The White Cotton Robe: Charisma and Clothes in Tibetan Buddhism Today
Abstract
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.
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The Buddhist tantric tradition encourages psychophysical responses that work to sustain the personal charisma of Buddhist masters.
“Turek explains that the Buddhist tantric tradition encourages these responses, and hence creates space for emotional responses that work to sustain the personal charisma of Buddhist masters.”
From Buddhist Ritual as “Connectionwork”: Aesthetics and Technologies of Mediating Religious Belonging (2021) · cites this paper as Turek 2017
Buddhist leaders can inspire deep emotions in others.
“In her work on charisma and Tibetan Buddhist leadership, Maria Turek recognizes how Buddhist leaders can inspire 'deep emotions in others' (Turek 2017: 176).”
From Buddhist Ritual as “Connectionwork”: Aesthetics and Technologies of Mediating Religious Belonging (2021) · cites this paper as Turek 2017: 176
The white robe worn by Tsültrim Tarchin was a performative symbol used by the master as a key prop in his theater of charisma.
“More than simply an object imbued with charisma, the white robe was a performative symbol used by the master as a 'key prop in his theater of charisma' (183).”
From Buddhist Ritual as “Connectionwork”: Aesthetics and Technologies of Mediating Religious Belonging (2021) · cites this paper as Turek 2017: 183
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Buddhist Ritual as “Connectionwork”: Aesthetics and Technologies of Mediating Religious Belonging
Williams-Oerberg, E. (2021) · Numen · doi:10.1163/15685276-12341637 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
The Aesthetics and Emotions of Religious Belonging: Examples from the Buddhist World
Baffelli, E., Caple, J., McLaughlin, L., & Schröer, F. (2021) · Numen · doi:10.1163/15685276-12341634 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
- Authors
- Turek, M. M.
- Corresponding author
- Turek, Magdalena Maria
- Venue
- Religion and Society
- Publisher
- Berghahn Books
- Published
- 2017-01-01
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 1
- ISSN
- 2150-9298 (ISSN-L)
- 2150-9301
- OpenAlex
- W2761228993
- Cited by
- 2
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2023: 1 · 2021: 1
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Religion and Society (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Indian and Buddhist Studies
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Study and Philosophy of Religion
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
- Keywords
- charisma, religious dress, Tibetan Buddhism, Tantric practice, asceticism, clothing symbolism, performativity, Max Weber, religious authority
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