also: しょうはしのはじめ
birth is the beginning of death
A rare Buddhist-influenced proverb expressing the inevitability of death from the moment of birth. Used in philosophical or literary contexts.
The phrase 'birth is the beginning of death' expresses the Buddhist view of impermanence.
Standard kanji form for this proverb.
Alternate reading using the on'yomi しょう for 生; much less common.
A set phrase of classical origin, likely derived from Buddhist teachings on impermanence. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.