Guanyin Oracle · Lot 15

Balanced

What it means

This lot warns about words and grudges. Anger left unchecked may invite worse trouble; heeding advice avoids it. Shang Yang ignored Zhao Liang and ended with nowhere to stay, just as the poem says. Swallow your pride for now, listen to good counsel, keep to your part, and let the storm pass.

By matter

Line by line

1. 觸人口氣最難吞
   Insulting words are the hardest thing to swallow.
2. 忽有災危禍到門
   Suddenly trouble comes to your door.
3. 卵破巢空無宿處
   Eggs broken, nest empty, nowhere to rest.
4. 深為穩便把心存
   The safest course is to steady your heart.

Classic commentary

此卦鳥鵲離林之象。凡事到底應心也。

若人得怨。何時可伸。好言不信。守舊待時。

The image: birds leaving their wood; in the end things can still go your way. The verdict: if you have made enemies, when will you be vindicated? If you won't hear good advice, keep to the old and wait.

The story · Lord Shang Ignores Zhao Liang

Shang Yang's reforms made Qin strong but were harsh and made many enemies. The scholar Zhao Liang urged him to give up his fief and retire; he refused. When Duke Xiao died, Shang Yang was accused of rebellion; fleeing, he could not even find lodging, because his own law punished innkeepers who took in strangers. He and his house were destroyed.

Reference: Lot 15 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.