Mulian Rescues His Mother
Auspicious
The poem
Original: 君皇圣后终为恩 / 复待祈禳无损增 / 一切有情皆受用 / 人间天上得期亨
The story
Maudgalyayana, first among the Buddha's disciples in supernatural power, saw that his mother had been reborn among the hungry ghosts through her lifelong meanness. Food he carried to her turned to ash in her mouth. The Buddha told him to prepare offerings on the fifteenth day of the seventh month for the whole assembly of monks, and by the strength of that community she was released.
What it means
The image is heaven letting its grace fall: great success. The blessing will reach you if you ask sincerely, and asking costs nothing and adds much. The key is selflessness. Mulian could not save his mother until his offering was widened to include the entire community, and only then was she freed. If what you are asking for is only for yourself, its force is small; if your intention is to benefit others, then earth and heaven both open a road and the matter goes smoothly. Do not forget the debt afterwards.
By area of life
Wealth
Investing purely for private gain yields little, and you may do better when you are not trying. Trade on thin margins and deal fairly.
Love
Seeking, pursuing, deepening or repairing a relationship all work here when your intention is genuinely for the other person's good rather than for your own comfort.
Work
Approach both employment and enterprise as service. Work with a mind to relieving others' burdens and the position comes to you.
Health
Approach illness in a spirit of repentance and sincere prayer, alongside proper medical care; the condition loosens and the household settles.
Travel
Before travelling for advancement, form an intention that benefits others. With an open heart, protection follows and the aim is achieved.
Advice
Change what this is for, from yourself to everyone involved, and the road widens immediately.