determined purpose; single-minded resolve
Refers to a firm, unwavering intention or resolve, often in the context of pursuing a goal with great determination.
He made a firm resolution and began studying to become a doctor.
There is a saying that single-minded determination can pierce even a rock.
an incredibly short span of time (i.e. the time occupied by a single thought)
Buddhist term for an extremely brief moment, literally the time it takes for one thought to arise. Rare in everyday language.
In Buddhism, it is said that many things can happen in the span of a single thought.
a single repetition of a prayer (esp. in Jodo-shu)
Specifically in Jodo-shu (Pure Land) Buddhism, refers to one recitation of the nembutsu or a prayer. Highly specialized term.
See also: 浄土宗
In Jodo-shu, it is taught that one is saved by a single recitation of the Buddha's name.
original intention; initial resolve
firm resolve; wholehearted determination
From Middle Chinese 一念 (ʔiɪt̚ nemH), literally 'one thought.' The Buddhist senses are direct borrowings from Chinese Buddhist texts, while the 'determined purpose' sense developed in Japanese from the idea of focusing one's mind on a single aim.