sắc tướng

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Form and Appearance: In Buddhist philosophy, "sắc tướng" refers to the visible form, shape, or outward appearance of things—the physical, material aspect of existence that is perceptible to the senses.
    • Phenomenal Form: It denotes the realm of tangible phenomena, which is considered transient and illusory in contrast to the true nature of reality or emptiness.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Theo giáo lý nhà Phật, không nên bám víu vào sắc tướng. (According to Buddhist teachings, one should not cling to form and appearance.)
    • Thiền định giúp ta nhìn thấu sắc tướng để đạt tới bản chất chân thật. (Meditation helps one see through phenomenal form to attain the true essence.)
Advanced Usage
  • "sắc tướng" in Buddhist Context: The term is often used in doctrinal discussions to contrast with "tánh không" (emptiness) or "chân như" (suchness), emphasizing the deceptive nature of physical reality.
    • Sắc tướng và không tướng là hai mặt của cùng một thực tại. (Form and emptiness are two aspects of the same reality.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Sắc (n): color, form, matter; a core Buddhist term often paired with "Không" (emptiness).

    • Sắc tức thị không, không tức thị sắc. (Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.)

  • Tướng (n): sign, characteristic, mark; often used in compounds like "tướng mạo" (appearance).

    • Đừng đánh giá người khác qua tướng mạo bên ngoài. (Do not judge others by their outward appearance.)
Synonyms
  • Form: the shape and structure of something.
  • Appearance: the way that someone or something looks.
  • Phenomenon: a fact or situation that is observed to exist, especially one whose cause is in question.
Related Concepts

  • Sắc uẩn (n): the aggregate of form; one of the Five Aggregates (Ngũ Uẩn) in Buddhism that constitute a sentient being.

    • Sắc uẩn bao gồm tất cả những gì thuộc về vật chất. (The aggregate of form includes all that is material.)

  • Vô tướng (n): signlessness; a state or characteristic of being without distinguishing marks or form.

    • Trí tuệ Bát Nhã thấu suốt vô tướng. (Prajna wisdom penetrates signlessness.)