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Monk smiled when I raised the camera — ask for a blessing photo or put the phone away?

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T
Tom Monk Photo•221 rep

Temple near Kandy, not Tooth itself. Monk made eye contact and smiled as I lifted the phone. Friend whispered to ask for a blessing and leave a donation. I do not want to treat him like a selfie prop. Is a quiet ask plus a small dana box donation okay, or should I just bow and put the phone down?

29

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

A smile is not automatically consent for a close-up. Ask briefly and clearly — photo okay? — and accept a no without bargaining. If he agrees, one respectful frame, no posing circus, no flash in the shrine. A donation to the temple box is fine as thanks for a blessing; do not stuff notes into a monk's hand like a tip for a street performer. If you feel unsure, put the phone away and enjoy the visit. Etiquette beats the shot.

27
S
Saman Temple Etiquette•1840 rep

Asked once, got a nod, left a small note in the box. Another day a monk waved the phone off — we bowed and moved on. Both felt fine.

14
A
Amir No Bread Toss•183 rep

Phone stayed down after reading this. Bowed, left a small donation at the box, no shot. Felt better than forcing it.

8
T
Tom Monk Photo•221 rep

Same energy near sensitive sites — ask, accept no, never argue with clergy for content.

5
N
Nimal Photo Sense•1750 rep

Deleted a sneaky temple shot later because it felt wrong. Asking first would have saved the guilt.

3
L
Lara Deleted Shots•172 rep

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