Let me open with a little story to whet your appetite.
Yesterday afternoon, my knowledge community received an application from a young woman. This is how she introduced herself: “I’ve followed Master Chi for years and benefited greatly. As a girl from humble origins with a looks rating of 7.5 out of 10, I hope to join the community today to learn the wisdom of marrying up and finding love. Please approve my application.”
I sincerely hope every reader takes the time to read this article carefully — because much of the wisdom here applies equally to men and women alike.
Student Question:
Hello, Master. I’ve seen you respond to messages in the comments before, so I’m taking the liberty of writing to you. I’m hoping to be fortunate enough to receive your thoughts, and I’d also like to arrange a destiny chart (命盘) reading to help plan for my future.
It’s the height of summer, so I’m writing a few heartfelt words for a casual chat — something to cool that inner fire of yours.
You may have noticed that over this recent stretch, I’ve been writing fewer practical how-to pieces and giving more space to these heart-to-heart talks.
The reason is simple: in the current times, calm and gentle reassurance is the most precious nourishment for the spirit.
As for making money and conquering the world?
Today’s article is plain and direct. I simply want to tell you about the most admirable young woman I’ve known over all my years in this work — and how she clawed her way up from the very bottom.
After you’ve finished reading, I also hope to see your thoughts in the comments. Share how you see yourself differently from this woman — it may just be the spark that helps others begin accumulating their own karmic merit (福报).
“Do you know how much your father and mother have sacrificed for you to study properly?
Do you know that your parents could have lived just like those child-free couples — looking after only themselves, enjoying life freely — instead of coming home every day to cook your meals, wash your clothes, help with your homework, and drive you to and from school?
Your mother could have spent the money she spends on you buying all the beautiful clothes she loves. Your father could have channeled all that energy into his career to earn real money.
Destiny has its highs and lows — people go through their own four seasons. The major life cycle (Da Yun) has its own natural rhythm, and you must never go against the current. If you do, no matter how much mental and physical energy you pour out, real results will be hard to come by.
In the second half of this year, just take it easy and let things flow. Save your energy for nurturing yourself — that is the wisest choice you can make.
If you are worthy of it, there is no need to rush.
Whether it’s wealth fortune (财运) or romance fortune (桃花运), it will find you and become yours in time — it is only a matter of when.
But if you are not yet worthy, then all the more reason not to rush. Still your mind, cultivate yourself (修行) until you become worthy. Do not grasp. Do not force.
Because whether you are reaching above your station or settling below it, the backlash is inevitable either way.
Today’s article is written especially for you — a woman.
As you may know, Master Chi has earned some reputation throughout the Jiangnan region for expertise in Chinese metaphysics and Feng Shui, moving across many circles with close connections. Over the years, I’ve encountered a remarkable number of outstanding women.
Among them: self-made iron ladies who built everything from nothing; social butterflies who masterfully gathered resources to their advantage; and sharp-eyed women who leveraged advantageous marriages to leap across class lines — phoenixes risen from sparrows.
Taking a brief break from my brothers and sisters these past couple of days — things have been genuinely busy, so I won’t be writing lengthy articles for now. Consider this a chance to breathe, reset, and step into July with solid footing.
July — the Ren Yin year, Ding Wei month — will bring many remarkably positive changes. We must hold onto them tightly. This matters.
From the perspective of Chinese metaphysics (玄学), the principle of ji qin tai lai — “after the darkest moment comes the dawn” — is the inevitable course of all things under heaven. The July that stands just ahead of us is precisely the first green tip of the lotus breaking the surface of the water. The time has come to slowly begin adjusting our mindset and energy.
Looking at the green paulownia leaves outside my window, I decided not to tackle any big topics today. Instead, let’s simply sit together and revisit those radiant summers of our youth — days filled with cold soda, bicycles, internet cafes, arcades, air conditioning, and flower dew cologne. Days when we could laugh without a care in the world.
Here’s the plan: I’ll share my memories first, then you share yours in the comments. Deal?