How to Read “地獄で仏に会ったよう”
Jigoku de hotoke ni atta you
Meaning of “地獄で仏に会ったよう”
“In hell like met Buddha” is a proverb that expresses the feeling of relief and gratitude when a helping hand is suddenly extended in a desperate and painful situation.
This proverb is used when unexpected help or solutions appear in difficult situations that seem utterly hopeless. By contrasting hell, the harshest and most desperate place, with meeting the compassionate Buddha, it emphasizes how precious and grateful that salvation is.
Usage scenarios include being saved from financial hardship, meeting a good doctor when suffering from illness or injury, or having someone who understands you appear when you’re isolated in human relationships. It goes beyond simply saying “I was saved” and expresses the deep gratitude and relief that can only be felt because one was truly on the brink of despair.
Even today, it is used as the perfect proverb to express the depth of gratitude when an unexpected helping hand is extended during major turning points in life.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is deeply rooted in the Buddhist worldview. In Buddhism, hell is considered the world of the most intense suffering, where those who fall there are said to experience unimaginable pain. On the other hand, Buddha is regarded as a compassionate being with the power to save all sentient beings.
Particularly, Jizo Bodhisattva was beloved as the “Buddha of hell,” and there was a belief that he would go to hell himself to save those who had fallen there. From the Heian period to the Kamakura period, this Jizo faith spread among common people and became a symbol of hope that helping hands would be extended even in desperate situations.
During the Edo period, expressions born from this religious background became established as everyday proverbs. For people of that time, the combination of hell and Buddha, two polar opposites, was probably the most understandable metaphor representing the dramatic transformation from despair to hope.
The background of this proverb’s creation contains the earnest wishes of people living in difficult times and the Buddhist thought of compassion that there is salvation even in the most desperate situations.
Interesting Facts
The idea of meeting Buddha in hell actually originates from the teachings of “Jizo Bodhisattva” in Buddhism. Jizo Bodhisattva is a bodhisattva who vowed “I will not attain Buddhahood until all sentient beings are saved” and is said to go even to hell to save suffering people. In other words, this proverb is not just a metaphor but is based on the Buddhist belief that one can actually meet Buddha in hell.
Interestingly, while the word “Buddha” in modern times often refers to “the deceased,” it originally meant “one who has attained enlightenment” or “savior.” The “Buddha” in this proverb is used precisely in its original meaning as a savior.
Usage Examples
- When I was drowning in debt, an old friend lent me money interest-free, and I felt exactly like In hell like met Buddha
- When I missed the last train and was at a loss, a colleague who happened to pass by gave me a ride home, and it was like In hell like met Buddha
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more diverse while simultaneously becoming more familiar. With the spread of social media, it has become easier to seek help when in trouble, but human relationships have also become more diluted. In such circumstances, when receiving unexpected help, the feeling of gratitude may be deeper than ever before.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people experienced economic and mental hardship. In such times, government support systems, community mutual aid, and online support networks became salvation that was like “In hell like met Buddha” for many people.
Moreover, in the information society, modern-specific “hells” such as “unable to find answers even after searching” or “being troubled by system errors” have emerged. When encountering experts who give precise advice or kind customer support in such situations, one truly experiences the sentiment of this proverb.
On the other hand, modern people are accustomed to the term “self-responsibility,” making it difficult to honestly accept help from others. However, what this proverb teaches us is the preciousness of receiving help when in trouble and the importance of gratitude for it. Perhaps because of modern times, the value of this old proverb is being rerecognized.
When AI Hears This
In Buddhist philosophy, the relationship between hell and Buddha is completely different from common imagination. Hell is not merely a place of punishment, but rather the place where Buddha’s compassion manifests most powerfully.
As demonstrated by Jizo Bodhisattva’s vow “I will not achieve Buddhahood until hell is empty,” Buddha appears precisely where beings suffer most. This reflects the fundamental Buddhist concept of “removing suffering and giving joy” – the essential function of Buddha is to extract suffering and bestow happiness.
What’s fascinating is that in Buddhism, through the concept of “karma,” the suffering of hell itself is considered a purification process. This creates the paradox that beings in hell are actually in the state closest to Buddha. When the ego is completely shattered at the extreme of despair, one can finally accept true salvation.
Shinran’s “Theory of Evil Person’s Salvation” follows the same structure. Rather than good people, it is evil people who are the true objects of Amida Buddha’s salvation, and it is precisely in desperate situations where self-power cannot save that other-power salvation appears most vividly.
This philosophy shares common ground with modern psychology’s concept of “rock bottom experience.” In addiction treatment, true recovery is said to begin only when one reaches complete despair, and this structure where the worst situation actually becomes a turning point is exactly the experience of “meeting Buddha in hell.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is that there are always moments when light shines in life. No matter how desperate a situation may seem, helping hands may be extended from unexpected places. What’s important is maintaining the mental space to notice that salvation.
This proverb also teaches us the importance of a grateful heart. When we receive help, by truly feeling that gratitude and expressing thanks to the other person, human connections become deeper. In modern society, we tend to take being helped for granted, but we should strive to be people who can feel grateful for even the smallest kindness with the sentiment of “In hell like met Buddha.”
Furthermore, this proverb also shows us the possibility that we ourselves can become someone’s “Buddha.” When we see someone in trouble, a little help might become salvation for them. It’s a wonderful proverb that reminds us once again that people live by supporting each other.
Comments