Definition
沙门 is a Buddhist term from Sanskrit 'śramaṇa', referring to a Buddhist monk or ascetic who has renounced worldly life. It can also denote the monastic community (sangha) collectively. This is a formal or literary term, distinct from the more colloquial 和尚 (héshang). The geographical name 'Shāmén' for an islet off Shandong is a separate proper noun and not commonly used in general vocabulary.
n.
Buddhist monk (ascetic who renounces worldly life)Buddhist monastic order (sangha)
Examples
- 沙门。Hěn duō shā mén měitiān dōu yào niàn jīng dǎ zuò.Many monks chant sutras and meditate every day.
- 沙门。Zhè zuò sìmiào lǐ zhù zhe jǐ shí wèi shā mén.This temple houses dozens of monks.
- 沙门。Tā chūjiā chéng le yì míng shā mén.He left home to become a monk.
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