Stick #76

Confucius Upholds the Way

Fair

Poem

Find joy in the Way, refine your own soul

Coarse fare and bent arm bring no discontent

Wealth and rank gained by means unjust

Are but drifting clouds to the steadfast heart

人能樂道自修身

疏水曲肱豈厭貧

不義而富且貴者

我心都是作浮雲

Interpretation

Confucius ate plain food, drank water, and used his bent arm as a pillow, yet never resented his poverty. He found joy in self-cultivation, regarding ill-gotten wealth and status as passing clouds. Those who draw this sign must endure hardships without complaint, maintain cheerful devotion to goodness, and cultivate inner virtue. Only then can one remain steadfast, free from greed and scheming. The first line reveals this as an ordinary sign - neither particularly fortunate nor unfortunate.

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