With the historical significance of the color of the original robes explained by other posters, I'll just add a color chart to identify what regions different colors are mostly associated with today; keeping in mind there are exceptions: Spice colored robes (shades of curry, cumin, paprika, saffron) - Southeast Asia. A Bhikkhuni is a female monastic in the Theravada tradition and there numbers are growing.The first year a lay person can try out the robes and wears white and is called an Anagarika. But they all share a similar origin and basic idea, making them recognizable as Buddhist monastic robes. The oldest Hindu rituals were offerings(sacrifices of grains, milk, butter etc.) Within the monastic compound Chinese monks wear bluish gray tunic and The robes that Buddhists wear symbolize detachment from materialism and simplicity. Also, the three folds in front sometimes symbolize different sayings, like Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and the three Principles of the Path, but overall these three folds make it easier to sit down. You might be wondering what is the meaning of Buddhist Handmade String Bracelets, and why are they so wonderful? White is not actually a robe color. The Theravada Bhikkhunis in California and the rest of the United States wear medium brown robes with ever so subtle hint of yellow/orange. Ochre was the most available color of clay around the area Buddha lived and practiced at. Color Symbolism in Buddhist Art There exists in Buddhism the concept of a rainbow body. It can be confusing. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence: What does Bayesian probability have to say about it? The “rainbow body” is the penultimate transitional state of meditation in which matter begins to be transformed into pure light. I did see one temple, however, where the head monk had yellow robes, and all of the others had orange robes. What is the meaning of Pali word “Apannaka”, Theravada and Mahayana - The Crucial Differences. The khon-sung – people having top positions in the Thai King’s army, like commanders and generals – also followed this ‘color of the day’ tradition quite strictly. A lotus flower fully bloomed and open represents full enlightenment and self-awareness. While there are some universal associations people tend to have with a specific color, the symbology is often societally ingrained. To show support to this party, their followers wear red colored clothes during party demonstrations and public gatherings. They were dark red and of course orange. Asia is a treasure trove of unique cultures, preserved traditions, and vibrant colors. White robes are also worn by the anagarika, or postulant before he becomes a monk. But Buddhist imagery is never concerned with imitating an external world. With the exception of Tibetan monks who use a maroon color, Buddhist followers in many parts of South East Asia stuck to orange, and that has remained the color of choice today. That's the word among the monks (they take eating very seriously). Kāṣāya are also objects of spiritual charisma that function as devotional objects and amulets. What ever lies in the spectrum of saffron, dirty yellow, brown, not shiny orange... might be fine. But this was permitted, in Japan, if the robe’s fabrics were made of patchwork pieces from various rags and discarded clothing (Funzoe 糞掃衣). One of the Gurus of Buddha(Alāra Kalāma) was from Sankhya school of Hinduism. There are some differences in style as well; more detail at source: http://buddhism.about.com/od/thefirstbuddhists/a/robes.htm. Color symbolism is used in a wide variety of fascinating ways in Buddhist art and ritual. This is often not 100%, because they accept their robes from dayakas (donors) and they would not reject a robe because it was a different shade. The first monks wore robes patched together from rags, as did many mendicant holy men in India at the time. Red is linked to the People’s Alliance for Democracy. Akshobhya is the Buddha of this color. This party is against the monarchy and aims for democracy. The color concept of the Tibetan people is embodied in the Buddhist culture, Thangkas, murals, etc. How can we make precise the notion that a finite-dimensional vector space is not canonically isomorphic to its dual via category theory? with a dark maroon Kasaya. Is this due to availability of dyes or for historical reasons or does it signify different spiritual meaning? Jacob is the founder of Color Meanings, a blog about color symbolism and design. very ordinary. When we talk about color symbolism in Thailand, we must mention the color of the day. Kusala once suggested that American Buddhist robes might be blue denim. Saffron and ochre (from the jackfruit's heartwood) are the most prevalent colours today. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. The meaning of use of different colors is expression of own identification, no-unity, pride. Even if someone has only 15 – 20 minutes per day to spend coloring, that person will surely notice the calming effect that it has on the mind, body, and emotions. But this was just their practice, and is not from instruction of the Buddha. As one rose in the ranks they got fancier gear like the Exalted Cyclops. Here is a list of Thailand’s lucky and unlucky colors for each day of the week, along with the planetary bodies and deities associated with them: Surprisingly, the Thai Queen and King also have color associations. i think it should basically be modest, and what looks modest has a cultural factor too. Would an old bad main meter panel wear out a newer panel and breakers in house? All these factors have played a major role in shaping the meanings colors hold for the Thai people. The fold on the right side turn towards the back, which symbolizes that the monk or nun has left behind worldly concerns and activities, as well as following negative actions. All of these beautiful Tibetan Buddhist String Lucky Bracelets come in a variety of different colors, and they can become your personal talisman of protection against all negative energies. https://buddhismzone.org/why-do-monks-wear-red-and-yellow-robes A brown cassock maybe worn for travelling. The command was the color Kasava--that means dirty or stained brown. What is curry? You guessed it: black. wool, but not human), hemp, and a mixture of some or all of them. All humans are born in a world where there is suffering. Recently, the Thai King announced that his lucky color is pink. I practice Theravada if that helps with referencing or relevance issues. Astrology, monarchy, Hinduism, and Buddhism have all played their parts here. Quite a bit of this tradition actually comes from Hinduism (India) and Buddhism, both of which have a lot of influence on Thai people. As the Dhamma-Vinaya spread the different robe colors occurred due to the local dyes monastics used in their respective localities being different shades and colors. Tibetan robes are usually maroon in color, mainly because in the past, red was the cheapest dye that could be bought. Theravadan householders are described by the Buddha in the Tipitika as wearing white. This color, previously worn by criminals, This metaphor for Yoga is discussed in the oldest & most important Vedantic/Hindu texts like Brihadaranyaka Upanishad section 2.2, Chandogya Upanishad, Kaushitaki Upanishad sections 1.4 and 2.1–2.5, Prasna Upanishad chapter 2 and many other later texts. Short answer:- Because orange/saffron (or red or yellow) is the color of fire, which is pure.Long answer:-This Indian tradition dates back to Vedic period. 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. From my research it looks like the reason that original kasayas (stitched robes, made from leftover pieces of fabric and clothes found on trash piles, taken off corpses etc. In Buddhism, especially in Tibetan Buddhism, each of five colors (Pancha – Varna) symbolizes a state of mind, a celestial Buddha, a part of the body, a part of the mantra word Hum, or a natural element. Buddhism came out of Hinduism/Vedantic traditions(which are atleast half a millennium older than Buddhism) and thus its impact on Buddhism is clearly visible. So, now, why did Hindu monks start the practice of wearing orange robes? The third robe, the outer robe (sanghati), is not often mentioned in the Scriptures but was permitted by the Buddha for additional use during the cold season. For example, the dull yellow color often used on the streets of Bangkok, and elsewhere in Thailand, are used by the Buddhist monks of Thailand because it is a tone achieved from the heartwood of the indigenous Jack-fruit tree. I believe initially the robes were mostly yellow as this was a color of renunciation in the locality at the Buddha's time. http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/robe_txt.htm, cdn.sailusfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/…, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LI8Zx_QvNVU. Buddhist monks wear orange robes as the color denotes spiritual ascension, radiance, and enlightenment. Why monks wear different color robes around the world.. The monks and nuns are often the most colorfully-dressed in their eye-catching robes. Echoing the rich Buddhist art of Tibet, the robes of practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition can be more colorful. The robes are dyed with colors made from roots, tree bark, leaves, flowers and stalks. All of the colors used in Tibetan art and its rituals holds specific meanings. :). He chose this process for them because it did not need any preparation. In general, light blue happens to be the Thai Queen’s flag’s color, birthday or not. Before modern innovation, the color Buddhist robes were dyed was determined based on the natural plant dyes that were available. Buddhists wear orange robes today because ancient Buddhist monks also wore orange robes. How should a theravada centre approach the lay people for support? Many factors have influenced color symbolism in Thailand. A closed lotus flower represents the time before a Buddhist follower found Buddha or enlightenment. Apart from that wearing the color symbolizes the quest for light. The entire tricivara is based on ancient Hindu widow's weeds. This not only clashes with the color associations for the day given above, but also with the yellow color, which is the color worn by those supporting the king. The saffron (for a more appropriate name for the color) robes monk wear dates back centuries. Wie genau und wo ein buddhistischer Mönch lebt, hängt von seiner Glaubensrichtung ab. Are there linguistic reasons for the Dormouse to be treated like a piece of furniture in ‘Wonderland?’. All Theravadin monks are allowed to eat twice a day, but the Buddha encouraged them to eat only once a day. Even today, saffron/orange, and also red and yellow are considered sacred in India by Hindus and used by Indian Yogis.This Vedic/Vedantic(Hindu) idea of monasticism is based on symbolic interpretations of early Vedic fire rituals(called Yajnas), the body of a Yogi monk symbolises altar of yajna, his conciousness is the fire into which he/she sacrifices(burns) his material desires, animal instincts and ‘sad-ripu’(six enemies- attachment to word, lust, anger, ego, greed & jealousy), his Prana (life force/Qi) is the sacrificer & the act is done by meditation. I want to add this trivia. White or pink - Theravada women wherever they may be located; although it is noted fully ordained Theravada nuns are rare. 10 Inspiring Buddhist Symbols. When you hear of the Buddhist clothing, the next thing that comes to mind is the robes worn by the Buddhist monks and nuns. Thanks for contributing an answer to Buddhism Stack Exchange! Crab, I appreciate your comment, but I don't think what they told you is quite correct. After sewing the robe, it is dyed and made a suitable color, and the resulting robe is offered to the Saṅgha. Before modern innovation, the color Buddhist robes were dyed was determined based on the natural plant dyes that were available. More…, Messages From Beyond: How Orb Color Can Communicate a Deeper Meaning, Hidden Meanings of Colors Used in Art – Learn How They Work, Color Trends 2021: The 4 Most Popular Paint Colors of the Year. Coloring mandalas encourages a contemplative approach to our life. Rules for Robes and Wearing Robes Based on Buddhist law, monks were forbidden to wear robes using any single primary color (there are five, called the Goshiki 五色). Explore this article. This: Curry, cumin, and paprika are typical household spices. Originally, monks were supposed to sew their robes from discarded bits of fabric. The robes of Buddhist monks and nuns are part of a tradition going back 25 centuries to the time of the historical Buddha. How much matter was ejected when the Solar System formed? Did you scroll all this way to get facts about buddhist robes? We hope this brief introduction to Thai color symbolism helps you decipher your own color meanings to bring more luck, peace, and joy in your life. +1, dirty = the color of clay - from ochre, to brown-red, to maroon, to gray. Blue is associated with purity and healing. In Buddhist religious texts, the color orange is not symbolic. Du erkennst sie an ihrem rasierten Kopf und ihrem orangefarbenen Gewand. The folds in the robes (at least in the Gelug lineage) have particular significance. The historical Buddha is said to have worn a humble monk's robe made of patched pieces of donated cloth throughout his life. What are the benefits of solitary practice? However, Buddha raised his right hand and calmly displayed the Abhaya mudra. But they all share a similar origin and basic idea, making them recognizable as Buddhist monastic robes. See more ideas about buddhist monk, buddhist, monk. Bark from Jack fruit tree produces brownish color where red clay (like what Andrei said above) produces reddish color. Types and Colors of Buddhist Monastic Robes The Buddha's Robes. Certainly, it is quite easy to notice the mono-color robes that the Buddhist monks wear. Monks of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism wear somewhat different robes, but the dominant colors are maroon, yellow, and sometimes red, … While Sikhs regard it as a militant color, Buddhist monks and Hindu saints wear robes of this color as a mark of renunciation of material life. Each weekday also has a corresponding planet and deity or God that influences it. Sankhya & Yoga are atleast 95% similar to Buddhism, thus many things are common.). The robe dye is allowed to be obtained from six kinds of substances: roots and tubers, plants, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits. Buddhist monks wear orange robes as the color denotes spiritual ascension, radiance, and enlightenment. Why does the Bible put the evening before the morning at the end of each day that God worked in Genesis chapter one? in Uncategorized. Written by Benjamin. Red comes from vermilion, the bright red powder used for anointing idols and deities in temples. Political parties have a great influence on color symbolism in Thailand. These robes may vary among the different countries practicing Buddhism, especially in … Aum (Om) Symbol. Is it really legal to knowingly lie in public as a public figure? Is the age of monastic life over? However Master Hsing Yun the famous Chinese monk from Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan found that the gambling obsessed Hong Kongers associated the colour black with death and hence was considered unlucky and did not welcome him. of all the responses here, i am only surprised that Theravadan women wear white. Answer: Because Hindu ascetics(Yogis/Sannyasis) used to wear orange. In art and anthropology, color symbolism refers to color’s ability to signify meaning to a viewer. Violet instigates a sense of introspection and self-awareness. Color symbolism in Thailand is influenced by several factors: politics, Hinduism and Buddhism, monarchy, and astrology. No other color allowed. Later, the colors were standardized by schools and various different dyes were employed beside clay. While Buddhist robes convey shared ideals and meanings, it is clear that the color, materials, and fabrication can also distinguish the wearers from one another. Thus, the symbolism(orange=ritual sacrificial fire) behind this is absent in Buddhist texts(correct me if I'm wrong), but is discussed in detail in Hindu texts. When and why did the color orange (and yellow and 'red') become associated with Buddhism? Therefore, as a religion so in tune with nature, the symbolic meaning of these colors has been adopted and integrated into Hinduism. Yellow has the highest symbolic value in Buddhism through its link with the saffron robes of monks. Every Buddhist sect around the world has different colored robes due to the different indigenous plants used to dye them. The clothing worn by Buddhist monks and priests varies greatly, from the simple saffron robes of the monks of Thailand and Sri Lanka to the highly elaborate robes and headdresses of the Tibetan lamas. However, the colors of a Chinese Buddhist monastic's robes often corresponded to their geographical region rather than to any specific schools. With the exception of Tibetan monks who use a maroon color, Buddhist followers in many parts of South East Asia stuck to orange, and that has remained the color of choice today. A type of robe found on statues of the Nyorai (Buddha, Tathagata 如来) that covers both shoulders, with concentric folds falling down from the neck, chest, and stomach. Each traditional pose has a significance related to an important event in the the life - or past lives - of the Historical Buddha. This color, previously worn by criminals, was chosen by Gautama Buddha as a symbol of his humility and separation from materialist society. Orange was chosen mainly because of the dye available at the time. The Buddha can be seen either sitting or standing, eyes closed. Robes made from many more colors are called Hyakunoue 百衲衣 (Hyakunōe), literally “100-colored robe.” Tsuken (Tsūken) 通肩 or Tsuryo Kenpo (Tsūryō Kenpō) 通両肩法. The color of these robes varies according to the color of the wood used (which varies from a golden color through to orange-red), and to the age of the robe (which is only ever washed in a diluted solution of the dye, a weak astringent, and gets darker as it ages). As the Dhamma-Vinaya spread the different robe colors occurred due to the local dyes monastics used in their respective localities being different shades and colors. Most Buddhists don't even realise this meaning because most Buddists are outside India and they don't study Buddhism with proper Indian cotexts and are unaware that Buddhism was and is, more or less, a part of Hinduism. but there are black robes for training priests in Japan (though the color is supposed to be "off" somehow). The mud represents an importance in the meaning of the lotus flower in Buddhism. The color yellow actually was previously associated with the color worn by criminals but was chosen by the Buddhist faith as a symbol of humility and separation from a materialistic society. Thai soldiers would carry flags of the day’s lucky color when they went to fight in the battlefield. The objective colored surface is not meant to challenge comparison with any sensuously derived image of external reality. The rest wore yellow robes because the process that Gautama gave to the initial stage of Buddhist monks was a very rudimentary process. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. There is a simile of a donkey wishing to be part of a heard of cows, thinking he's one of them: "Even their robes are different...", but of course such isn't, if one is badly informed, or bond to own-taken tradition, not the last measure. trousers inside for cooking, cleaning, meditation and to sleep. All About Mandala Designs – Its Meanings and Colors. But, as opposed to a maroon color for Tibetan monks. my experience is in Nyo Ho E (authentic Dharma clothing) as provided for in Japan especially through the teaching lines of Kodo Sawaki-roshi at Antaiji and brought to North America by trainees through there including Yoshida-roshi and Joshin-sama to Tomoe Katagiri-sama and Blanche Hartman-roshi. According to the Pali tradition, six kinds of cloth are allowed for making the upper and outer robes: plant fibres, cotton, silk, animal hair (e.g. In fact, this symbolic tradition was followed by Thai armies in the past. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Yellow is the color linked with the King. All the principle colours involved in Tibetan Buddhist traditions have specific meanings and quintessential symbolism ... Yellow is the colour that possesses the highest symbolic quality because of the saffron colour of the monks robes. In the Pali or Sanskrit language, these robes are known as 'civara.’ A civara is a simple robe without a specific color. Note: Buddhists also wear red or yellow, depending on different regions, like Tibetan Buddhists wear red, Chinese Buddhists wear yellow(not sure) etc. Tibetan Buddhist robes are distinctively from robes worn in other schools of Buddhism. But that has no effect on the color of their robes. (Note: You can see more examples by Visiting our Buddha Statues For Sale Page on this site.) Since the current Queen Suthida Tidjai is born on a Friday, her flag has a blue background (as blue is linked to Friday). There is much more common between these two spiritual traditions(Buddha himself was from this religion and never spoke ill of it, nor tried to bring radical changes in it. Let us study Thai color symbolism in detail and find out what the different colors mean. So every Hindu Sannyasi/Yogi wears orange/saffron robes. Purple was typically the Imperial Wizard. White – represents religion and the purity of Buddhism. Brown robes can eat only once per day, orange/saffron robes eat twice a day and the maroon (Myanmar) robes can eat whenever they want. Why use 5 or more ledger lines below the bass clef instead of ottava bassa lines for piano sheet music? These folds are specific to the Tibetans, as the Indian robes use less cloth, so technically these folds aren't part of the Vinaya system. As the monastic institution evolved, new cloth for robes came to be provided by lay donors, but the practice of cutting the cloth into small pieces and sewing those together to make robes was retained. Hence, orange is now the color of choice for Theravada Buddhist followers in Southeast Asia. So for public appearances he wears the 'golden' yellow robe along with a bright red kasaya, as a form of skillful means. Similarly, a monk might have brought his robe with him from another temple. Though again, an individual temple may differ. It is meant to stimulate radiant inner icons, whose bodies and features could be quite unrealistic in any ordinary sense of that word. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. This important event occurred during the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Color Symbolism in Movies: What Do Colors Mean in Movies? Each dynasty had its own dynastic color that was used for its robes and emblems. He is a world-renowned color expert and a recognized leader in understanding how colors affect human emotion and behavior. The Sanskrit and Pali word for monastic robes is civara. This color, previously worn by criminals, was chosen by Gautama Buddha as a symbol of his humility and separation from materialist society. What is the meaning behind different robe colors? This is a commonly seen Buddha statue. Vedantic texts mention symbolism behind wearing of orange robes(which is related to early Hindu rituals). Die meisten von ihnen wohnen im Kloster. Can a Circle of the Stars Druid roll a natural d3 (or other odd-sided die) to bias their Cosmic Omen roll? Unlike the upper robe which is only of one layer, the outer robe has two. I have seen the same monk in two different color robes and am wondering why. - basically the discards of civilization) were ochre or brown-red, is because they were washed with red clay, used as a cleaning agent. Monks also shave their hair as a symbol of simplicity and detachment of materialism. He is depicted in painting and sculpture with such a robe draped over his body, often leaving his right shoulder bare. During the early period of Chinese Buddhism, the most common color was red. Red; White; Green; Saffron; Blue; Yellow; 1 Red. Throughout history colors have had specific associations and meanings. That being the readon, like here, the Buddha allowed certain colors and forbid others. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Our Rev. However, you will often find that all of the monks in one temple tend to have the same color and shade. Buddhism has specific meanings linked to popular colors and one can see this reflected in Thailand as well. In the event of the unfortunate demise of a monarch, Thai people wear black. But as I began to learn the meanings of the color and the gemstones I was drawn to, it made complete sense that I would be drawn to this color! , Pranagnihotra Upanishad. Colors: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LI8Zx_QvNVU. Within the Theravada, there's no hard significance between the different colors and shades of colors in this spectrum. Here are some of the most inspiring buddhist symbols and their meaning. Can I record my route electronically when underground? During public ceremonies only the ceremony conductor wear the yellow robe Shiny is improper, as a monk would need to "destroy color", red is improper, dark is improper, green, blue... not to speak of white and gray, are improper, as well as rose. What do they mean? It is believed to have protective qualities and is therefore often used to paint sacred buildings. The robes that Buddhists wear symbolize detachment from materialism and simplicity. Buddhism just accepted/adopted/continued this tradition.It was Indian tradition at that time, which had origins in Hindu Vedas. Thailand and Burma follow Theravada Buddhism, and thus they follow the Vinaya, and there's no rule like that in the Vinaya. The colored robes represented power though specific meanings differed among sects. The meaning of the color yellow. What are the annual conferences to develop the LaTeX? It may be the practice at their temple, though. Since this time in my life was when I first started embarking on my journey of personal growth, my moss agate mala was definitely a great choice. Apr 19, 2020 - Explore Yoga Rick's board "Colors of the robes" on Pinterest. Therefore, the spiritual significance of orange robes is that it reminds the monk that he has to sacrifice his sensory/material pleasures, and that his body is like the sacred sacrificial fire of Agnihotra/Yajna for this purpose, and thus a monk is as pure as fire, which purifies everything and gives light/knowledge to everyone. Curry is yellow, cumin is brownish, paprika is red, saffron is yellow. It has the highest symbolic value in Buddhism through its link with the saffron robes of monks. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. However, the colors of a Chinese Buddhist monastic's robes often corresponded to their geographical region rather than to any specific schools. rev 2021.3.9.38752, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Buddhism Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. Well you're in luck, because here they come. This is the real meaning of the term, "the triple robe". The meaning of Kaṭhina cīvara is associated with a number of Buddhist rules and regulations. The rest wore yellow robes because the process that Gautama gave to the initial stage of Buddhist monks was a very rudimentary process. The saffron (for a more appropriate name for the color) robes monk wear dates back centuries. Buddhism Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice. Therefore it is said to signify renunciation and being the color of earth, it is also a symbol of the equanimity of the earth. After that, any earthy color, found in dying leaves of trees, such as red, yellow, brown, orange or maroon, was acceptable. Black is the country’s color associated with sorrow and mourning. it may be that the "yellow" is "off" somehow. Eliminating decimals without approximation. Each color represents a state of mind, a celestial Buddha, a body part, a part of the mantra word Hum or a natural element. Here are the meanings associated with the flag colors: It is also interesting to note that these colors of the Thai flag show the country’s allegiance and solidarity to its allies during the First World War. I believe initially the robes were mostly yellow as this was a color of renunciation in the locality at the Buddha's time. Bark from different kinds of tree, or even red color from clay. More often than not, it is linked to the image of compassionate, intuitive souls, introverts. Within the Kaṭhina day, a group of people scratches the fibers, cut the threads and make the cloth. The color white is used by Buddhist devotees to show their commitment to keeping the Precepts — usually the Eight Precepts — on Observance Days. Clerics today should all be wearing a uniform Brown, rather dark brown, end of story. From the intricate thangka paintings in Bhutan to Vietnam’s brightly-lit lanterns, everywhere you turn, your eyes are delighted with rich hues. These robes measure about 2m by 3m (about 6 feet by 9 feet). Each day has a color associated with it and Thai people believe that a particular color has the power to decide the outcome of their day. During the times of Lord Buddha, the Buddha himself and the other Buddhist monks, along with him, used to put on these monastic robes. With the strength of red and the serenity of blue, violet evokes complex emotions.