Proper Etiquette

Presenting the hada is a traditional practice of paying respects and hospitality in Tibet. When friends and family meet or when visitors are received in Tibet, snow-white strips of linen and sometimes even silk with tassels at both ends are presented.

As common as it is, presenting the hada entails many different rules that must be followed in accordance to various occasions; hada of various lengths, sizes and colors are presented at meetings and gatherings.

If you are presenting a hada to a high-level lama, superior or an elder, raise it above your shoulders and bow, or lay it on the table or before the subject's feet when presenting the hada to a Living Buddha to show respect and appreciation. You will not receive a hada in return on this occasion.

When presenting hada to your peers to show friendship, raise it and lay it on his or her hands respectfully. You will also receive a hada in return for your kindness.

When receiving a hada from your superior or the elder, to show your thankfulness, it is proper to accept it with both hands and raise it over your head to put on your shoulders.

The hada is also used when one is in need of help. If the hada presented is accepted, it is a promise that the recipient will help; if the hada is not accepted, then the request has been turned down. The hada is perfect for dissolving mistrust and enmity.

On some rare occasions, five-colored hada are used to present to Buddha in temples and monasteries. The five colors -- blue, white, yellow, green and red -- represent the sky, clouds, earth, river and the god of protection respectively. The length of the hada also varies. The longest hada can be as long as three meters whereas the shortest can fit inside a small envelope.