清规戒律 rules and regulations
Explanation
原指佛教徒遵守的规则和戒条，现比喻束缚人的繁琐不合理的规章制度。
Originally refers to the rules and precepts observed by Buddhist followers. Now it is used to describe cumbersome and unreasonable rules and regulations that bind people.
Origin Story
在一个古老的寺庙里，住着一位德高望重的方丈。他制定了寺庙的清规戒律，这些戒律详细地规定了僧人们的日常生活，从早课晚课到饮食起居，事无巨细。起初，僧人们都严格遵守，寺庙井然有序。可是，随着时间的推移，一些清规戒律变得不适应时代的发展，甚至有些繁琐苛刻，僧人们感到压抑和不满。年轻的僧人觉远，他敏锐地察觉到这些清规戒律已经成为束缚僧人发展创新的枷锁，他提议改革一些不合理的规定，但遭到了老方丈的反对。老方丈认为，这些清规戒律是祖师爷传下来的，必须遵守，不能更改。觉远不灰心，他开始潜心研究佛经，寻找更适合现代僧人生活的修行方式。他发现，佛法的精髓在于修身养性，而不是死板地遵循一些条条框框。他逐渐用自己的行动，向其他僧人证明了这一点。他提倡一种更灵活、更开放的修行方式，鼓励僧人们发挥自己的才能，为社会做出贡献。最终，寺庙在觉远的努力下，逐渐摒弃了一些不合理的清规戒律，变得更加充满活力和生机。
In an ancient temple, there lived a highly respected abbot. He established the rules and regulations of the temple, detailing the daily lives of the monks, from morning and evening prayers to diet and living, nothing was left out. Initially, the monks strictly observed these rules, and the temple was well-ordered. However, as time went on, some of the rules became unsuitable for the development of the times, some even cumbersome and harsh, making the monks feel suppressed and dissatisfied. A young monk, Jueyuan, keenly sensed that these rules had become shackles hindering the development and innovation of the monks. He proposed to reform some unreasonable regulations, but was opposed by the old abbot. The old abbot believed that these rules were passed down from the forefathers and must be observed without modification. Jueyuan didn’t give up; he began to devote himself to studying Buddhist scriptures, seeking a more suitable practice for modern monks. He discovered that the essence of Buddhism lies in self-cultivation and character cultivation, not in the rigid adherence to rules and regulations. Gradually, he proved this to other monks through his actions. He advocated a more flexible and open approach to practice, encouraging monks to utilize their talents and contribute to society. Eventually, under Jueyuan's efforts, the temple gradually discarded some unreasonable rules and regulations, becoming more vibrant and full of life.
Usage
用来形容那些繁琐、不合理的规章制度，也指墨守成规，不知变通的人或行为。
Used to describe cumbersome and unreasonable rules and regulations, or to describe people or behaviors who stick to the rules and don't know how to change.
Examples
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他为人古板，处处墨守清规戒律。
ta weiren guban, chuch chu mo shou qinggui jielü
He is a very rigid person, and he strictly adheres to the rules and regulations.
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这家寺庙的清规戒律非常严格。
zhejiang si miao de qinggui jielü feichang yange
The rules and regulations of this temple are very strict.