Translation guide
The term 'living Buddha' refers to a person who is considered an incarnation or emanation of a Buddha, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. In Japanese, this concept is most commonly expressed through specific titles and terms used for reincarnated lamas.
To refer to a recognized reincarnation of a Buddhist master, such as the Dalai Lama or Panchen Lama.
Direct translation of 'living Buddha', used for high-ranking reincarnated lamas in Tibetan Buddhism. This is the standard term.
ダライ・ラマはチベット仏教の活仏です。
The Dalai Lama is a living Buddha of Tibetan Buddhism.
Literally 'incarnation lama', a term used for reincarnated lamas. More descriptive than 活仏.
彼は化身ラマとして認められた。
He was recognized as an incarnation lama.
Literally 'reincarnated lama', another term for a lama who has been reborn. Used in similar contexts.
転生ラマの探索が始まった。
The search for the reincarnated lama began.
To describe a person who has attained Buddhahood and continues to live in the world to help others.
Literally 'living Buddha', used more broadly for any person considered to be a Buddha while alive. Can be used metaphorically for a very compassionate person.
彼はまるで生き仏のように慈悲深い。
He is as compassionate as a living Buddha.
A more literary or classical way to say 'living Buddha'. Similar to 生き仏 but less common in modern speech.
その僧は生ける仏と崇められた。
That monk was revered as a living Buddha.
To describe someone who is exceptionally kind, patient, or saintly, often in a non-religious context.
Used to describe a person who is like a living Buddha in their compassion and patience. Common in everyday speech.
彼女は怒らずに、生き仏のような人だ。
She never gets angry; she's like a living Buddha.
Literally 'a person like a Buddha', a simpler way to express the same idea. More common than 生き仏 for metaphorical use.
彼は仏のような人で、誰にでも優しい。
He is a Buddha-like person, kind to everyone.
活仏 (かつぶつ) is specifically used for reincarnated lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, while 生き仏 (いきぼとけ) is a broader term for any living person considered a Buddha or metaphorically for a saintly person. Use 活仏 when referring to figures like the Dalai Lama, and 生き仏 for general or metaphorical contexts.
Directly translating 'living Buddha' as 生活している仏 (せいかつしているほとけ) would be unnatural and is not used. Stick to the established terms.