Over the years, I have come to love — deeply love — the phrase shùn qí zì rán: let nature take its course.
As a Chinese person, I hope you will truly come to grasp what these four characters mean. Once you do, wealth, prosperity, and a life of smooth fortune and tranquil Chi will cease to be problems for you.
Come, let Master Chi try to explain. If you understand right away, wonderful. If not, keep turning it over in your mind — the realization will come. Here is the truth: your Chi fortune (qi yun) has its own fixed course.
For most ordinary people in this life, rising three times and falling nine is the most likely pattern. So as long as you’re not too lazy, not lying flat, not giving up — when the time ripens, the Chi fortune will come.
When it does, you must go with it.
Move in the direction it’s moving. Put in the effort that fans its flames — add wind to the sails, fuel to the fire.
But the moment it turns against you, don’t go headstrong. Follow the reversal without hesitation. Know when to retreat from the rapid current, when to lower your banner and still your drums.
Whether it’s your career, your wealth fortune, or your marriage destiny — the principle is the same. Respect the natural laws of things. Give your best effort. If it comes to you, consider yourself fortunate; if it doesn’t, accept it as your fate.
Live this way — letting nature take its course — and your life will most likely turn out decent.
What people fear most, though, is stubborn obsession and dull inattention. When the unseen forces offer you an opportunity and you refuse to take it — when they send you a warning and you ignore it — when you insist on fighting against forces far beyond your control — the outcome will, in all likelihood, be bleak.
Even if you win, it will be a pyrrhic victory, soaked in blood. You may have won the battle of pride, but you’ve lost what truly matters.
I hope all of this helps you understand a few things about life.