Wong Tai Sin Sign 70塞翁失馬The Old Man Who Lost His Horse
Sai Weng's horse runs off, comes back with a stallion, throws his son, saves his son from the draft.
Remember the old Shepherd who lost his horse.
How he rejoiced over what he had lost!
For something lost would mean something gained, Today's puzzle would be in future explained.
The Old Man Who Lost His Horse
This sign tells the famous story of Sai Weng, an old man living near China's northern frontier. When his prized horse ran away, neighbors came to console him. Instead of mourning, he simply said, 'Who knows? This might be a blessing.' Weeks later, the horse returned with a wild stallion. Now neighbors congratulated him on his good fortune. Again he replied, 'Who knows? This might bring misfortune.' His son tried to tame the wild horse and broke his leg. When war broke out, all able-bodied young men were conscripted, but his injured son stayed home and survived. The story became a cornerstone of Taoist philosophy about the unpredictable nature of fortune and the wisdom of accepting both gains and losses with equanimity.
Seven Short Readings
- CareerThe old man at the frontier didn't celebrate when the horse came back, and didn't grieve when it ran off.READ
- WealthMoney in, money out this season. Don't call a setback a loss yet — the wheel's still turning.READ
- LoveThe old shepherd's calm "how do you know?READ
- HealthThe old man at the frontier didn't celebrate when the horse came back, and he didn't despair when his son broke his leg.READ
- StudySai Weng's lost horse is the figure behind this stick, and it lands on your studies for a reason.READ
- FamilyFamily situations that seem problematic right now are more complex than they appear.READ
- The whole situationSai Weng's horse runs off, comes back with a stallion, throws his son, saves his son from the draft.READ
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