sabdavidya; ancient Indian linguistic studies
Technical term for one of the five traditional Indian sciences (五明), dealing with grammar and linguistics. Rare outside academic or historical Buddhist contexts.
See also: 五明
Shōmyō is one of the five ancient Indian sciences and corresponds to linguistics.
Buddhist hymn chanting; shōmyō chanting
Refers to the ritual chanting of Buddhist hymns, typically in Sanskrit or Chinese, used in Japanese Buddhist liturgy. The primary modern meaning.
I had a chance to hear shōmyō chanting at a temple.
Shōmyō plays an important role in Buddhist ceremonies.
The monks chanted shōmyō in the main hall.