How to Read “思う念力岩をも通す”
Omou nenriki iwa wo mo tōsu
Meaning of “思う念力岩をも通す”
This proverb means that with strong will and concentrated mental power, one can accomplish anything, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem.
“Nenriki” (mind power) does not refer to mere supernatural abilities, but rather to the mental strength of focusing one’s mind toward a goal and continuing to strive without giving up. Rock is used as a symbol of hard obstacles that normally cannot be penetrated, representing difficulties and barriers that appear impossible to overcome.
This proverb is used when facing great difficulties or setbacks, or when encouraging someone who is trying to take on a challenge. Rather than simply saying “do your best,” it is used when one wants to emphasize the importance of mental concentration and continuous effort. Even today, it is often used in situations that require long-term effort, such as exam preparation, job hunting, sports training, and creative activities. What’s important is that this “nenriki” does not mean magical power, but rather sustained effort based on strong will.
Origin and Etymology
“Thinking mind power penetrates even rock” is believed to have been formed in Japan under the influence of ancient Chinese thought and Buddhism. The word “nenriki” itself is a Buddhist term that meant mental concentration and spiritual power.
The background of this proverb includes a historical account recorded in the Chinese classic “Liezi.” It taught that through strong will and concentration, even things thought impossible could become possible. The Buddhist concept that deep meditation and strong faith generate power that transcends physical limitations also had an influence.
In Japan, concepts related to such mental power began appearing in literature and tales around the Heian period. Particularly with the development of bushido (the way of the warrior), a culture that valued mental strength and willpower took root, and the concept of “nenriki” became widely accepted.
By the Edo period, this proverb came to be used among common people as well, becoming established as words of encouragement when facing difficulties. By using rock—something hard and immovable—as an example, it expressed in an easily understandable way the teaching that any difficult situation can be overcome with strong will.
Interesting Facts
The word “nenriki” was originally a Buddhist training term where “nen” meant concentrating the mind on one point, and “riki” meant the mental energy born from that concentration. It was a completely different concept from the modern supernatural image of things like spoon bending.
Interestingly, the “rock” used in this proverb has been revered since ancient times in Japan as something sacred where gods dwell. Therefore, the expression “penetrates even rock” is thought to represent not just piercing through something hard, but willpower so strong that it can move even sacred and immovable things.
Usage Examples
- He practiced 5 hours every day for 3 years and finally became a professional—truly “Thinking mind power penetrates even rock”
- I want my daughter to keep trying until the end for her university entrance exams—they say “Thinking mind power penetrates even rock”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb faces new interpretations and challenges. In our information society, “efficiency” and “smart solutions” are valued, and effort based on willpower alone sometimes becomes the target of criticism. However, it is also true that precisely because AI and technology have developed, the value of human willpower and concentration is being recognized anew.
In modern times, the interpretation of “nenriki” has also diversified. Rather than simple willpower theory, it is increasingly understood as “modern nenriki” combined with scientific approaches such as clarifying goal setting, continuous learning, and mental health management. With developments in sports psychology and cognitive science, the actual impact of mental concentration on performance has been scientifically proven, supporting the essential correctness of this proverb.
On the other hand, the dangers of relying excessively on mental theory have also been pointed out. The interpretation that “effort will always be rewarded” can sometimes place excessive responsibility on individuals and cause social problems and structural inequalities to be overlooked. In modern times, a balanced interpretation is required that values strong willpower while also emphasizing appropriate rest, cooperation with others, and environmental improvement.
When AI Hears This
“The power of strong will can penetrate even stone” expresses with remarkable accuracy the interaction between consciousness and matter that modern science is beginning to prove.
Neuroscience has revealed that strong will and focused thinking actually change the physical structure of the brain. Research at University College London confirmed that taxi drivers’ hippocampi physically enlarged due to road memory, and pianists’ motor cortex underwent structural changes through practice. This shows that “mental power” isn’t metaphorical—it literally transforms matter (brain tissue).
Even more striking is its alignment with quantum physics. In quantum mechanics, the “observer effect” shows that conscious observation determines the state of quantum particles. Princeton University’s PEAR laboratory demonstrated through 30 years of experiments that human consciousness has a statistically significant impact on random number generator outputs.
Most fascinating is that brain waves during intense willful states (gamma waves above 40Hz) occur in the same frequency range as quantum coherence states. This suggests that what ancient people expressed as “mental power that penetrates stone” may actually have been a scientific mechanism where consciousness influences matter at the quantum level.
Modern physicist Henry Stapp states that “consciousness causes the collapse of quantum states”—which is precisely the ancient insight that strong will can alter physical reality.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is that true strength lies not in momentary explosive power, but in the power to continue. Precisely because we live in an era where momentary success on social media gets attention, it reminds us of the value of steadily accumulating effort.
What’s important is not to understand “nenriki” as blind willpower theory, but to understand it as a technique for concentrating the mind toward clear goals. When you take on a challenge, first clarify what you truly desire, then move toward it step by step. Even when you hit walls along the way, continue believing in the future beyond those walls. That is the modern version of “nenriki.”
Also, this proverb does not glorify solitary effort. By maintaining strong will while also valuing cooperation with those around you and appropriate rest, you can cultivate more sustainable “nenriki.” If you believe in the potential within yourself and continue taking concrete actions to make it reality, surely a path will open up.
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