Shodo Harada Roshi, a Zen teacher, places great significance on the use of robes and rituals in his Zen practice. These elements play a crucial role in his teachings and are deeply rooted in the traditional Japanese Zen tradition.

One of the main purposes of wearing robes in Zen practice is to create a sense of unity and equality among practitioners. In Zen, everyone is considered equal regardless of their social status or background. By wearing the same simple and unadorned robes, all practitioners are reminded of this equality and are encouraged to let go of their ego and individual identity.

The robes themselves are also symbolic of the renunciation of material possessions and attachment. They are plain and undecorated, representing the simplicity and detachment that is essential in Zen practice. Wearing the robes also serves as a reminder to be mindful and present in the moment, as any movement or action can be heard and felt through the fabric.

In addition to the robes, rituals are an integral part of Shodo Harada Roshi's Zen practice. These rituals, such as bowing, chanting, and incense offering, are meant to cultivate mindfulness and concentration. By performing these rituals with intention and focus, practitioners are able to let go of distractions and enter a state of deep meditation.

Rituals also serve as a way to express gratitude and reverence towards the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. By bowing, chanting, and offering incense, practitioners show their respect and devotion to these three essential aspects of Zen practice. This helps to cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude, which are important qualities in the Zen tradition.

Moreover, the repetition of these rituals helps to create a sense of rhythm and discipline in the practice. As Shodo Harada Roshi often says, "Zen is a practice of repetition." By performing these rituals repeatedly, practitioners are able to let go of their thoughts and enter a state of samadhi, or deep concentration.

Overall, the significance of robes and rituals in Shodo Harada Roshi's Zen practice is to cultivate a sense of unity, simplicity, mindfulness, gratitude, and discipline. They serve as powerful tools to help practitioners let go of their ego and enter a state of deep meditation. As such, they are an essential part of the Zen tradition and play a crucial role in Shodo Harada Roshi's teachings.