Gathering of monks at Menri Monastery. Photo credit: Unknown

The yellow hat is one of the necessary religious articles of clothing for a monk.   Each detail of the hat is symbolic.  For example, “the clear, deep blue lining of the inside symbolizes the Bönku, the empty aspect of the Bön essence, the source of all phenomena.  The yellow, feathered tassles along the length of the very top symbolize the Enlightened Ones of the good eon continuously being at the top of one’s head.  The countless, yellow threads standing parallel symbolize hearing the limitless collection of the cycle of teachings.

Yungdrung Bon lamas with their yellow hats. Photo credit: Unknown

The four corners beyond the ear symbolize taming those who are not trained through the four qualities which positively influence others.  (These four are 1) Generosity, 2) Gentle speech, 3) Meaningful activity, and 4) Having one’s actions be consistent with one’s words.)  The encircling red cord symbolizes condensing into one the many doors of Bön.”

Translated from Tibetan by Raven Cypress Wood© All Rights Reserved