百ひゃく尺せき竿かん頭とう

noun

the highest state of enlightenment; the pinnacle of attainment

A yojijukugo from Zen Buddhism, often used metaphorically for reaching the ultimate level in any endeavor. The literal image is 'the tip of a hundred-foot pole,' suggesting a state beyond which one must still step forward.

• 彼かれは修しゅ行ぎょうを積つみ、ついに百ひゃく尺せき竿かん頭とうの境きょう地ちに達たっした。

  After years of training, he finally reached the highest state of enlightenment.

• 百ひゃく尺せき竿かん頭とうに一いっ歩ぽを進すすめる覚かく悟ごが必ひつ要ようだ。

  One must be prepared to take a step forward even from the pinnacle of attainment.