Kāṣāya

Buddhist monastic robe of patched cloth

The kāṣāya is the traditional robe of Buddhist monks, composed of rectangular pieces of cloth stitched together in a patched pattern. The form originates in the Buddha's instruction that disciples sew their robes from discarded rags, making the patchwork itself a visible symbol of poverty and renunciation. Originally dyed with earth, rust, or plant juices into ochre tones, the kāṣāya adopted regional colors as Buddhism spread — black or brown in Chinese Chan, gray in Korean Seon, vivid multicolor in Japanese schools, and elaborate gold-woven variants among Tibetan lamas. It can be worn with the right shoulder bared (ekāṃsikaṃ) or covering both shoulders. Three sizes — outer, middle, and inner — correspond to different occasions. In East Asian fantasy, the kāṣāya marks the enlightened monk, martial priest, or sage.