Guanyin Oracle Lot 31: Foyin meets Su Dongpo
The Verse
Sit quietly in peace, with nothing to trouble you.
Eat when hungry and sleep when tired.
Set down your cares and do not rush about; you are sure to avoid misfortune and harm.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingKeep calm and quiet, and set aside frantic effort. Do not rush or make a fuss over things; by living within your means, you can naturally avoid trouble. For now, stillness is better than action.
The Story Behind the Lot
Foyin meets Su Dongpo
Foyin was a renowned Buddhist monk of the Northern Song dynasty and a close friend of the great writer Su Dongpo. The two often studied Zen, discussed the Way, and traded poems and witty retorts. Su Dongpo suffered repeated demotions and the ups and downs of official life, which weighed on his heart. Foyin used Buddhist teachings to help him see beyond honor, disgrace, gain, and loss, and to accept circumstances with equanimity. According to legend, Su Dongpo once boasted that he sat in meditation, unmoved by the “eight winds” of worldly influence. Foyin replied, “One fart blows you across the river,” exposing Su’s lingering attachment and making him laugh with relief. Their friendship shows how an otherworldly outlook can ease the hardships of worldly life. This story in the lot suggests that those who take worldly turmoil lightly and live quietly will find peace. There is no need to compete with others over who is right or better for the moment. Let go of grievances and keep a calm mind; disputes will naturally leave you alone, and you may find ease even in adversity.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Bodhidharma faces the wall
Bodhidharma was a monk from South India and the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism. He crossed the sea to the east to spread the teachings. After his discussion of the Way with Emperor Wu of Liang came to nothing, he traveled north to Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, where he sat facing a wall in a stone cave, silent in meditation. Legend says he remained there for nine years, his robe unmoved by wind and rain, and that people called him the “Brahman who Gazed at the Wall.” He pursued neither fame nor wealth and took no part in disputes, cultivating his practice with a pure and uncontrived mind. He became a great master and later transmitted his robe and bowl to Huike, after which Chan Buddhism flourished. This story in the lot suggests that quietly keeping to one’s proper place and curbing desires brings the best fortune. Do not rush about or act rashly for now. Keep a low profile, step back, and stay settled to avoid trouble and disputes. Endure solitude and build your strength; the right moment will come. Greatness can be cultivated in stillness, and retreat can be a way of moving forward.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Pause expansion for now; stay in your role and wait quietly to avoid trouble
- Wealth
- Protect what you have and wait for a better time; do not force things
- Relationships
- Let things unfold naturally; a relationship may come to fruition
- Home and Family
- Peaceful and quiet; prayers bring peace
- Personal Outlook
- Set your cares aside and live steadily to avoid trouble
- Health
- A ritual prayer may help; rest quietly to recover
- Travel
- The journey is safe, and the traveler can reach their destination
- Finding Someone
- They may be hard to find for now; wait patiently
- Business
- Delay the transaction; it can succeed later
- Pregnancy
- A girl; a peaceful and smooth delivery
- Legal Matters
- Seek reconciliation; it is best not to argue
- Lost Property
- The item seems elusive and will be hard to recover
- Relocation
- Stillness is better than movement; stay settled in your current home
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