Proverb / Kotowaza
一蓮托生
To share the same fate or destiny with others, regardless of the outcome.
Being reborn together on the same lotus flower
Quick Answer
To share the same fate or destiny with others, regardless of the outcome.
- Literal Image
- Being reborn together on the same lotus flower
- Closest Equivalent
- To share the same fate
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a group of people, such as colleagues or a couple, who have decided to face the future together and share whatever consequences may arise.
Meaning
This expression originally comes from the Buddhist belief that those who perform good deeds will be reborn together on the same lotus blossom in the Pure Land. In modern usage, it describes people who are committed to staying together and experiencing success or failure as a single unit.
Literal Image
Being reborn together on the same lotus flower
Equivalent Proverbs
To share the same fate
Expresses the same lesson of shared destiny without the floral image.
To be in the same boat
Uses a maritime image to describe sharing the same circumstances.
How to Use It
Used to describe a group of people, such as colleagues or a couple, who have decided to face the future together and share whatever consequences may arise.
Tone
Carries a serious and committed tone, reflecting a deep bond or shared responsibility.
Examples
苦楽を共にした仲間たちと、一蓮托生でこの事業を成功させたい。
I want to make this business a success together with my comrades, sharing both joys and sorrows until the end.
今後のことは誰にも分からない。私たち夫婦は、一蓮托生の覚悟でどんな困難も乗り越えていきます。
No one knows what the future holds, but as a couple, we are prepared to overcome any hardship by sharing the same fate.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses less basic kanji and is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) rooted in specialized Buddhist terminology.
一蓮
いちれん / ichiren
one lotus
托生
たくしょう / takusho
being reborn; depending on life
極楽浄土
ごくらくじょうど / gokuraku jodo
the Pure Land; Buddhist paradise
運命
うんめい / unmei
fate; destiny
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it signifies a strong bond, ensure the context supports the idea of sharing both failure and success.
Misread Risk
Do not use it for casual or temporary partnerships; it implies a deep, inseparable commitment to a shared outcome.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from the Buddhist scripture 往生要集. It is taught that those who believe in Amida Buddha will be reborn on the same lotus flower in the Pure Land (Gokuraku Jodo) after death. This concept eventually came to represent people who act together and share the same fate.
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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.