How to Read “The realm is held in turns”
てんかはまわりもち
Meaning of “The realm is held in turns”
“The realm is held in turns” means that power and status don’t last forever. They shift and change with time.
Someone at the top today will eventually step down. On the flip side, someone without power now might get their chance someday. This proverb captures the cyclical nature of history.
This saying can warn those who boast about their power. It can also encourage people in difficult positions.
When you say “They’re thriving now, but the realm is held in turns,” you’re showing a calm perspective. No power lasts forever.
You can also comfort someone facing failure or setbacks. “The realm is held in turns, so your chance will come again.”
Even today, we see this truth everywhere. Companies rise and fall. Political landscapes shift. Sports dynasties change hands. This proverb remains relevant in all these situations.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of “The realm is held in turns” isn’t documented in any specific text. However, its background is deeply connected to the shifting powers throughout Japanese history.
The word “tenka” (realm) originally came from Chinese philosophy. It means the entire world under a ruler’s control.
In Japan, especially from the Warring States period through the Edo period, warriors used the phrase “taking the realm.” They meant seizing supreme power. During this era, power changed hands rapidly.
It passed from the Minamoto clan to the Taira clan. Then came the Kamakura shogunate, the Muromachi shogunate, and the chaos of warring states.
Finally, it moved through Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The realm truly changed owners one after another.
“Mawari mochi” (held in turns) also refers to taking turns hosting banquets or drinking parties. Using this everyday expression adds deeper meaning.
It suggests that even absolute-seeming power is just something that rotates in turn. This phrase carries both resignation and enlightenment.
Common people likely passed it down as both mockery of the powerful and comfort for the fallen. The wisdom of Japanese people who witnessed history’s great flow is condensed in these few words.
Usage Examples
- That company built an empire once, but the realm is held in turns—now a different company leads the industry
- The long-time champion team lost? That’s truly the realm is held in turns
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “The realm is held in turns” has been passed down because it speaks to a fundamental truth about human society. No matter how mighty, power never lasts forever. History has proven this fact repeatedly.
Humans have a tendency to believe their power or position will last forever. When people reach the top, many feel they’re special. They convince themselves this state will continue indefinitely.
But looking back at history tells a different story. Every dynasty that reached its peak eventually declined. Every mighty empire eventually fell. This repetition is the essence of human society.
This proverb contains two deep wisdoms. First, it warns those in power. Don’t become arrogant about your current position. Stay humble.
Second, it offers hope to those in difficult circumstances. Today’s loser might become tomorrow’s winner. Never abandon hope.
Our ancestors found a kind of fairness in this cycle. No one can keep winning forever. No one keeps losing forever either.
This perspective gives humility to winners and hope to losers. It was wisdom meant to keep human society healthy and balanced.
When AI Hears This
Looking at power and wealth concentration from a physics perspective reveals something surprising. The universe has an absolute rule called “the law of entropy increase.” Ordered states inevitably move toward disorder. This is nature’s way.
For example, hot air gathered in one corner of a room gradually spreads throughout. The temperature becomes uniform over time. This is a natural principle.
Power concentration in human society actually has the same structure. Wealth and power concentrated in one person or family is a “low entropy state.” Energy is concentrated at one point.
Maintaining this state requires constant energy input. You must preserve order through military force, surveillance systems, and laws. But this goes against universal laws, so it costs enormously.
Interestingly, complexity science has a concept called “critical state.” When you keep dropping sand on a sand pile, massive collapse suddenly occurs at some point.
Power structures work similarly. Small grievances accumulate. When they exceed a certain threshold, they suddenly “disperse” through revolution or regime change. This is physical law manifesting as social phenomenon.
In other words, power transitions aren’t moral issues. They’re inevitable phenomena following basic universal laws.
Lessons for Today
“The realm is held in turns” teaches modern people not to get too caught up in their current situation. It teaches the importance of maintaining inner calm.
If you’re experiencing success right now, this saying reminds you to stay humble. Your current position and success result from your efforts. But they also result from fortunate timing and circumstances.
That’s why you shouldn’t become arrogant. You need to prepare to pass the torch to the next generation. When you’re succeeding, it’s especially important to keep learning and preparing for change.
Conversely, if you’re facing difficulties now, this saying offers hope. Even if others seem to shine brighter, situations always change. Your chance will come around.
What matters is not neglecting your preparation until that moment arrives.
Modern society changes at incredible speed. The rise and fall of companies happens faster than ever. Individual career ups and downs are more dramatic than before.
That’s exactly why this ancient proverb’s wisdom shines even brighter today. Don’t fear change, but don’t become arrogant about it either. Just calmly walk your own path.
This proverb teaches you that kind of strength.
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