bonze

Asian Buddhist cleric

A bonze is a Buddhist monk, especially in Japan, China, or Southeast Asia.

The term entered English through Portuguese missionaries and traders who encountered Buddhist clergy in Asia.

It appears mainly in historical or literary contexts: The bonze rang the temple bell at dawn.

In modern usage, the word sounds dated; most writers now prefer simply "Buddhist monk."

monastic

monastery

Religious seclusion dwelling

robesLong loose outer garments
almsGifts to the destitute
chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization

ordination · novice · sangha · precepts · tonsure · begging bowl · saffron · meditation · temple · abbot

Buddhist

dharma

Cosmic moral order

sutraEastern religious discourse
vinayaBuddhist moral conduct
zenMeditative calm

enlightenment · nirvana · karma · buddha · bodhisattva · mantra · vipassana · samadhi · mindfulness · sangha

Japanese

temple

Sacred worship structure

pagodaTiered Asian temple tower
tea ceremonyRitualized beverage preparation
zazenZen seated meditation

tatami · Kyoto · Nara

ascetic

hermit

Person choosing total seclusion

abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
self-denialRestraining one's own desires
austerityEnforced economic stringency

recluse · frugality · penance · renunciation · sacrifice · temperance · self-discipline · monasticism · solitude · mortification

Categories

clergypriest, bishop, pope, nun, monk
monasticsmonk, nun, abbot, nuns, abbess
monksmonk, abbot, friar, brother, novice
Buddhist monasticsmonk, nun, novice, abbot, abbess
Japanese MonksGenshin, abbot, head priest, novice monk, novice

Opposites

religious tradition

bonzefriar

Mendicant order member

priest · padre · abbot · pastor · imam

secular vs. religious life

Ordinary untrained person

layperson · secular · householder · worldling · materialist

Family

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G