Dictionary Definition :
Definition[1]
:
The letter; letters; literal; the written word is described as the breath and life of the dharmakāya; cf. 嚕 ruta.
Source
:
A Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms, William Edward Soothill and Lewis Hodous
Definition[2]
:
(雜名)詮表義理之具也。實相本離文字,但不假文字,不能詮實相,故文字者乃法身之氣命也。法華玄義五曰:「文字是法身氣命,讀誦明利是圓家數息。」維摩經觀眾生品曰:「言語文字皆解脫相。」
Source
:
丁福保《佛學大辭典》