Proverb / Kotowaza
衣鉢を伝う
To pass on the secrets or essence of a craft, teaching, or tradition from a master to a disciple.
to pass on the robe and bowl
Quick Answer
To pass on the secrets or essence of a craft, teaching, or tradition from a master to a disciple.
- Literal Image
- to pass on the robe and bowl
- How to Use It
- Used when describing the succession of professional skills, artistic traditions, or academic research from one generation to the next.
Meaning
This expression describes the transmission of a master's profound skills, wisdom, or spiritual secrets to a successor. It signifies the formal inheritance of a lineage or specialized knowledge. Beyond mere technical instruction, it implies receiving the core spirit and deep truths of a particular path or profession.
Literal Image
to pass on the robe and bowl
How to Use It
Used when describing the succession of professional skills, artistic traditions, or academic research from one generation to the next.
Tone
Formal and respectful, can be used in the context of traditional arts, craftsmanship, or scholarly lineages.
Examples
名匠の技を弟子が受け継ぎ、衣鉢を伝うかたちで伝統が守られている。
The tradition is preserved as the disciple inherits the skills of the master craftsman, passing on the robe and bowl.
師匠から衣鉢を伝うことができたのは、長年の修行の賜物だ。
Being able to inherit the master's secrets was the result of many years of training.
引退する教授の研究を若手が引き継ぎ、衣鉢を伝うことになった。
A young researcher took over the work of the retiring professor, passing on the legacy of the research.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary 'ihatsu' is specialized Buddhist terminology and the concept is idiomatic, making it advanced.
衣鉢
いはつ / ihatsu
robe and bowl (symbolizing a master's teachings)
伝う
つたう / tsutau
to pass on; to transmit
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a formal expression and may feel overly heavy for casual everyday skills.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for simply teaching a basic skill; it implies the deep transmission of a life's work or a long-standing tradition.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.