More than a mere garment, the kesa is a “mandala,”a symbolic rendering of the Buddhist universe. It is divided into columns, the center column representing the world axis and the Buddha himself. Two large squares often found flanking the center column represent two of Buddha’s principal attendants, Samantabhadra (Fugen)--the bodhisattva (bosatsu) of benevolence, on the right, and on the left, Manjusri (Monju)--the bodhisattva of wisdom. Four corner squares, often composed of contrasting fabric, are physical representations of the Four Heavenly Kings called the “Shitenno,” guardians of the four cardinal points of the Buddhist universe who protect the Buddhist law by warding off vices and wickedness which threaten the faithful. Long and short patches within each column represent wisdom and delusion respectively; the former outnumbering the latter. When the kesa is worn the human body becomes part of this symbolic universe, the kesa separating the priest from the physical or material world."