Definition
修道 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning to cultivate the Way (道), especially in Daoism or other religious traditions. The action focuses on spiritual practice, self-discipline, and asceticism. As a separable verb, you can insert aspect markers or complements between the two syllables, e.g., 修了三年道 ('practiced for three years') or 修过道 ('have practiced'). It is also used more loosely in modern Chinese to mean dedicating oneself to a craft or philosophy.
v.o.
to cultivate the Way (Daoist practice)to engage in spiritual or religious self-cultivation
Examples
- 修道，。Tā yìzhí zài shān shàng xiū dào, hěn shǎo xià shān.He has been cultivating the Way on the mountain and rarely comes down.
- 。Zhè wèi dàoshì yǐjīng xiū le sānshí nián de dào.This Daoist priest has been cultivating the Way for thirty years.
- 。Tā niánqīng shí zài sìmiào lǐ xiū guò dào.He practiced asceticism in a temple when he was young.
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