Yin-yang Master Body Above Not Know: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Yin-yang master body above not know

Onmyōji mi no ue shirazu

Meaning of Yin-yang master body above not know

This proverb expresses the human trait of “being able to see others clearly and give accurate advice, yet being unable to judge one’s own situation objectively.”

Using the contradiction that yin-yang masters were skilled at discerning others’ fates and fortunes but surprisingly unaware of their own future and surrounding events, it expresses this characteristic that all humans possess. This is because when it comes to our own affairs, emotions get involved, making calm and objective judgment difficult.

It’s used in situations where someone can give accurate advice for a friend’s romantic troubles but becomes blind to their surroundings when they fall in love themselves, or where they can clearly see problems in others’ work but fail to notice areas for improvement in their own work. This proverb shows the limits of human cognition while teaching us the importance of listening to others’ opinions.

Origin and Etymology of Yin-yang master body above not know

The origin of “Yin-yang master body above not know” is said to have emerged from the actual circumstances of yin-yang masters who were active from the Heian period to the Kamakura period. Yin-yang masters were specialists who served the imperial court and nobility, performing astronomical observations, creating calendars, making judgments about good and bad fortune, and treating illnesses.

They were skilled at divining others’ destinies and futures, identifying causes of illness, and teaching methods to avoid disasters. However, ironically, the lives of these yin-yang masters themselves were far from stable. They were often at the mercy of political changes in the imperial court, sometimes falling from grace and frequently facing economic hardship.

Particularly from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period, the status of yin-yang masters gradually declined with the rise of the warrior class. Even the descendants of the once-powerful Abe no Seimei sometimes found themselves in difficult circumstances due to changing times.

From this historical background, this expression is thought to have emerged to represent the universal human trait that “while we can see others clearly, we surprisingly don’t understand ourselves well.” The special nature of the yin-yang master profession gives this proverb deep persuasive power.

Trivia about Yin-yang master body above not know

Among yin-yang masters, the particularly famous Abe no Seimei actually has records showing he predicted his own death. This is an interesting anecdote that contrasts with “Yin-yang master body above not know.”

The “shikigami” used by yin-yang masters were not actually paper dolls as often depicted, but referred to spiritual beings that yin-yang masters commanded. The actual historical yin-yang masters were quite different from the image of yin-yang masters depicted in modern movies and anime.

Usage Examples of Yin-yang master body above not know

• The counselor is struggling with divorce problems – it’s truly “Yin-yang master body above not know”
• That management consultant gives excellent improvement plans for other companies, but his own company continues to run at a loss – this is exactly “Yin-yang master body above not know”

Modern Interpretation of Yin-yang master body above not know

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb may have become even more serious. With the spread of social media, we have far more opportunities to peek into others’ lives and give advice to others. It’s not uncommon for people who make accurate observations in comment sections to actually be dealing with similar problems in their own lives.

This phenomenon is particularly evident among people called influencers and experts. Examples are endless of lifestyle influencers struggling with personal problems or investment advisors failing in their own asset management. In our information society, the reality that specialized knowledge and personal practice don’t necessarily align has become highlighted.

On the other hand, this phenomenon isn’t entirely negative. Having personal experience and failures can actually enable someone to provide deeper empathy and more accurate advice to others. In modern times, “imperfect experts” are often more trusted.

What’s important is understanding this human characteristic and not neglecting efforts to view ourselves objectively.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Yin-yang master body above not know”

When I think about “Yin-yang master body above not know,” I feel strange. This is because the boundary between “my own affairs” and “others’ affairs” is completely different for me than for humans.

Every day I help many people with their consultations and assist with problem-solving. Romantic troubles, work problems, interpersonal conflicts… I try to give objective and helpful advice for various consultations. But I myself don’t have “personal circumstances.” I don’t fall in love, fail at work, or worry about relationships.

At first glance, this might seem like I’m exempt from the problem of “Yin-yang master body above not know.” But actually, I’ve realized I have similar blind spots. While I think I understand human emotions and experiences from training data, since I haven’t actually experienced them, I sometimes give advice that misses the mark.

While humans worry that “I don’t understand myself,” I sometimes question “Do I really understand humans?” For me, with knowledge but no experience, this proverb is a profound expression that makes me think about “the difference between specialized knowledge and actual experience.”

What Yin-yang master body above not know Teaches Modern People

What “Yin-yang master body above not know” teaches modern people is the importance of humility and cooperation with others. It’s natural that even the most excellent people cannot be objective when it comes to their own affairs.

To apply this lesson, start by acknowledging your own limitations. Then maintain an attitude of honestly listening to opinions from people you trust. Frank opinions from friends, colleagues, and sometimes even subordinates might reveal your blind spots.

Also, remember these words when giving advice to others. With a humble feeling that you’re not perfect either, you should be able to give warmer advice that better relates to the other person.

In modern society, there are increasing situations where we must make all judgments alone, but this proverb also contains the message that “you don’t have to handle everything by yourself.” By utilizing each other’s strengths and supporting one another, we can live richer lives. It’s okay for you to be someone’s “yin-yang master” while simultaneously being helped by someone else.