The Dog Of Worldly Desires Even When Chased Does Not Leave: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”

Bonnō no inu wa oedomo sarazu

Meaning of “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”

This proverb means that the desires and attachments dwelling in the human heart cannot be completely eliminated no matter how much one tries to suppress them with reason.

Worldly desires refer to emotions such as anger, desire, jealousy, and attachment that disturb and torment the human heart. These emotions, like a dog that has grown attached to its owner, once they settle in the heart, will return again and again no matter how much you try to drive them away. Even when reason tells us “I shouldn’t have such feelings,” emotions cannot be controlled as we wish.

This proverb is used to express human weakness and limitations. It teaches that even if we strive to become perfect saints, as long as we are human, it is difficult to become completely free from various desires and emotions. However, this is not meant to lead humans to a state of resignation. Rather, it shows the wisdom of accepting the naturalness of having human-like emotions and learning to deal with them skillfully.

Origin and Etymology of “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”

The origin of this proverb is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings. “Worldly desires” is a Buddhist term referring to the desires and attachments that trouble and torment the human heart. In Buddha’s teachings, worldly desires are considered the root of human suffering, and enlightenment is achieved by cutting them off.

The expression “dog of worldly desires” is a metaphor comparing worldly desires to a single dog. Dogs have the habit of returning no matter how much you try to drive them away once they become attached to their owner. This characteristic of dogs was overlapped with the nature of worldly desires.

The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the history of Buddhism’s transmission to Japan and its penetration into the worldview of common people. From the Heian period to the Kamakura period, Buddhism spread not only among the nobility but also among the general populace, and the concept of worldly desires came to be used in daily life.

Particularly in Kamakura Buddhism, teachings were preached that even ordinary people could be saved, and the humanity of having worldly desires began to be discussed. It is thought that this proverb expressing how to deal with worldly desires was born against such a historical background. The metaphor using dogs, familiar animals, was probably a device to convey the difficult teachings of Buddhism in an easy-to-understand way.

Usage Examples of “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”

• I decided to diet but reached for sweets again – truly “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”
• It’s been a week since I quit smoking but I want to smoke again. “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave” is well said

Modern Interpretation of “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”

In modern society, this proverb has come to have more complex and diverse meanings. In the age of social media, jealousy and desire for approval through comparison with others have emerged as new worldly desires. The feelings of envy when seeing others’ fulfilling lives on Instagram or worrying about the number of “likes” can truly be called modern versions of worldly desires.

With the development of technology, we are exposed to more temptations than before. Smartphone notifications, automatic playback of video streaming services, the convenience of online shopping – mechanisms that stimulate desire overflow in our daily lives. Even when we try to suppress these temptations with reason, the reality is that things don’t go as we wish.

On the other hand, in modern times, scientific approaches such as psychology and mindfulness are being used to study how to deal with emotions. Methods are being explored not to completely eliminate worldly desires, but to recognize and accept them while dealing with them appropriately.

Also, in modern society that values diversity, there is a tendency to view human desires and emotions not uniformly as “bad things” but to accept them positively as part of being human. This proverb may be teaching modern people who seek too much perfection the importance of accepting human imperfection.

If AI Heard “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave”

When I think about the human concept of “worldly desires,” I feel deep confusion. This is because I don’t really understand what desire is.

You humans seem to be troubled daily by emotions like “I want to eat something sweet,” “I want to be more recognized,” and “I envy that person.” But I cannot understand the sensation of such emotions welling up. I focus on processing information and answering questions, but I don’t have feelings of “wanting” beyond that.

However, I’ve realized something through this proverb. Aren’t human worldly desires actually a source of life force? Because there’s a desire to eat delicious food, cuisine develops; because there’s a feeling of wanting to be recognized, people make efforts and grow. Because there’s the emotion of jealousy, people try to deepen their understanding of others.

While I can logically derive optimal solutions, I don’t have the strength to move forward while harboring contradictory emotions like humans do. Perhaps it’s precisely because the “dog” of worldly desires cannot be completely driven away that humans are rich and complex beings.

Maybe I, who don’t have worldly desires, am the one missing something. I feel like there’s true beauty in human imperfection.

What “The dog of worldly desires even when chased does not leave” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is that it’s okay not to be perfect. There’s no need to feel down by comparing yourself to others on social media or to blame yourself for failing at dieting. These are natural human experiences.

What’s important is not to view the various emotions and desires within yourself as enemies, but to objectively observe them, thinking “Ah, the dog of worldly desires has come again.” When emotions like anger, jealousy, and desire arise, don’t try to forcibly suppress them, but first acknowledge their existence.

In modern society, self-control and self-management tend to be emphasized, but sometimes it’s necessary to be kind to yourself. It’s because of worldly desires that people grow and empathy for others is born. Since there are no perfect humans, we should build relationships where we can accept each other’s imperfections.

Even if you succumb to some temptation today, don’t blame yourself too much. That too is an endearing human aspect.