The tradition of saying “Bowing in” and “Bowing out” in online Sangha groups

The practice of saying "Bowing in" and "Bowing out" is a form of digital etiquette adapted from traditional Buddhist and martial arts settings.

​Here's a breakdown of what this tradition signifies, especially in a virtual context:

​Meaning of the Tradition

​This verbal cue serves to replicate the focus, reverence, and transition that a physical bow provides in a temple or practice hall:

• ​Bowing In (Before speaking):
  • ​Focus & Presence: It marks a transition from the everyday, scattered mind to a focused, mindful state. It's a verbal acknowledgment that you are now entering the sacred or focused space of the teaching/discussion.
  • ​Reverence & Respect: It is a brief, humble bow to the Three Jewels (The Buddha, the Dharma/Teachings, and the Sangha/Community). It signals respect for the practice and for those listening.
  • ​Intention: It sets the intention that your words will be spoken mindfully, reflecting the Dharma.
• ​Bowing Out (After speaking):
  • ​Completion & Release: It signals that your offering of words is complete and you are stepping back from the conversational focus. It releases your hold on the floor and allows the space to open for the next person.
  • ​Humility: It can be a gesture of letting go of any attachment to your words or any pride in having spoken.
  • ​Gratitude: It expresses thanks for the opportunity to speak and for the community's attention.

​Why it's Useful in an Online Setting

​In a virtual meeting, it's easy for people to interrupt, talk over each other, or lose connection with the communal feeling. "Bowing in" and "Bowing out" help to:

• ​Create Clear Boundaries: It provides clear verbal markers for when a person begins and ends their thought, which is especially helpful in audio/video calls where non-verbal cues (like leaning back or physically bowing) are harder to see.
• ​Establish Mindfulness: It forces the speaker to pause and bring their full awareness to the moment of speaking and the moment of concluding.
• ​Maintain Dignity: It keeps the discussion rooted in the practice, ensuring that even difficult or complex topics are approached with respect and humility.

​The tradition ensures that even when interacting through screens, the profound reverence for the teachings and the community is maintained.