Oh Mighty Garments

A Brahmin, a member of the Hindu priest, had a great reputation for holiness, and received many presents so that he became rich.

One day, he took a fancy to dress himself as a poor peasant.

In this attire¹（服装）, he went into the market place but no one saluted² him and no one gave him any presents.

The Brahmin then returned to his house and, dressing³ himself in rich garments, once more set out for the market place.

This time, everybody saluted him and made way for him and many handed him presents.

This was the usual custom when a holy Brahmin happened to make his appearance in the market place. Once again, the Brahmin returned to his home and changed his clothes.

Then, taking the rich garments, he set them up on a shrine⁴ near the market.

As he prostrates⁵ himself before them, cried continually: "O mighty⁶ garments, you are esteemed⁷ above all else in this world."

The people gathered round in wonder. And in time came to worship the clothes as this Brahmin was doing.

This custom has spread farther and farther. Now in many countries around the world, trendy and fashionable people do the same thing, though not, perhaps in the way as the Brahmin did.