Proverb / Kotowaza
地獄極楽は心にあり
Whether one experiences suffering (hell) or joy (paradise) is determined entirely by one's own mindset.
Hell and paradise are in the mind.
Quick Answer
Whether one experiences suffering (hell) or joy (paradise) is determined entirely by one's own mindset.
- Literal Image
- Hell and paradise are in the mind.
- How to Use It
- Used to advise someone to change their perspective, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within rather than from wealth or external conditions.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that happiness and unhappiness are not dictated by external circumstances, but by a person's inner attitude. Even in a seemingly perfect environment, a negative mindset can make life feel like hell. Conversely, a positive and peaceful mind can find paradise in any situation.
Literal Image
Hell and paradise are in the mind.
How to Use It
Used to advise someone to change their perspective, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within rather than from wealth or external conditions.
Tone
Philosophical and moralizing, offering guidance on how to perceive life.
Examples
どんなに裕福な生活をしていても、不満ばかり抱いていては幸せになれない。地獄極楽は心にありというように、まずは自分の心の持ち方を変えることが大切だ。
No matter how wealthy a life you lead, if you only harbor dissatisfaction, you cannot be happy. As they say, "hell and paradise are in the mind," so it is important to first change your own mindset.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses standard vocabulary for hell, paradise, and heart, alongside the classical verb ending 'ari'.
地獄
じごく / jigoku
hell
極楽
ごくらく / gokuraku
paradise
心
こころ / kokoro
mind, heart
あり
あり / ari
exists (classical form of aru)
Usage Profile
Usage note: When using this to comfort someone facing real hardships, be careful not to sound dismissive of their actual difficult circumstances.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as denying the existence of difficult environments; rather, it highlights the power of one's emotional response to them.
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Origin
This proverb originates from Buddhist teachings. It is based on the concept that hell and paradise do not exist as external environments or in the afterlife. Instead, depending on a person's current state of mind, the reality they experience in the present can become either hell or paradise.
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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.