Nước Dương

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • Yang Water / Willow Water: In Buddhist context, a sacred or magical water associated with the Bodhisattva Guanyin (Quan Âm). It is traditionally described as water from a willow branch dipped in the nectar of immortality (Cam lồ), sprinkled upon sentient beings to alleviate their suffering.
    • A symbolic liquid: Represents compassion and the power to purify, heal, and extinguish the fires of worldly anguish.
Usage Examples
  • Proper Noun:
    • Trong nghi lễ, vị sư dùng nước Dương để rẩy lên các tín đồ. (In the ceremony, the monk used Yang Water to sprinkle upon the devotees.)
    • Truyền thuyết kể rằng nước Dương của Quan Âm có thể hóa giải khổ đau. (Legend says that Guanyin's Willow Water can dissolve suffering.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is almost exclusively used in religious, spiritual, or literary contexts related to East Asian Buddhism, particularly in Vietnamese folk belief. It is not used for ordinary water.
Variants and Related Words
  • Nước Cam Lồ (n): Nectar of Immortality; the sacred nectar often mentioned as the source from which the willow branch is dipped.
    • Nước Cam Lồ tượng trưng cho sự thanh tịnh và trường sinh. (The Nectar of Immortality symbolizes purity and longevity.)
  • Nhành Dương Chi (n): Willow Branch; the specific branch used by Guanyin to sprinkle the water.
    • Tay Quan Âm cầm nhành Dương Chi. (Guanyin holds a Willow Branch in her hand.)
Synonyms
  • Sacred water: Holy water used in religious rites.
  • Lustral water: Water used for purification in a ceremonial context.
Related Concepts
  • Phép nhà Phật (n): Buddhist dharma or magic; refers to the spiritual powers and teachings of Buddhism, within which "nước Dương" is considered a potent instrument.
  • Cứu khổ cứu nạn (v): To save from suffering and calamity; this is the primary function attributed to "nước Dương" in folklore.