Guanyin Oracle Lot 50: Fan Li retires to the lakes
The Verse
Sail far and wide across the lakes and seas; raise your sails and steer with care.
A favorable wind will carry you where you wish; your ship returns with treasures beyond compare.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingTravel far in any direction and set out with a steady hand. With the wind at your back, journeys made to seek wealth will bring a rich harvest and contentment in many matters.
The Story Behind the Lot
Fan Li retires to the lakes
Fan Li was a prominent minister of the state of Yue in the late Spring and Autumn period. He helped King Goujian endure hardship and govern diligently; after more than twenty years, Yue finally defeated Wu and avenged its humiliation, achieving supremacy. Once victory was secured, Fan Li knew that Goujian could share hardship but not prosperity. He withdrew at the height of his success, disdained high office and riches, and sailed away across the Five Lakes with Xi Shi. Later, under an assumed name, he became a merchant in Tao, where he was known as Tao Zhugong. Through his shrewd business sense, he amassed great wealth three times and gave it away three times to help the poor and needy. He became revered by later generations as a patron of merchants and wealth. This story teaches that those who know when to step back and move with the times can preserve their well-being and prosper; a measured approach to advancing and retreating, in step with the right moment, brings wealth. As an omen, it counsels you to follow the times and quit while ahead. The way is clear, like a profitable voyage by boat, and this is a sign of great fortune.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Zheng He’s Voyages to the Western Seas
Zheng He was a renowned Ming dynasty navigator. During the reign of the Yongle Emperor, he was ordered to lead a vast fleet of treasure ships on seven voyages to the Western Seas. The fleet set sail across immense oceans, visiting more than thirty countries along the South Seas and Indian Ocean, and reaching as far as the east coast of Africa. Wherever they went, they displayed the power of the Ming court, forged friendly ties, and traded goods. They sailed out laden with silk and porcelain, then returned with holds full of spices, treasures, and exotic animals. These voyages were an unprecedented achievement in the history of ancient Chinese navigation. Zheng He’s journeys went smoothly: he made a strong impression in distant lands and returned with rich cargo. This is an image of profitable travel and abundant wealth. The story teaches that those who set sail with a favorable wind and boldly explore new horizons can open up many sources of wealth and return with a full cargo. Together with Fan Li’s return to the lake, this story points to great fortune: travel and long-range plans will go well, bringing both fame and profit. Take advantage of favorable circumstances, and your efforts will reap a rich harvest.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Great benefit comes from developing your career elsewhere; like a ship with a fair wind, you can make great strides
- Wealth
- Seek wealth on a journey westward and return with a rich harvest
- Relationships
- A relationship across a great distance may not come together; wait for the right time and do not force it
- Home and Family
- The household is fortunate; pursuing opportunities away from home will bring prosperity to the family
- Personal Outlook
- Fortune is excellent; wait for a favorable wind and things will go as you wish
- Health
- Seek guidance from a helpful person and consult a skilled doctor; even a chronic illness may improve
- Travel
- There may be minor obstacles on your journey, but a favorable wind will see you safely to your destination
- Finding Someone
- The time has come; the missing person can be found soon
- Business
- Delay the transaction; it will go through when the time is right
- Pregnancy
- Mother and child will be safe; there is no need to worry about the birth
- Legal Matters
- You may lose out in the case; consider yielding and settling to avoid further costs
- Lost Property
- Look for the lost item to the west; it can be found and recovered
- Relocation
- Moving south is auspicious; there is much to be gained by developing your life elsewhere
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