Guanyin Fortune Stick 19 (Middle Lot)

"You launch your boat upon the rapids' rushing head..." So opens lot 19 in our translation. Below are the Chinese original, the full English, the story behind the poem, the traditional counsel and what it means in plain English.

The poem

In English (our translation):

You launch your boat upon the rapids' rushing head;
the wild wind makes the waves rise up: what now, you dread?
Wait until the waves are calm and all the wind is still,
then carry your boat home in safety, past all harm and ill.

The story: Guo Ziyi, the Tang general who helped put down the An Lushan rebellion, was made Prince of Fenyang and lived to an honored old age.

The other version

Guanyin lots circulate in two common wordings. For this lot the other version reads 「急水灘頭放船歸，風波作波欲何為，若要安然求穩靜，等待浪靜過此危」. The wording differs in places, but the sense stays close to the version above.

Shiyi and jieyue

The shiyi (詩意, "meaning of the poem") names the image in one line; the jieyue (解曰, "the reading") is a short four-character commentary.

Sacred counsel, item by item

The sacred counsel (聖意) gives a short verdict for each kind of question. Find the row that matches what you asked.

The traditional counsel also has an "Illness" item, which we do not list. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.

What it means in plain English

You are putting a boat into fast water while the wind and waves are high. Wait for the wind to drop and the water to calm, and you will reach shore safely.

A tip: If the timing is wrong, wait. Do not force your way through the storm.

This is our reading of the words on the page. For how it applies to your own question, go by the temple where you drew the lot.

How to draw a Guanyin lot

1. Light incense and tell Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, your name, birth date and address, then state one question clearly.
2. Ask permission by casting the two crescent-shaped moon blocks (筊, jiao). One flat side up and one round side up is a "yes." Then shake the bamboo cylinder until a single numbered stick falls out.
3. Confirm the stick with the blocks. A common custom is to ask for three "yes" throws in a row; if you do not get them, draw again.
4. Collect the poem slip with the same number. Read the whole poem first, then look up the counsel item that matches your question. If it is unclear, the temple staff can interpret it for you.

Ask about one thing at a time. The more specific the question, the easier the poem is to apply.

Common misunderstandings

Previous lot: Lot 18. Next lot: Lot 20.