Proverb / Kotowaza
一樹の陰一河の流れも他生の縁
Even the briefest of encounters in this life are the result of connections made in previous existences.
Even seeking shelter under the same tree or drinking from the same river flow is a connection from another life.
Quick Answer
Even the briefest of encounters in this life are the result of connections made in previous existences.
- Literal Image
- Even seeking shelter under the same tree or drinking from the same river flow is a connection from another life.
- Closest Equivalent
- Even a chance meeting is destined by fate
- How to Use It
- Used to express gratitude or wonder when a chance meeting leads to a significant relationship or to remind someone to value all social connections.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that even minor coincidences, such as sharing the shade of a tree during a rain shower or drinking from the same stream, are not accidental. Based on Buddhist thought, these moments are seen as karmic ties from past lives. Therefore, one should cherish and treat every encounter, no matter how small, with importance.
Literal Image
Even seeking shelter under the same tree or drinking from the same river flow is a connection from another life.
Equivalent Proverbs
Even a chance meeting is destined by fate
A direct English equivalent listed in the source reflecting the role of destiny.
How to Use It
Used to express gratitude or wonder when a chance meeting leads to a significant relationship or to remind someone to value all social connections.
Tone
Reflective and spiritual, can be used when discussing fate or the importance of human connections.
Examples
一樹の陰一河の流れも他生の縁というように、旅先で偶然声をかけてくれたその人が、後に大切な友人になるとは思いもしなかった。
As the saying goes, even seeking shelter under the same tree or drinking from the same river is a connection from another life; I never imagined that the person who happened to speak to me during my travels would later become a dear friend.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb is exceptionally long and uses literary Buddhist terminology like 'tasho no en' and 'ichiju', making it difficult for standard learners.
一樹
いちじゅ / ichiju
one tree
一河
いちが / ichiga
one river
他生
たしょう / tasho
other lives (previous or future)
縁
えん / en
fate; connection; karma
Usage Profile
Usage note: It is quite long and formal, so it may feel overly dramatic in very casual settings.
Misread Risk
Do not mistake 'tasho' (other lives) for 'tasho' (a little/somewhat), which is a homophone in Japanese.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is rooted in the Buddhist concepts of transmigration (輪廻転生) and dependent origination (縁起). The term 他生の縁 refers to connections made in past or future lives, reflecting a worldview where even the slightest encounter in the present is a continuation of a bond from a previous existence.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.