Mazu Fortune Poem No. 28: A small sore on the back can grow; guard against it.

Mazu Fortune Poem No. 28 is paired with the Da You · Great Possession hexagram. In plain words: Deal with small problems early, before they grow. Keep an eye out for anyone scheming behind your back, and look after yourself.

Da You · Great Possession

A small sore on the back can grow; guard against it.Don't let it spread past what you can bear.So many cold eyes are turned your way,and some plot in secret, like thieves through a wall.

Original Chinese

養脊成疽切自防莫教蔓衍恐難當幾多白眼人相顧暗地穿窬作計長

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Questions people ask

Is Mazu Fortune Poem No. 28 a good fortune?

This set is not ranked from good to bad here. What matters is the reminder: Deal with small problems early, before they grow. Keep an eye out for anyone scheming behind your back, and look after yourself. The choice is yours.

What does Mazu Fortune Poem No. 28 say in English?

A small sore on the back can grow; guard against it. / Don't let it spread past what you can bear. / So many cold eyes are turned your way, / and some plot in secret, like thieves through a wall.

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