Guanyin Oracle Lot 84: Zhuangzi tests his wife
The Verse
Chasing a name can cost you virtue and harmony; beware: haste can turn misfortune into disaster.
After drinking, lost and unsure where to go, you sleep in a haze beneath the pines.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingDo not chase empty fame or profit. Hasty action can easily bring trouble. Let go of your fixation, quiet your mind, and rest; avoid needless travel and turmoil to stay out of harm’s way.
The Story Behind the Lot
Zhuangzi tests his wife
“Zhuangzi Tests His Wife” is a fable passed down in folk tradition. It is said that while out walking, Zhuangzi saw a newly widowed woman fanning a grave. He asked why, and she replied that her late husband had said she must wait until the earth over his grave dried before remarrying, so she was fanning it to make it dry faster. At home, Zhuangzi told his wife, Tian, what had happened. She condemned the woman as heartless and declared her own devotion. Wanting to test her, Zhuangzi feigned his death and transformed himself into a handsome young man who came to pay his respects. Tian was taken by his charm and began thinking of remarrying. When her “new love” fell gravely ill, she even wanted to split open Zhuangzi’s coffin to take his brain as medicine. As the coffin lid was opened, Zhuangzi came back to life, and Tian died by suicide in shame. The story satirizes the hypocrisy of worldly conventions and the unpredictability of human hearts. Drawing on its lesson, the oracle warns that acting rashly out of suspicion, testing others, or pursuing empty reputation can sow discord at home and bring consequences upon yourself. Take quiet restraint and sincere treatment of others as your guide; do not let jealousy or vanity erode your own virtue.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Li Guang at Baling
Li Guang was a celebrated general of the Western Han dynasty. He guarded the frontier, fought the Xiongnu many times, and was so feared beyond the borders that he was called the “Flying General.” Yet his life was full of setbacks: despite many military achievements, he was never granted a marquisate. After a defeat, he was dismissed from office and lived quietly at home. One night, returning from a drinking party, he reached the Baling post station and was stopped and berated by its drunken commandant, who forbade him to travel at night. Li Guang’s attendant explained that he was “the former General Li,” but the commandant replied arrogantly, “Even a general cannot travel at night now; how much less a former general.” He had Li Guang held at the station overnight, leaving him deeply humiliated. Drawing on Li Guang’s moment of misfortune and the slight he suffered at the hands of a petty official, the oracle warns that when fortune is low, you should not act rashly or chase empty prestige, lest you invite trouble and humiliation. Keep a low profile, stay within your bounds, and wait for the right time to act.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Do not seek empty prestige or push ahead rashly; haste invites trouble. Keep a low profile and preserve what you have.
- Wealth
- Trying to buy a reputation will cost you money; reckless pursuit of profit brings losses.
- Relationships
- A relationship built on status and gain will not last; vanity can lead to separation.
- Home and Family
- Arguments and discord are common at home. Keep calm and cultivate virtue to ease tensions.
- Personal Outlook
- Limit outings and social engagements. Keep your temper in check and rest quietly to avoid trouble.
- Health
- Restlessness and agitation may contribute to illness. Seek appropriate spiritual support and rest quietly to recover. Serious illness needs professional medical care.
- Travel
- Avoid long journeys. Rushing about can easily lead to trouble; staying put is best.
- Finding Someone
- There is no sign of the person. Searching everywhere will be fruitless.
- Business
- The deal is unlikely to succeed; forcing it may only cause harm.
- Pregnancy
- The pregnancy may be at risk. Take care, follow medical advice, and pray sincerely for the safety of mother and child.
- Legal Matters
- You are likely to lose the case and suffer further hardship. Yield and seek reconciliation early to avoid trouble.
- Lost Property
- The lost item is unlikely to be recovered; do not exhaust yourself pursuing it.
- Relocation
- It is best to stay where you are. A rash move could invite trouble.
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