teach by personal example; explain from one's own experience
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
(Buddhism) for the Buddha to manifest in various human forms to preach the Dharma
Originally a technical term in Buddhism describing the Buddha's supernatural power to manifest in different forms to teach sentient beings.
Buddhist scriptures record that the Buddha can manifest in various forms to preach the Dharma and liberate sentient beings.
Guanyin Bodhisattva often manifests in different identities to preach the Dharma, universally saving people from worldly suffering.
verb
to explain or persuade by using one's own experience as an example; to teach by personal example
Modern metaphorical usage evolved from the Buddhist term. Now commonly used to describe explaining something by drawing on one's own personal experiences to persuade or teach others.
The teacher taught by personal example, recounting his own struggles when he was young to encourage students to study hard.
He explained from personal experience, using his own story of drug rehabilitation to warn young people to stay away from drugs.
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The veteran worker taught by personal example, passing on work experience to new colleagues.