Why do Buddhist Monks wear Orange Robes and Shave their Heads?
Monday, March 9, 2020 IST
Being a visitor to Southeast Asia (especially in Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia), you’ll notice Buddhist monks wearing Orange Robes and an almost skin tight hair cut. Why you may ask? What does it both symbolize?
The saffron (for a more appropriate name for the color) robes monk wear dates back centuries. Orange was chosen mainly because of the dye available at the time. The tradition stuck and orange is now the color of choice for Theravada Buddhist followers in Southeast Asia, as opposed to a maroon color for Tibetan monks. The robes themselves are meant to symbolize simplicity and detachment of materialism.
And what about the hair? Why is it shaved? A monk’s hair is shaved off so to symbolize simplicity and detachment of materialism. Yes, it’s as simple as that. How many times have you stood in front of the mirror and combed your hair? Or styled it? Or complained about a bad hair day? This is exactly what does not happen with a shaved head.
Some say Buddhism is more than just a religion, it is actually a philosophy of how to live a fulfilling life.
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
Pind Dan is a ritual which is conducted after the Cremation of an individual. Hindus believe that Pind Dan is a must after the death of their loved ones. It is cons...
Recently posted . 1K views . 3 min read
A thousand years after the Buddha’s nirvana, Buddhists finally acquired a goddess of (almost) equal stature to the Buddha. Before this, the only goddess who...
Recently posted . 1K views . 3 min read
Why Lord Shiva is blue?
The answer to the question Why Lord Shiva is blue has many versions. In this post, we have answered Why ar...
Recently posted . 2K views . 2 min read
We find all Hindu temples having metal bells at the entrance or inside the temple. We usually ring these bells before entering the temple and at the time...
Recently posted . 1K views . 3 min read
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew is a Buddhist temple in the Khun Han district of Sisaket province in Thailand.
Recently posted . 826 views . 1 min read
Trending News & Articles
Nanda Vrata is dedicated to Shiva and it is believed that Goddess Sati observed this vrat to get Shiva as her husband. It is observed during Phalgun Shukla Paksha...
Recently posted . 17K views . 3 min read
This question has seeked me ever since I can remember ...from my childhood..in my dreams...in my realisation and my internal assimilation of Lord Krishna as my god....
Recently posted . 9K views . 1 min read
Story of Sharabha and Narasimha
In Hinduism, the ‘trimurti’ (Gods) - Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, are...
Recently posted . 7K views . 1 min read
Have any of you realised how beneficial and helpful the lemon is when kept in a transparent glass of water, what it does? Here is the lemon ...
Recently posted . 6K views . 1 min read
More in Spiritual
A thousand years after the Buddha’s nirvana, Buddhists finally acquired a goddess of (almost) equal stature to the Buddha. Before this, the only goddess who...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
There is an endless verbal confrontation over affection marriage versus arranged marriage. While to the vast majority of the adolescent today, entering an orchestra...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Sati – self immolation became the norm in medieval India only because of the barbaric way the muslim invaders treated our womenfolk after their victory. ...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 3K views
Recently posted . 2K views
An online Gita Quiz was being planned to attract the youth while a dedicated team of devotees will hold interactive seminars.
Recently posted. 1K views . 0 min read
On the actual day of the festival, the holy book is carried in procession.
Recently posted. 939 views . 0 min read