Definition
方丈 is a term from Chinese Buddhism. It originally referred to the one-zhàng-square (方形一丈) dwelling of a monk, but today it is most commonly used as a title for the abbot of a Buddhist monastery, or the abbot's room. It is a respectful term and carries cultural weight; you will encounter it in temple contexts, historical dramas, or discussions about religion.
noun
Buddhist abbothead monk of a monasterythe abbot's quarters in a Buddhist monasterya traditional unit of areaabout 11.11 square meters (archaic)
Examples
- 方丈。Zhè wèi fāng zhang shì yí wèi fēicháng yǒu zhìhuì de gāosēng.This abbot is a very wise and eminent monk.
- 方丈。Sìmiào lǐ de fāng zhang zhèngzài gěi dìzǐmen jiǎng jīng.The abbot in the temple is giving a sutra lecture to the disciples.
- 方丈。Kèrénmen bèi qǐng dào le fāng zhang lǐ hē chá.The guests were invited into the abbot's quarters to drink tea.
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