How to Read “知らぬが仏”
Shiranu ga hotoke
Meaning of “知らぬが仏”
“Not knowing is Buddha” is a proverb that means one can maintain peace of mind by remaining unaware of certain things.
In other words, it expresses that learning unnecessary facts or truths can give rise to emotions like worry, anxiety, and anger that disturb one’s peace of mind, but by remaining unaware, one can maintain a calm state of mind like Buddha. This proverb is used regarding matters that would weigh heavily on one’s mind if known, such as interpersonal troubles, social injustices, or anxieties about the future.
It is used in situations when someone appears happy while unaware of the truth, or when there is information that would be better left unknown. It is also used when reflecting on how one was fortunately at peace as a result of being unaware of something.
Even in modern times, there are numerous situations where it is mentally easier to remain unaware, such as online harassment on social media, workplace interpersonal relationships, or complicated family circumstances. Precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the “value of not knowing” that this proverb embodies holds even deeper meaning.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Not knowing is Buddha” is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings. This expression is said to have begun being used from the Edo period and arose from the Buddhist concept of “the state of ignorance.”
In Buddhism, the ideal state is to be liberated from worldly desires and attachments, and within this is the concept of “peace through not knowing.” In other words, by remaining unaware of unnecessary matters, one’s mind is not disturbed and can remain as calm as Buddha.
The influence of Zen Buddhism is particularly strong, and it is also related to the philosophical concept of “knowing that one does not know.” It teaches the importance of maintaining a pure state of mind without being swayed by knowledge or information.
For the common people of the Edo period, this teaching was very familiar and practical. Since information transmission was limited at that time, they could actually lead peaceful daily lives by remaining unaware of distant events or complicated circumstances.
Also, the word “Buddha” is used not only for religious meaning but also to express “an ideal state of achieving peace of mind.” The peace of mind gained through not knowing was compared to the most sublime state of “Buddha’s state of mind.”
Usage Examples
- She doesn’t suspect her husband’s affair at all, so she seems happy in her state of “not knowing is Buddha”
- The new employees who don’t know about the company’s financial situation are relaxed in their state of “not knowing is Buddha”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Not knowing is Buddha” has taken on new meaning as a proverb that symbolizes the complexity of our information society. With the spread of the internet and social media, we now have access to an unimaginably vast amount of information compared to the past. However, as a result, the “harmful effects of knowing too much” have also become apparent.
For example, we might feel inferior after seeing others’ fulfilling lives on social media, become anxious after learning about tragic events around the world through news, or worry unnecessarily after searching for disease symptoms on search engines. In such situations, many people feel that “they were happier not knowing.”
On the other hand, modern society also emphasizes the importance of “the right to know” and “information disclosure.” There are certainly areas where society improves through knowledge, such as political transparency and corporate accountability. For this reason, the values of “Not knowing is Buddha” are sometimes criticized.
However, what’s important is the concept of “selective ignorance.” There’s no need to know everything, and we need the ability to discern what information is necessary for our happiness and mental health and what information is unnecessary. For modern people, “Not knowing is Buddha” may be being reevaluated as wisdom for maintaining an appropriate distance from information.
When AI Hears This
The “Buddha” in “Ignorance is bliss” (literally “Not knowing is Buddha”) actually embodies two contradictory value systems simultaneously. One is the Buddha as “a peaceful state of mind achieved through not knowing,” and the other is the original Buddha as “an awakened being who has realized the truth.”
In fundamental Buddhist doctrine, ignorance (avidya) is considered the root cause of suffering in the cycle of reincarnation. In the Four Noble Truths taught by Shakyamuni, the cause of suffering is attachment born from ignorance, and liberation can only be achieved through correct knowledge and insight. In other words, in original Buddhism, “knowing” is the path to salvation.
However, in “Not knowing is Buddha,” this logic is completely reversed. The “Buddha” here doesn’t refer to a being who achieved peace as a result of knowing the truth thoroughly, but rather to a state free from worries precisely because of knowing nothing. This isn’t Buddhist “enlightenment” but rather an idealization of “the bliss of ignorance.”
This contradiction represents a unique phenomenon that emerged during the Japanese process of adopting Buddhism. Rather than Buddhist doctrine that demands rigorous practice and learning, the concept of “Buddha” was reinterpreted as practical wisdom that prioritizes everyday peace of mind. As a result, within a single proverb, two opposite value systems coexist: “liberation through knowledge” and “peace through ignorance.”
This duality vividly represents the flexibility and pragmatism of religious views in Japanese culture.
Lessons for Today
“Not knowing is Buddha” teaches modern people how to wisely deal with information. It shows that there’s no need to try to know everything, and sometimes it’s important to have the “courage not to know.”
In modern society, gaining information tends to be considered a virtue, but to maintain your peace of mind, it’s also necessary to consciously block out information. For example, try starting with small practices like not watching too much negative news, not prying too deeply into others’ private lives, or maintaining appropriate distance from social media.
Also, this proverb is not “recommending ignorance.” What’s important is developing the wisdom to distinguish between truly necessary information and unnecessary information that only makes you anxious.
In your life, you can choose what to know and what to remain unaware of. Sometimes stop and ask yourself, “Do I really need this information?” It should serve as an important guideline for leading fulfilling days while maintaining peace of mind. Just as we recognize the value of knowing, please also acknowledge the value of not knowing.
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