43

The Pilgrim Attains the Way

Auspicious

The poem

Heaven and earth are open, and all things complete;self-flourishing, self-nourishing, self-content.The whole array of forms is brilliant to behold,and all goes as the heart wishes; thank the sages.

Original: 天地变通万物全 / 自荣自养自安然 / 生罗万象皆精彩 / 事事如心谢圣贤

The story

Sun Wukong was born a stone monkey on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. He travelled for nine years to study under an immortal, learned seventy-two transformations and the cloud somersault, raided the dragon king's palace for his iron staff and struck his name from the registers of death. After the journey west and eighty-one ordeals he became a Buddha.

What it means

The image is heaven and earth in communication: great good fortune and no danger. Everything is open and each thing has its place; you flourish and feed yourself and are at ease without depending on anyone, and the whole array of things is brilliant. The most encouraging part is that low birth is no obstacle. Your starting point may be modest and your connections few, but the channels are open now, and if you cultivate your own ground step by step, merit and good fortune come to help. Even a common soldier can achieve something great.

By area of life

Wealth

Gain is available and deals go well. Hold for the long term and be patient, and the return arrives; steady growth beats chasing.

Love

No need to worry about romance; a modest background can still find a fine match. Build it step by step and both are satisfied.

Work

Apply methodically and advance a step at a time and prosperity follows. Cultivate your own ground, stay humble in success, and the business flourishes.

Health

Chronic illness cannot be rushed and improves step by step. Keep the mind loose and generous and most complaints ease.

Travel

This is the right moment to build something far away. You rise steadily and each stage is smoother than the last.

Advice

A low starting point does not matter now, because the channels are open and you can simply grow into them.