Suitable Clothing For Retreatants?

[rockyysdt]

I'm looking for assistance regarding appropriate attire when on retreat.

It would be nice to be able to wear comfortable clothing which is both simple, cool, & appropriate for long periods of contemplation.

I'd like to avoid pandering to my ego whilst at the same time fitting in.

I understand novice meditators are required to wear white garments including underwear.

Where in Bangkok can I purchase suitable clothing for a reasonable price?

Are there standard outfits & what do they look like?

Are there outfits suitable for both informal & formal practice?

[orchis]

Loose clothing e.g. T-shirt, fisherman pants. Due to monastic custom the

body should be completely covered from the shoulders to below the knees,

including the upper arms. No see-through clothing please.

I took this from wat suan mokkh website. Some white fisherman'spants are pretty transparent though,

I opted for dark loose pants and white loose short sleeved shirts. Pants about 70 to 100 thb, shirt I paid 30 thb.

[fabianfred]

White fisherman pants are the most comfortable...and a similar shirt...

Make sure they are 100% cotton....it is cooler and absorbs sweat. The acrylic materials wash and dry easier...but are too hot and sticky at this time of year.

Most shops selling the Buddha images and other paraphanelia will have them in stock or know where to get them.

Some wear the ordinary shirt with long sleeves and a collar in the early morning and evening, when mosquitoes are more active.

[sk1max]

White fisherman pants are the most comfortable...and a similar shirt...

Make sure they are 100% cotton....it is cooler and absorbs sweat. The acrylic materials wash and dry easier...but are too hot and sticky at this time of year.

Most shops selling the Buddha images and other paraphanelia will have them in stock or know where to get them.

Some wear the ordinary shirt with long sleeves and a collar in the early morning and evening, when mosquitoes are more active.

Most temples expect you to wear only white, cheesecloth type clothing. These traditional baggy clothes are available at most markets are very cheap.

[markwhite]

Some retreats require all white clothing, other just require loose fitting, non transparent clothing. Joggers and fisherman's pants seem favourite on retreats I've been to. Light cotton shirts (careful with the quality - cheap are see through) with long sleeves to keep the mosquitos off a little easier in the darker hours are best, but t-shirts are fine.

There are plenty of shops and stalls on Khao San Road that sell fisherman's pants, though Tesco have some white ones on ale right now too. And they sell short-sleeve white tshirts which are adequate if you're prepared to use more mosquito repellent at dawn/dusk.

[sukeroku]

If there is no true self, is it necessary to clothe the bag of bones that masquerades as one?

[rockyysdt]

If there is no true self, is it necessary to clothe the bag of bones that masquerades as one?

Until the true self is revealed, then the bag of bones which masquerade as "one" is your only awareness, making the answer "yes".

Not to mention that such displays would play havoc on the concentration of other retreatants.

Edited July 18, 2009 by rockyysdt

[Brucenkhamen]

If there is no true self, is it necessary to clothe the bag of bones that masquerades as one?

Um, yes, if you don't want to get arrested.