individual concrete phenomenon
Buddhist term: a specific, tangible occurrence or thing, contrasted with an abstract universal principle (理). Used in philosophical or doctrinal contexts.
See also: 理
In Buddhism, the distinction between concrete phenomena and universal principle is important.
incident; case; affair; event
article; news story; report
important; serious; crucial · valuable; precious; treasured · serious matter; major incident; crisis · great undertaking; great enterprise; great thing · safe; OK
accident; incident; trouble · circumstances; reasons
business; enterprise; commercial operation · project; undertaking; initiative
fact; truth; reality
meal; dining · diet; eating habits
construction work; construction
detective; police detective · criminal matter; criminal case
prior; beforehand; in advance; ex ante
situation; state of affairs; circumstances
circumstances; situation; reasons
office work; clerical work; administration
military affairs; military matters
reply; answer; response
personnel affairs; human resources; HR
director; trustee; board member
matter; item; fact
example; precedent; case
prefectural governor; governor
event; function
housework; domestic chores · family affairs; household matters
executive secretary; coordinator; organizer
business; errand; things to do
engage in; be involved in; pursue
fire; conflagration
judge; judiciary
public prosecutor
steward; butler · court official · deacon
matter; case; concern
The kanji 事 generally means 'thing' or 'matter'. In this Buddhist usage, it specifically denotes concrete phenomena as opposed to abstract principle. The reading じ is a Sino-Japanese on'yomi.