Guanyin Oracle · Lot 83

Balanced

What it means

A lot of things gradually improving. It has only just begun: some light, not yet whole. Don't rush; step by step it will become full, like the moon on the fifteenth. Ma Zhou's resolve at the inn opened the way to his later fortune. Adjust yourself, wait patiently, and the full moon will come.

By matter

Line by line

1. 譬若初三四五蟾
   Like the moon on the third, fourth or fifth night,
2. 半無半有未完全
   half dark, half bright, not yet whole.
3. 須教十五良宵夜
   Wait for the fine night of the fifteenth,
4. 到處清光到處圓
   when clear light and fullness are everywhere.

Classic commentary

此卦月缺未圓之象。凡事守候忍耐也。

守舊待時。如月初出。待等圓時。無有不吉。

The image: a moon not yet full; wait and be patient. The verdict: keep to the old and wait, like the new moon rising; when it is full, all will be well.

The story · Ma Zhou Stops at an Inn on the Way to the Capital

Early in the Tang, Ma Zhou lost his teaching post through drink and set out for Chang'an. At an inn he ordered wine, then, halfway through, resolved to quit and washed his feet in the rest. The innkeeper, intrigued, admired his resolve, gave him travel money and a letter to relatives in the capital. This was the prelude to his later recommendation by Chang He (see Lot 32).

Reference: Lot 83 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.