Pocket Temple

The 100 Guanyin lots

Lot 74 of 100

A lazy wild crane flies into a cage on its own

The poem

慵飛野鶴自投籠欲舉鵬霄落陷中南北東西混障碍此身憔悴恨無窮

In English

A lazy wild crane flies into a cage on its own.Meant to rise to the sky, it falls into a pit instead.North, south, east, and west, all are blocked,and the body is worn and the regrets are endless.

What it says

A wild crane meant to be free flies into a cage, and one reaching for the sky falls into a pit. Obstacles press in on all sides, leaving weariness and regret. It is a cautionary lot against slipping into trouble through carelessness. If you are already in it, pause, be gentle with yourself, and think quietly about a way out.

A thought to take with you

Think one step further before acting; if you are stuck, steady yourself and look for an exit.

Draw your own lot