You cannot choose a Dharma name by yourself. The master must choose it based on seniority. Every master has different ideas and rules. The Dharma names of monks have two inheritances: the Dharma sect and the sect sect. Currently, most of the Dharma sects are Zen and Tiantai sects, and each generation has a special word to represent seniority.
For example, if the Gushan Dharma system of the Caodong Sect is passed down to the current generation, it is the forty-ninth generation of Tengzi, the previous generation of Elder Jinghui is the forty-eighth generation of Fuzi, and the next generation is Xu. Old monk Yun is the 46th generation of ancient Chinese characters. Reviving the past and reviving the present is the inheritance lineage of the Dharma sect.
There are also those passed down based on ordination sects. For example, Zong Shun’s sect is the Tiantai sect passed down by Master Qingding of Sichuan. Zi generation, disciple is Qing Zi generation, disciple and grandson are Zu Zi generation.
However, the situation is different when naming lay people. Generally, the name is based on a certain character from the Dharma sect or the Sha sect inheritance, plus a certain character from the common name, to facilitate memory and reduce workload.
There are also great masters who use Dharma names to encourage their disciples, place expectations on them, give blessings, etc. They no longer use the word system, but give different names to each one, or call them all by the same name, etc. This is all possible. During the Republic of China, Master Yin Guang did not name people according to the calligraphy school, but based on the encouragement of his elders.
The origin of the Dharma name:
The Dharma name is the name given to those who convert to Buddhism or believe in Taoism. Buddhism calls it Dharma name, precept name, or Dharma taboo, while Taoism calls it Dao name or Zun name. That is, after the ordination ceremony or the ordination ceremony for the monks, or when the lay people are taking refuge in the Three Jewels, or joining the Sanqing sect, or when they are ordained, or when the lay people who have not taken refuge or been ordained during their lifetime die and die, the Zen master or The title awarded by the Taoist Priest.
Monk in China represents those who become monks and practice Brahma, and is synonymous with monks. The purpose of monks becoming a monk is to study the Dharma, learn the ultimate and supreme Dharma, and reach the other side of liberation in life, so that they can have the capital to save all sentient beings. Since you are studying the Dharma, you must have a name that is different from the secular world. It is usually called the name or title of the Dharma.
This is also preserved according to traditional Chinese customs. Ancient Chinese people generally had only two names, with the first name and the last name being separate, and some also had a nickname. For example, Zhuge Liang was named Kongming and Mr. Wolong.
But one rule that should be known is that the name of the Dharma cannot be called by just anyone. Masters or elders of monks can call it by the name, and outsiders can only call it by the name of the Dharma. Dharma name: Also known as the name of the precepts. Anyone who believes in Buddhism and gets the name from the master who takes refuge is called the name of the Dharma. Because he received the precepts from the teacher, it is also called the name of the precepts. All Buddhists who have received the precepts, whether at home or as a monk, have a name of the Dharma.
Reference for the above content? Baidu Encyclopedia-Dharma Name