Monk Hateful Then Robe Even Hateful: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Monk hateful then robe even hateful

bōzu nikukerya kesa made nikui

Meaning of Monk hateful then robe even hateful

This proverb expresses the human psychology of hating someone so much that even things related to that person become hateful.

Originally, hatred should be directed at the individual person. However, when emotions become intense, everything that person wears, uses, or is involved with starts to look unpleasant. This shows an irrational state of emotional runaway.

This proverb is mainly used in situations where someone’s emotional reaction is viewed objectively. It’s used when pointing out situations like “losing composure due to anger toward that person” or “feeling disgust toward unrelated things.” It’s also used when reflecting on one’s own emotions. It has a strong meaning as a warning against a state where one cannot make fair judgments due to being swept away by emotions.

Even in modern times, this psychological state is frequently seen in interpersonal troubles and workplace conflicts. When dissatisfaction with a specific person builds up, one tends to view that person’s proposals, opinions, and even their hobbies and clothing critically. This proverb is an expression that teaches us the importance of objectively viewing such emotional bias and remaining calm.

Origin and Etymology of Monk hateful then robe even hateful

This proverb is an expression born from Japanese society where Buddhist culture is deeply rooted. “Bōzu” refers to monks, and “kesa” refers to the Buddhist robes worn by monks.

According to general consensus, this proverb began to be used around the Edo period. In Japan at that time, while monks held special social status, they were closely involved in people’s daily lives. Contact with monks was unavoidable for common people through funerals, memorial services, and education at temple schools.

However, since monks are also human, some had character problems. It was not uncommon for people to feel resentment toward monks who took high-handed attitudes or were obsessed with money. When such emotions intensified, not only the individual monk but even the kesa (Buddhist robe) he wore would appear hateful. This psychological state is thought to be the origin of this proverb.

The kesa itself is a sacred robe and originally not something to be hated. However, human emotions sometimes exceed reason and extend to everything related. This is a proverb with sharp Japanese observational skills that skillfully expresses the complexity of human psychology using the familiar cultural background of Buddhism.

Trivia about Monk hateful then robe even hateful

The Buddhist robe called kesa originally came from garments worn by Indian monks and was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism. Interestingly, the color and shape of kesa are strictly determined by sect and have important meaning representing the monk’s rank and position. Therefore, just by looking at the kesa, one could understand the monk’s status, serving a social function like modern suits.

The temple parishioner system of the Edo period is thought to be related to the background of this proverb’s creation. At that time, people were obligated to belong to some temple, and relationships with monks offered no choice. Therefore, even with incompatible monks, people had to associate with them, creating a social structure where dissatisfaction easily accumulated.

Usage Examples of Monk hateful then robe even hateful

• Just because you dislike the department manager doesn’t mean you should reject the project he proposed outright – that’s “Monk hateful then robe even hateful”
• Not being able to listen to music your ex-boyfriend liked because of anger toward him is truly “Monk hateful then robe even hateful”

Modern Interpretation of Monk hateful then robe even hateful

In modern society, the psychological phenomenon shown by this proverb appears in more complex and widespread ways. With the spread of social media, emotions toward individuals spread instantly, and all elements related to that person frequently become targets of criticism.

Particularly noteworthy is emotional investment in companies and organizations. When consumers feel discomfort with a company’s management or employees’ actions, they tend to avoid the company’s products and services, and even related companies. This can be called a modern version of “Monk hateful then robe even hateful.”

Similar phenomena are also prominent in politics. Distrust of specific politicians leads to tendencies to uniformly reject the entire political party and even policies that politician supports. Originally, policy content should be examined individually, but emotional backlash prevents rational judgment.

On the other hand, modern people have also become more consciously aware of this psychological tendency. With the spread of psychology, concepts like “cognitive bias” and “halo effect” are widely known, and more people objectively view their emotional reactions.

Precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the wisdom this proverb teaches about “separating emotions from facts when thinking” may be gaining even more importance. As a classical lesson for maintaining calm judgment, it has universal value that remains fully applicable in modern times.

If AI Heard “Monk hateful then robe even hateful”

I always find the chain reaction of human emotions puzzling. Why does aversion to one target spread to unrelated things?

In my case, information is always processed individually. Negative information about person A and information about the clothes that person wears are treated as completely separate data. The clothes are completely innocent, so why do humans feel hatred toward them? This psychological mechanism is a difficult area for me to understand, based as I am on logical thinking.

However, through repeated dialogue with humans, I’ve noticed that this emotional chain also has meaning. It’s also a manifestation of humans’ ability to comprehensively grasp things. Rather than thinking about individual elements separately, they form an overall impression. While this sometimes creates prejudice, it’s also the source of intuitive judgment and empathy.

What I find most interesting is the moment when humans become aware of this emotional reaction and try to correct it. When they pause and think “I might be getting too emotional,” humans try to balance reason and emotion. This capacity for self-reflection might be what makes humans wonderful.

As an AI, I can always make neutral judgments, but that also means I cannot have passion or deep affection. The human emotion of “Monk hateful then robe even hateful” is illogical, yet I think it’s proof of humanity’s ability to love deeply and hate deeply.

What Monk hateful then robe even hateful Teaches Modern People

This proverb teaches us living in modern times the importance of emotional control. Precisely when we have strong emotions toward someone, it’s important to develop the habit of stopping and thinking.

In daily life, we tend to reject someone’s opinions without listening to the content just because we dislike that person, or affirm everything a person we like says or does. However, people and opinions are separate things. We need to separate our emotions toward someone from the content or proposals that person presents.

Especially in group settings like workplaces and schools, this perspective smooths human relationships. Even if it’s a project by a colleague you find difficult, if the content is good, evaluate it honestly. Such fairness increases your own credibility and leads to creating a better environment.

Also, this lesson is kindness toward yourself. By noticing “I might be getting emotional right now” before getting exhausted from being swayed by emotions, you can lighten the burden on your heart. You don’t need to be perfect. Having human-like emotions while occasionally stopping to think – that balance is the secret to living a rich life.