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.

Edit: File was too large!

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

Edit: File was too large!

Attachment Mala.jpg not found

That's beautiful

Glad to see another Buddhist