noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
diligence; devotion; concentration
Refers to wholehearted effort and single-minded dedication, often toward a skill, study, or personal goal. Carries a serious, sometimes spiritual tone.
彼は毎日、書道の精進を欠かさない。
He never misses his daily calligraphy practice, devoting himself to it.
精進を重ねて、ついに師範の資格を得た。
Through years of diligent effort, he finally obtained his instructor's license.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
ascetic practice; Buddhist striving
Specifically Buddhist: rigorous self-discipline and zeal in pursuing enlightenment, often involving meditation and moral purification. Cross-referenced with 六波羅蜜 (the six perfections).
See also: 六波羅蜜
僧侶は山にこもって精進に励んだ。
The monk secluded himself in the mountains and devoted himself to ascetic practice.
精進とは、悟りを求めて努力を続けることです。
Shōjin means continuing to strive in the quest for enlightenment.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
vegetarian diet (Buddhist)
Refers to the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that avoids meat and pungent vegetables. Often used in the phrase 精進料理 (shōjin ryōri).
祖母は毎月一日だけ精進をしている。
My grandmother observes a vegetarian diet for one day each month.
精進料理は、肉や魚を使わない伝統的な日本料理です。
Shōjin ryōri is a traditional Japanese cuisine that uses no meat or fish.