Only with reading じゃく
Buddhist term for entering the state of nirvana, often used in formal or scriptural contexts.
The high priest enters nirvana.
died (of a monk)
Only with reading じゃく
Suffix attached to a date to indicate the death of a Buddhist monk. Used in historical or religious records.
taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Only with reading せき
Literary adjective/adverb describing profound silence or stillness. Usually read せき and used in classical or poetic language.
Zen Master Dōgen died on the 28th day of the 8th month of Kenchō 5.
The forest at night was utterly silent and still.
silence; stillness; quietness
death of a priest; entering nirvana
nirvana; death of the Buddha
light of wisdom; silent illumination · paradise; nirvana
lonely; desolate; forlorn
nirvana; extinction of desires; achieving nirvana · death; passing away
quiet; stillness; tranquility · enlightenment; nirvana
quiet and secluded; sequestered
death of a high-ranking priest; passing away of a venerable monk
complete emptiness; nirvana · quiet and lonely
quiet; peaceful; tranquil
Kanji form used in Buddhist contexts and classical expressions. The reading じゃく is common for nirvana-related meanings, while せき appears in literary silence descriptions.
The kanji 寂 carries meanings of quiet, lonely, and nirvana. The reading じゃく is derived from Middle Chinese and is used in Buddhist terminology. The reading せき is also Sino-Japanese and appears in literary descriptions of silence. The historical derivation is uncertain beyond these Sino-Japanese origins.