Guanyin Oracle · Lot 74

Cautionary

What it means

A cautionary lot about trapping yourself: ignoring advice and pressing on leaves you unable to advance or retreat. Duke Mu ignored Jianshu and lost three generals at Xiao. If you are about to charge ahead, pause and listen to experienced voices; if already caught, the verdict says keep your head down: drop pride and walk out step by step.

By matter

Line by line

1. 慵飛野鶴自投籠
   A lazy wild crane flies into a cage by itself.
2. 欲舉鵬霄落陷中
   Meaning to soar, it falls into a trap.
3. 南北東西混障碍
   North, south, east, west, obstacles everywhere.
4. 此身憔悴恨無窮
   Worn down, with endless regret.

Classic commentary

此卦似鵠投籠之象。凡事多虛少實也。

進身不得。退步不能。低頭直去。悉在其中。

The image: a swan flying into a cage; much illusion, little substance. The verdict: you can neither advance nor retreat; head down, keep going; everything is contained within this.

The story · Qin's Three Generals Captured

Duke Mu of Qin ignored the old minister Jianshu and sent three generals on a distant raid against Zheng. Returning through the narrow gorges of Xiao, they were ambushed by Jin: the road ahead was blocked, fire rained from both sides, the army was destroyed and all three generals were captured.

Reference: Lot 74 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.