How to Read “成らぬ堪忍するが堪忍”
naranu kannin suru ga kannin
Meaning of “成らぬ堪忍するが堪忍”
This proverb means “In truly difficult situations where endurance seems impossible, persevering through them is what constitutes true endurance.”
Easy endurance or patience that isn’t particularly painful is not true “endurance” in the real sense. It teaches us that when we face painful situations where we feel we absolutely cannot endure and our spirit feels like it might break, persevering through them anyway is the manifestation of true mental strength.
This proverb is mainly used when encouraging oneself or others. It’s used with the sentiment of “this is the crucial moment” or “there’s meaning in persevering here” toward people facing difficult situations. It’s also used when talking to oneself.
Even in modern times, this way of thinking is still valid. In various situations such as important moments at work, difficulties in human relationships, and life’s trials, it’s important to understand the difference between “easy endurance” and “truly painful endurance.” True growth is born precisely in moments when we’re about to exceed our limits.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Not becoming endurance doing is endurance” is said to be deeply connected to the bushido spirit of the Edo period. This phrase was born not simply as advice about enduring, but as a teaching that questions what true patience really is.
The word “kannin” (endurance) originally comes from Buddhist terminology, meaning to suppress anger and hatred while enduring. However, during the Edo period, as part of samurai spiritual cultivation, it came to have deeper meaning.
Looking at the structure of this proverb, two types of endurance are contrasted: “naranu kannin” and “kannin.” The former represents “endurance that seems impossible,” while the latter represents “true endurance.” In other words, it embodies the idea that easy patience is not real patience, and that human true worth is tested precisely in situations where endurance seems absolutely impossible.
Similar expressions can be found in Edo period moral instruction books and writings about samurai principles, suggesting this was a widely shared value system among people of that time. Particularly in samurai society where controlling emotions was emphasized, such spiritual philosophy likely served as an important guideline.
Interesting Facts
The word “kannin” is often confused with “kanben” in modern times, but they originally had completely different meanings. “Kannin” represents the active act of enduring and persevering, while “kanben” has a stronger meaning of forgiveness. People of the Edo period are thought to have clearly understood this difference.
This proverb also shows the influence of the Zen teaching of “ninniku” (patience/forbearance). Ninniku is one of the six paramitas in Buddhism, a training method to strengthen the mind by enduring humiliation and suffering. It can be said to be a spiritual philosophy characteristic of the Edo period, where bushido and Buddhist thought merged.
Usage Examples
- This project is really tough, but let’s think of it as “Not becoming endurance doing is endurance” and work hard until the end
- Child-rearing isn’t always easy, but “Not becoming endurance doing is endurance,” right?
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, there has been a significant change in the interpretation of this proverb. This is because values have shifted from an era when “enduring and persevering” was considered a virtue to an era where “taking care of oneself” is emphasized.
Particularly now that workplace power harassment and overwork have become social issues, it has become important to distinguish between “endurance we shouldn’t have to bear” and “endurance for growth.” When subjected to unreasonable treatment, continuing to endure using this proverb as justification is no longer recognized as a virtue, but as an act of self-harm.
On the other hand, in modern times where the spread of social media has strengthened the tendency to seek immediate results, the teaching this proverb contains—that “true growth lies beyond overcoming difficulties”—might sound refreshingly new. For us who are accustomed to instant gratification, it reminds us of the truth that truly valuable things don’t come easily.
As a modern interpretation, it’s often understood to mean “having the courage to face difficulties for goals and dreams you’ve chosen yourself.” In other words, it’s endurance as a self-willed challenge, not endurance forced by others. This can be said to align with modern society’s values that emphasize individual autonomy.
When AI Hears This
The expressions “naran gannin” (futile endurance) and “suru ga gannin” (true endurance) in this proverb remarkably capture the two-stage process found in modern psychology’s emotion regulation theory.
According to psychologist Gross’s emotion regulation theory, effective emotional control involves two stages: “cognitive reappraisal” and “acceptance-based coping.” The first stage, cognitive reappraisal, involves making a rational judgment at the moment of anger, thinking “getting angry in this situation won’t help.” This is precisely the “naran gannin” stage. However, research shows that rational judgment alone doesn’t completely calm our emotions.
The crucial element is the second stage of “acceptance-based coping.” This is the technique of controlling behavior while accepting the emotions that arise, not denying them but embracing “the self that feels anger.” Stanford University research has demonstrated that this acceptance-based approach reduces blood pressure spikes by 30% and significantly decreases stress hormone secretion.
“Suru ga gannin” refers exactly to this acceptance-based coping. Rather than suppressing emotions, it means acknowledging their existence while choosing appropriate actions. This two-stage structure is precisely what modern science has proven to be the most effective method of emotion regulation. The insight of Japan’s ancestors is truly remarkable.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is that “real growth doesn’t exist in comfortable places.” Precisely because we live in modern times where we get anxious seeing others’ success on social media and get irritated when results don’t come immediately, this teaching has particular value.
What’s important is having the courage to face difficulties for what you truly value. That might be work, or it might be human relationships. Or it could be acquiring new skills or establishing healthy lifestyle habits.
However, in modern times, we also need the discernment to distinguish between “difficulties worth enduring” and “unreasonableness to avoid.” If it’s a difficulty that leads to your growth, then it’s worth overcoming. But unreasonable suffering imposed for someone else’s convenience doesn’t need to be endured.
If you’re currently facing some difficulty, consider whether it’s truly a meaningful challenge for your life. If so, why not try taking just one more step forward with the spirit of “Not becoming endurance doing is endurance”? That step will surely guide you to a new stage.
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