The space
- Smoking is forbidden everywhere at the Djampel Pawo Buddhist Centre, including the gardens, toilets and garage. Anyone smoking will be asked to leave;
- Everyone is responsible for their own belongings and rubbish;
- Please respect the private areas;
- Dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed.
Children and minors
- Children are welcome at the ceremonies, but we cannot offer a dedicated, supervised area for them.
- Children must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Young people under 18 are welcome; on their first visit they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Atmosphere
- The Djampel Pawo Buddhist Centre is a friendly and welcoming place where silence is cultivated as a state of mind.
- We encourage you to talk to other members and ask them your questions about the Dharma.
- Water, coffee and tea are available at the office. There are usually snacks as well.
Conduct
- Feel welcome to ask your questions about the Dharma at the Monday teachings with Venerable Kalden Rinpoche.
- Switch off your mobile phone before entering the gompa.
Donations
- The Djampel Pawo Buddhist Centre runs entirely on donations.
- All teachings are offered on a donation basis.
- Donations cover all the operating costs of the Djampel Pawo Buddhist Centre, support the teachers and monks, and maintain the Centre. Thank you for your generosity.
Parking
- There is safe street parking on Rua Sá de Miranda and Rua Iraúna.
- The parking area next to the garage is private.
Shop
- Malas and khatas are available for purchase at the office.
Photos and recordings
- Taking photos during teachings and practices is not allowed.
- Please ask for permission to take photos outside the times of teachings and practices.
- His Eminence Venerable Kalden Tulku Rinpoche does not like being photographed; please be respectful to avoid any embarrassment.
- Audio and video recordings of the teachings are not allowed.
Etiquette in the Gompa
Please observe these preliminary procedures when entering the Gompa or any Buddhist temple.
- Take off your shoes and leave them in the designated area.
- Food and drinks are not allowed.
- When the Lama enters or leaves
- Stand up and bow respectfully.
- Remain standing, in silence, until the Lama has finished his prostrations and sat down (on arrival).
- After the Lama has sat down, make your prostrations (if you cannot, bow), keep silent and take your seat on one of the cushions available.
- While the Lama prepares to leave, make your prostrations in silence.
- Remain standing, bowing respectfully and in silence, until the Lama has completely left the area. Please do not approach the Lama at that moment.
