bản sư
Definition
- Noun:
- One's own monk teacher: A respectful term used by a Buddhist disciple to refer to the specific monk who is their personal teacher, preceptor, or spiritual guide in monastic life. It denotes a direct, formal teacher-student relationship within the Buddhist monastic tradition.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Con xin phép bản sư cho con đi hành hương. (I ask for my teacher's permission to go on a pilgrimage.)
- Theo lời dạy của bản sư, tôi thức dậy rất sớm để tụng kinh. (Following my teacher's instruction, I wake up very early to chant sutras.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is used almost exclusively within a formal Buddhist monastic context. It is a term of direct address and reference, carrying deep respect and acknowledging the teacher's authority in the disciple's spiritual and monastic training.
Variants and Related Words
- Sư phụ (n): Master, teacher. A more general term for a teacher or master, common in both Buddhist and other contexts (e.g., martial arts). It does not necessarily imply the same formal monastic preceptor relationship as "bản sư."
- Hòa thượng (n): Venerable monk, high-ranking monk. A title for an ordained senior monk, not necessarily one's personal teacher.
- Đệ tử (n): Disciple, pupil. The counterpart to "bản sư."
Synonyms
- One's preceptor: The monk who officiated at one's ordination.
- One's spiritual teacher: Emphasizes the guidance in spiritual practice.
Related Terms
- Thầy bổn sư: A fuller, more formal term with the same meaning as "bản sư." "Bổn" here reinforces the meaning of "original" or "fundamental" teacher.
- Y chỉ sư: A monastic teacher under whom a novice or monk takes refuge and upon whom they depend for guidance.