expression, godan verb (-ru)
to die; to pass away; to become a Buddha
Euphemistic or Buddhist-influenced expression for dying, literally 'to become a Buddha'. Often used in a respectful or gentle tone when referring to someone's death.
See also: 仏
祖母は昨晩、静かに仏になりました。
My grandmother passed away peacefully last night.
あの世で仏になることを願う。
I pray that they become a Buddha in the next world.