Shōjin
/ɕoːdʑiɴ/noun
A Japanese Buddhist practice of spiritual discipline, also associated with vegetarian temple cuisine.
Did you know?In Japan, shōjin ryōri—temple cuisine traditionally prepared without meat—developed from Buddhist discipline and the avoidance of harming living creatures.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient India
Sanskrit
vīrya
“Spiritual energy, vigor, or courageous effort; a Buddhist virtue later rendered in Chinese terminology.”
Ancient China
Chinese
精進
“Jīngjìn: to advance with refined effort, diligence, or spiritual zeal.”
6th–8th Century
Middle Chinese
tsjengH dzinH
“A Buddhist expression for disciplined progress and vigorous spiritual practice.”
8th Century
Japanese
shōjin
“The Sino-Japanese reading of 精進, meaning religious devotion, diligence, or disciplined practice.”
Medieval Japan
Japanese
shōjin ryōri
“Temple-style cuisine associated with Buddhist discipline and abstention from meat.”
Modern English
English
shōjin
“A Japanese term for Buddhist ascetic practice, especially as reflected in temple cuisine.”
Explore more surprising origins