The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1200 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions
5.22Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
Kaigen
(Jap., ‘opening the eye’). A general Zen expression for the awakening of a true insight into the nature of reality; thus the insight of a master (
roshi
) is often referred to as his
dharma
eye. More particularly, it is the ceremony whereby a representation of a
buddha
or
bodhisattva
(in sculpture or painting) is consecrated and brought to life, by giving it eyes. It thereby gives expression to the buddha-nature (
bussho
) within it.
Kail
sa
(Skt., ‘ice/silver mountain’).
1
Mountain range in Him
layas, but also one mountain in particular sacred to both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists. It is the paradise of the gods, especially
iva
. Ridges in the southern face resemble a
svastika
, hence reference to it as ‘the svastika mountain’.
2
A temple at
Ellor
, probably constructed by the king
K
a
(d.
c.
773 CE), and dedicated to
iva. The temple is constructed to translate the Himalayan mountain into architectural form.
Kaimy
(Jap., ‘precepts name’). The name Japanese Buddhist monks and nuns are given when ‘taking the precepts’, at the time of their ordination, which replaces their secular name.

Other books

The Cross of Iron by Willi Heinrich
The Candle by Ian Rogers
Bound for Vietnam by Lydia Laube
A Bug's Life by Gini Koch