Contemplating the Kesa verse, Rev. Clairissa offers reflections on our natural pure intention, the wish to help all beings. The Kesa is the monk’s robe which symbolizes the Buddhist Precepts, our vow to cease from harm, to do only good, to do good for others.

The Kesa verse is recited daily in a Sōtō Zen temple when putting on the Kesa at the start of day, and also at home by lay Buddhists when meditating in the morning. This small ceremony is the daily renewal of our vow to follow the Buddha’s path, and the recognition of the Buddha Nature we share with all things.

The Kesa verse reads as follows: How great and wondrous are the clothes of enlightenment, Formless and embracing every treasure; I wish to unfold the Buddha’s teaching That I may help all living things.