皈

guī
反 + 白

Definitions

guī to comply with; to follow

Etymology

About

The character 皈 combines 白 on the left and 反 on the right. Used primarily in Buddhist contexts, it signifies taking refuge in or committing to the religious path. Etymologically, 白 suggests purity or clarity, while 反 implies turning back or returning. Together, they convey the idea of turning away from worldly darkness and returning to an enlightened state. This character emerged relatively late in classical Chinese, coined specifically to translate the Sanskrit concept of "taking refuge" in Buddhist scriptures. Its usage remains largely confined to religious terminology, denoting the formal acceptance of faith and adherence to spiritual practice.

Example Sentences Hide

他皈依了佛教。

Tā guīyīle fójiào.

He converted to Buddhism.

她去年皈依了。

Tā qùnián guīyīle.

She converted last year.

我的哥哥皈依了基督教。

Wǒ de gēge guīyīle jīdūjiào.

My older brother converted to Christianity.

经过深思熟虑，他决定皈依。

Jīngguò shēnsī shúlǜ, tā juédìng guīyī.

After careful consideration, he decided to convert.

皈依佛教后，他的生活改变了。

Guīyī fójiào hòu, tā de shēnghuó gǎibiànle.

After converting to Buddhism, his life changed.

许多人皈依宗教是为了寻找内心的平静。

Xǔduō rén guīyī zōngjiào shì wèile xúnzhǎo nèixīn de píngjìng.

Many people convert to religion to seek inner peace.

在经历了一系列的人生挫折后，她最终皈依了佛法。

Zài jīnglìle yīxìliè de rénshēng cuòzhé hòu, tā zuìzhōng guīyīle fófǎ.

After experiencing a series of life setbacks, she finally converted to Buddhism.

虽然他的家人最初反对，但他仍然坚持皈依，并找到了心灵的归宿。

Suīrán tā de jiārén zuìchū fǎnduì, dàn tā réngrán jiānchí guīyī, bìng zhǎodàole xīnlíng de guīsù.

Although his family initially opposed, he still persisted in converting and found a spiritual home.

Related Characters

Component: 反

版 板 饭 返 叛 贩 扳 阪 坂 畈 舨 钣 飯 販

Component: 白

的 原 白 百 怕 皇 伯 迫 拍 皆 帕 柏 泉 泊

Example Words

皈依