Proverb / Kotowaza
縁なき衆生は度し難し
Even Buddha cannot save those with whom there is no connection, meaning it is impossible to help people who refuse to listen.
Living beings who lack a connection are difficult to save
Quick Answer
Even Buddha cannot save those with whom there is no connection, meaning it is impossible to help people who refuse to listen.
- Literal Image
- Living beings who lack a connection are difficult to save
- How to Use It
- Used when expressing resignation after a person ignores repeated advice or when a relationship lacks the necessary rapport for help to be accepted.
Meaning
This expression originates from Buddhist teachings, suggesting that some individuals are beyond help if a mutual connection or receptiveness is missing. It is used to describe situations where it is futile to offer advice or assistance to someone who has no intention of listening or changing their behavior.
Literal Image
Living beings who lack a connection are difficult to save
How to Use It
Used when expressing resignation after a person ignores repeated advice or when a relationship lacks the necessary rapport for help to be accepted.
Tone
Carries a sense of cold assessment or resignation regarding the futility of further effort.
Examples
いくら忠告しても聞かない彼を見て、上司は「縁なき衆生は度し難し」とため息をついた。
Watching him ignore every piece of advice, the boss sighed and said, 'Even Buddha cannot save those who refuse to listen.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses formal Buddhist terminology and classical grammar like the 'naki' and 'gatashi' endings, which are rarely seen in daily speech.
縁
えん / en
connection, fate, or karmic link
衆生
しゅじょう / shujo
sentient beings, all living things
度し難い
どしがたい / doshigatai
difficult to save, irredeemable
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a strong expression of resignation; using it toward someone directly may come across as dismissive or arrogant.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe physical rescue; it refers to the spiritual or mental receptiveness of a person to advice or help.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
Derived from Buddhist terminology, where 'shujo' (sentient beings) refers to all living things and 'dosu' (to save) refers to a Buddha guiding people toward enlightenment. The expression comes from the teaching that even a Buddha cannot save those who have no 'butsuen' (connection to Buddhism).
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.