Life of Buddhist

Mount Wutai is home to many Buddhist temples. It is a place where Buddhists live and practice Buddhism.

There are Qing and Yellow temples. Normally, monks dwell in Qing temples, while Yellow temples are Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Monks live in temples, and lamas live in Yellow ones. Visitors often see Buddhists with their right arms uncovered, which separates Buddhist monks from those not sworn to precepts. The way of dressing can also show a Buddhist's respect to Buddha and Bodhisattva.

Technically, a Buddhist's food should be provided by lay Buddhists. But, only some very senior Buddhists stick to the ritual to not eat anything after midday, because it is inconvenient for Buddhism practice and increases the burden on lay Buddhists. They are not allowed to drink wine, and killing is strictly forbidden in Buddhist precepts. Meat is banned in Mahayana Buddhism believed by Han Buddhists. Therefore, Buddhists refrain from wine and meat in Mount Wutai, but those from Inner Mongolia and Tibet keep the habit of eating meat.

Precepts used to forbid carrying money to help Buddhists avoid greed and personal wealth. Buddhists used to have a layman manage expenses for them when going out. But the inconvenience of having followers has gradually phased out this practice.

The most common etiquette among Buddhists is putting palms together devoutly to show one's respect. The hierarchy of Buddhists is based on years of Buddhism practice rather than age.

There is no fixed etiquette for meetings and talks between laymen and Buddhists. It varies with a layman's profession and education. Many laymen follow Buddhist etiquette by putting their palms together before their chest. It is worth noting that visitors should avoid meeting with Buddhists after drinking. It is impolite to smoke and ask a Buddhist's personal name during conversation, since they adopt only religious names.