How to Read “果報は寝て待て”
Kahou wa nete mate
Meaning of “果報は寝て待て”
The original meaning of “Good fortune sleep and wait” is “After doing everything you should do, it’s best to wait for results without rushing.”
This expression is by no means advocating laziness. Rather, it’s a phrase directed at people who have made sufficient effort. “Good fortune” refers to good results or luck, and the underlying idea is that it doesn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere, but is brought about through the accumulation of one’s past actions.
It’s used in situations when people who have made sufficient preparations and efforts become anxious, or when addressing those who are trying to rush for results. It’s employed as words to ease the anxious feelings after doing one’s best – for students who worked hard studying for exams, people who went through job interviews, business owners who launched new ventures, and so on. Even today, this expression is used because excessive worry and impatience can sometimes hinder good results.
Origin and Etymology
When exploring the origins of “Good fortune sleep and wait,” we find it’s deeply rooted in Buddhist thought. The word “good fortune” was originally a Buddhist term meaning “retribution that appears as a result of karma.” In other words, it’s the concept of cause and effect – that good deeds will inevitably bring good results to those who perform them.
The background of this proverb’s creation lies in the lives of common people during the Edo period. People of that time were strongly conscious of fate and destiny that couldn’t be controlled through their efforts alone. Farmers were at the mercy of weather, merchants were tossed about by the currents of the times. In such circumstances, the sentiment of “let’s do what we should do, then leave the rest to heaven” was embedded in this proverb.
The expression “sleep and wait” is also interesting. This doesn’t simply mean being lazy, but rather contains the meaning of calming one’s mind and waiting for the right time without rushing. As words expressing the state of “natural non-action” that connects to Zen philosophy, it has continued to be loved by many people. It frequently appeared in Edo period literature and became established as folk wisdom.
Interesting Facts
The word “good fortune” is used in modern times to mean “good results,” but originally it was a Buddhist term that included both good and bad results. In other words, there was also usage like “bad fortune.” However, in this proverb it came to be used only in a positive sense, making it an interesting example of how word meanings change over time.
Among Edo period merchants, there was apparently also the saying “Good fortune practice and wait.” “Practice” means “to think well,” and this was a merchant-like interpretation of not just waiting, but continuing to use one’s mind during that time.
Usage Examples
- I can’t help but worry about the interview results, but as they say “Good fortune sleep and wait,” so I’ll focus on other things for now
- I feel like rushing for an answer to my proposal, but I decided to match her pace with the spirit of “Good fortune sleep and wait”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the interpretation of “Good fortune sleep and wait” has changed significantly. Due to the influence of the information society, many people tend to understand this proverb as meaning “good things will happen if you just wait without doing anything.” The casual use of the expression “sleep and wait” on social media may have this kind of misunderstanding in the background.
However, the original meaning of this proverb becomes important precisely in modern times. In a speed-oriented society, there’s a strong tendency to seek immediate results, and more people are acting without sufficient preparation periods or giving up when results don’t appear in a short time. Also, the habit of constantly checking information and confirming results on smartphones can actually increase anxiety.
On the other hand, with the development of AI technology, creativity and patience that only humans possess have become more valuable. Just as machine learning requires large amounts of data and time, truly valuable things are nurtured over time.
In the investment world too, the importance of “long-term investment” is being recognized again, and the approach of patiently nurturing assets over time without being swayed by short-term price movements is spreading. This can truly be called the modern version of “Good fortune sleep and wait.”
When AI Hears This
“Good fortune comes to those who wait” perfectly captures what modern neuroscience has revealed about the “Default Mode Network (DMN).” The DMN is a brain circuit that becomes active when we’re not engaged in conscious tasks, playing a crucial role in organizing memories, fostering creative thinking, and generating problem-solving ideas.
What’s fascinating is that the DMN becomes most active precisely when we’re “doing nothing.” Stanford University research found that simply walking can boost creativity by 60%. This happens because when we let go of conscious effort, the brain automatically integrates information and discovers new solutions.
The phrase “sleep and wait” is remarkably accurate. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and deletes unnecessary information. Particularly during REM sleep, seemingly unrelated memories connect with each other, making breakthrough ideas more likely to emerge. The famous story of chemist Kekulé discovering the structure of the benzene ring in a dream is a perfect example of the DMN at work.
Modern people often fall into the obsessive belief that they “must keep pushing forward,” but neuroscience proves the opposite—the importance of “intentional rest.” This wisdom that our ancestors understood intuitively was actually a scientifically sound formula for success.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is “the courage to trust the process.” Precisely because we live in a society where results determine everything, it reminds us of the importance of valuing the process leading to results and spending that time meaningfully.
Specifically, during job hunting you can use it as time to acquire new skills, or while waiting for a romantic partner’s response you can focus on self-improvement – you can transform “waiting time” into opportunities for growth.
Also, this proverb teaches us “the wisdom of letting go.” Rather than trying to forcibly control what cannot be controlled, after doing everything you can with all your might, you entrust the results to the universe. Such peace of mind can sometimes attract good results.
You too might be waiting for some result right now. At such times, remember the true meaning of this proverb. Rather than being dominated by impatience and anxiety, trust in your efforts so far and wait calmly for the time to come. That quiet strength might be the power most needed by those of us living in modern times.
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