even a chance encounter is predestined
Proverb meaning that even the slightest contact with a stranger is not a coincidence but the result of karma from a previous life. Often used to encourage cherishing every encounter.
See also: 袖振り合うも他生の縁
They say even a chance meeting is predestined, so let's be kind to the person sitting next to us.
I hit it off with someone I met on a trip. This is what they mean by 'even a chance encounter is predestined.'
A variant of the same proverb using 振り (waving sleeves) instead of すり (brushing sleeves). The meaning is essentially identical, but 袖すり合うも多生の縁 is more common today.
Commonly seen spelling; uses すり for the verb and 多生 for the Buddhist term.
Uses the kanji 擦 for 'rub'; equally valid but less common in modern writing.
Variant with 他生 instead of 多生; both refer to a previous life in Buddhist context.
Combination of the less common kanji choices; rarely encountered.
A Japanese proverb derived from the Buddhist concept of 多生 (or 他生), meaning 'previous life' or 'other life,' combined with 縁 (karmic connection). The phrase literally means 'even brushing sleeves is a connection from a past life.' The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it reflects the Buddhist idea that all encounters are meaningful.