Seven-Panel Buddhist Monks Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Lotus Arabesque dated 1796 Japan The transmission of the Buddhist masters vestment (kesa) to the disciple represents the transmission of the dharma (teaching), especially in Zen Buddhism. The only person able to recognize that the disciple is on the way to enlightenment (or has reached it) is the master, who has already experienced it. Kesa are treasured and associated with those who wore or owned them. Small, rectangular pieces of fabric are joined together to form one kesa. Many robes have been created from cut-up religious offerings, reflecting the idea that what is worthless in the secular world translates into the sacred in the Buddhist realm.. Seven-Panel Buddhist Monks Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Lotus Arabesque 68324