{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Planning a temple stay in Japan? These five rules will save you from embarrassment and help you earn the respect of your host monks."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"1. Remove Your Shoes — Every Time"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"This goes beyond the genkan (entryway). Temples have multiple shoe-on and shoe-off zones. Always look for slipper racks and raised floor edges as your guide. Never step on a tatami mat with slippers — bare feet or socks only."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"2. Silence Is the Default"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Temple hallways, meal rooms, and bath areas are quiet zones. Speak only when spoken to by monks, and keep your voice low. Phones should be on silent — always."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"3. Eat Everything on Your Tray"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Shōjin ryōri (temple cuisine) is prepared as a meditative practice. Leaving food is considered disrespectful to the ingredients and the cook. Every grain of rice matters."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"4. Follow the Bathing Order"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath (ofuro). Guests bathe in a specific order — monks first, then guests by seniority. Never drain the tub or add cold water without permission."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"5. Wake When the Bell Rings"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Morning prayers start early — often 5:30 or 6:00 AM. Attendance is expected. Fold your futon neatly before leaving your room. This is part of the practice."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"These are just the basics. Our full Temple Stay Mastery course covers arrival protocols, meditation participation, dress codes, complete shōjin ryōri recipes, packing lists, essential Japanese phrases, and a final readiness assessment — everything you need to experience a temple stay with confidence. 🏯"}]}]}