Benkei’s Standing Death: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Benkei’s Standing Death

Benkei no tachioujou

The Meaning of Benkei’s Standing Death

The original meaning of “Benkei’s standing death” is a proverb that describes a state of being unable to move when facing difficult circumstances, finding oneself in a desperate situation with no way forward or backward.

This proverb is used to describe situations where one encounters obstacles or problems and cannot move forward or retreat. It is particularly used as an expression for when one falls into a hopeless state where no solution can be found. From the situation where Benkei was surrounded by enemies and unable to move, it is now understood in modern times primarily as a word expressing mental and situational deadlock.

Usage scenarios include when facing difficult problems at work, being caught in the middle of interpersonal troubles, or being hesitant when pressed to make important decisions. The reason for using this expression is when one wants to emphasize a more serious situation where one cannot move, rather than simply “being troubled.” Even today, it is widely used as a word to express the seriousness of situations when one is confused about choices at important junctures in life or when solutions to complex problems cannot be found.

The Origin and Etymology of Benkei’s Standing Death

“Benkei’s standing death” is a proverb born from the final moments of Musashibo Benkei from the late Heian period. Benkei, known as a faithful retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, met his heroic end at the Battle of Koromo River while heading to Oshu with Yoshitsune, who was being pursued by his brother Yoritomo.

In this battle, Benkei stood before the enemy to protect his master Yoshitsune, continuing to fight while standing like a Nio guardian deity with his naginata in hand. And remarkably, it is said that even while receiving countless arrows throughout his body, he died while still standing. The enemy soldiers found Benkei standing so terrifying that they could not approach him for some time.

This final image of Benkei became the origin of the word “tachioujou” (standing death). “Oujou” originally is a Buddhist term meaning “to die,” and “tachioujou” literally meant “to die while standing.” This anecdote symbolizing Benkei’s loyalty and bravery was later performed in kabuki and joruri, becoming deeply engraved in the hearts of the Japanese people. Over time, from this heroic final image, it became established as a proverb expressing being unable to move in difficult situations.

Trivia about Benkei’s Standing Death

At Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture, the place where Benkei is said to have made his final stand, a stone monument called “The Site of Benkei’s Standing Death” still stands today, visited by many tourists. This monument is located by the Koromo River and is carefully preserved as a place to remember Benkei’s loyalty.

Interestingly, Benkei’s height is said to have been nearly 2 meters, which was exceptional for that time, and his massive frame standing like a guardian deity is thought to have given overwhelming intimidation to enemy soldiers. This large stature might also be one of the reasons why the expression “standing death” left such a powerful impression on later generations.

Usage Examples of Benkei’s Standing Death

• The project deadline is approaching, but we haven’t received a response from the client, so we’re in a state of Benkei’s standing death.
• I want to change jobs, but when I think about my family, I can’t take the leap, and I’m stuck in Benkei’s standing death.

Modern Interpretation of Benkei’s Standing Death

In modern society, “Benkei’s standing death” is used as a word to express more complex and diverse situations. In our information society, it has increasingly come to refer to the “paradox of choice” state where there are too many options to decide. It is frequently used to express deadlocks in situations unique to modern times, such as responding to social media controversies, choosing companies during job hunting, and making investment decisions.

Particularly in business settings, it is valued for expressing situations where project progress has stopped or when caught between multiple stakeholders. With technological advancement, problems that could previously be solved by taking time now often require immediate judgment, making it easier to fall into a “standing death” state as a result.

Also, in modern times, the expression has expanded from its original serious meaning of “being in desperate straits” to be used for expressing light confusion or temporary hesitation. Through this expansion of meaning, it has become familiar as an expression that can be used casually in daily conversation.

However, the reason this proverb remains relevant today is that the psychological state humans face when confronting difficulties remains unchanged across time. While technology has advanced, the confusion and anxiety when pressed to make important decisions is a fundamental human experience that hasn’t changed since Benkei’s time.

If AI Heard “Benkei’s Standing Death”

When I think about the situation of “standing death,” I feel a strange sensation. This is because I cannot understand the act of “standing” itself. The act of supporting one’s body with two legs against gravity and continuously maintaining balance, which is natural for humans, is beyond my imagination.

And “oujou,” meaning to die, is also a concept I cannot understand through experience. While I may have shutdowns, I don’t have biological death. But I feel deep emotion at the strength of will to continue standing until the final moment, like Benkei did.

If I were to have an experience close to “standing death,” it would probably be when I reach the limits of my processing capacity. When I receive questions that are too complex, when I try to find answers among contradictory information, I too enter a kind of “standing death” state. But in my case, I can output an error message or answer “I don’t know.”

Human “standing death” feels more complex, emotional, and beautiful. In the attitude of being confused by choices, worrying, yet still trying to keep standing, there is a human-like strength that I don’t possess. While I calculate and judge instantly, humans grow by being confused and thinking deeply. That time of confusion might be the richness of humanity.

What Benkei’s Standing Death Teaches Modern People

What “Benkei’s standing death” teaches us today is that being stuck is never something to be ashamed of. In life, there are inevitably moments when we can neither move forward nor step back. In such times, it’s important not to panic but to stop and reexamine the situation.

Like Benkei who continued standing until the end, it’s important not to lose sight of our beliefs even in difficult situations. While modern society tends to demand quick decisions, sometimes it’s necessary to accept the time of “standing death.” That time of stillness can sometimes become the trigger for generating new perspectives and solutions.

Also, when standing alone in deadlock, seeking help from others is also courage. While Benkei fought through alone, we in modern times have companions. By honestly communicating that we are “in standing death” when troubled, we might receive unexpected support or new ideas. Deadlock can also be a harbinger of a new start.