外面如菩薩内心如夜叉
Meanings
Expression
1. looking gentle and beautiful like a bodhisattva on the outside but, being wicked and frightening like a demon on the inside (Proverb, orig. in ref. to women distracting men from their ascetic pratices)
Kanji used
Composed of
菩薩
bodhisattva; one who has reached enlightenment but vows to save all beings before becoming a buddha; High Monk (title bestowed by the imperial court); title bestowed to Shinto kami in manifestation theory
Noun
内心
inner thoughts; real intention; inmost heart; one's mind; at heart; deep down; on the inside; inner center (centre)
Noun