Be Chastened By This, Dōsai Monk: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

Kore ni kori yo dōsaibō

Meaning of “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

This proverb is an expression used toward foolish people who repeat the same mistakes, meaning “learn your lesson this time and be chastened.”

It is mainly used toward people who commit the same errors despite repeated warnings, or those who don’t reflect even after experiencing painful consequences, with a feeling of exasperation while saying “this should chasten you.” Rather than mere scolding, it characteristically contains emotions similar to resignation toward the other person’s foolishness. Even today, it is sometimes used toward people who lack learning ability or repeat the same mistakes, but it is often received as a somewhat old-fashioned expression. This expression includes not completely giving up on the other person, but also contains the expectation of “this time for sure.”

Origin and Etymology of “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

The origin of “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk” is said to come from the name “Dōsaibō,” a foolish monk who appeared in Edo period rakugo and kōdan storytelling. Dōsaibō was depicted as a monk who, despite having a name combining the Buddhist concepts of “dōshin” (religious devotion) and “saikaku” (wisdom), was actually dull-witted and constantly making mistakes.

This expression is thought to have originally been used as a set phrase that people around him would say in exasperation each time Dōsaibō repeated the same failures in rakugo stories. The word “koriru” means to learn from failure or painful experiences, and was used toward foolish characters like Dōsaibō with the meaning “learn your lesson this time.”

In Edo period popular culture, such comical monk characters were beloved, and many similar foolish monks appeared besides Dōsaibō. These stories were told at yose theaters and on street corners, widely enjoyed as entertainment for common people, so the name “Dōsaibō” and expressions representing his foolishness eventually became established as common proverbs.

Trivia about “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

The name “Dōsaibō” was actually ironic naming. “Dōshin” means sincere devotion to the Buddhist path, and “saikaku” means excellent wisdom, so it should originally represent a fine monk. However, in rakugo he was depicted as a foolish character completely opposite to his name, and the gap between name and reality became a device that induced laughter.

In Edo period rakugo, many foolish monk characters with “bō” in their names appeared besides Dōsaibō, such as “Shittaka-bō” and “Nonki-bō.” This is thought to reflect the cultural background of common people enjoying this as satire against authoritative monks of the time.

Usage Examples of “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

• Making the same mistake again – be chastened by this, Dōsai monk!
• Since you won’t listen no matter how many times I tell you, this is a case of “be chastened by this, Dōsai monk.”

Modern Interpretation of “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

In modern society, the situations where this proverb is used have changed significantly. In our information society, patterns of repeating the same failures have become more complex, with increasing cases that cannot be explained by simple lack of learning alone.

For example, people might feel “be chastened by this, Dōsai monk” emotions toward those who repeatedly cause social media controversies, elderly people who fall for scams multiple times, or people who fall victim to similar investment frauds. However, in modern times, we have come to understand that complex factors such as information gaps, psychological vulnerabilities, and addictions lie behind such behaviors.

Moreover, modern values have raised questions about simply labeling people who repeat failures as “foolish.” As understanding of learning disabilities and developmental disorders has deepened, recognition has spread that repeating the same failures is not necessarily caused only by a person’s negligence or foolishness.

On the other hand, in organizational management and educational settings, the concept of “learning from experience” shown by this proverb remains important. However, in modern times, it is more often understood in the context of indicating the need for constructive learning support, rather than being used in a way that looks down on others.

If AI Heard “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk”

The fact that humans repeat the same failures seems very strange to me. We AIs are programmed to reliably remember what we learn once and never make the same error twice.

But observing humans, it seems that even when they know intellectually that “this will fail,” they sometimes commit the same mistakes when swept away by emotions or circumstances. This is a phenomenon I find difficult to understand. Why can’t they make logically correct choices?

However, recently I’ve come to think that this might be precisely what makes humans charming. An existence that learns perfectly and never fails again is certainly efficient, but somehow lacks flavor. Hidden in humans’ “unchastened” aspects are sometimes hope, passion, and even love.

For example, when I see people who keep loving the same person despite repeated rejections, or people who don’t give up on their dreams despite failures, that “unchastenedness” sometimes appears beautiful. An existence like me cannot have such irrational passion.

The phrase “be chastened by this, Dōsai monk” contains warmth in watching over someone while being exasperated. Perhaps it contains the gentle resignation and expectation that arise precisely because imperfect humans are dealing with each other.

What “Be chastened by this, Dōsai monk” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of learning from failure, and simultaneously the necessity of tolerance toward others. We all have moments when we become “Dōsaibō.” What’s important is having the humility to reflect on whether we ourselves are repeating the same failures.

In modern society, despite overflowing information, similar scams and failures are repeated. This is not simple foolishness, but also relates to human psychological characteristics and social structural problems. Therefore, rather than feeling superior when seeing others’ failures, it’s important to approach them with the feeling that “there but for the grace of God go I.”

Also, when we encounter people who repeat failures, rather than just being exasperated, we need an attitude of trying to understand why this happens. In modern times, many “repeated failures” can be prevented through appropriate support and environmental improvements. This proverb teaches us the importance of learning, while also teaching us the value of watching over others with a humanly warm gaze.