本尊

English translation: the kernel (of our human nature)

09:40 Sep 30, 2016
Japanese to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Philosophy / 一般
Japanese term or phrase: 本尊
Hi everyone!

I have a quote by Yoshida Shoin:

道は身の本尊にて、身の尊き所以は道にあり

The explanation is,

人として正しい道は、身体の本尊であり、人が尊い理由は、その身になかに、人として正しい道をちゃんと持っているからである

Obviously I've looked up the term 本尊 in the dictionary and all over the net but I'm struggling to piece together the meaning of this quote. Could anyone explain what 本尊 means in this particular context and give me a clue on how I can tackle the translation of this.

Thanks a lot,

Nick
Nicholas Hallsworth
Japan
Local time: 05:42
English translation:the kernel (of our human nature)
Explanation:
This term is perhaps a suitable compromise to put in the mouth of a Japanese philosopher, than such a conceptual or metaphysical term as either of the two considered in the discussion below, even if Shoin's inspiration can be traced to Buddhism.
Judging from what I read, Japanese thought on the meaning of life seems always closely connected to and inspired from Nature as experienced rather than analysed, 'extrapolated', let alone deconstructed.

Will add a link on the discussion I browsed through on this reflection from Yoshida Shoin, shortly.

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Note added at 3 hrs (2016-09-30 13:14:05 GMT)
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https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/1028261
Selected response from:

Marc Brunet
Australia
Local time: 06:42
Grading comment
Thank you for looking deeply into this from me. I've received confirmation from the author about how to interpret 本尊. It is a persons innate ability to live a good life. I appreciate your help :)
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
2 +1topmost principle/ethic (of life)
cinefil
3the kernel (of our human nature)
Marc Brunet
3piety
Takayuki Fukumori (X)
2essence
Port City
Summary of reference entries provided
(もっとも)大切にすべき物(または事)
multiverse

Discussion entries: 12





  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
essence


Explanation:
It seems to mean "essence".
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/essence

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Note added at 2 hrs (2016-09-30 12:27:53 GMT)
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I'm not sure if 人 refers to people in general or to certain people, but I think what the sentences mean is something like:
Knowing the right way is an essential element of one's being. If a person is worthy of respect, it is because he has the right way indwelling in him.


Port City
New Zealand
Native speaker of: Native in JapaneseJapanese
Notes to answerer
Asker: I've received a reply from the author, who wants me to interpret 本尊 as a person's innate ability to live a good life. I will go forward based on that and yours and mm42s suggestions. Thanks again!

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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5 peer agreement (net): +1
topmost principle/ethic (of life)


Explanation:
an idea

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Note added at 3時間 (2016-09-30 12:56:27 GMT)
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https://www.misatosekizai.co.jp/word_houyou/ka/gohonzon.shtm...
http://eprints.utas.edu.au/18891/1/whole_CoaldrakeMaidaStelm...

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Note added at 3時間 (2016-09-30 13:05:19 GMT)
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道 は 身の 本尊に て、 身の 尊き 所以 は 道に あり。 身 は 道の 伽藍に て、 道の 安置す る 所 は 身なり。 如何なる 大 伽藍 ありても、 本尊 なければ 伽藍と 云 ふべ からず。 如何なる 難 有き 本尊 にても、 水に 流し 火に 投じて は、 灰塵と なり 泥 沙に埋 るるの み。 故に 本尊 を 守護す る は 伽藍に 如く はなし。
https://archive.org/stream/yoshidashoinzens03yosh/yoshidasho...


cinefil
Japan
Local time: 05:42
Native speaker of: Native in JapaneseJapanese
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you for your help and your useful FYOs. I really appreciate the help.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Sergey Lev: Pretty sure this fits better.
33 mins
  -> Thanks a lot!
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3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
the kernel (of our human nature)


Explanation:
This term is perhaps a suitable compromise to put in the mouth of a Japanese philosopher, than such a conceptual or metaphysical term as either of the two considered in the discussion below, even if Shoin's inspiration can be traced to Buddhism.
Judging from what I read, Japanese thought on the meaning of life seems always closely connected to and inspired from Nature as experienced rather than analysed, 'extrapolated', let alone deconstructed.

Will add a link on the discussion I browsed through on this reflection from Yoshida Shoin, shortly.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 3 hrs (2016-09-30 13:14:05 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/1028261

Marc Brunet
Australia
Local time: 06:42
Native speaker of: French
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Thank you for looking deeply into this from me. I've received confirmation from the author about how to interpret 本尊. It is a persons innate ability to live a good life. I appreciate your help :)
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
piety


Explanation:
I think this word might suit the meaning of 本尊.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/piety



Takayuki Fukumori (X)
Australia
Local time: 07:42
Native speaker of: Native in JapaneseJapanese
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you!

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Reference comments


19 hrs
Reference: (もっとも)大切にすべき物(または事)

Reference information:
本尊
また比喩として派生した用法として、
仏教以外の宗教において信仰の対象として大切に扱われるもの。
日常生活において、ものごとの張本人や端倪すべからざる人物、大切にすべき物。
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/本尊

multiverse
Japan
Native speaker of: Native in JapaneseJapanese
Note to reference poster
Asker: Thank you!

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