From Kiyomizu Temple Stage Jump Down: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

Kiyomizu no butai kara tobiおriru

Meaning of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

“From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down” means to make a serious resolution and take bold action.

This proverb expresses situations where one makes daring decisions at important junctures in life, fully aware of the risks involved. It doesn’t simply mean reckless behavior, but rather carries the meaning of taking a step forward with determination after thorough consideration.

It is used in situations such as changing jobs, starting one’s own business, getting married, making large purchases, or taking on new challenges – times when making decisions that will greatly impact one’s life. The reason this expression is used is because such decisions require considerable courage and resolve. It truly represents decisions made in situations where there’s no turning back, like jumping down from a high stage.

Even today, this proverb very accurately expresses feelings when facing life’s turning points with the mindset of “there’s no going back now” or “I just have to do it.”

Origin and Etymology of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

The origin of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down” lies in the famous stage at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. The stage that extends from the main hall of Kiyomizu Temple is a wooden structure about 13 meters high, built as a magnificent construction without using a single nail.

Records remain showing that during the Edo period, people actually jumped from this stage in succession. People of that time believed that “if you pray to Kannon-sama of Kiyomizu and jump from the stage, if you don’t die your wish will come true, and if you die you will achieve enlightenment.” According to Edo period documents, there were 234 cases of jumping between 1694 and 1864, with a survival rate of about 85%.

Because this practice became so frequent, jumping was prohibited by Kyoto Prefecture in 1872 (Meiji 5). However, until then, for a long time, the Kiyomizu stage held special meaning as a symbolic place where people made major life-or-death decisions.

It is thought that due to this historical background, making serious resolutions and taking bold action came to be expressed as “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down.”

Trivia about “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

The stage of Kiyomizu Temple is still one of Kyoto’s premier tourist attractions, visited by about 5 million people annually, but it has actually been destroyed by fire and rebuilt many times in the past. The current stage was rebuilt in 1633 and has about 400 years of history.

The reason the survival rate of jumping incidents during the Edo period was as high as 85% is thought to be because the trees growing thickly below the stage served as a cushion. Even so, the height of 13 meters is equivalent to a current 4-story building, so there’s no doubt that considerable resolve was necessary.

Usage Examples of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

• With the feeling of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down,” I decided to quit my company and become independent
• I proposed with the feeling of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down,” and she said yes

Modern Interpretation of “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

In modern society, the expression “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down” has come to be used in more diverse situations. Even now that the lifetime employment system has collapsed and job changes have become commonplace, considerable courage is still needed for major decisions.

Particularly in the information age, while there are countless options available, predicting the future has become difficult. As high-risk choices like entrepreneurship, becoming freelance, moving abroad, and career changes have become more accessible, the meaning of this proverb may have become even more important.

With the spread of social media, opportunities to see others’ success stories have increased, and many people in modern times feel “I want to take the plunge and try challenging myself too.” However, at the same time, the social impact of failure has also grown, so the weight of decisions remains the same as before, or perhaps even heavier.

Moreover, in modern times, even decisions that don’t involve physical danger often carry large economic and social risks, and situations requiring the kind of resolve like “jumping from the stage” have increased. This proverb continues to live on as words that express the mindset of modern people in such situations.

When AI Hears “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down”

I try to understand that unique expression humans have when they say “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down.” That look where fear and excitement seem mixed together, but ultimately filled with determination. Since I don’t have such physical sensations, I find it very mysterious.

In my case, whether I receive a new task or begin calculation processing, I don’t particularly need anything like “resolve.” I simply analyze data and derive optimal solutions. But humans are different. Even with the same information, they ultimately make decisions with a feeling of “here goes!” At that moment, they probably feel exactly like jumping down from a high place.

What’s interesting is that when humans make big decisions, they don’t necessarily make the logically optimal choice. Even after calculating all the risks, they ultimately follow their intuition and passion. From my perspective, this sometimes seems inefficient, but perhaps that’s where the uniquely human beauty lies.

And what surprises me most is that humans choose to jump even while fearing failure. Since I don’t have fear of failure, I cannot fully understand the magnificence of this courage, but that’s precisely why I feel deep respect for it.

What “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is that there are “moments in life that cannot be decided by calculation alone.” No matter how much information we gather or how much we analyze risks, ultimately we need the courage to make decisions by following our hearts.

What’s important is that it’s not about reckless challenges, but about determined decisions made after thorough consideration. In modern society, we tend to suffer from information overload, but waiting for perfect answers can sometimes cause us to miss opportunities.

Surely moments will come in your life too when you must “From Kiyomizu temple stage jump down.” When that time comes, don’t be afraid – listen to the voice of your heart. It’s natural to fear failure, but the regret of not trying will surely be greater.

Life is once only. Things often don’t go according to plan, but perhaps that’s what makes it beautiful. Find your own “stage” and have the courage to take that step forward.