To form a relation or bond (usually between people), e.g., through marriage or adoption; to join two parties by fate or arrangement.
両家が縁を結んで、来月結婚式を挙げることになった。
The two families have become related, and they're holding the wedding next month.
あの二人は仕事で出会い、いつの間にか縁を結んだ。
Those two met at work and before they knew it formed a bond.
養子縁組をして別の家族と縁を結ぶことになった。
By being adopted, he came to be connected with another family.
(Buddhism) To form a spiritual connection or bond (with the Buddha or a deity); to establish religious fellowship.
寺で護摩を焚き、仏との縁を結ぶ儀式が行われた。
A ritual to form a connection with the Buddha was held at the temple where a goma fire was lit.
信者は念仏を唱えて仏との縁を結ぶと考える。
Believers think that chanting the nenbutsu helps them form a connection with the Buddha.