भिक्खु
Bhikkhu
Monk / Mendicant
比丘
Grammar 語法
masculine noun (u-stem): from bhikkhati (to beg, to go on alms round)
Definition 釋義
An ordained Theravāda monk — one who has received the full ordination (upasampadā) and lives according to the 227 rules of the Pātimokkha. Bhikkhu means literally 'one who begs (for food)' — a reference to the daily alms round (piṇḍapāta) that is central to the monastic life. The bhikkhu's role in the Saṅgha is to maintain the Vinaya, practise the path, and preserve and transmit the Dhamma. In the Three Jewels, the conventional Saṅgha is composed of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.
Canonical Example 典籍例句
Bhikkhu kho ahaṃ, āvuso, etarahi pabbajito.
I am now, friend, one who has gone forth as a monk.
Source: MN 26 (Ariyapariyesanā Sutta)
At a Glance
- Pali
- Bhikkhu
- IAST
- Bhikṣu
- Devanagari
- भिक्खु
- Chinese
- 比丘
- Difficulty
- beginner
Related Words
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