Guanyin Fortune Stick 27 (Middle Lot)

"One plan, one use, one turn of opportunity..." So opens lot 27 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):

One plan, one use, one turn of opportunity;
you fear what comes behind, doubt what's ahead, and let it be.
When the time arrives, a noble helper comes along,
and you will dwell behind walls of silver, iron-strong.

The story: Liu Ji (Liu Bowen), the strategist who helped Zhu Yuanzhang found the Ming dynasty, was known for frank advice to his ruler.

The other version

Guanyin lots circulate in two common wordings. For this lot the other version reads 「一謀一用一番書，慮后思前不敢為，時到貴人相助力，如山牆立可安居」. 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 hesitate over every plan and do not dare to act. When the time comes, help will arrive and you will be as secure as behind iron walls.

A tip: Once you have thought it through, act. Too much worrying can spoil the chance.

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 26. Next lot: Lot 28.