1.
manual labor at a temple; cleaning and maintenance work (in Zen Buddhism)
Originally a Zen Buddhist term for daily physical work considered part of spiritual practice.
A Zen Buddhist concept where daily physical labor — sweeping, cleaning, cooking, gardening — is regarded as a form of meditative practice equal in value to seated meditation (座禅). The word is best known through the compound 作務衣, the simple work clothing worn during these tasks.
Common collocations
- 作務衣: work clothes (originally for temple work, now popular as casual wear)
- 作務をする: to do temple work
- 朝の作務: morning work session
Cultural note
作務衣 has become popular as comfortable casual clothing beyond temple settings. Many craftspeople, artists, and restaurants use 作務衣 as work uniforms.