Sewing Buddha’s Robe
Summary
Nina Susan Elby explores the spiritual significance of the Zen robe and rakusu, drawing from Dogen’s *Shobogenzo* and a seminar with scholar Shohaku Okumura. She explains how the hand-sewn robe symbolizes authentic transmission between teacher and student and embodies the Dharma itself. The talk details the historical context of robe-making, the symbolism of its panels representing interconnection, and the practice of wearing it as a tangible expression of truth beyond conceptual understanding.
Topics discussed
Introduction and speaker background
Personal interest in robes and sewing practice
Overview of Dogen's 'Case of Kuokku' seminar
Biography of Dogen and the Soto Zen lineage
Terminology: Kesa, Rakusu, and Okkesa
Etiquette and care for the robe
History of self-sewing: Kodo Sawaki and Dinen Katagiri
Dogen's writings on the robe and historical context
Robe types, colors, and the history of rings
Key concepts: Authentic transmission and Dharma
Defining authentic transmission and face-to-face meeting
The robe as a tangible expression of intangible truth
The robe in Jukai ordination ceremony
The robe as Dharma: Interconnection and Indra's Net
Freedom from greed: Materials and muted colors
The Middle Way and humility in wearing the robe
Form and Emptiness: The Diamond Sutra connection
Historical tales and technical details omitted from talk
Dogen's experience of the robe chant in China
Closing poem and final reflections
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