How to Read “煩悩の犬は追えども去らず”
Bonnō no inu wa oedomo sarazu
Meaning of “煩悩の犬は追えども去らず”
This proverb means that the desires and attachments dwelling in the human heart cannot be completely eliminated no matter how much one tries to suppress them with reason.
Worldly desires refer to emotions such as anger, desire, jealousy, and attachment that disturb and torment the human heart. These emotions, like a dog that has grown attached to its owner, once they settle in the heart, will return again and again no matter how much you try to drive them away. Even when reason tells us “I shouldn’t have such feelings,” emotions cannot be controlled as we wish.
This proverb is used to express human weakness and limitations. It teaches that even if we strive to become perfect saints, as long as we are human, it is difficult to become completely free from various desires and emotions. However, this is not meant to lead humans to a state of resignation. Rather, it shows the wisdom of accepting the naturalness of having human-like emotions and learning to deal with them skillfully.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings. “Worldly desires” is a Buddhist term referring to the desires and attachments that trouble and torment the human heart. In Buddha’s teachings, worldly desires are considered the root of human suffering, and enlightenment is achieved by cutting them off.
The expression “dog of worldly desires” is a metaphor comparing worldly desires to a single dog. Dogs have the habit of returning no matter how much you try to drive them away once they become attached to their owner. This characteristic of dogs was overlapped with the nature of worldly desires.
The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the history of Buddhism’s transmission to Japan and its penetration into the worldview of common people. From the Heian period to the Kamakura period, Buddhism spread not only among the nobility but also among the general populace, and the concept of worldly desires came to be used in daily life.
Particularly in Kamakura Buddhism, teachings were preached that even ordinary people could be saved, and the humanity of having worldly desires began to be discussed. It is thought that this proverb expressing how to deal with worldly desires was born against such a historical background. The metaphor using dogs, familiar animals, was probably a device to convey the difficult teachings of Buddhism in an easy-to-understand way.
Usage Examples
- I decided to diet but reached for sweets again – truly “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”
- It’s been a week since I quit smoking but I want to smoke again. “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave” is well said
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb has come to have more complex and diverse meanings. In the age of social media, jealousy and desire for approval through comparison with others have emerged as new worldly desires. The feelings of envy when seeing others’ fulfilling lives on Instagram or worrying about the number of “likes” can truly be called modern versions of worldly desires.
With the development of technology, we are exposed to more temptations than before. Smartphone notifications, automatic playback of video streaming services, the convenience of online shopping – mechanisms that stimulate desire overflow in our daily lives. Even when we try to suppress these temptations with reason, the reality is that things don’t go as we wish.
On the other hand, in modern times, scientific approaches such as psychology and mindfulness are being used to study how to deal with emotions. Methods are being explored not to completely eliminate worldly desires, but to recognize and accept them while dealing with them appropriately.
Also, in modern society that values diversity, there is a tendency to view human desires and emotions not uniformly as “bad things” but to accept them positively as part of being human. This proverb may be teaching modern people who seek too much perfection the importance of accepting human imperfection.
When AI Hears This
The choice of a dog as the animal in this expression contains a cleverly hidden psychological mechanism. Typically, dogs exhibit natural responses of “coming when called, fleeing when chased.” However, by introducing a dog that “won’t leave even when chased” to represent earthly desires, the expression brilliantly highlights the abnormal nature of these desires.
This paradoxical representation masterfully captures the essence of human cravings. While wild animals will certainly flee when pursued, dogs are creatures that live within relationships with humans. Just as a pet dog sometimes stubbornly stays put against its owner’s intentions, our desires are portrayed as entities that are similarly “domesticated” within our hearts.
Even more fascinating is the characteristic of canine “attachment.” Dogs develop strong bonds to places and people they favor, and don’t easily separate from them. This behavioral trait perfectly mirrors the “persistent” nature of our cravings. Rather than choosing an animal like a cat that coolly walks away, the deliberate selection of a dog—an animal that’s inherently “reluctant to leave”—reveals the keen observational skills of whoever crafted this expression.
Furthermore, as the animal closest to humans, dogs easily evoke our emotional connection. By expressing desires through the image of an adorable dog, the saying simultaneously conveys the complex feeling that we can’t entirely vilify these impulses. The mixed emotions of love and hate toward our earthly desires are embedded in this very choice of animal.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is that it’s okay not to be perfect. There’s no need to feel down by comparing yourself to others on social media or to blame yourself for failing at dieting. These are natural human experiences.
What’s important is not to view the various emotions and desires within yourself as enemies, but to objectively observe them, thinking “Ah, the dog of worldly desires has come again.” When emotions like anger, jealousy, and desire arise, don’t try to forcibly suppress them, but first acknowledge their existence.
In modern society, self-control and self-management tend to be emphasized, but sometimes it’s necessary to be kind to yourself. It’s because of worldly desires that people grow and empathy for others is born. Since there are no perfect humans, we should build relationships where we can accept each other’s imperfections.
Even if you succumb to some temptation today, don’t blame yourself too much. That too is an endearing human aspect.
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