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.
This encounter is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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.
In Zen, the perfect synchronicity between master and disciple is considered essential for enlightenment.
Mixed kana-kanji variant; less common but still encountered.
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.