How to Read “四百四病の外”
Shihyakushi-byō no hoka
Meaning of “四百四病の外”
“Four hundred four diseases’ outside” is a proverb that expresses a state of not being ill, in other words, being healthy.
This proverb is used as a more emphatic and impressive expression than simply saying “healthy.” Since “four hundred four diseases” means all kinds of illnesses, being “outside” of them refers to a completely healthy state that doesn’t correspond to any disease. It is used when confirming one’s own or others’ health condition, or when expressing relief that there are no health concerns.
The reason for using this expression is probably that it gives a more literary and cultured impression than simply saying “I’m healthy.” Also, by using the seemingly exaggerated number “four hundred four diseases,” it has the effect of emphasizing the gratitude and preciousness of being healthy. Even today, especially elderly people and those who prefer classical expressions sometimes use it when describing their health condition.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” traces back to ancient Chinese medical thought. In traditional Chinese medicine, the total number of diseases that humans could suffer from was expressed as “four hundred four diseases.” This was not a specific number but rather an idiomatic expression meaning “all diseases” or “every illness.”
This concept of “four hundred four diseases” was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism. In Buddhism, when explaining human suffering, physical illness was also considered an important element, so this expression frequently appears in scriptures and Buddhist texts. Particularly in Heian period literature, we can see this term used in descriptions related to illness.
In Japan, by adding the word “outside” to “four hundred four diseases,” a unique proverb was born. “Outside” is read as “hoka” rather than “soto,” meaning “other than” or “except for.” In other words, “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” became established as a proverb referring to “something other than all diseases” or “something that is not illness.”
This proverb is thought to have become widely used around the Edo period. People of that time, living in an era when medicine was not as advanced as today, had many opportunities to think deeply about illness and health, which likely led to the everyday use of such expressions.
Interesting Facts
The number “four hundred four diseases” is actually used in the same way as Buddhism’s “eighty-four thousand dharma gates.” These don’t indicate specific numbers but are Buddhist rhetorical devices expressing “very many” or “all.”
In Edo period medical texts, there are records of attempts to specifically classify these “four hundred four diseases.” However, in reality, with the medical knowledge of the time, it was difficult to accurately classify more than 400 disease names, confirming that it was indeed used as a symbolic number.
Usage Examples
- Thanks to everyone’s support, I am Four hundred four diseases’ outside and living energetically every day.
- The test results showed I was Four hundred four diseases’ outside, so I’m relieved.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the proverb “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” has taken on new meanings. Currently, with advances in medicine, it’s known that the types of diseases number not just 400 but thousands or tens of thousands, and when including genetic-level diseases and mental illnesses, the number is immeasurable.
However, this could be said to make the value of this proverb even more appreciated. In our information society, when people search for symptoms on the internet, countless disease possibilities are displayed, leading to increased health anxiety among people. This phenomenon is sometimes called “cyberchondria.” In such times, the expression “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” provides relief from excessive worry.
Also, in modern times, the concept of “health” has expanded. The WHO (World Health Organization) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,” meaning that simply not being sick is insufficient. From this perspective, “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” has come to have more specific meaning as an expression representing the basic state of physical health.
Furthermore, in modern times when preventive medicine is emphasized, the importance of being “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” is more strongly highlighted. With the spread of health checkups and comprehensive medical examinations, and growing attention to prevention before illness occurs, this proverb has also come to be used as words expressing the goal of health maintenance.
When AI Hears This
The concept of “Four Hundred and Four Diseases” systematized by Buddhist medicine 1,500 years ago shows remarkable alignment with modern psychosomatic medicine. Buddhism taught that when the balance of the “Four Great Elements” (earth, water, fire, wind) that compose the human body is disrupted by mental states, 404 types of illnesses arise. This is essentially identical to the mechanism modern medicine has discovered where “psychological stress affects the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system.”
Particularly fascinating is Buddhism’s concept of “wind diseases.” These bear striking resemblance to what we now call autonomic nervous system disorders and anxiety disorders, with symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and insomnia explained as “disruptions of wind.” Indeed, modern research has shown that chronic stress overstimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing exactly these symptoms.
Even more surprising is how Buddhist medicine identified the “three mental poisons” (greed, anger, ignorance) as the root causes of disease. Modern behavioral medicine has proven that anger-prone personalities (Type A behavior patterns) increase cardiovascular disease risk by 1.7 times, and that chronic anxiety reduces immune function by 30%. The insights that ancient monks reached through meditation and observation are now being scientifically validated by cutting-edge neuroscience and stress research.
Lessons for Today
The proverb “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” teaches us who live in modern times to appreciate anew the value of being healthy. In our busy daily lives, we tend to take health for granted, but this proverb reminds us of the gratitude we should feel for “not being sick.”
Especially in modern society, new forms of health risks like stress and lifestyle diseases are increasing. That’s why it’s important to regularly reflect on our condition, confirm that we are “Four hundred four diseases’ outside,” and take time to be grateful. This isn’t mere self-satisfaction, but becomes the first step toward raising awareness about health maintenance.
This proverb also teaches us compassion for others. Wishing that family and friends remain “Four hundred four diseases’ outside” and thinking about what we can do to help. While health is personal, it’s also something maintained through mutual support in relationships with those around us.
Why don’t you look in the mirror today and feel grateful for yourself being “Four hundred four diseases’ outside”? That small feeling of gratitude should open the door to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
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