breaking a religious commandment; violation of Buddhist precepts
Primarily refers to the violation of Buddhist monastic rules or religious vows. Can also be used more broadly for breaking any religious commandment. Often appears in historical or literary contexts.
The monk committed the sin of breaking the precepts.
破戒僧は寺を追放された。
The apostate monk was expelled from the temple.
depraved monk; sinful priest
Compound of 破 (break, destroy) and 戒 (commandment, precept). The term is closely associated with Buddhism, where it describes the violation of monastic rules.