qui sư, qui phật
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To become a monk or a Buddhist disciple: The phrase "qui sư, qui phật" describes the act of formally committing to a religious life by taking a teacher (sư) or the Buddha (phật) as one's guide. It signifies entering monastic life or becoming a devoted Buddhist follower.
- To take refuge in a monk or in the Buddha: It can refer to the specific act of seeking spiritual sanctuary and guidance under a monastic teacher or in the teachings of Buddha.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Sau biến cố lớn, ông ấy quyết định qui sư, qui phật. (After a major life event, he decided to become a monk.)
- Tâm nguyện của bà là được qui sư, qui phật để tu hành. (Her heartfelt wish is to take refuge in a monk and the Buddha to practice spirituality.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in a formal or literary context to describe a significant, life-changing spiritual commitment. It implies a complete dedication, often involving renunciation of secular life.
Variants and Related Words
- Quy y (v): To take refuge (in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha). This is the standard term for the formal ceremony of becoming a Buddhist.
- Cô ấy đã quy y cửa Phật từ năm ngoái. (She took refuge in Buddhism last year.)
- Xuất gia (v): To leave home (to become a monk or nun).
- Anh ta có ý định xuất gia. (He intends to ordain as a monk.)
Synonyms
- To ordain: To formally enter a religious order.
- To take monastic vows: To pledge oneself to a monastic life.
- To devote oneself to Buddhism: To dedicate one's life to Buddhist practice.
Related Idioms
- Cửa Phật: Literally "the door/gate of Buddhism," meaning the Buddhist religion or monastic life.
- Bước vào cửa Phật là một quyết định hệ trọng. (Entering the path of Buddhism is a significant decision.)