kesa

Buddhist surplice

The followers of the Buddha were only allowed to have limited possessions ("three robes and a bowl"). The robes they wore had to be either gifts or made of scraps. The Indian word for these robes was kasaya, meaning "mixed colors." This word evolved into kesa in Japan. Eventually different regions and sects adopted specific colors for their clothing. The surplice was used for ceremonial purposes. In Japan the colors of the kesa vary depending on the position of the priest or purpose of the ceremony.

Talking About Buddhism
Yoshihito and Vardaman