What Does 'Chanting Buddhist Prayers to Pigs and Scriptures to Cats' Mean?
It means that no matter how wonderful or profound the teachings are, they hold no value to those who cannot comprehend them.
How Did This Proverb Originate?
The term 'nenbutsu' refers to chanting Buddhist prayers, famously starting with 'Nam-Amida-Butsu,' expressing faith in and calling for salvation from the Buddha. This contrasts with 'sutra' or 'scripture,' which encompasses the teachings of Buddha, often complex and requiring a certain level of understanding and sophistication to interpret.
Given this context, the proverb humorously notes that even offering valuable teachings to pigs and cats—creatures incapable of understanding their worth—is pointless.
The use of 'pigs' and 'cats' in this proverb may not have a detailed historical background, but these animals are traditionally viewed as unable to grasp the significance of such spiritual messages, thus making the effort as futile as giving them treasures or profound wisdom.
