Meaning of 道高一尺，魔高一丈
道高一尺，魔高一丈 means originally a Buddhist warning that as spiritual practice advances, demonic temptations become stronger and may destroy previous progress; figuratively, the greater one's achievements, the greater the obstacles one encounters; advancement brings greater challenges. Pronounced dào gāo yī chǐ ， mó gāo yī zhàng.
- originally a Buddhist warning that as spiritual practice advances, demonic temptations become stronger and may destroy previous progress
- figuratively, the greater one's achievements, the greater the obstacles one encounters; advancement brings greater challenges
- metaphorically, justice will eventually triumph over evil; good ultimately overcomes vice despite temporary setbacks
Definitions & Examples
Xiū修
xíng行
zhī之
rén人
xū须
zhī知
dào道
gāo高
yī一
chǐ尺
，
mó魔
gāo高
yī一
zhàng丈
，
bù不
kě可
xiè懈
dài怠
。
Those who practice cultivation must know that as the path rises one foot, demons rise ten feet, and they must not slacken.
Chán禅
shī师
gào告
jiè诫
dì弟
zǐ子
，
dào道
gāo高
yī一
chǐ尺
，
mó魔
gāo高
yī一
zhàng丈
，
yuè越
shì是
jīng精
jìn进
，
yuè越
yào要
jǐng警
tì惕
。
The Zen master warned his disciples that as the path rises one foot, demons rise ten feet; the more diligent one becomes, the more vigilant one must be.
Relations
Synonyms
Antonyms