also: ほんち
noun
true form of a buddha
Archaic Buddhist term referring to the original, fundamental nature of a buddha, as opposed to a manifested or temporary form (垂迹).
See also: 垂迹
本地垂迹説では、仏の本地が日本の神として現れるとされる。
In the theory of honji suijaku, the true form of a buddha is said to manifest as a Japanese kami.
noun
land of origin; homeland
Only with reading ほんち
Used with the reading ほんち to refer to one's native country or place of origin; less common than ほんじ.
彼は本地を離れて久しい。
He has been away from his homeland for a long time.