The Sleepy Immortal

Chinese fortune poems, one page each

Mazu's Fortune Poems

Mazu Fortune Poem No. 34: What is set in a life is set, without error.

Mazu Fortune Poem No. 34 is paired with the Kun · Earth hexagram. In plain words: The poem says some things are set, but it leaves a door open. Let go of what you're holding so tightly, and you'll find more kindness than you expected.

Kun · Earth
What is set in a life is set, without error.You bow your head to fate; what else is there?But rest a while within the quiet temple gates,and grace will fall like rain and dew, beyond counting.

Original Chinese

人生定業固無訛引頸迎刀復奈何若向空門閑寄蹟恩波雨露不勝多

What it says about…

Love
Say less out loud, and care for each other quietly, the way that rain does.
Career
Don't aim for a big promotion yet. Keep the work in your hands steady.
Money
Plain and steady. No need to push.
Health
Take good care of yourself. A tired heart counts as feeling unwell, too.
Family
Doing one small thing for your family is a way of making blessings.

Video

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Questions people ask

Is Mazu Fortune Poem No. 34 a good fortune?

This set is not ranked from good to bad here. What matters is the reminder: The poem says some things are set, but it leaves a door open. Let go of what you're holding so tightly, and you'll find more kindness than you expected. The choice is yours.

What does Mazu Fortune Poem No. 34 say about love?

Say less out loud, and care for each other quietly, the way that rain does.

What does Mazu Fortune Poem No. 34 say in English?

What is set in a life is set, without error. / You bow your head to fate; what else is there? / But rest a while within the quiet temple gates, / and grace will fall like rain and dew, beyond counting.

Different temples may use slightly different versions.

A fortune poem is a reminder, not an order. The choice is yours.

Chinese poem font: Wang Han-zong Li Shu (GPL v2), with a few added glyphs