Definition
护法 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to uphold the law' or 'to protect the Buddhist dharma'. In secular contexts it refers to defending the constitution or legal order, often in formal or political language. In Buddhist contexts it describes protecting the teachings and practitioners of Buddhism, and can also refer to the protective deities (护法神) themselves. The verb can split: 护过法, 护不了法.
v.o.
to uphold the law or constitution(Buddhism) to protect the dharma(also as noun) a dharma protector (护法神)
Examples
- 护法，。Lǜshī de zhízé shì hù fǎ, wéihù zhèngyì.A lawyer's duty is to uphold the law and maintain justice.
- 护法。Zhè zuò sìmiào de hù fǎ shén fēicháng yǒumíng.The dharma protector deity of this temple is very famous.
- ，。Tā hù le yí bèizi fǎ, cóngwèi dòngyáo.He upheld the law his whole life and never wavered.
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