1.
temple gate, main gate of a Buddhist temple
The main entrance gate of a Buddhist temple complex. Originally referred to the gate of a mountain temple, since many temples were built on mountains. By extension, can also refer to the temple itself.
山門をくぐる。
To pass through the temple gate.
立派な山門が見えてきた。
An impressive temple gate came into view.
南禅寺の山門は日本でも有数の大きさを誇る。
The temple gate of Nanzen-ji boasts one of the largest sizes in Japan.
山門 literally means "mountain gate" because Buddhist temples in Japan were traditionally built on mountains (山寺).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 山門: main gate of a Buddhist temple
- 鳥居: gate of a Shinto shrine
- 門: gate (general)
NOTE:
Also written 三門 (three gates), referring to the three gates of enlightenment in Buddhism: 空 (emptiness), 無相 (formlessness), and 無願 (desirelessness). Both kanji spellings are used.