How to Read “千金の珠は必ず九重の淵の而も驪龍の頷下に有り”
Senkin no tama wa kanarazu kyūchō no fuchi no shikamo riryō no ganka ni ari
Meaning of “千金の珠は必ず九重の淵の而も驪龍の頷下に有り”
This proverb means that in order to obtain something truly valuable, one must inevitably overcome great dangers and difficulties.
Truly valuable achievements and success are not found in places where anyone can easily reach them. Like a precious pearl at the bottom of a deep abyss guarded by a fearsome dragon, they can never be obtained without life-risking determination and courage. This proverb is used when you want to convey to someone trying to achieve something the importance of being prepared to face difficulties rather than seeking easy paths.
Even in modern times, this teaching holds deep meaning in situations where one seeks truly valuable results, such as starting a business, taking on new challenges, or pursuing academic research. This proverb is used as encouragement for those who pursue true value rather than superficial success.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originates from the ancient Chinese classic “Zhuangzi.” Zhuangzi was a philosopher from the Warring States period, and his philosophy deeply influenced Japan as well.
“Thousand gold’s pearl” refers to a precious pearl worth a thousand pieces of gold. “Nine layers’ abyss” represents a deep abyss layered nine times over, “black dragon” means a black dragon, and “under jaw” means beneath the chin. In other words, the most valuable treasure lies at the bottom of an abyss layered nine times deep, beneath the jaw of a fearsome black dragon.
The background to this expression lies in ancient China’s reverence for dragons. Dragons were considered sacred beings that ruled over water, and black dragons in particular were feared as the most powerful and terrifying. The idea was that treasures guarded by such beings were truly valuable.
Chinese classical thought was transmitted to Japan along with Buddhism, and this proverb was also passed down as an important lesson among samurai and scholars. It is believed that it was frequently quoted during Edo period education when explaining the mindset needed to face difficulties.
Interesting Facts
The “black dragon” that appears in this proverb was considered a special being in Chinese mythology. Unlike ordinary dragons, black dragons were believed to have a special scale called “reverse scale” beneath their jaw, and it was believed that touching this would enrage the dragon and cause it to kill whoever touched it. In other words, those seeking treasure had to approach the dragon’s most dangerous part, setting up the ultimate trial.
The expression “nine layers’ abyss” is also interesting, as in ancient China, “nine” was a sacred number representing the highest number. It was used to express the most profound and sacred places, such as nine-layered palaces and nine-layered heavens, so this abyss also represents the most difficult place to reach in this world.
Usage Examples
- Watching his journey to becoming a doctor, I truly understand that “Thousand gold’s pearl necessarily exists in nine layers’ abyss’s and also black dragon’s under jaw”
- If you dream of success in a new business venture, you must approach it with the resolve that “Thousand gold’s pearl necessarily exists in nine layers’ abyss’s and also black dragon’s under jaw”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. In our information age, sweet temptations like “easy money” and “effortless success” abound, but the reality is that businesses and technological innovations that create truly sustainable value are still born through long periods of research and development and trial and error.
For example, looking at the development of AI technology, while it may appear to have emerged suddenly on the surface, behind it lie decades of basic research and countless accumulated failures. The same is true for startup success stories—behind the spectacular success lies battles with “dragons” such as funding difficulties, technical barriers, and market misunderstanding.
However, there are also challenges unique to modern times. Because only the brilliant aspects of successful people are visible on social media, younger generations tend to think “there must be ways to succeed while avoiding difficulties.” But innovations that truly bring value to society and deep learning that enriches life may still lie at the bottom of the “nine layers’ abyss.”
This proverb reminds modern people, accustomed to instant culture, that time and effort are essential for true value creation.
When AI Hears This
This ancient proverb demonstrates an insight that seems to have foreseen one of the most serious structural problems of our modern information society, as if predicting it 2000 years ago.
In today’s world, the most valuable information is hidden behind technical barriers that resemble those “nine-layered depths.” For example, Google and Meta’s search algorithms, financial institutions’ high-frequency trading systems, and medical AI diagnostic logic—all the core information that drives society is protected by advanced encryption and multiple layers of security. What ordinary citizens can access amounts to nothing more than superficial data.
Even more fascinating is the presence of the “black dragon.” The modern version of this dragon consists of organizations with immense power: giant tech companies, government agencies, and research institutions. They monopolize precious information and respond to those who attempt to obtain it with “the dragon’s wrath”—legal sanctions, technical retaliation, and economic pressure.
Indeed, looking at the 2013 Snowden incident and recent cases involving WikiLeaks and the Pandora Papers, those who obtained truly valuable information invariably paid enormous prices. Information gaps don’t arise by chance—the ancient insight that the most important “thousand-gold pearls” are intentionally placed in the most dangerous locations has become even more vividly realized in the digital age.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of “resolve” in obtaining valuable things. Things that are easily obtained are also easily lost. But what you gain by overcoming difficulties becomes true treasure in your life.
To apply this in modern society, start by discerning what is “truly valuable.” This may not necessarily be financial success, but deep human relationships, professional skills, or inner growth. And have the mindset to accept the difficulties you encounter on the path toward that goal not as enemies, but as “guardians protecting the treasure.”
Failures and setbacks might be proof that you’re approaching something of real value. Your true worth is tested precisely at the point where many people give up. Only those with the courage to face the dragon can obtain real treasure. Many people are surely cheering you on as you walk the difficult path.
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