極楽
Meanings
1
Sukhavati; Amitabha's Pure Land
abbreviationBuddhism
Buddhist term; abbreviation of 極楽浄土. Refers to the Western Paradise of Amitabha Buddha.
See also: 極楽浄土
Sukhavati refers to Amitabha Buddha's Western Pure Land.
2
paradise; heaven on earth
Common metaphorical use for a place or situation of supreme bliss and comfort.
I felt like I was in paradise soaking in the hot spring.
This place is truly heaven on earth.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉は極楽だused to say a place or moment feels like pure bliss
Soaking in the hot spring feels like paradise.
- 極楽へ行くto pass away peacefully, going to the Pure Land
Grandma passed away peacefully, going to the Pure Land.
- 極楽気分になるto feel utterly blissful and relaxed
I felt blissfully relaxed after getting a massage.
Expressions
- 聞いて極楽見て地獄don't believe everything you hear; hearsay paradise, reality hell
- 信心過ぎて極楽を通り越すfaith is best in moderation; excessive devotion can backfire