Guanyin Oracle · Lot 75

Balanced

What it means

A lot of danger with rescue. You are in a nerve-racking situation where every step is hard, but at the critical moment someone will help. Wu Zixu had a river ahead and soldiers behind, and a fisherman carried him across. Hardship is unavoidable, but don't despair; once safe, remember that selfless kindness.

By matter

Line by line

1. 宛如抱虎過山前
   Like carrying a tiger past the mountain.
2. 戰戰兢兢膽碎寒
   Trembling, your courage turns cold.
3. 幸得山前逢妙手
   Luckily you meet a skilled hand at the foot,
4. 方能保得一身安
   and so come through safe.

Classic commentary

此卦抱虎過山之象。凡事險凶驚恐也。

危危險險。前程有阻。若問求謀。到底辛苦。

The image: carrying a tiger over a mountain; danger and fear. The verdict: peril after peril, the road ahead is blocked; whatever you plan will be hard to the end.

The story · Wu Zixu and the Fisherman's Oar

After escaping Zhao Pass, Wu Zixu reached a river with pursuers close behind and no boat. A fisherman took him aboard, poled to midstream and then rowed straight to the far bank. Wu offered his precious sword; the fisherman refused, saying he had not sought a reward, so why take a sword? Wu bowed his thanks and went on.

Reference: Lot 75 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.