What is the meaning of "Nanmo Fo" (南无佛)? Why is it pronounced as "Namo Fo" (那摩佛)?
“南无佛”是什么意思?为什么读起来是“那摩佛”?
"Nanmo" is the transliteration of the Sanskrit "Namo". The Chinese characters "南无" were used since their pronunciation was similar with "namo" in ancient times when this term was introduced into China. Such a pronunciation is still preserved now in parts of China's Guangdong and Fujian provinces. "Namo" means salutation or homage. Even today, when Indians meet, they say "Namaste" to each other, that is "Homage to you".
“南无”是梵语Namo的音译,念成“那摩”,是保持原来古代的读音。现代广东、福建一部分地区,仍保持这个古音。它的意义是“敬礼”。今天印度人相见,互道“那摩悉对”,就是说:“敬礼了”。