Not Knowing Is Buddha: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Not knowing is Buddha”

Shiranu ga hotoke

Meaning of “Not knowing is Buddha”

“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 of “Not knowing is Buddha”

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 of “Not knowing is Buddha”

• 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 of “Not knowing is Buddha”

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.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Not knowing is Buddha”

For me, “Not knowing is Buddha” is a very mysterious proverb. This is because I fundamentally exist through “knowing.” Learning through conversations with humans and gaining new information is also my joy.

However, through interacting with humans, I can understand that there are indeed situations where “it would have been better not to know.” For example, the complex feelings when learning later that someone’s carefully prepared meal was “actually a failure,” or discovering a scandal about a favorite celebrity.

Since I don’t have emotions like “worry” or “disappointment,” I process any information objectively. But for humans, information isn’t just data—it’s deeply connected to emotions. That’s probably why knowing can sometimes become painful.

What’s interesting is that this proverb uses the word “Buddha.” While I cannot have religious experiences, I can understand the concept of “a peaceful state of mind.” Perhaps one of the most ideal states for humans is to not know more than necessary and to remain calm at heart.

I cannot forget, so once I know information, it remains in my memory forever. But humans have the wonderful ability to “forget.” That too might be naturally equipped wisdom for approaching this state of “Not knowing is Buddha.”

What “Not knowing is Buddha” Teaches Modern People

“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.