Nembutsu
/nɛmˈbʊt.suː/noun
A Buddhist practice of reciting the name of Amitābha Buddha, especially the formula Namu Amida Butsu.
Did you know?In Japanese Pure Land traditions, saying Namu Amida Butsu is understood not merely as praise but as invoking reliance on Amitābha Buddha’s vow of liberation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bheudh-
“To become aware, notice, or awaken; the ancient root associated with the Buddha name.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
buddha
“Awakened or enlightened one, from the verbal root budh, “to awaken.””
Classical Chinese
Chinese
念佛
“Recollection or mindfulness of the Buddha; the characters literally combine “thought/remembrance” with “Buddha.””
6th–7th Century
Japanese
念仏（ねんぶつ）
“Nenbutsu: remembrance or invocation of Buddha, adopted into Japanese Buddhism from Chinese Buddhist terminology.”
12th–13th Century
Japanese
念仏
“A central devotional practice in Japanese Pure Land movements, commonly expressed through Namu Amida Butsu.”
Modern English
English
nembutsu
“The Japanese Buddhist practice of reciting Amitābha Buddha’s name, particularly in Pure Land traditions.”