The White Cotton Robe: Charisma and Clothes in Tibetan Buddhism Today

Contextualized in discussions around charisma as originally conceived by Max Weber, this article examines the case of Tsültrim Tarchin, a charismatic adept from Eastern Tibet whose everyday dress consists of a specialized garment, a white cotton robe. Earned as a mark of virtuosity in the Tantric tu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Religion and society
Main Author: Turek, M. Maria 1975- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Berghahn [2017]
In: Religion and society
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Tsültrim Tarchin 1947- / Lamaism / Charismatic / Clothing
Further subjects:B Charisma
B Clothing
B Milarepa
B vestimentary practices
B Tantric training
B Tummo
B Tibet
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:Contextualized in discussions around charisma as originally conceived by Max Weber, this article examines the case of Tsültrim Tarchin, a charismatic adept from Eastern Tibet whose everyday dress consists of a specialized garment, a white cotton robe. Earned as a mark of virtuosity in the Tantric tummo practice and worn as a sign of an ascetic lifestyle, this robe functions as a key instrument in Tsültrim Tarchin's charismatic actions. More than a repository of power and beyond insignia that signify privilege or superiority, the religious garment I consider in this article does not merely channel the routinized charisma of the lineage. It also effectively augments the master's personal power through the performativity of its symbolism, while its real potency lies in structuring all meanings within the master’s network of influence.
ISSN:2150-9301
Contains:Enthalten in: Religion and society
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.3167/arrs.2017.080111