本願
Meanings
1
Amida Buddha's original vow; long-cherished desire
Primarily a Buddhist term for Amida Buddha's vow to save all beings, but also used more broadly for a deeply held personal wish or lifelong aspiration.
In Jōdo Shinshū, it is considered important to have faith in Amida Buddha's original vow.
His long-cherished desire was to build a school in his hometown.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の本願を叶えるto fulfill one's long-cherished wish
He finally fulfilled his long-cherished wish.
- 本願を遂げるto accomplish one's original vow or lifelong wish
After his ascetic training, the monk accomplished his original vow.
- 本願が成就するfor one's long-held wish to be realized
Her long-held wish was finally realized.