butsu

[boot-soo, boot-, boo-tsoo]

noun

plural

butsu 

1. a representation of the Buddha.

2. (initial capital letter),  Buddha.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butsu¹

From Japanese, ultimately from Middle Chinese (equivalent to Chinese fó “Buddha”), from Sanskrit buddha; Buddha

Example Sentences

“As a matter of fact, that makes absolute sense,” Franny said, “because in the Nembutsu sects of Buddhism, people keep saying ‘Namu Amida Butsu’ over and over again—which means ‘Praises to the Buddha’ or something like that—and the same thing happens.

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My first experience of a Japanese hotel was at Nara, anciently the capital of Japan, and now a place of resort because of its fine old temples, its Dai Butsu, and its beautiful deer park.

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Namu Amida Butsu, keep my days!

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The Dai Butsu at Nara is taller than the one at Kamakura.

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In the Kamakura Dai Butsu both hands rest upon the knees, while in the one at Nara the right arm is extended upward with the palm of the hand placed to the front.

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