Proverb / Kotowaza
知らぬが仏
Remaining in a state of calm because one is unaware of things that would otherwise cause anger or distress.
Not knowing is a Buddha
Quick Answer
Remaining in a state of calm because one is unaware of things that would otherwise cause anger or distress.
- Literal Image
- Not knowing is a Buddha
- Closest Equivalent
- What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over
- How to Use It
- Used when suggesting that someone is better off not knowing a troublesome truth, or when observing someone who is blissfully unaware of negative circumstances.
Meaning
Knowing the truth can lead to anger, suffering, or complications, but remaining unaware allows one to stay peaceful and unperturbed like a Buddha. It is also used to describe a situation where someone remains carefree simply because they do not know what is happening around them, sometimes with a mocking nuance.
Literal Image
Not knowing is a Buddha
Equivalent Proverbs
What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over
Focuses on the lack of emotional pain when something is out of sight.
What you don’t know won’t hurt you
Focuses on how lack of awareness prevents harm or distress.
How to Use It
Used when suggesting that someone is better off not knowing a troublesome truth, or when observing someone who is blissfully unaware of negative circumstances.
Tone
Can be neutral when discussing personal peace, but carries a mocking tone when used to describe others.
Examples
裏でどんな噂をされているか、本人は知らぬが仏で幸せそうだ。
They look happy and blissfully unaware of the rumors being spread about them behind their back.
余計なことを知らない方が心穏やかでいられる。知らぬが仏とはこのことだ。
It is easier to stay calm if you don't know unnecessary things; this is exactly what they mean by 'not knowing is a Buddha'.
あの事実を知ったら彼は怒るだろう。知らぬが仏のままにしておこう。
He would be angry if he knew the truth. Let's leave him in his peaceful state of ignorance.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses simple vocabulary (shiranu, hotoke), but the use of the classical 'nu' negation and the idiomatic application make it intermediate.
知らぬ
しらぬ / shiranu
not knowing (classical negation of shiru)
仏
ほとけ / hotoke
Buddha; a person with a peaceful heart
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful when using this about others, as it can sound like you are mocking their ignorance.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this is always a positive compliment about someone's peace; it implies the person is 'clueless' while others know the truth.
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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.