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Cheng Yaojin Recruits Xue Rengui

Neutral

The poem

Priceless treasure is stored away inside;to get jade, why go searching the outer world?Better to wait for a person of insight to see it,so ease your heart, and then ease it further still.

Original: 内藏无价宝和珍 / 得玉何须外界寻 / 不如等待高人识 / 宽心犹且更宽心

The story

Cheng Yaojin, a founding minister of the Tang, was once chased along a mountain road by a tiger. Xue Rengui, napping on the slope, heard the noise, ran down and wounded the beast, saving him. Struck by the young man's skill, Cheng gave him a golden arrow-token and told him to enlist. Xue Rengui became one of the great generals of the dynasty.

What it means

The image is jade sought within: wait, and it will do. The priceless thing is already inside you and in your hands, so why go abroad for it? Rather than running about, wait for a person of insight to name it, and then everything opens at once. Two instructions follow. Look inward, because the answer lies in the conditions and experience you already have. And ease your heart, because the more anxious you are the less you can see, while a relaxed mind brings both the patron and the opportunity into view.

By area of life

Wealth

Wait rather than reach. Look at what you already have; if it is sufficient, stop striving. In trade, deal in fine goods and wait for a buyer who knows.

Love

The person is nearby and most likely someone you already know. Listen to others' assessment, and in a quarrel look at strengths rather than faults.

Work

The work is in your own region and needs no distant search. Know your own speciality, win your superior's regard, and the road brightens.

Health

You will find a good physician. The remedy is largely in the mind; pull the root out from within rather than consulting at random.

Travel

There are prospects at home and no need to leave. If someone points out the direction clearly, follow it calmly.

Advice

What you are looking for has been with you all along, so ease your heart and let the right person recognise it.