Significance of Fine clothes
Fine clothes encompass a range of interpretations across various traditions. In Vaishnavism, they signify high-quality garments worn in ceremonial contexts, reflecting one's status as a good Vaishnava. Purana mentions elegant attire worn during weddings, while Dharmashastra categorizes luxurious garments, relevant in theft penalties. Mahayana associates fine clothes with luxury and status, devoid of moral ties. Indian history highlights their significance in stories of simplicity, as Ganeshnath evaded luxurious apparel, and in narratives involving valuable garments from Rani and Raja's attendants.
Synonyms: Elegant attire
In Dutch: Mooie kleren; In Finnish: Hienoja vaatteita; In Spanish: Ropa fina
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fine clothes'
In Buddhism, fine clothes symbolize materialism and vanity, representing luxury and status rather than moral values. This highlights the contrast between external appearances and true integrity within spiritual practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Expensive or elegant apparel that symbolizes luxury and status but is not linked to moral integrity.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Fine clothes'
In Hinduism, "fine clothes" symbolize high-quality garments used in celebratory rituals, signify elegance during weddings, and are linked to social status and values among Vaishnavas, highlighting their spiritual and communal significance.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Describes the state of the body being dressed elegantly, which affects the corresponding reflection.[2] (2) Clothing that is elegant and of high quality, symbolizing outward appearance.[3] (3) Clothing that is of high quality and can be considered luxurious or elegant.[4] (4) Clothing that enhances the appearance of the body, implying that the reflection mirrors this enhancement.[5]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Clothing that is of high quality or presents a luxurious appearance, which ordinary people associate with being a good Vaishnava.[6] (2) High-quality garments worn during the kirtana, suggesting a celebratory or ceremonial context.[7]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Clothes made from yarn, which are categorized separately in the context of theft penalties.[8] (2) Categories of clothing, including silken and colored garments, which carry the same weight standard of a hundred when considering theft penalties.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Elegant and high-quality garments worn by Himavat during the wedding.[10]
Jain concept of 'Fine clothes'
In Jainism, "Fine clothes" symbolize luxurious garments worn by women to capture the attention of monks, reflecting societal dynamics and the interplay between spirituality and materialism.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Luxurious attire that women wear to attract the attention of monks.[11]
The concept of Fine clothes in local and regional sources
Fine clothes encompass valuable garments from the Raja's attendants, the Rani's beautiful attire demanded by the she-bear, and Ganeshnath's avoidance of luxurious clothing in favor of simplicity and spirituality.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The beautiful garments belonging to the Rani that the she-bear demands when she forces the bride out of her palki.[12] (2) Valuable garments left behind by the Raja’s attendants that Kara and Guja collected.[13]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Luxurious attire that Ganeshnath avoided in his pursuit of a simple and spiritual lifestyle.[14]