Guanyin Oracle · Lot 9

Auspicious

What it means

This lot is about honesty and fairness. What you ask about is above board; no need to hide it. Speak plainly to the right person and you will find understanding. Liu Bei's sincerity won Zhuge Liang over, and their trust built a kingdom. With an upright heart, the truth will come out.

By matter

Line by line

1. 勞君問我心中事
   You have come to ask what is in your heart.
2. 此意偏宜說向公
   It is best spoken openly to someone fair.
3. 一片靈臺明似鏡
   Your heart is a clear mirror.
4. 恰如明月正當空
   Like the bright moon high in the sky.

Classic commentary

此卦皎月當空之象。凡事光明通氣也。

心中正直。理順法寬。聖無私語。終有分明。

The image: a bright moon in the sky; everything open and clear. The verdict: be upright and reasonable and you will be treated fairly; the divine has no favourites, and right and wrong will become plain.

The story · Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage

At the end of the Han, Zhuge Liang lived quietly in Nanyang, seeking no fame. Liu Bei visited three times before he was received; Zhuge laid out his plan for the realm and left his retreat to serve, and the two worked as one.

Reference: Lot 9 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.