Bù dāng héshang, bù zhī tóu lěng.

不當和尚, 不知頭冷。

Lit [One who has] not been a monk [does] not know [the feeling of a] cold head.

Fig One cannot know the true meaning of hardship until one has experienced it oneself.

Note [Note: Buddhist monks traditionally have their heads shaved; see also bù tiāo dànzi and the following entry.]

Topics Buddhist monks EXPERIENCE HARDSHIPS