Tag Archives: difficulties

What if it’s made of hithlain?

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Confanity

一筋縄では行かない(Hitosuji nawa de wa ikanai;“A single rope won’t do”) Definition: A situation that can’t be handled using the ordinary means, or everyday methods. Especially refers to an enemy or opponent who can’t be overcome with one’s usual techniques or strategies. … Continue reading →

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Wild horses could, in fact, drag it out of me

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Confanity

意馬心猿 i.ba.shin.en Literally: mind – horse – heart – monkey Alternately: This Buddhist phrase expresses how it is difficult to control oneself and detach from the illusory material world because worldly desires, false beliefs, and mental pollution such as hatred … Continue reading →

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Consider the lotus of the pond

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Confanity

It toils and spins SO HARD 難行苦行 nan.gyou.ku.gyou Literally: difficult – go / undertaking – suffering – go / undertaking Alternately: Extreme difficulties or suffering. In particular, this describes when someone is enduring privation and hardship as part of (Buddhist) … Continue reading →

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Pride cometh

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Confanity

Every castle is undefeated… for some while! 難攻不落 nan.kou.fu.raku Literally: difficult – attack – not – fall Alternately: Nigh impervious to assault. Difficult even to attack, much less to actually bring down, like a near-impregnable castle. By extension, a situation … Continue reading →

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A harder love

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Confanity

A harder love than frost I love the autumn: The smell of leaves’ new colors, The golds, yellows, reds, The play of warmth and coolness, The wonder of birds in flight. You are my autumn. You are bright leaves on … Continue reading →

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Beasts at the gates!

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Confanity

前門の虎後門の狼 (Zenmon no tora koumon no ookami; “A tiger at the front gate, a wolf at the rear”) Definition: “Out of the frying pan, into the fire.” While you were driving away a tiger at the front gate, a wolf … Continue reading →

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