Ichinen
/i.tɕi.neɴ/noun
A Japanese Buddhist term meaning a single thought-moment or an intensely focused state of mind.
Did you know?In Tendai and Nichiren Buddhist thought, ichinen can refer to the profound idea that one thought-moment contains or reflects the entire universe.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Classical Chinese
一念 (yīniàn)
“One thought, a single mental moment, or a moment of intention”
Ancient Buddhist China
Chinese
一念
“A single instant of consciousness, used in Buddhist discussions of mind and perception”
Heian Period
Japanese
一念 (ichinen)
“One thought or single thought-moment in Japanese Buddhist vocabulary”
Kamakura Period
Japanese
一念 (ichinen)
“A concentrated thought or moment of faith, especially in developing Japanese Buddhist traditions”
20th Century
English
ichinen
“A Japanese Buddhist concept referring to a thought-moment or focused mental state”
Modern English
English
ichinen
“A specialized term used in English-language Buddhist and Nichiren discussions”