xuất gia
Definition
- Verb:
- To become a Buddhist monk or nun: The primary meaning of "xuất gia" is to leave one's secular life and family to formally enter a monastic order, typically in Buddhism, by taking vows and following a religious discipline.
- To renounce the world: It signifies the act of renouncing worldly attachments and pleasures to dedicate one's life to spiritual practice and religious study.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Sau nhiều năm suy ngẫm, ông ấy quyết định xuất gia. (After many years of contemplation, he decided to become a monk.)
- Cô ấy xuất gia tại một ngôi chùa nổi tiếng. (She became a nun at a famous pagoda.)
- Xuất gia không có nghĩa là trốn tránh cuộc sống. (To renounce the world does not mean to escape from life.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "xuất gia" is deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition. The process often involves a formal ceremony where the individual receives a new name, shaves their head, and dons monastic robes.
- It implies a lifelong commitment to the precepts and rules of the monastic community (Sangha).
Variants and Related Words
- Đi tu (v): A more general and colloquial phrase meaning "to enter the religious life." It can be used interchangeably with "xuất gia" in many contexts but is less specific to the formal act of leaving home.
- Anh ấy có ý định đi tu. (He intends to enter the monastic life.)
Synonyms
- To be ordained: To be formally admitted into a religious order.
- To take monastic vows: To pledge oneself to a life of religious observance.
- To renounce secular life: To give up ordinary worldly life.
Related Idioms
- Xuất gia đầu Phật: Literally "to leave home and bow to Buddha," emphasizing the complete act of devotion and entering the Buddhist path.
- Quyết định xuất gia đầu Phật của cô ấy khiến mọi người kính phục. (Her decision to leave home and devote herself to Buddha earned everyone's respect.)