Huệ Khả

Definition

  1. Proper noun:

    • Huike (Hui-k'o): The name of the Second Patriarch of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism, a principal disciple of Bodhidharma, the First Patriarch. He is a central figure in early Chan lineage and lore.
    • A historical person: Refers specifically to the monk Shenguang, who later received the name Huike from Bodhidharma after demonstrating profound determination to learn the Dharma.

  2. Proper noun (in context):

    • Symbol of perseverance and sincere seeking: Represents the ultimate dedication and sacrifice required in the pursuit of enlightenment, based on the legend of him standing in snow and severing his arm.
Usage Examples
  • Proper noun:
    • Sau Bồ Đề Đạt Ma, Huệ Khả trở thành Tổ thứ hai của Thiền tông. (After Bodhidharma, Huike became the Second Patriarch of Chan Buddhism.)
    • Câu chuyện Huệ Khả đứng chờ trong tuyết là một bài học về lòng kiên nhẫn. (The story of Huike waiting in the snow is a lesson in patience.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Tâm Huệ Khả": This phrase evokes the mind or spirit of Huike, symbolizing unwavering resolve and the willingness to endure hardship for truth.
    • Người tu học cần có tâm Huệ Khả. (A practitioner needs to have the mind of Huike.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Nhị Tổ Huệ Khả (n): The Second Patriarch Huike. This is his formal title within the Buddhist patriarchate.
    • Nhị Tổ Huệ Khả kế thừa y bát từ Bồ Đề Đạt Ma. (The Second Patriarch Huike inherited the robe and bowl from Bodhidharma.)
Synonyms
  • The Second Patriarch: A formal title referencing his position in the Chan lineage.
  • Shenguang: His name before receiving the Dharma name "Huike" from Bodhidharma.
Related Idioms and Concepts

  • Đoạn tý cầu pháp: (Severing the arm to seek the Dharma) This idiom directly references the most famous legend associated with Huike, where he cut off his own arm to demonstrate his sincere desire for teaching.

    • Tinh thần đoạn tý cầu pháp của Huệ Khả thật đáng khâm phục. (Huike's spirit of severing his arm to seek the Dharma is truly admirable.)

  • Đứng trong tuyết: (Standing in the snow) Refers to the initial part of the story where Huike stood patiently in a snowstorm waiting for Bodhidharma's attention, symbolizing perseverance.

    • Anh ấy kiên trì như Huệ Khả đứng trong tuyết. (He is as persistent as Huike standing in the snow.)