also: えはつ · えはち
monk's robe and bowl; transmission of the dharma
Original Buddhist meaning: the robe and bowl are key possessions of a monk, symbolizing the transmission of teachings from master to disciple in Zen. The figurative sense refers to the passing on of the dharma itself.
mysteries of one's master's art; secret teachings
Extended from the Buddhist sense, used to refer to the secret techniques or essential knowledge passed from a master to a disciple in traditional arts, crafts, or other disciplines.
A ceremony was held to transmit the robe and bowl from master to disciple.
In Zen Buddhism, the transmission of the robe and bowl signifies the succession of the dharma.
He succeeded to his master's secret techniques and became a first-rate potter.
That chef preserves the flavors handed down as secret teachings from the previous generation.
Standard kanji form; the reading いはつ is the most common.
Alternate reading; less common than いはつ.
Alternate reading; less common than いはつ.
From Middle Chinese 衣鉢 (MC 'j+j pwat), literally 'robe and bowl', referring to the symbolic items passed from a Buddhist master to a disciple. The extended sense of 'secret teachings' developed in Japanese.