I know that I told all of you that I am templed out but I thought that I would give you a little explanation about the proper procedure in a Buddhist temple.
At the entrance to most temple there are always two lions. One with his mouth open and one with his mouth closed. I do not know the full names but most of the time they are referred to as Ah and Un.
Ah!
Un!
Now since we are all normal humans that means that we are very dirty, so we have to purify our selves before we go any farther into the shrine. So to do this we wash our hand and mouth at one of these fountain things. (Each temple has their own different looking fountain) The proper order is left hand, right hand, mouth, but don't swallow the water spit it out.
After that you will come to one these things, Its where you burn incense, but I have yet to be told why. At some shrines the smoke is supposed to heal parts of you.
After that you will come up to a box like thing. This is where you throw your money. (a 10 yen coin) The procedure, thrown the money, clap twice then bow twice and say you prayer. Thats it.
Here is have one of the 100 cranes that some one made for world peace.
