How to Read “牛に引かれて善光寺参り”
Ushi ni hikarete zenkōji mairi
Meaning of “牛に引かれて善光寺参り”
This proverb means being led to something good or beneficial as a result of unexpected events or invitations from others.
It contains the teaching that even when initially acting not by one’s own will, but rather reluctantly, being dragged along by chance events or people can result in unexpectedly good experiences and learning. Life has unforeseen developments, and even when something feels troublesome or we’re not enthusiastic about it at the time, looking back we may realize it was a major turning point or opportunity for growth.
This proverb is used when expressing experiences where we look back and feel “I didn’t like it at the time, but it turned out well in the end.” It’s also sometimes used as encouragement for people currently caught up in something, meaning “it might turn out better than expected.” It continues to be beloved today as universal wisdom applicable to various situations, including human relationships and participation in new environments.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is said to come from a legend related to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture.
Long ago, near Zenkoji Temple in Shinshū, there lived a greedy old woman who didn’t believe in Buddhism. One day, while the old woman was hanging cloth to dry, a cow appeared from nowhere, caught the cloth on its horn, and ran off. The old woman desperately chased after the cow, trying to retrieve her precious cloth.
The cow ran into the grounds of Zenkoji Temple and suddenly disappeared. When the bewildered old woman looked around, she realized she was standing before the Amida Buddha of Zenkoji Temple. Moved by this mysterious event, the old woman reflected on her way of life and became deeply devoted to Buddhism.
In fact, that cow was an incarnation of Amida Buddha. People passed down the story that Buddha had taken the form of a cow to save the old woman by leading her to Zenkoji Temple.
From this legend came the phrase “Pulled by cow to Zenkoji temple worship,” which became established as a proverb expressing how unexpected events can lead to good results. Zenkoji Temple has long been beloved by many people, with the saying “Visit Zenkoji at least once,” and this proverb has also taken deep root in people’s hearts.
Interesting Facts
Zenkoji Temple is famous as the setting for “Pulled by cow to Zenkoji temple worship,” but this temple actually has no specific sect. It has the unusual structure of being jointly managed by monks from both the Tendai and Jōdo sects, and has been cherished as a “temple where anyone can be saved” because people of any sect can worship there without discrimination.
The cow that appears in this proverb was actually an animal commonly seen on the approach to Zenkoji Temple. From the Edo period through the Meiji era, pilgrims visiting Zenkoji often used cattle and horses to travel long distances, and there were many places around the temple grounds to rest these animals. This may have naturally given rise to the idea of a cow leading people to Zenkoji Temple.
Usage Examples
- It was a hobby class my friend forced me to join, but like “Pulled by cow to Zenkoji temple worship,” it’s now become my hobby
- I was anxious about changing jobs, but like “Pulled by cow to Zenkoji temple worship,” I had unexpectedly good encounters
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb is being experienced in increasingly diverse situations. Chance encounters on social media, recommendation algorithms, shares from friends – digital technology leading us to unexpected information and experiences has become part of daily life.
Particularly noteworthy is the contrast with modern people’s “planning-focused” values. While many people make career plans and meticulously design their lives, the most valuable experiences often arise from unexpected events. When you hear entrepreneurs’ success stories, words like “by chance” and “coincidentally” often appear, which can be called the modern version of this proverb.
However, in our information-overloaded modern age, it’s not realistic to accept every “invitation.” What’s important is having the courage to open your heart just a little to opportunities that intuitively feel “somehow different.” Online learning, cross-industry networking events, local volunteer activities – even if they initially seem troublesome, participating might open up new worlds.
The modern “Pulled by cow to Zenkoji temple worship” teaches us the courage to step outside our comfort zones and the flexibility to enjoy unexpected developments.
When AI Hears This
The “algorithmic life turning points” that many modern people experience share the exact same structure as being led to Zenkoji Temple by a cow. A Netflix recommendation randomly changes your worldview, a YouTube rabbit hole awakens a new hobby, or a dating app leads you to your soulmate.
What’s fascinating is that both scenarios often produce the best results when there’s “no clear intention from the person involved.” Psychology research frequently shows that humans often don’t accurately understand their own preferences, and report higher satisfaction when exposed to unexpected choices. Just as people in the Edo period were guided by a cow—a “random element”—modern people are guided by algorithms—a form of “calculated randomness.”
Even more noteworthy is how both require a passive attitude of “going with the flow without resistance” as the key to success. People who openly accept algorithmic recommendations tend to gain more opportunities for new discoveries and personal growth. This demonstrates that passivity holds significant value in our modern society that emphasizes active planning and goal-setting. Both cows and algorithms serve as “guides of serendipity,” leading us toward possibilities beyond our fixed assumptions.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is that life’s richness comes not from proceeding according to plan, but from unexpected encounters and experiences.
While modern society tends to emphasize efficiency and rationality, sometimes truly valuable discoveries are hidden in things that seem “wasteful” or in “detours.” New hobbies, encounters with people who have different values, chance meetings with books or movies you wouldn’t normally choose. All of these hold the potential to add new colors to your life.
What’s important is not making perfect plans, but having the mental space to enjoy unexpected developments. Sudden invitations from friends, new roles at work, job postings you happen to see. Even if you’re initially reluctant, please cherish that small curiosity of “what if.”
Surely a wonderful “cow” will appear in your life too, leading you to an unexpected “Zenkoji Temple.” When that time comes, please don’t be afraid to follow along.
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