On the Matter of Robes and other such things...

Well, I have wavered between choosing to wear robes and choosing to not wear robes depending on where my mindset was, but I'll never forget the first month or so that I was here, how I bought a small necklace with a TOTJO pendant and each time I looked at it or touched it I would recite the creed. And it would help to put me in the right space for the day.

Now, ideally we want to always be in the "right" mindset (whatever that means), but sometimes something physical can help us

Right now I am thinking about buying some clothing to help with my mindset.At least for when I come to the Temple.

What do you use to help with your mindset?

I have a 108-bead mala that I use to count recitations of my daily mantra. The mantra takes on a different aspect daily, but the first and last fifteen beads are used to count off the fifteen lines of the creed. The fifteenth bead has a different texture than the rest, prompting me to begin the creed to close out the mediation or to restart the cycle. I also have different beads at quarters and halfway, should my meditation time need to be shorter.

An agenda of progress, last year were medium-term goals, but these days, it helps me more to have small goals: achievable and realistic. In this way I am clear: in time and form with small purposes that give me meaning, also precision, freedom and time to accept doing nothing, where I include mental silence and instrumental music.

Archon wrote: I have a 108-bead mala that I use to count recitations of my daily mantra. The mantra takes on a different aspect daily, but the first and last fifteen beads are used to count off the fifteen lines of the creed. The fifteenth bead has a different texture than the rest, prompting me to begin the creed to close out the mediation or to restart the cycle. I also have different beads at quarters and halfway, should my meditation time need to be shorter.

I wouldn't mind a picture if you have one?

I used some wooden beads my Gong Fu instructor gave me,until the string broke. Now I use a knotted necklace that acts as a rosary, gifted by another Jedi to me. It helps with my breathing exercises and reminds me to seek my higher character. when i am knighted(here or elsewhere) I will be wearing my lightsaber.

As with Archon, I too use a 108 (stone) bead mala. I alternate between reciting the creed, doctrine, and reflecting on daily troubles / concerns. While I also have a wooden one, the stone serves as a daily driver due to working as a mechanic (oil, solvents, coolant, etc).

Perhaps it's easier for me to say being a former goth, however as far as it concerns robes do you and ignore any static from people with a disapproving eye. If you value the opinions of others above that of being your true self, maybe some additional self reflection could be helpful.

My "robes" come in the form of a loose-fit hoodie, tactical vest, duty / utility belt, and tactical hip-fit bags. I advocate for and try to embody a first-responder Jedi dress code, so the practical-tactical helps in the form of having first aid and rescue supplies within hands reach.

Within the past couple years, I've made use of it for a variety of public service acts; the most notable being fixing up a biker who slammed into someones car door mid traffic (driver didn't look for oncoming cyclists). Pain killers, tape, a dollar flashlight, and some gauze can go a long way.

Still training my inner to worry about sporting suitably fitting attire for outer.
Armor, Armature, Amore ~ Compassion, Clarity, Capacity

I do think on it often, so... design phase for now.

I have attempted to upload an image with no success.

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Archon wrote: I have attempted to upload an image with no success.

Edit: File was too large!

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That's beautiful

Glad to see another Buddhist

I carry around a Citrine that I got when I visited my mom last year. It's supposed to bring general happiness, so I just lightly grab it and recite parts of the code that pertain to whats troubling me, typically when my emotions get a little out of wack.

I have two set of bead malas, which were constructed and colour coded around the TotJO's teachings/maxims. One I made with Edan during the UK Gathering 2017 . The other set was made for me, and gifted to me, by Marta Lina when we met up in London back in 2018.

I keep the 'Edan Mala' in my jacket pocket so its almost always with me, and the 'Marta Mala' in my house (its too bulky to carry around).

I have mala beads too, but I don't remember if it was Brick or Edan who strung them for me. Either way, there would be the same love in their making. They are used occasionally, when I really need to hold something seemingly solid. Otherwise, you see them there posed on a vessel containing the water of the Channel. There are other pots there (out of view) containing some soil of Essex and some of Illinois. I've remarked on these "solid" symbols, for that is what they indeed are - symbols. They are otherwise just "stuff", but this stuff has "meaning." In the case of meaning-bearing stuff, it is always the meaning that the stuff reinforces in our heart-minds which supersede the stuffness. Things which bear meaning for us can be powerful foci for anchoring us, but they can also promote our clinging to mental modes. That is not an admonition, hearts and minds are sticky. We need only retain the awareness of it.



I tried to post a photo, but it wouldn't load. It wasn't too big, but it just wouldn't upload. Anyway... it's as I said.

I have an onyx orb I use when at home.
When out and about I carry a Buddhist mala (rosary) made of basalt beads.
I like these two things because they are made from the earth, and the color black is like Void - you can put into it the negative thoughts and feelings, and it blanks them out. I can focus better.

I have a set of robes I enjoy wearing to cons, may 4th and on Halloween (basically when I can get away with it at work). I have also worn it once to a protest, albeit with a drop leg holster and my old body armor from work under. I tried to play peace keeper at protests (have gotten my ass kicked by both sides for that, though it's been a long time now but I wore it in Feurgoson MO during those riots saved me a lot of bruises). My belt is not standard as it's my old service belt from when I worked security so I have a bunch of ammo pouches to carry stuff (great for the wallet and phone). I don't place much meaning in that.

I do place a lot of meaning in my wedding ring, which has a layer of deer antler and one of khoa wood. The antler to remind me of the past we are built upon and the wood as a representation of the living relationship. I also received my first teachers, first light saber when he officiated our service. It's a gift that I see as a huge sign of respect. Something I use to focus on while practice on.

I also have a mala made from bhodi (I think thats the tree type) wood. I tend to meditate with that once in a blue moon as I focus on how living things can be fashioned and shaped as can we all.

Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos

I use a 108-bead mala made of yak bone I wear as a bracelet. It is a good reminder of impermanence.
I used to wear a rose quartz which belonged to my mother as a pendant, but the metal portion I strung the necklace through has worn down and falls apart, so I've got to replace or fix it before I start wearing it again.
And I have robes. A bathrobe, that is. I wear it when I'm relaxing at home. Very comfortable, but I wouldn't walk around town in it.