white robes

[befriend]

does anyone wear white on uposatha days, or have made or bought a white robe? what is the symbolism of this, and the purpose. thanks. metta, befriend.

[Khalil Bodhi]

Hi befriend,

I have in the past and still do sometimes. I have a set of white clothes that I launder separately (for obvious reasons). I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing robes even though I do live in the Village because I feel that I would attract more attention than it's worth. Also, it might not go over so well in Midtown where I work. (Please excuse all of the NYC references)

The Lord Buddha speaks of lay disciples clad in white so this is the provenance and the symbolism and meaning are up to you to provide. For me it is an outward sign that I'm am doing something slightly out of the ordinary and, due to the nature of white clothes, I end up taking much more care of what I do in general. Whatever you decide to do with this I wish you all the best!

[befriend]

i think that would like put my head in a meditative mood, what we dress like defenitely affects our minds. are there any sites that sell theravadan white robes, there are alot of zen lay robes but i dont want that. i dont live in the city so it wouldnt really matter if i wore a white robe on a uposatha day.

[Cittasanto]

well, I used to wear them every day, however now I am taking a rest from it, so to speak.

Wearing robes isn't practical for everyone and does attract unwanted attention at times, wearing white clothes are the norm, I used Thai Fisherman Trousers, and I used to have a long indian style shirt, but dont know where I left it so it is no longer able to use it.

[Khalil Bodhi]

well, I used to wear them every day, however now I am taking a rest from it, so to speak.

Wearing robes isn't practical for everyone and does attract unwanted attention at times, wearing white clothes are the norm, I used Thai Fisherman Trousers, and I used to have a long indian style shirt, but dont know where I left it so it is no longer able to use it.

Yup, me too. I have an extra shirt if you need it.

[Cittasanto]

where did you get yours (brand name) as I can not remember the company name on it as I got it from a friend

[Hickersonia]

I think I'd have a hard time being able to work in anything white... robe or otherwise. Working in a warehouse, I imagine the dust and other dirty things I have to work with would be enough to ruin anything solid-white on it's first wearing. :-/

Sounds like an interesting outward symbol of what one has going on inside, but definitely difficult to apply to certain livelihoods.

[Khalil Bodhi]

where did you get yours (brand name) as I can not remember the company name on it as I got it from a friend

One is from a site called Shukr.com and the other I bought off eBay.

[Khalil Bodhi]

I think I'd have a hard time being able to work in anything white... robe or otherwise. Working in a warehouse, I imagine the dust and other dirty things I have to work with would be enough to ruin anything solid-white on it's first wearing. :-/

Sounds like an interesting outward symbol of what one has going on inside, but definitely difficult to apply to certain livelihoods.

Hickersonia,

Sometimes I just try to wear a white undershirt. That might be an option for you.

[Cittasanto]

I think I'd have a hard time being able to work in anything white... robe or otherwise. Working in a warehouse, I imagine the dust and other dirty things I have to work with would be enough to ruin anything solid-white on it's first wearing. :-/

Sounds like an interesting outward symbol of what one has going on inside, but definitely difficult to apply to certain livelihoods.

Certainly, it isn't for everyone.

but to further what Khalil said earlier - My understanding from reading the texts is that the white clad lay followers mentioned before, wore the white clothing all the time, so may of been more dilligent practitioners not ready for whatever reason/unable to ordain due to circumstances/prohibitions.
There are certain classes of adherents that are difficult to know exactly what they done, due to the texts lack of reference, and only gloss of them. there are actually four kinds of female disciples, the lay follower, novice, X (I do not remember the name but they followed 6 precepts, which I think is still found within mahayana schools and is the five precepts and a precept on high beds/chairs if I remember) and the Bhikkhunis. the male only mention three lay, novice, & bhikkhus. but who the white clad were is anyone's guess, and men probably didn't have the 6 precept version due to social norms of the day, as I know there is speculation (at least) that they were married so had certain obligations socially/family.
one guess I had once, but think it doubtful is that they were those who couldn't ordain for some reason (other than being married) so adopted the jain style, or were originally Jains, but were satisfied with the form they had already undertaken??? but these are guesses and I do not know of any backing for them other than my own imagination.

[mikenz66]

At our Wat wearing white is a useful signal that one is either taking Uposatha seriously (usually only women do this ) or that one is on meditation retreat and therefore not talking. Which is handy because then people don't try to make eye contact or talk to you (unless they are non-Thai visitors... ).

The white stuff I have was mostly manufactured for the purpose of playing cricket... Which can be a bit of a slow game...


Mike

[cooran]

The Sri Lankans, Thais, Chinese and Aussies often wear white on Sundays at Dhammagiri - not a big deal, doesn't have to involve extra precepts - we all wear ''normal'' clothes and/or uniforms wherever we work/live/socialise.

with metta
Chris

[Ytrog]

While I was a guest in a monastery none of the guests wore white (me included) while we followed the eight precepts and it didn't seem to be a problem.

[Cittasanto]

While I was a guest in a monastery none of the guests wore white (me included) while we followed the eight precepts and it didn't seem to be a problem.

it is actually discouraged for lay guests at some monasteries particularly if they have Anagarikas, as it can give the wrong image if they do something an anagarika isn't suppose to, or talk to a visitor where they can appear to be talking for the resident sangha with what is being said.

[Gena1480]

where can i buy white robes?

[appicchato]

Hi Gena,

What's being referred to here are not really 'robes' (as such)...anything 'white' (or even close) is seen everywhere/anywhere (at least here in Thailand)...white 'jeans' and a white T-shirt basically serve the desired purpose...anything (white/close to white) really...

Be well...

ps...(If I were asked, I would say) save your dough and don't go for the high end (or even close to) stuff offered online...

[cooran]

Bhante said: white 'jeans' and a white T-shirt

This is true of what is worn here as well, by males and females - white or near white. The females may wear slacks or a white skirt - but nothing they couldn't wear elsewhere.

with metta
Chris

[Cittasanto]

Bhante said: white 'jeans' and a white T-shirt

This is true of what is worn here as well, by males and females - white or near white. The females may wear slacks or a white skirt - but nothing they couldn't wear elsewhere.

with metta
Chris

[Ytrog]

While I was a guest in a monastery none of the guests wore white (me included) while we followed the eight precepts and it didn't seem to be a problem.

it is actually discouraged for lay guests at some monasteries particularly if they have Anagarikas, as it can give the wrong image if they do something an anagarika isn't suppose to, or talk to a visitor where they can appear to be talking for the resident sangha with what is being said.

That was certainly the case, so that explains it

[Cittasanto]

I know some actually found it offensive, personally i only found it odd once, the guy had a shaved head, wearing all white... if it was one or the other no problem as far as I was concerned, but both could definitely give visitors the wrong idea, and if they had been staying for a while more so. but on Uposattha days there were some who did wear white, but they tended to be visitors.

But as for wearing robes???? a white top & trousers is best, and cost effective.