Guanyin Oracle · Lot 56

Balanced

What it means

A lot of changing course and waiting for calm water. The way is narrow and rocky; forcing it causes damage. Let someone point you toward wider water. Fan Li knew when to step back and found open seas on another route. Take advice and act when things are calm.

By matter

Line by line

1. 澗小石粗流水響
   A narrow stream, rough rocks, roaring water.
2. 力勞撐駕恐損傷
   Pushing the boat hard may damage it.
3. 路須指出前江去
   Someone must show the way to the river ahead;
4. 風靜潮平儘不妨
   when wind and tide are calm, all is well.

Classic commentary

此卦船行小灘之象。凡事有貴人助也。

營謀用事。勞心費力。守舊待時。凡事大吉。

The image: a boat on small rapids; helpers will come. The verdict: plans take effort and worry, but keep to the old and wait, and all will be very good.

The story · Fan Li Sails the Five Lakes

Fan Li helped King Goujian of Yue recover his state and conquer Wu. After victory he knew Goujian could share hardship but not prosperity, so he resigned and left; legend says he sailed the Five Lakes with Xi Shi, later grew rich in trade and was known as Lord Taozhu.

Reference: Lot 56 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.