Definition

1. Noun:
   • Holy water, sacred water: In Buddhism and some other religions, "cam lộ" refers to pure, blessed water, often considered to have cleansing or purifying properties. It symbolizes spiritual nourishment and the sweet dew of compassion.
   • Nectar, ambrosia: In a broader or more literary sense, it can metaphorically refer to something exceptionally sweet, delightful, or spiritually nourishing, akin to divine nectar.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các nhà sư rưới cam lộ để thanh tịnh đạo tràng. (The monks sprinkle holy water to purify the ceremonial ground.)
  • Lời Phật dạy như giọt cam lộ thấm vào tâm hồn. (The Buddha's teachings are like drops of nectar seeping into the soul.)
  • Trong truyền thuyết, cam lộ là thức uống của thần tiên. (In legends, ambrosia is the drink of the immortals.)

Advanced Usage

• "mưa cam lộ": a rain of nectar; used metaphorically to describe teachings or blessings that bring relief, happiness, and spiritual growth.
  • Pháp âm của Ngài như cơn mưa cam lộ. (His Dharma voice is like a rain of sweet dew.)
• "cam lộ môn": This is a compound term referring to the "Gate of Nectar," a symbolic concept in Buddhist temples or teachings. It is listed here as a related term, not as the definition of "cam lộ" itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Nước cam lộ: Another way to say "holy water" or "nectar," emphasizing the liquid form.
• Cam lộ vương: A compound term, a title for a Bodhisattva (e.g., Kṣitigarbha) associated with sweet dew/nectar.
• Cam lộ pháp: A compound term referring to the "Dharma of Nectar," indicating profound Buddhist teachings.

Synonyms

• Nước thánh: Holy water (more common in Christian contexts).
• Nước phép: Blessed water.
• Mật ngọt: Nectar, sweet honey (in a literal or figurative sense).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Uống cam lộ": To drink nectar; often used figuratively to mean listening to or receiving profoundly beautiful and beneficial teachings.
  • Được nghe bài giảng đó, tâm tôi như được uống cam lộ. (Listening to that lecture, my mind felt as if it drank nectar.)
• "Cam lộ quán đảnh": A compound term for a nectar ablution or anointment ceremony in Vajrayana Buddhism.

1. (tôn giáo) Holy water