Abbot (Buddhism): Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Buddhist title in English-speaking countries}} |
{{short description|Buddhist title in English-speaking countries}} |
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[[File:KhenRinpocheRatoTemple.jpg|thumb| 200px|Khen Rinpoche [[Nicholas Vreeland]] was the first western monk to be made abbot of a major [[Tibetan Buddhist]] monastery,<ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Ella|title=A Frustrating Love Letter In 'Monk With A Camera'|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/11/20/365194678/a-frustrating-love-letter-in-monk-with-a-camera|publisher=[[NPR]]|date=November 20, 2014| |
[[File:KhenRinpocheRatoTemple.jpg|thumb| 200px|Khen Rinpoche [[Nicholas Vreeland]] was the first western monk to be made abbot of a major [[Tibetan Buddhist]] monastery,<ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Ella|title=A Frustrating Love Letter In 'Monk With A Camera'|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/11/20/365194678/a-frustrating-love-letter-in-monk-with-a-camera|publisher=[[NPR]]|date=November 20, 2014|access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref> [[Rato Dratsang]], in [[Karnataka]], India]] |
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In [[Buddhism]], the '''abbot''' ({{ |
In [[Buddhism]], the '''abbot''' ({{langx|pi|𑀲𑀗𑁆𑀖𑀡𑀸𑀬𑀓|saṅghanāyaka}}) is the head of a Buddhist [[Monastery#Buddhism|monastery]] or large [[Temple#Buddhist temples|Buddhist temple]].<ref name=SBS>{{cite web|url=https://sasanarakkha.org/monastery/|title=Saṅgha Leadership|website=[[Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary|Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary]]}}</ref> In Buddhist nunneries, the nun who holds the equivalent position is known as the '''abbess''' ({{langx|pi|𑀲𑀗𑁆𑀖𑀦𑀸𑀬𑀓𑀸|saṅghanāyakā}}). |
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In English-speaking countries, the English word "abbot" is used instead of all the various words that exist in the languages of the countries where Buddhism is, or was historically, well established. |
In English-speaking countries, the English word "abbot" is used instead of all the various words that exist in the languages of the countries where Buddhism is, or was historically, well established. |
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== Role == |
== Role == |
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An abbot is a [[Bhikkhu|monk]] who holds the position of administrator of a monastery or large temple.<ref name="baroni">{{cite book|last=Baroni|first=Helen Josephine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC|title=The illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism|publisher=Rosen Publishing|year=2002|isbn=978-0-8239-2240-6|page=1}}</ref> The administrative duties of an abbot or abbess include overseeing the day-to-day running of the monastery.<ref name="baroni" /><ref name="monastic">{{cite book|last=Buswell|first=Robert E.|title=The Zen Monastic Experience: Buddhist Practice in Contemporary Korea|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|year=1993|page=110|isbn=978-0-691-03477-5}}</ref> The abbot or abbess also holds spiritual responsibility for the monastics under their care, and is required to interact with the abbots or abbesses of other monasteries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lawton|first=Kim|title=Buddhist Abbot Nicholas Vreeland|url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2012/06/15/june-15-2012-buddhist-abbot-nicholas-vreeland/11256/|publisher=[[PBS]]|date=June 15, 2012| |
An abbot is a [[Bhikkhu|monk]] who holds the position of administrator of a monastery or large temple.<ref name="baroni">{{cite book|last=Baroni|first=Helen Josephine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=smNM4ElP3XgC|title=The illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism|publisher=Rosen Publishing|year=2002|isbn=978-0-8239-2240-6|page=1}}</ref> The administrative duties of an abbot or abbess include overseeing the day-to-day running of the monastery.<ref name="baroni" /><ref name="monastic">{{cite book|last=Buswell|first=Robert E.|title=The Zen Monastic Experience: Buddhist Practice in Contemporary Korea|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|year=1993|page=110|isbn=978-0-691-03477-5}}</ref> The abbot or abbess also holds spiritual responsibility for the monastics under their care, and is required to interact with the abbots or abbesses of other monasteries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lawton|first=Kim|title=Buddhist Abbot Nicholas Vreeland|url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2012/06/15/june-15-2012-buddhist-abbot-nicholas-vreeland/11256/|publisher=[[PBS]]|date=June 15, 2012|access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref> |
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== Languages other than English == |
== Languages other than English == |
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In Chinese [[Chan Buddhist]] monasteries, a common word for abbot is ''Fāngzhàng'' (方丈) meaning "one square [[zhàng]] (equal to ten square feet)", a reference to the size of [[Vimalakirti]]'s stone room.<ref name="dictionary">{{cite book|last1=Buswell Jr.|first1=Robert E.|last2=Lopez Jr.|first2=Donald S.|title=The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|year=2013|page=295|isbn= 978-1-4008-4805-8}}</ref> |
In Chinese [[Chan Buddhist]] monasteries, a common word for abbot is ''Fāngzhàng'' (方丈) meaning "one square [[zhàng]] (equal to ten square feet)", a reference to the size of [[Vimalakirti]]'s stone room.<ref name="dictionary">{{cite book|last1=Buswell Jr.|first1=Robert E.|last2=Lopez Jr.|first2=Donald S.|title=The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|year=2013|page=295|isbn= 978-1-4008-4805-8}}</ref> |
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Another word for abbot is ''Zhùchí'' (住持), meaning "dweller" and "upholder."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/Buddhism/BuddhistDict/BDA.html|publisher=Buddhist Text Translation Society |title=Buddhism A to Z: A entries| |
Another word for abbot is ''Zhùchí'' (住持), meaning "dweller" and "upholder."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/Buddhism/BuddhistDict/BDA.html|publisher=Buddhist Text Translation Society |title=Buddhism A to Z: A entries|access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref> Monks and nuns tend to be addressed as ''Fǎshī'' (法師) meaning "Dharma teacher." |
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=== Japanese === |
=== Japanese === |
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*門主 (''Monsu'') |
*門主 (''Monsu'') |
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*法主 (''Hossu'' |
*法主 (''Hossu'') |
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! scope="row" | [[Jōdo Shinshū]] |
! scope="row" | [[Jōdo Shinshū]] |
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In the Tendai tradition, the term ''Zasu'' 座主 is common. The abbot is also sometimes referred to as ''Yama no zasu'' (山の座主), meaning "Abbot of the mountain." |
In the Tendai tradition, the term ''Zasu'' 座主 is common. The abbot is also sometimes referred to as ''Yama no zasu'' (山の座主), meaning "Abbot of the mountain." |
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''[[Monzeki]]'' (門跡) was a term reserved for priests of aristocratic or imperial lineage, and is still used today at [[Daikaku-ji]] of [[Shingon]] and [[Hongan-ji]] of [[Jōdo Shinshū]].<ref>{{cite web|title=abbot (jūjishoku 住持職, jūji 住持, jūshoku 住職)|url=http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/library/glossary/individual.html?key=abbot|publisher=Sōtō Zen International| |
''[[Monzeki]]'' (門跡) was a term reserved for priests of aristocratic or imperial lineage, and is still used today at [[Daikaku-ji]] of [[Shingon]] and [[Hongan-ji]] of [[Jōdo Shinshū]].<ref>{{cite web|title=abbot (jūjishoku 住持職, jūji 住持, jūshoku 住職)|url=http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/library/glossary/individual.html?key=abbot|publisher=Sōtō Zen International|access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref><ref name="baroni" /><ref>{{cite web |title=和尚 |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%92%8C%E5%B0%9A-40294 |website=コトバンク |publisher=The Asahi Shimbun Company / VOYAGE GROUP, Inc. |access-date=2019-06-10}}</ref> |
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=== Korean === |
=== Korean === |
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The Korean word for abbot is ''juji''(住持/주지).<ref name="monastic" /><ref name="dictionary" /> |
The Korean word for abbot is ''juji'' (住持/주지).<ref name="monastic" /><ref name="dictionary" /> |
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=== Thai === |
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The Thai term for the abbot of a temple (''[[wat]]'') is ''chaoawat'' ({{langx|th|เจ้าอาวาส}}).<ref>{{cite book|last=Haas|first=Mary R.|author-link=Mary Haas|year=1964|title=Thai{{ndash}}English Student's Dictionary|url=https://pdfhost.io/v/Wanoc6mZB_124|location=Stanford|publisher=Stanford University Press|page=124|isbn=0-8047-0567-4}}</ref> |
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=== Tibetan === |
=== Tibetan === |
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The abbot of a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] monastery is known as the ''[[Khenpo]]''. This means "the one who gives the monks vows". The abbot is both addressed as and referred to as "Khen Rinpoche". |
The abbot of a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] monastery is known as the ''[[Khenpo]]''. This means "the one who gives the monks vows". The abbot is both addressed as and referred to as "Khen Rinpoche". |
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Another word used for more senior abbots is ''Khenchen'', which means "senior khenpo."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bodhipath.org/index.php?id=322|title=Shamar Rinpoche's explanation of the proper use of the titles "Khenchen" and "Khenpo"|publisher=Bodhi Path Buddhist Center| |
Another word used for more senior abbots is ''Khenchen'', which means "senior khenpo."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bodhipath.org/index.php?id=322|title=Shamar Rinpoche's explanation of the proper use of the titles "Khenchen" and "Khenpo"|publisher=Bodhi Path Buddhist Center|access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref> |
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=== Vietnamese === |
=== Vietnamese === |
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The Vietnamese word for abbot is ''trụ trì'' (住持).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://phatgiao.org.vn/tru-tri-va-nhiem-vu-cua-vi-tru-tri-la-gi-d13290.html|title=What is Trụ trì and the mission of the Trụ trì?|publisher=Vietnam Buddhist Sangha| |
The Vietnamese word for abbot is ''trụ trì'' (住持).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://phatgiao.org.vn/tru-tri-va-nhiem-vu-cua-vi-tru-tri-la-gi-d13290.html|title=What is Trụ trì and the mission of the Trụ trì?|publisher=Vietnam Buddhist Sangha|access-date=May 8, 2023}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Latest revision as of 09:51, 24 October 2024
In Buddhism, the abbot (Pali: 𑀲𑀗𑁆𑀖𑀡𑀸𑀬𑀓, romanized: saṅghanāyaka) is the head of a Buddhist monastery or large Buddhist temple.[2] In Buddhist nunneries, the nun who holds the equivalent position is known as the abbess (Pali: 𑀲𑀗𑁆𑀖𑀦𑀸𑀬𑀓𑀸, romanized: saṅghanāyakā).
In English-speaking countries, the English word "abbot" is used instead of all the various words that exist in the languages of the countries where Buddhism is, or was historically, well established.
Role
[edit]An abbot is a monk who holds the position of administrator of a monastery or large temple.[3] The administrative duties of an abbot or abbess include overseeing the day-to-day running of the monastery.[3][4] The abbot or abbess also holds spiritual responsibility for the monastics under their care, and is required to interact with the abbots or abbesses of other monasteries.[5]
Languages other than English
[edit]Asian countries where Buddhism is still widely practiced have words in their own languages for the abbot of a Buddhist monastery or large temple:
Chinese
[edit]In Chinese Chan Buddhist monasteries, a common word for abbot is Fāngzhàng (方丈) meaning "one square zhàng (equal to ten square feet)", a reference to the size of Vimalakirti's stone room.[6]
Another word for abbot is Zhùchí (住持), meaning "dweller" and "upholder."[7] Monks and nuns tend to be addressed as Fǎshī (法師) meaning "Dharma teacher."
Japanese
[edit]
In Japanese Buddhism, the most commonly used words for the abbot of a large temple or monastery are jūji (住持), jūjishoku (住持職), or simply jūshoku (住職). Occasionally the word jishu (寺主) is used as well, derived from the Sanskrit word vihārasvāmin which referred to the supervisor of a vihāra that contained a stupa.
A temple without a priest is denoted by the term mujū (無住).
Sectarian differences
[edit]The following table contains a non-exhaustive list of titles used among the many schools within Japanese Buddhism.
| Sect | General term | Head of sect or temple |
|---|---|---|
| Risshū |
|
|
| Tendai |
|
|
| Shingon |
|
|
| Rinzai Zen |
|
|
| Soto Zen |
|
|
| Jōdo-shū |
|
|
| Jōdo Shinshū |
|
|
| Nichiren |
|
|
| Others |
|
|
As shown above, the term 和尚 (Oshō, etc.) can be pronounced several ways, depending on the tradition in question. Its origins are in the Sanskrit word upādhyāya originally referring to someone who conferred the precepts onto another.
Hōin (法印) was originally a title bestowed upon a monk by the emperor. Shōnin (上人) is a title of respect to one who has attained a certain level of enlightenment. Goin (御院) and Inke (院家) refer to the temple proper.
In the case of Pure Land Buddhism, which de-emphasizes discipline in favor of household life, the words for abbacy tend to be a reflection of the institution rather than the person in charge. In the Kansai region, Goingesan (ご院家さん), Goinsan (御院さん) and Goensan (ご縁さん) are commonly used among Shin Buddhists. Abbacy also tends to be inherited from family lineage within Pure Land traditions.
Hōushu or Hossu (法主) is the title used by Ekan Ikeguchi at Saifuku-ji in Kagoshima. It is also used among the Seven Head Temples of Jōdo-shū and Taiseki-ji of Nichiren Shōshū.
In the Tendai tradition, the term Zasu 座主 is common. The abbot is also sometimes referred to as Yama no zasu (山の座主), meaning "Abbot of the mountain."
Monzeki (門跡) was a term reserved for priests of aristocratic or imperial lineage, and is still used today at Daikaku-ji of Shingon and Hongan-ji of Jōdo Shinshū.[8][3][9]
Korean
[edit]The Korean word for abbot is juji (住持/주지).[4][6]
Thai
[edit]The Thai term for the abbot of a temple (wat) is chaoawat (Thai: เจ้าอาวาส).[10]
Tibetan
[edit]The abbot of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery is known as the Khenpo. This means "the one who gives the monks vows". The abbot is both addressed as and referred to as "Khen Rinpoche".
Another word used for more senior abbots is Khenchen, which means "senior khenpo."[11]
Vietnamese
[edit]The Vietnamese word for abbot is trụ trì (住持).[12]
References
[edit]- ^ Taylor, Ella (November 20, 2014). "A Frustrating Love Letter In 'Monk With A Camera'". NPR. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ^ "Saṅgha Leadership". Sāsanārakkha Buddhist Sanctuary.
- ^ a b c Baroni, Helen Josephine (2002). The illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism. Rosen Publishing. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-8239-2240-6.
- ^ a b Buswell, Robert E. (1993). The Zen Monastic Experience: Buddhist Practice in Contemporary Korea. Princeton University Press. p. 110. ISBN 978-0-691-03477-5.
- ^ Lawton, Kim (June 15, 2012). "Buddhist Abbot Nicholas Vreeland". PBS. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ^ a b Buswell Jr., Robert E.; Lopez Jr., Donald S. (2013). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton University Press. p. 295. ISBN 978-1-4008-4805-8.
- ^ "Buddhism A to Z: A entries". Buddhist Text Translation Society. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ^ "abbot (jūjishoku 住持職, jūji 住持, jūshoku 住職)". Sōtō Zen International. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ^ "和尚". コトバンク. The Asahi Shimbun Company / VOYAGE GROUP, Inc. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
- ^ Haas, Mary R. (1964). Thai–English Student's Dictionary. Stanford: Stanford University Press. p. 124. ISBN 0-8047-0567-4.
- ^ "Shamar Rinpoche's explanation of the proper use of the titles "Khenchen" and "Khenpo"". Bodhi Path Buddhist Center. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ^ "What is Trụ trì and the mission of the Trụ trì?". Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Retrieved May 8, 2023.