📖 Meaning
Originally a Buddhist term meaning to examine one's own inner nature through spiritual insight. It now also refers to deep self-reflection and introspection, turning one's attention inward to scrutinize one's thoughts and conduct.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Buddhist practice, where a practitioner turns attention inward to illuminate and examine their own Buddha-nature. It appears in the Ming dynasty novel 《禅真逸史》 (Tales of the Zen True), in Chapter 17, where the character 澹然 (Danran) sits in quiet meditation, hears the roosters crowing at dawn, lowers his eyes and brows, and turns inward in contemplation. The expression later expanded beyond its religious context to denote sincere self-examination in daily life.
💡 Example Usage
他遇事不急不躁，常能返视内照，检省自身得失。
He stays calm under pressure and often turns inward to reflect on his own strengths and shortcomings.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 返视内照
- Pinyin: fǎn shì nèi zhào
- Literal Translation: turn, look, inward, illuminate
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4