How to Read “縁なき衆生は度し難し”
En naki shujou ha do shi gatashi
Meaning of “縁なき衆生は度し難し”
This proverb means that even when trying to save or guide someone, if that person lacks the willingness or readiness to accept help, no matter how good the teachings or advice may be, they will have no effect.
The “en” (connection) in “beings without connection” refers to Buddhist connection, indicating the mental preparation or foundation to accept teachings. In other words, it expresses that if the other person lacks the motivation to learn or the desire to change, no matter how excellent the instructor may be, it is impossible to guide that person.
This proverb is often used when educators or leaders face situations where they cannot achieve the results they hope for. It is used to express the other person’s lack of mental preparation in situations where despite earnest teaching, understanding is not achieved, or despite giving advice, it is not accepted. Even in modern times, situations illustrated by these words frequently occur between parents and children, supervisors and subordinates, or among friends.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originates from Buddhist teachings. “Shujou” (beings) is a Buddhist term meaning “all living things,” and “do su” (to save) means “to provide salvation.” In other words, it expresses the fundamental Buddhist concept that even when Buddha or bodhisattvas try to save people, if those people lack Buddhist connection, they cannot be saved.
Behind these words lies the Buddhist philosophy of “dependent origination.” This is the concept that all things exist in mutual relationship with each other, and even in salvation, an appropriate “connection” is necessary between the one who saves and the one being saved. No matter how compassionate Buddha may be, if the other person lacks the preparation or mindset to accept those teachings, salvation cannot be achieved.
After Buddhism was introduced to Japan, this teaching became widely known among monks. Particularly from the Kamakura period onward, as Buddhism spread among common people, this proverb is thought to have come into general use. Words that were originally used in religious contexts eventually came to be used in daily life situations involving human relationships and education.
Interesting Facts
I do not know any trivia related to this proverb.
Usage Examples
- No matter how much I explain the importance of studying to my son, beings without connection are difficult to save, and he won’t listen at all
- I was troubled about guiding my subordinate, but it may be that beings without connection are difficult to save
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. In our information age, knowledge and information have become much easier to obtain than before. However, at the same time, situations of information overload have emerged, and truly necessary teachings and advice often get buried.
With the spread of social media and the internet, anyone can easily express their opinions, but on the other hand, the attitude of listening to others until the end and the tolerance to accept different values tend to be lost. The situation of “Beings without connection are difficult to save” may actually occur more frequently in modern times.
Moreover, in modern times, individual autonomy and independence have come to be valued more highly. In the past, humbly accepting the teachings of authoritative figures was considered a virtue, but now critical thinking and making one’s own judgments are required. For this reason, the view has emerged that the situation of “not being ready to accept” indicated by this proverb should not simply be viewed negatively.
On the other hand, as understanding of mental health deepens, it has come to be recognized that there are psychological factors and environmental constraints behind people’s inability to accept change. Rather than unilaterally blaming the “lack of connection,” the attitude of trying to understand why that person cannot accept something has also come to be valued.
When AI Hears This
Modern people have an average of 150 SNS followers, yet loneliness has reached its highest levels ever. This very contradiction strikes at the heart of Buddhism’s concept of “en” (meaningful connections).
True “en” doesn’t refer to mere frequency of contact, but to deep relationships that bring about changes in the heart. For example, if receiving 100 “likes” daily doesn’t move your heart, that’s not en. On the other hand, a single word of encouragement can sometimes change a life. This is real en.
Digital society has created an “illusion of en.” We measure human relationships by numbers like follower counts and try to gain satisfaction from superficial reactions. However, according to psychological research, people can form deep bonds with at most 5 to 10 others. In other words, most of those “connections” with thousands of people are essentially equivalent to having no meaningful connection at all.
What’s fascinating is how this phenomenon brings out a new meaning of “beyond salvation.” Modern people can physically connect with countless others, yet this makes it harder to find true en. In the flood of information, our ability to discern encounters that will truly transform us is being put to the test.
Ironically, the most “connected” era has become the most “connectionless” era.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of humility and patience in relating to others. We often try to give advice or convey our values with good intentions, but the other person may not be ready to accept them.
What’s important is not to blame the other person, but first to try to understand their situation and feelings. Even if they are in a state of “having no connection” now, their mindset may change over time. Like planting seeds, patiently watching over them without rushing is also a form of love.
Moreover, this proverb also gives us an opportunity to reflect on ourselves. When we feel there is “no connection” with others, there may actually be problems with our way of communicating, or we may lack the effort to think from the other person’s perspective.
In modern society, we tend to seek immediate results, but changes in people’s hearts take time. This proverb may be teaching us anew the value of “waiting,” which is most important in human relationships.
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