DDB: 秉炬 | holding the torch

Digital Dictionary of Buddhism

秉炬

Pronunciations

Basic Meaning: holding the torch

Senses:

A reference to a type of funerary practice held in a Buddhist monastery. The torch 炬 is said to symbolize the cremation of the deceased. There are three terms used to refer to this type of funerary ritual: 秉炬, 下火 and 下炬.

According to the Chanlin xiangqi jian 禪林象器箋, however, certain differences exist between the three practices. For example, while the sermon 法語 delivered during a 秉炬 service is said to be relatively long, the sermon of the 下火 ceremony is said to be relatively short in length; and whereas the 下火 is performed by one person, the 秉炬 requires numerous people to perform. Accordingly, cremation ceremonies 荼毘式 that include the 秉炬 practice are long and include many people. If an actual flame is used, the text states, the torch will burn too quickly. In place of a burning torch, then, one should carve a wooden 'torch,' apply red coloring to it in the shape of a flame, or attach a bundle of red cloth to its top for use in the ceremony. (禪林象器箋喪薦門). 〔敕修百丈淸規 T 2025.48.1128c28〕

[A.K. Goodman]

Search SAT

Search INBUDS Database

Feedback

[Dictionary References]

Zengaku daijiten (Komazawa U.) 1056d

Iwanami bukkyō jiten 683

Japanese-English Buddhist Dictionary (Daitō shuppansha) 106b/117

Zenrin shōkisen (Mujaku Dōchū) 574/566

Japanese-English Zen Buddhist Dictionary (Yokoi) 217

Bukkyōgo daijiten (Nakamura) 1149a, 1204d

Fo Guang Dictionary 3467

Ding Fubao

Bukkyō daijiten (Mochizuki) (v.1-6)20a

Bukkyō daijiten (Oda) 1479-2, 1568-3

The rights to textual segments (nodes) of the DDB are owned by the author indicated in the brackets next to each segment. For rights regarding the compilation as a whole, please contact Charles Muller. Please do not reproduce without permission. And please do not copy into Wikipedia without proper citation!

Entry created: 2001-07-15

Updated: 2010-04-06