脚きゃっ下か照しょう顧こ

expression

look carefully where your own footsteps fall; know thyself; seek enlightenment by self-reflection

A Zen-derived yojijukugo. Literally means 'watch your step,' but is used figuratively to urge self-examination and introspection rather than judging others. Often encountered in Buddhist or philosophical contexts.

• 禅ぜんの教おしえに「脚きゃっ下か照しょう顧こ」という言こと葉ばがある。

  In Zen teachings, there is the phrase 'Kyakka Shōko' (look carefully where your own footsteps fall).

• 他た人にんを批ひ判はんする前まえに、まずは脚きゃっ下か照しょう顧この精せい神しんで自じ分ぶんを見みつめ直なおすべきだ。

  Before criticizing others, one should first reflect on oneself with the spirit of 'know thyself.'