Mnemonic
The bamboo stalks growing around the temple are all equal in height. The monks trim them daily, believing no bamboo should rise above another—just as no monk in the temple should consider himself above his brothers.
Additional thoughts
Picture a Zen garden with perfectly uniform bamboo rows. The temple's philosophy of equality extends from nature to the monks themselves—everything is kept level, nothing stands out.Quick recall
Bamboo at the temple is trimmed so every stalk stands equal.Details
The keyword for 等 is equal. This kanji conveys the idea of things being the same in rank, degree, or value—being on par with one another. It is used to express equivalence, uniformity, or a level standing among items or people. It can also indicate a class or grade, as well as serve as a pluralizing suffix meaning "and so forth."
- On'yomi
- とう
- Kun'yomi
- ひと.しい、など、-ら