From the Slum-Long Poem to Emperor Zhenzong. (23 December 968–23 March 1022) (Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Hello and welcome, this is Grace Mann from the SOH Network the home of Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Today’ story, titled “People are urged to Follow Their Fate” tells of how respecting the will of heaven, selflessly doing good deeds, and having a kind, steadfast and humble heart, will, in way and timing lead to good fortune, a great life and a destined future.
In divine culture, it is believed that a person’s fate is determined by heaven, and that a person needs to respect heaven and accept his or her own fate. Only if a person does good deeds and accumulates virtue, will he or she be rewarded with a good life. The famous official Lu Mengzheng was an honest and tolerant person. He dared to say what was on his mind, was tolerant of challengers, and had a broad understanding. In ancient times, he served as prime minister through three generations. He wrote an article entitled Slum Long-Poem that described many prominent instances and circumstances in history, in an effort to tell people that everything is determined by heaven. He said that all one should do, was to do his best and follow the will of heaven. To be accepting of and harmonizing with the natural course of things, because fighting against everything or anyone to gain self interest cannot change anything. Lu Mengzheng used his long- poem to teach the then, young and arrogant prince. After reading the poem, the prince consciously righted his behaviour and became kind and humble. Then in time, this young prince later became Emperor Zhenzong.
Our story now follows on with a translation of Lu Mengzheng’s Slum Long-Poem:
“The blue sky can suddenly turn stormy, and a person’s luck can change abruptly. Even with hundreds of legs, a centipede cannot overrun a snake. With a pair of powerful wings, a rooster cannot out-fly a duck. A horse can run a thousand miles, but it has to be guided by its rider. A person who has mile-high ambition, but is without good luck, will not achieve anything. A person should not renounce his morals for riches, and stay steadfast if he is poor. Confucius wrote wonderful articles, but that didn’t stop him from being stranded in Chen Country. Jiang Taigong who was the founding official for Zhou Dynasty had wonderful talent, though he fished idly at the Wei River. Yan Yuan, a model student of Confucius had great integrity, although his life was short-lived. But, Dao Tuo was a scumbag bandit in Confucius’s time was a scumbag, lived a long life. Even though Emperor Yao was a great leader, he raised an unworthy son. Gusou was unintelligent and stubborn, but his son was famous, because he had respect for his elders. It was only when Zhang Liang met Xiaohe that he became a mayor; otherwise, he would have remained an ordinary citizen. Though Yanzi was less than five feet tall, he became the prime minister of Qi Country . – and – while residing in a hut on a farm, Kong Ming became the chief of staff for Shuhan.
“Despite his almighty power, the King of Chu still committed suicide at the Wu River. Even though the King of Han was a weak person, he conquered the whole country. Li Guang was so powerful that he shot and killed tigers with a bow and arrow, though he was never granted title during his life. Feng Tang was a prominent person under the Hanwen Emperor who had an amazing talent, but timing was never right, so he never had the opportunity to demonstrate this talent. Han Xin was so poor that he could not afford three meals a day before his luck arrived, though in his destined timing he became a high ranking official, till fate again stepped in when his life ended abruptly.
“Some people are poor for a long time and then become rich. There are those who are weak when young, though strong when old. There were many educated and intelligent people in ancient times, who tried to pass the required examinations throughout their lives, but failed. Yet, there was people with little knowledge, who passed these examinations with ease. Beautiful girls in the emperor’s court became prostitutes in their adverse times, whilst prostitutes were married to noble people during their times of good luck. Young and pretty girls sometimes married unsightly, old men. Handsome men sometimes married unattractive women. And there was also times when a gentleman served under a commoner.
The Slum Long-Poem continues in saying: “One needs to maintain upright behaviour when one is poor, just as one should respect others when he or she is distressed. A human being of good worth will not be bothered by a poor life. So too a humble person is always humble, even if he suddenly becomes rich. Whilst a dragon, before its timing will swim along with the fish and turtles in a river, When fate appears not to be in your favour, you should be patient and quietly do your duty without untoward thoughts. As long as you maintain your integrity and dignity, things will turn around.
“When the timing is not right for heaven, the sun and the moon will lose their radiance. When the timing is not right for the earth, the plants will not grow. So too, when the timing is not right for the ocean, the waters will be turbulent – and – when the timing is not right for a person, he may have misfortune and be down on his luck. People’s fate is all predetermined, and revealed within the enfolding of their life’s journey.
Lu Mengzheng also reveals in this Slum Long-Peom “I used to live in Luoyang City. I was so poor that I relied on the monks for food and slept in a slum. I did not have enough clothes to keep me warm and was always starving. No one liked me, and they all looked at me as if I were an outcast. Now, I serve in the emperor’s court as the highest official. I am above everyone in the country except for the emperor himself. I am authorised to punish any official, and I can order a citizen’s immediate death. I have tons of beautiful silks, nice clothes and my food is all delicacies. When I go out, warriors drive my carriage. When I am inside, beautiful girls serve me fine drinks and everyone holds in high regard. This is not because I am so capable, but that of my destiny.
“A person should not exchange all of his luck for riches, nor should he be worried so much about poverty. Because heaven and the earth are cyclical, and what goes around comes around.”
Thank you for the privilege of being able to share another classic storyline with you from days long gone by. I’ll be back with you again real soon on Ancient Tales of Wisdom.
Until then, laugh lots, be happy and let’s each take the time to accept and learn the lessons of our destined journey.
Clearharmony
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