noun
golden opportunity; once-in-a-lifetime chance
Derived from a Zen metaphor; used for a rare, perfect moment when conditions align. Often appears in set phrases like 啐啄の機.
この出会いはまさに啐啄の機だ。
This encounter is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
noun
perfect synchronicity between Zen master and disciple
Original Buddhist sense: the moment when a chick pecks from inside the egg and the mother pecks from outside, symbolizing the perfect timing of teaching and realization.
禅では、師弟の啐啄が悟りに不可欠とされる。
In Zen, the perfect synchronicity between master and disciple is considered essential for enlightenment.
好機 is a general term for a good opportunity, while 啐啄 emphasizes a rare, perfectly timed moment with a literary or Zen flavor.
From a Zen Buddhist metaphor: a chick pecking from inside the egg (啐) and the mother pecking from outside (啄) at the exact same moment, symbolizing perfect timing. The extended meaning 'golden opportunity' comes from this image.