Pocket Temple

The 100 Guanyin lots

Lot 26 of 100

News passes up and down, but it is all empty

The poem

上下傳來事總虛天邊接得一封書書中許我功名事直待終時亦是無

In English

News passes up and down, but it is all empty.A letter arrives from the edge of the sky.The letter promises me a career and honors,but in the end, to the last, there is nothing.

What it says

The poem says that much of the news going around is empty, and a letter from afar promises honors that may never materialize. It is a gentle caution to check what is real before getting your hopes up about promises and rumors.

A thought to take with you

When a promise sounds appealing, look for evidence and follow-through before deciding.

Draw your own lot