Definition

1. Interjection (Religious):
   • Glory to; Praise to; Homage to: A devotional exclamation used by Buddhists, primarily in the Pure Land tradition, to express reverence, faith, and surrender to the Buddha or a specific Buddha/Bodhisattva. It signifies taking refuge, paying homage, and praying for salvation and guidance for all sentient beings.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Na mô A Di Đà Phật. (Glory to Amitabha Buddha.)
  • Các phật tử thành tâm niệm "Na mô". (The Buddhists devoutly chant "Na mô".)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is the Vietnamese transliteration of the Sanskrit "Namo" (नमो) or Pali "Namo", meaning "homage" or "obeisance." It is almost exclusively used in a religious context as part of longer devotional phrases.
• "Na mô Phật": A general invocation meaning "Glory to the Buddha."

Variants and Related Words

• Nam mô: An alternative, equally common spelling and pronunciation of the same term.
• Qui y (v): To take refuge (in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha). "Na mô" is an expression of this act.

Synonyms

• Homage: Special honor or respect shown publicly.
• Obeisance: A gesture expressing deference or respect, like a bow.
• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration of, especially in a religious context.

Related Idioms

• Miệng na mô, bụng một bồ dao găm: Literally, "A mouth chanting 'Na mô,' a belly full of daggers." This idiom criticizes hypocrisy, describing someone who speaks piously or morally but harbors malicious, deceitful, or harmful intentions.
  • Không nên tin hắn, miệng na mô bụng một bồ dao găm. (Don't trust him; his words are pious but his heart is full of malice.)

1. cũng như nam mô Glory to (buđha)