Sewing Okesa and rakusu (outside of Jukai)

[Guest]

I had a look via the search bar and forums and didn't find anything specific, so I thought I'd ask the forum more generally, perhaps one of the priests will be able to answer.

I've been considering doing more sewing. I enjoyed the Rakusu sewing process, it gave me the opportunity to engage my tendency to like making things in a meditative way; taking time, reflecting on what I'm doing in a relaxed yet alert way, disengaging (not least) from less healthy time fillers like surfing the internet or otherwise 'killing time' in those periods when I have an hour to myself.

It's been in my mind to sew another Rakusu, still having plenty of cloth left over, as a practice during those moments. Additionally, at some point I would also like to sew an Okesa, although there are fewer resources on how to go about that, and I get the sense that this is something I should probably get permission to do, rather than just jump in.

What's the general rule/guideline? Is it ok to sew another Rakusu or Okesa? What resources are there? Are their limitations and rule on colours? Anything else I forgot to consider?

Gassho
Sattlah (about to lend a hand with morning preparations)

Myojin

[Kotei]

Hello Myojin,

that sounds lovely!
You could sew another Rakusu, maybe for someone who cannot sew themselves, for next Jukai. Imho there is not really a need for a 2nd one for oneself and if so, it is probably nice doing it together during Ango with the next round of Jukai-ees?

As you received Jukai and sewed a Rakusu, you can ask Jundo for permission to sew an Okesa and there would be resources and a lot of help from other OKesa sewing folks.
I'd love to help you on your way, too.

For the Okesa, there are some rules regarding adapting the size to your body size and it is good to use a quite light fabric. But regarding the color it's basically the same Nyoho-e rules as for the Rakusu.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Bion]

Sewing Okesa and rakusu (outside of Jukai)

Hi, Myojin. That’s a lovely “calling” you feel there.

Indeed, the sewing of the rakusu happens during Ango at Treeleaf. You could take that up as a practice during next Ango which is just a few months away.
As for the Okesa, your suspicion is correct. Asking your teacher for permission is the proper way. After you get that, you will have all the necessary resources and guiding for sewing the robe and the bowing cloth.

One of my sewing teachers always says that sewing the Buddha’s robe is not an arts and crafts project. As a matter of fact, a monk, in the olden days was only allowed to have the necessary robes, and those had to be properly cared for and mended as needed.

Sewing an Okesa is a great next step though, if that is in your heart, and it would be a meaningful practice indeed and entirely appropriate.

Jundo will give you advice later on this topic, I am sure and if you end up starting, Kotei and myself will be here to assist you all the way through.

gassho
sat and lah

Hello Myojin,

that sounds lovely!

PS: HA .. again, Kotei and I replied at the same time

[Guest]

Hello Myojin,

that sounds lovely!
You could sew another Rakusu, maybe for someone who cannot sew themselves, for next Jukai. Imho there is not really a need for a 2nd one for oneself and if so, it is probably nice doing it together during Ango with the next round of Jukai-ees?

As you received Jukai and sewed a Rakusu, you can ask Jundo for permission to sew an Okesa and there would be resources and a lot of help from other OKesa sewing folks.
I'd love to help you on your way, too.

For the Okesa, there are some rules regarding adapting the size to your body size and it is good to use a quite light fabric. But regarding the color it's basically the same Nyoho-e rules as for the Rakusu.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

That's a really nice thought and a good way to give something back, or pay it forward. However we choose to view it, and definitely something to think about when it comes to next Jukai season. We'll have to see what the situation is later in the year.

Hi, Myojin. That’s a lovely “calling” you feel there.

Indeed, the sewing of the rakusu happens during Ango at Treeleaf. You could take that up as a practice during next Ango which is just a few months away.
As for the Okesa, your suspicion is correct. Asking your teacher for permission is the proper way. After you get that, you will have all the necessary resources and guiding for sewing the robe and the bowing cloth.

One of my sewing teachers always says that sewing the Buddha’s robe is not an arts and crafts project. As a matter of fact, a monk, in the olden days was only allowed to have the necessary robes, and those had to be properly cared for and mended as needed.

Sewing an Okesa is a great next step though, if that is in your heart, and it would be a meaningful practice indeed and entirely appropriate.

Jundo will give you advice later on this topic, I am sure and if you end up starting, Kotei and myself will be here to assist you all the way through.

gassho
sat and lah

I may well wait until Ango season to sew a Rakusu. Right now I'm finding that my free time is very early in the mornings, which is when I usually sit, but it would be nice to have something else of that nature to cultivate as their is a tendency to 'switch off' for an hour and just lounge about drinking coffee and watching videos, when I could be doing something more healthy....or more zazen I suppose

It's crossed my mind a number of times since starting the Jukai process back in September, that I might like to sew an Okesa at some point, once I can sew a half-decent kie-butsu stitch. The intention is to continue to study, learn, but more importantly put Buddhism into practice if it is to have any real meaning, and the Okesa, being the embodiment of Buddha nature (as I understand it) seems like the logical next step.

Definitely not just an arts and crafts project, more of an enjoyable shugyo 「修行」. In any case, I'm sure Jundo will chime in at some point.

Gassho
Myojin

[Bion]

That's a really nice thought and a good way to give something back, or pay it forward. However we choose to view it, and definitely something to think about when it comes to next Jukai season. We'll have to see what the situation is later in the year.



I may well wait until Ango season to sew a Rakusu. Right now I'm finding that my free time is very early in the mornings, which is when I usually sit, but it would be nice to have something else of that nature to cultivate as their is a tendency to 'switch off' for an hour and just lounge about drinking coffee and watching videos, when I could be doing something more healthy....or more zazen I suppose

It's crossed my mind a number of times since starting the Jukai process back in September, that I might like to sew an Okesa at some point, once I can sew a half-decent kie-butsu stitch. The intention is to continue to study, learn, but more importantly put Buddhism into practice if it is to have any real meaning, and the Okesa, being the embodiment of Buddha nature (as I understand it) seems like the logical next step.

Definitely not just an arts and crafts project, more of an enjoyable shugyo 「修行」. In any case, I'm sure Jundo will chime in at some point.

Gassho
Myojin

I am all for sewing an Okesa! It would make me happy to sew with you

Gassho
Sat and lah

[Jundo]

Should you wish, Myojin, Okesa sewing permission is granted!

In the Nyoho-e tradition of Soto Zen, anyone who has received Jukai may sew and wear a full Kesa, not only Ordained priests.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[Guest]

Thanks Jundo, I thought that was the case but it’s better to ask with this sort of thing.

I guess I’ll start looking around for fabric. Something lightweight, something between ochre and dark brown, ideally natural fibre I suppose.

If there are any documents or instructions around, that’d be much appreciated. No doubt Bion will have some input too.

Gassho
Myojin.

[Kotei]

Thanks Jundo, I thought that was the case but it’s better to ask with this sort of thing.

I guess I’ll start looking around for fabric. Something lightweight, something between ochre and dark brown, ideally natural fibre I suppose.

If there are any documents or instructions around, that’d be much appreciated. No doubt Bion will have some input too.

Gassho
Myojin.

Sounds lovely!
I will PM you with more info shortly.
Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.