Buddhist Southeast Asia
Asian cultures are often considered by Westerners to be cold, distant and even rude because of their mannerisms. As it turns out, what we consider rude (such as avoiding eye contact, even during a conversation) is often the polite or appropriate thing to do in an Asian culture. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you explore Asian cultures:
- The head is where the soul resides; so, it is considered extremely insulting to touch someone’s head.
- After age 5, Southeast Asians never uncover their bodies between the waist and knees, even when they are alone. When bathing, men wear shorts and women wear sarongs.
- Direct eye contact is avoided because it is considered aggressively flirtatious.
- Buddhist priests are not allowed to touch or talk to a woman. They cannot even take an object from a woman’s hands. She must first lay the object down and remove her hands before the priest can pick it up. They avoid contact with women so as not to be tempted. As priests, they are seeking enlightenment from a plane higher than this earth. So, they must avoid earthly temptations.
- Many Asian cultures consider it inappropriate when a Westerner loses their cool. When we get upset and yell, they consider us childish and incapable of rationality and calmness.