Guanyin Oracle Lot 94: Boya smashes his zither
The Verse
Distinguish the worthy from the foolish, the petty from the noble; in disputes, right and wrong may be hard to tell.
Play your qin for a kindred spirit; better to stay calm and still, and keep yourself safe.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingKnow the difference between decent people and the petty, and do not argue over right and wrong with those who will not understand. Only a true confidant can share your heart; in other matters, stay calm and yield to preserve yourself.
The Story Behind the Lot
Boya smashes his zither
Bo Ya smashing his qin is part of the “High Mountains and Flowing Water” tale about a true kindred spirit. During the Spring and Autumn period, Yu Boya was a master of the qin, while the woodcutter Zhong Ziqi had a gift for listening. When Boya played with high mountains in mind, Ziqi praised the music: “How lofty, like Mount Tai!” When Boya played with flowing water in mind, Ziqi exclaimed: “How vast, like the great rivers!” As Boya played and Ziqi listened, they understood each other completely and became inseparable friends. After Ziqi died of illness, Boya lost his only true confidant. He lamented that no one in the world would ever understand his music again, smashed his precious qin, and never played another string. The tale conveys both the deep feeling and loneliness of finding a kindred spirit so rarely, and of music too refined for most to appreciate. In this lot, it suggests that very few people around you truly understand you; many lack the sensitivity to share your interests or converse with you on equal terms. Learn to distinguish a true confidant from the crowd. There is no need to play your music to those who cannot hear it or insist that everyone understand you. Hold fast to your true feelings and do not lose your composure just because no one responds in kind.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Wang Jungong Withdraws from the World
Wang Jungong’s withdrawal from the world is an allusion from the Book of Han. In the late Western Han, the realm was in turmoil. Unwilling to follow the crowd or flee to a distant land, Wang Jungong concealed himself among ordinary people. He made his living as a cattle broker (“cattle agent”), using an unremarkable trade to hide his talent and keep a low profile while quietly avoiding danger. People of the time praised him as “Wang Jungong, who withdraws from the world behind the eastern wall.” The phrase means that, though he lived in a bustling town, he was like a recluse behind the eastern wall—a hidden sage who kept himself safe. The story praises the wisdom of avoiding competition and keeping one’s talents in reserve during troubled times. In this lot, it suggests that you should not flaunt your abilities or compete with others right now, especially petty people; there is no need to stoop to their level or confront them directly. Instead, draw back, stay calm, and keep a modest profile to avoid harm. This way, you can keep clear of disputes, avoid hidden losses, and protect yourself until the time is right to act.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Keep your distance from petty colleagues. Avoid pointless arguments and quietly do your job.
- Wealth
- Wait calmly for the right opportunity. Avoid competing with others; steady conduct will bring its own gains.
- Relationships
- A kindred spirit is hard to find. Wait calmly for someone who understands you instead of forcing a match.
- Home and Family
- Keep the household calm and careful. Avoiding disputes will help preserve peace.
- Personal Outlook
- Avoid arguing over right and wrong. Staying calm and yielding when appropriate will help protect you.
- Health
- Rest quietly and pray for well-being. A calm mind may aid recovery; seek professional medical care for any serious illness.
- Travel
- Avoid long-distance travel; staying where you are is the safer choice.
- Finding Someone
- Continue searching and you may find them, but do not rush.
- Business
- Proceed cautiously, distinguish what is genuine from what is false, and do not trust others too readily.
- Pregnancy
- A girl is indicated. The pregnancy should proceed smoothly; wait calmly for the birth.
- Legal Matters
- Seek reconciliation and be willing to yield. Avoiding arguments will help protect you.
- Lost Property
- Search promptly; acting quickly may help you recover it.
- Relocation
- Avoid moving for now. It is best to stay where you are.
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