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
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 . 18K 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
क्षीरसागर में भगवान विष्णु शेष शैया पर विश्राम कर रहे हैं और लक्ष्मी जी उनके पैर दबा रही हैं। विष्णु जी के एक पैर का अंगूठा शैया के बाहर आ गया और लहरें उससे खिलवाड़...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej is considered to be as auspicious as any other major Hindu festival in India. It is believed to be a favourable day to start a new ve...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Lord Shankar is one of the famous names of Shiva, the one who is the omniscient and prominent deity in the Sanatan Dharma.
Recently posted. 2K views . 0 min read
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 3K views
Recently posted . 4K views
Life has truly become fast paced and with this it has added on its stress and tensions in our lives. There has also been a tremendous increase in the filing of cour...
Recently posted. 1K views . 6 min read
Sixth sense or Third Eye within humans is something that holds great power, and it’s been said that it’s the biggest secret kept from humanity.
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read