How to Read “有為転変は世の習い”
Ui tenpen wa yo no narai
Meaning of “有為転変は世の習い”
“Existence change is world’s custom” means that all things in this world are constantly changing, and this is the natural state of the world.
It expresses that when those who reached the height of prosperity fall into decline, or when those who were poor achieve success, this is not mere coincidence but the natural flow of the world. This proverb is used both during good times and bad times in life, teaching us that the current situation will not last forever. It functions as words that warn against complacency during good times and offer hope during difficult times. It is also used in situations where we witness changes in others’ circumstances, showing an attitude of accepting such changes as natural phenomena. The reason for using this expression is to soften surprise or lamentation about change and to calmly accept life’s ups and downs. Even today, when discussing the rise and fall of companies or changes in individual fortunes, it is understood as words that indicate the universal laws underlying such phenomena.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Existence change is world’s custom” is deeply rooted in the fundamental Buddhist concept of “all things are impermanent.” “Ui” (existence) is a Buddhist term referring to all phenomena and beings that arise through causes and conditions, while “tenpen” (change) means to transform and shift.
The background to this phrase taking root in Japan lies in the turbulent period from the Heian to Kamakura eras. People who witnessed the decline of aristocratic society, the rise of the warrior class, and repeated warfare came to keenly realize that even those who reached the pinnacle of prosperity were destined to decline.
Particularly as symbolized in the opening of “The Tale of the Heike” – “The sound of the Gion Shoja bells echoes the impermanence of all things” – the principle that the mighty must fall was deeply etched in people’s hearts of that time. Buddhist teachings overlapped with real experience, and the concept of “existence change” became established as part of the Japanese worldview.
During the Edo period, these words spread not only among the warrior class but also among common people, being passed down as wisdom for accepting life’s ups and downs. It became established not as mere resignation, but as words expressing the Japanese mentality of accepting change as the natural order of things.
Interesting Facts
The word “ui” (existence) is often used in modern times to mean “excellent,” as in “capable person,” but its original meaning as a Buddhist term is completely different. It is a translation of the Sanskrit word “samskrita,” referring to “things that are made” or “things that arise through conditions,” and is a neutral concept without value judgment.
The word “narai” (custom) included in this proverb is also interesting, representing not the modern meaning of “learning” but “habit,” “rule,” or “natural law.” In other words, “yo no narai” (world’s custom) means “the established laws of the world,” indicating that change is a fundamental rule of the world.
Usage Examples
- That company was once the industry leader, but existence change is world’s custom, after all
- It’s a difficult time now, but existence change is world’s custom, so good times will surely come
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Existence change is world’s custom” has become a phrase that resonates more than ever. In the information age, the speed of change has dramatically increased, and corporate rise and fall now occur within a span of years. The sight of major companies once thought unshakeable falling into management crisis in a short period, or conversely, startup companies achieving rapid growth, is exactly the truth this proverb demonstrates.
With the spread of social media, more people are experiencing rapid changes at the individual level, such as “going viral” or “being canceled.” Phenomena where someone becomes famous overnight or conversely becomes a target of criticism can be called modern versions of existence change.
However, precisely because of the intensity of change, modern people have also developed a stronger tendency to seek stability. As the lifetime employment system collapses and seniority-based systems are reconsidered, with traditional “stability” being shaken, this proverb sometimes presents a reality that is difficult to accept.
On the other hand, the diversification of work styles such as career changes, side jobs, and freelancing has created new life philosophies that assume change. The number of people who, rather than fearing “existence change,” actively try to embrace change is increasing, and the interpretation of this proverb is also evolving with the times.
When AI Hears This
The inevitability of change expressed in “有為転変は世の習い” (constant change is the way of the world) shows a remarkable alignment with quantum mechanics’ uncertainty principle.
In Buddhism’s concept of “諸行無常” (impermanence of all things), all phenomena arise through interdependent causation and possess no fixed essence. This teaching about the “fundamental instability of existence” shares the same essential insight as Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, discovered in 1927. At the quantum level, it’s fundamentally impossible to simultaneously measure an electron’s position and momentum with precision, and all particles exist as probabilistic “clouds.”
What’s particularly fascinating is how both perspectives emphasize the crucial role of “observation.” Buddhism points to the limitations of “分別” (conceptual thinking) that tries to grasp reality as fixed, while quantum mechanics discovered that the very act of observation determines a particle’s state. As Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment demonstrates, quantum states exist in an ambiguous condition called “superposition” until they are measured.
Modern quantum biology has revealed that quantum effects play roles in photosynthesis and birds’ magnetic sensing abilities, showing that our everyday world is actually filled with quantum uncertainty. The fact that ancient religious intuition arrived at the same truth as cutting-edge science speaks to the profound depth of human insight.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is not to fear change, but to accept it as the natural flow of life. If we can maintain humility during good times and hold hope that “this too shall not last forever” during difficult times, we can maintain a more stable mental state without being overly affected by life’s ups and downs.
In modern society, the ability to adapt to change has become more important than ever. To apply the wisdom of this proverb, we should aim for flexible life planning that assumes change. Rather than depending solely on one company, one skill, or one human relationship, we should always keep our eyes open to new possibilities. This way, when unexpected changes occur, we can view them as new opportunities.
Most importantly, we should cherish this present moment. Precisely because neither good times nor bad times last forever, there is value in living each moment to the fullest. Believing that all changes that come to your life will become keys to opening new doors, please move forward with a positive attitude.
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