心しん頭とうを滅めっ却きゃくすれば火ひもまた涼すずし

expression

if you clear your mind of all worldly thoughts, even fire will feel cool

A Zen proverb meaning that mental detachment can overcome physical discomfort. Often cited to express the power of a focused, undisturbed mind.

See also: 心頭滅却

• 「心しん頭とうを滅めっ却きゃくすれば火ひもまた涼すずし」という言こと葉ばは、禅ぜんの教おしえに由ゆ来らいする。

  The saying 'If you clear your mind of all worldly thoughts, even fire will feel cool' originates from Zen teachings.

• 暑あつさに負まけそうなとき、心しん頭とうを滅めっ却きゃくすれば火ひもまた涼すずしと自じ分ぶんに言いい聞きかせる。

  When the heat is about to get to me, I tell myself, 'Clear your mind, and even fire feels cool.'