Even before you take the refuges, the precepts ceremony requires that you put on your robe. This is pretty significant. In particular, if you really look at the Robe Chant, it seems what it’s saying is like, “spreading/draping this formless garment of beneficial practice over all beings,” which is kind of cool. In other words, the fabric itself is a metaphor for our connection with and vow to practice for all beings. — Anshi Zachary Smith