Tag Archives: Buddha

They say he only likes it when you pat his belly

Posted on December 18, 2016 by

仏の顔も三度 (Hotoke no kao mo sando; “Even the Buddha’s face, three times”) Definition: Even the most gentle person will become angry if you treat them poorly on a frequent enough basis (often used in reference to rude behavior). Even the … Continue reading →

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TFW you see the universe in a flower through a flower in the universe

Posted on June 29, 2016 by

拈華微笑 nen.ge.mi.shou Literally: twist (with the fingers) – flower – delicate/minute – laugh/smile Alternately: Communicating “heart to heart,” without words or writing. Subtle, unspoken communication. Plucking or toying with a flower, and a smile. Notes: In other contexts, 微笑 can … Continue reading →

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Buddha dunno

Posted on June 16, 2014 by

I said earlier that I wasn’t interested in presenting English sayings that had been translated into Japanese. This one falls close to that category, but sufficiently distinct that I feel it’s worth talking about. 知らぬが仏 (Shiranu ga Hotoke; “Unknowing is … Continue reading →

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