意馬心猿

Reading

Kana: いばしんえん

Romaji: ibashin'en

Definition

noun

1

it is hard to keep one's worldly desires and passions in check

(Buddhist term)

Note: yojijukugo

Kanji

意

Reading: イ

Meanings: idea, mind, heart, taste, thought, desire, care, liking

馬

Readings: バ、 うま、 うま-、 ま

Meaning: horse

心

Readings: シン、 こころ、 -ごころ

Meanings: heart, mind, spirit, heart radical (no. 61)

猿

Readings: エン、 さる

Meaning: monkey