会あうは別わかれの始はじめ

expression

we meet only to part; meeting is the first step to parting

A proverb expressing the Buddhist-influenced idea that all meetings inevitably lead to parting; often used to reflect on the transient nature of relationships.

• 「逢あうは別わかれの始はじめ」というが、それでも人ひととの出で会あいは大たい切せつにしたい。

  They say 'meeting is the beginning of parting,' but I still want to cherish encounters with people.

• 卒そつ業ぎょう式しきで、校こう長ちょうは「逢あうは別わかれの始はじめ」と述のべ、別わかれの寂さびしさと新あらたな旅たび立だちを語かたった。

  At the graduation ceremony, the principal said 'meeting is the first step to parting' and spoke of the sadness of farewells and new beginnings.