Definition
杀生 is a noun meaning 'the taking of life' or 'killing living beings.' It is a key Buddhist term referring to the first precept (不杀生), which forbids harming sentient creatures. The word is used in religious, ethical, and moral discourse rather than as a general verb for killing (which would be 杀人 or 杀害).
n.
the act of killing (living beings)the taking of life (especially in Buddhist ethics)
Examples
- 杀生。Tā jiānchí bù shā shēng de yuánzé.He adheres to the principle of not killing.
- 杀生。Fójiàotú zūnshǒu bù shā shēng de jièlǜ.Buddhists observe the precept of not killing.
- 杀生。Zhège sìmiào de sēnglǚ cóng bù shā shēng.The monks at this temple never kill living beings.
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