Description
Details
The donka, a maroon or maroon and yellow wrap shirt with cap sleeves, is one of the three mandatory robes of an ordained sangha in the Tibetan tradition, the other two being the zen (an outer maroon shawl to cover the donka) and the shamthap (a maroon skirt).
A donka has a number of segments, each with its own symbolism and meaning. The collar segment forms a 'V' around the neck, symbolising the jaws of Yama, the lord of death. This reminds us that we could die at any moment and so must make every moment of our life meaningful.
The two sleeves are said to resemble the trunks of elephants, and the arm holes the elephants eyes. In Buddhism, the elephant sometimes symbolises the two main types of ignorance. Thus the two sleeves and their holes teach us that we should strive to overcome the two types of ignorance.
The blue piping on both donka sleeves symbolises Buddha's secret teachings and reminds us to practice them.
The ceremonial brocade donka is a special upper robe worn for formal events, rituals and ceremonies. Exclusively worn only by high lamas, abbots and Rinpoches, this brocade donka is handmade from traditional fabrics by master tailors trained in the Tibetan monastic tradition. Every detail - from the double-folded collar, the symmetry of the brocade panels, to the red silk brocade lining the lapels - is made according to Tibetan tradition, and is a testament to the tailor's skill and craftsmanship.
This exquisite brocade donka is a unique, thoughtful offering for one's teacher or abbot, creating immeasurable merit for the sponsor, and creating the causes for Dharma to remain.
A donka has a number of segments, each with its own symbolism and meaning. The collar segment forms a 'V' around the neck, symbolising the jaws of Yama, the lord of death. This reminds us that we could die at any moment and so must make every moment of our life meaningful.
The two sleeves are said to resemble the trunks of elephants, and the arm holes the elephants eyes. In Buddhism, the elephant sometimes symbolises the two main types of ignorance. Thus the two sleeves and their holes teach us that we should strive to overcome the two types of ignorance.
The blue piping on both donka sleeves symbolises Buddha's secret teachings and reminds us to practice them.
The ceremonial brocade donka is a special upper robe worn for formal events, rituals and ceremonies. Exclusively worn only by high lamas, abbots and Rinpoches, this brocade donka is handmade from traditional fabrics by master tailors trained in the Tibetan monastic tradition. Every detail - from the double-folded collar, the symmetry of the brocade panels, to the red silk brocade lining the lapels - is made according to Tibetan tradition, and is a testament to the tailor's skill and craftsmanship.
This exquisite brocade donka is a unique, thoughtful offering for one's teacher or abbot, creating immeasurable merit for the sponsor, and creating the causes for Dharma to remain.
Product Details
- Shoulder: 20"
- Length: 30"
- Arm Opening: 13"
- Weight: 700g
