life and death are two sides of the same coin; life and death are one
A Buddhist-derived expression emphasizing the non-duality of life and death. Used in philosophical, literary, or spiritual contexts; not an everyday conversational phrase.
In Zen teachings, the idea that life and death are one is emphasized.
諸行無常 refers to the impermanence of all things, while 生死一如 specifically addresses the unity of life and death.
A yojijukugo (four-character idiom) of Buddhist origin, combining 生死 (life and death) and 一如 (oneness, suchness). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects the Mahayana Buddhist concept of non-duality.