Why do Buddhist Monks wear Orange Robes and Shave their Heads?
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
At first glance, Quiet Time – a stress reduction meditation strategy used in several San Francisco middle and high schools, – looks like something out o...
Recently posted . 563 views . 3 min read
Why onion or garlic are not eaten in navratris?
Recently posted . 1K views . 0 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 . 1K views . 2 min read
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew is a Buddhist temple in the Khun Han district of Sisaket province in Thailand.
Recently posted . 511 views . 1 min read
It is said that Shravan Month is Lord Shiva’s favorite month. Have you ever wondered why? Intellectuals say that worshiping him on his favorite occasion wil...
Recently posted . 3K views . 2 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 . 12K 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 . 6K views . 1 min read
Story of Sharabha and Narasimha
In Hinduism, the ‘trimurti’ (Gods) - Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, are...
Recently posted . 5K views . 1 min read
‘Dharmasaya Dharata’ which means religion is what we practice. Hence, whatever the wise thought was good for health and hygiene has been enforced in t...
Recently posted . 3K views . 2 min read
More in Spiritual
What is this physical creation? There are two broad ways of looking at it. First, creation with a creator behind it who may have designed and programmed it, possibl...
Recently posted. 617 views . 2 min read
India is a country of different caste, creeds and traditions. Different people preach different Gods. One Shirdi Sai baba temple is one of the Maharashtra’s s...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Lord Ganesha has many names and we bring to you some of them and their meanings.
Recently posted. 1K views . 0 min read
Recently posted . 597 views
Recently posted . 731 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
The nine-day festival of Navaratri provides a twice-a-year opportunity for the seeker to prepare himself for changing weather. If Navaratri is celebrated with dedic...
Recently posted. 609 views . 3 min read
An excerpt from a new novel that imagines and retells the story of the Buddha from the point of view of Yasodhara, who was married to Siddhattha.
Recently posted. 672 views . 1 min read