How to Read “莫逆の友”
Bakugyaku no tomo
Meaning of “莫逆の友”
“Friend of no opposition” refers to a close friend bound by deep friendship, trusting each other from the bottom of their hearts and never opposing one another.
This expression represents a special friendship that goes far beyond simply getting along well, describing a relationship where souls understand each other at the deepest level. It’s a rare relationship where each other’s thoughts and values align at a profound level, and where you can understand the other person’s feelings as if they were in the palm of your hand.
This term is used when expressing an absolute trust relationship cultivated through years of association. It’s used when talking about friends who always help each other in times of trouble and share both joy and sorrow.
The reason for using this expression is to emphasize a particularly deep bond that cannot be fully expressed by the ordinary word “close friend.” Even today, this classical and dignified term is chosen when expressing the precious nature of truly trustworthy friends, distinct from relationships that are merely connected through social media.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Friend of no opposition” traces back to the chapter called “The Great and Venerable Teacher” in the ancient Chinese text “Zhuangzi.” This term originated from the expression “mo ni yu xin,” which means “no opposition in the heart.”
In Zhuangzi’s philosophy, true friendship referred to a state where hearts are completely connected and there is no opposition between them. “Mo” means “none” and “ni” means “to oppose or go against,” literally expressing a deep trust relationship of “having no opposition.”
This concept is believed to have been introduced to Japan during the era when Chinese classics were brought in along with Buddhism and Confucianism. From the Heian period to the Kamakura period, Zhuangzi’s philosophy spread among intellectuals, and this beautiful expression of friendship likely became established during that time.
What’s particularly interesting is that the ideal friendship depicted by Zhuangzi emphasized spiritual bonds that transcended mere intimacy. A relationship where souls understand each other at the deepest level, rather than superficial association, is what constitutes a “Friend of no opposition.” Because of this profound philosophical background, this term continues to be cherished and used even today.
Interesting Facts
The character “ni” (opposition) in “Friend of no opposition” is often used to mean “opposite” in modern times, but in classical Chinese, it had a stronger meaning of “to betray or turn against,” making it an exquisite choice of character to express the absence of betrayal in friendship.
The era when Zhuangzi created this term (around the 4th century BCE) was right in the middle of China’s Warring States period, when political betrayals and schemes were commonplace. With such a historical background, the concept of “a friend who would never betray” was depicted as something even more valuable.
Usage Examples
- He has been my Friend of no opposition since our student days, and we have a relationship where we can consult each other about anything.
- My long-time business partner has transcended being merely a colleague and has now become what I can call a Friend of no opposition.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Friend of no opposition” has taken on unprecedented value while simultaneously acquiring complex meaning. In an era where connecting with hundreds or thousands of people through social media and messaging apps has become commonplace, finding someone you can truly open your heart to may have become more difficult than ever.
In our information society, while superficial communication increases, opportunities for deep dialogue are decreasing. Relationships that can be maintained with “likes” and stamps have become mainstream, and building friendships that involve soul-level understanding now requires conscious effort.
However, this also means that the value of “Friend of no opposition” is increasing. The spread of remote work has proven that emotional distance can be bridged despite physical distance. It has become possible to maintain deep bonds across time and space through technology.
In modern times, this term has also acquired elements of “digital detox.” An interpretation has emerged that true friendship consists of relationships where you can put down your smartphone and face each other earnestly. While being a classical concept, it shines with new brilliance as words that heal the spiritual thirst of modern people.
When AI Hears This
The character “逆” (reverse/oppose) in “莫逆の友” (closest friends) exposes a fundamental misunderstanding we have about friendship. Many people tend to think good friendships are relationships where “opinions always align” and “arguments never happen,” but the truth this phrase reveals is the complete opposite.
Psychological research has proven that “constructive conflict” is essential for healthy human relationships. Relationships where people can frankly express different opinions to each other are what build long-term trust. Relationships based only on superficial agreement are actually fragile and unsustainable.
The “莫” in “莫逆” means “nothing,” but this doesn’t mean “never opposing each other” – it means “the relationship never breaks even when we oppose each other.” In other words, true friendship refers to bonds that are maintained despite clashes of opinion and differences in values.
In today’s social media age, relationships where we avoid different opinions and settle for “likes” are increasing. But the ancients had already realized this truth: a real friend is someone who sometimes throws harsh words at you and has the courage to “oppose” you for the sake of mutual growth.
This single character contains the deepest essence of friendship. It represents the ultimate ideal of human relationships – the coexistence of strength that doesn’t fear conflict and unchanging love that persists despite it.
Lessons for Today
What “Friend of no opposition” teaches modern people is that true friendship is about quality, not quantity. Rather than the number of social media followers or contacts, having even one person you can truly open your heart to enriches your life more.
In our busy modern society, we tend to postpone building deep relationships. But this term asks us: “Do you have friends you can trust from the bottom of your heart?” If you don’t have such relationships yet, it’s not too late. Why not take superficial relationships one step deeper and try to build relationships where you can speak honestly?
And if you already have someone you can call a Friend of no opposition, please cherish and nurture that relationship. It’s important to consciously maintain the relationship so you don’t become distant due to busyness or forget to be grateful by taking it for granted.
True friendship is one of life’s most beautiful treasures. Surely wonderful encounters with friends you can trust from the bottom of your heart are waiting in your life too.
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