Japanese Monks Names
Japanese monks often have names that reflect their spiritual practice, sect affiliation, or level of attainment. Monastic names are usually given when a person enters the monastic community and they follow certain traditional naming conventions. Here are some types of names given to Japanese monks:
Kōbō Daishi: The founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan, also known as Kōbō. His real name was Kōbō Shōnin , but after his death, he became known as “Daishi,” meaning great teacher.
Dōgen: A renowned Japanese monk who founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. His full monastic name was Eihei Dōgen, where Eihei refers to the name of his monastery, Eiheiji, and Dōgen means “way of the path.”
Hōnen: A famous monk who founded the Jōdo-shū sect (Pure Land Buddhism) in Japan. His Dharma name was Hōnen Shōnin , where Shōnin means “holy person.”
Shinran: A prominent monk who founded the Jōdo Shinshū sect. His monastic name was Shinran Shōnin, meaning “holy person Shinran.”
Saichō : The founder of the Tendai school of Buddhism in Japan. His Dharma name was Saichō , reflecting his devotion to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.
Rinzai Gigen: A Zen master and the founder of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. His full name was Rinzai Gigen , signifying his teachings based on the Rinzai tradition.
Each of these names carries deep significance and is often chosen based on the individual’s life, teachings, and contributions to the Buddhist community.
Japanese Monks Clothing
Japanese monks’ clothing is steeped in tradition and varies slightly depending on the sect or school of Buddhism. However, there are a few key elements that are generally consistent.
Kesa: This is a large, robe-like garment that is one of the most important items of clothing for Buddhist monks. The Kesa is often made from patches of cloth that are sewn together in a pattern, symbolizing the monk’s renunciation of materialism and his dedication to the path of enlightenment.
Koromo: The koromo is a simple robe worn by monks. It’s usually made of plain, dark-colored fabric, like brown, gray, or black. The color and material of the koromo can vary depending on the sect.
Samue: A samue is a casual, everyday work outfit worn by monks. It typically consists of a jacket and pants, often worn while doing manual labor or during the less formal activities of a temple.
Hifu: A hifu is an additional robe worn by higher-ranking monks or during ceremonial functions. It’s often more elaborate than the koromo and can be seen in different colors depending on the occasion.
Juzu: The juzu is a string of beads worn around the neck. It serves as a tool for counting prayers or mantras. It’s not just a religious tool but also a symbol of the monk’s devotion to Buddhism.
Zushiki: A headpiece or cap worn by some monks, particularly during formal occasions, is often simple and practical, meant to keep the head covered while also symbolizing the monk’s dedication to humility and modesty.
Japanese Monks Haircut
Japanese monks often follow specific hairstyles that reflect their commitment to simplicity, humility, and spiritual practice. The traditional haircut is symbolic and plays an important role in their monastic life. Here are the most common types of monk hairstyles:
1. Bald Head (Tokin)
Meaning: The most iconic and well-known hairstyle for Japanese monks is the shaved head. This represents renunciation of vanity, attachment to physical appearance, and a commitment to a life of simplicity. The shaved head signifies a monk’s detachment from worldly desires and materialism.
Practice: Monks typically shave their heads completely, leaving no hair. This is often done during the ordination ceremony, symbolizing the monk’s complete surrender to the spiritual path.
2. Bald with Shaved Crown (Chōbō)
Meaning: A distinctive hairstyle often seen in Japanese Buddhist monks, particularly in the Zen and Shingon traditions, involves leaving a small patch of hair on the crown of the head while shaving the rest of the hair. The shaved crown is symbolic of leaving behind worldly thoughts and attachments.
Practice: This style is common among monks who are higher up in the ranks or have completed significant training. The remaining hair, usually in a small topknot or patch, is a symbol of wisdom and detachment from worldly matters.
3. Shaved Sides with Top Knot (Hōjō or Kesa)
Meaning: In some sects, particularly in older traditions, monks wear a more stylized version of the shaved head, where the hair is shaved at the sides with a small knot or tuft of hair left at the top. The top knot may symbolize a monk’s commitment to their vows and dedication to the Buddhist way.
Practice: This style was often worn by monks of earlier generations or in certain sects like the Tendai and Shingon schools.
4. Semi-Bald
Meaning: Some monks, particularly in the early stages of their monastic journey, may not shave their heads completely but instead keep their hair very short. This semi-bald look reflects a transitional phase in their spiritual practice.
Practice: Over time, as they progress in their training and commitment, they would transition to the fully shaved head.