Ideally, monks and nuns own only a few things, such as robes and an offering
bowl. While most people spend lots of time and money on their hair, Buddhist
monks and nuns shave their heads. They are no longer concerned with outward
beauty, but with developing their spiritual lives. The shaven head is a reminder
that the monks and nuns have renounced the home life and are a part of the
Sangha.
Offering food to monks and nuns is a part of Buddhism. In Asia, it is not
unusual to see monks walking towards the villages early in the morning carrying
their offering bowls. They do not beg for food, but accept whatever is offered.
This practice not only helps the monks and nuns to be humble, but gives
laypeople an opportunity to give. In some countries laypeople go to the
monastery to make offerings.
The robes of monks and nuns are simple and made from cotton or linen. Their
color varies according to different countries. For instance, yellow robes are
mostly worn in Thailand, while black robes are worn in Japan. In China and
Korea, gray and brown robes are worn for work, while more elaborate robes are
used for ceremonies. Dark red robes are worn in Tibet.
Robes and offering bowls are very important to monks and nuns. The Buddha
said, "Just as a bird takes its wings with it wherever it flies, so the monk
takes his robes and bowl with him wherever he goes."
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