Bowing

What’s all the bowing about? Group members bow to one another before and after speaking during the evening’s formal practice.  Bowing is a standard feature of etiquette in many Asian countries.  It has no religious connotations but many Westerners find it unnatural and wonder whether it is necessary to bow or not.  Thich Nhat Hanh has often said to his students, “To bow or not to bow is not the question. The important thing is to be mindful.” By placing our hands together in the shape of a lotus bud and greeting someone with a bow, we have a chance to be truly present with that person and recognising that each person has the ability to become a Buddha – “A lotus for you, a Buddha to be“.