嘘も方便 (Uso mo Hōben)
2026-11-14
嘘も方便 (Uso mo Hōben)
Even a lie can sometimes serve a good purpose.
Even a lie can sometimes serve a good purpose.
We are taught that lying is wrong, but life is not always that simple.
In Japan, there is a saying, 嘘も方便 (Uso mo Hōben). The word 方便 comes from Buddhism, meaning a skillful means of guiding someone toward a better understanding.
Sometimes, telling the truth can hurt someone unnecessarily, while a small lie can offer comfort, encouragement, or hope.
Imagine a child proudly showing you a drawing. It may not be a masterpiece, but you say, “That's wonderful!”
Is that a lie? Perhaps. But your words may inspire that child to keep creating.
Of course, this wisdom does not justify dishonesty for personal gain.
The difference lies in your intentions.
A lie told for your own benefit is deception. A lie told out of compassion may be an act of kindness.
Sometimes, kindness is more important than being right.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..