Guanyin Oracle · Lot 29

Balanced

What it means

A lot of talent put to use with a patron's help. Your ability was always there, only sheathed; now someone sees it and will lift you. Baili Xi was raised to chancellor past seventy, proof that true talent is not lost. Show what you can do and don't sell yourself short.

By matter

Line by line

1. 寶劍光芒出匣時
   The sword flashes as it leaves the sheath.
2. 匣中應不被塵欺
   Even in the box, dust could not dull it.
3. 貴人親手提攜起
   Someone eminent lifts it with their own hands.
4. 儘可防身更勿疑
   Use it with confidence; have no more doubt.

Classic commentary

此卦寶劍出匣之象。凡事有威有勢也。

The image (the verdict is the same): a sword drawn from its sheath; authority and momentum.

The story · Baili Xi, from Cowherd to Chancellor

Baili Xi served the state of Yu; after it fell he became a dowry servant, fled to Chu and was put to herding cattle. Duke Mu of Qin, hearing of his talent, bought him back for five ram skins, talked with him for three days and made him chancellor; he was known as the Five-Ram-Skin Minister.

Reference: Lot 29 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.