“In the Book of Changes, there is a sentence mentioned five times: ‘Blessed by Heaven, all is auspicious and without adversity.’
Many mistakenly believe it to be about those who receive divine blessings, where good fortune flows effortlessly. However, this is a misinterpretation.
The greatest allure of the Book of Changes lies not in its mystical numerology but in its core principle of ‘centering on the human.’ Thus, this phrase conveys the message that your greatest benefactor in life is none other than yourself.
01
Rather than lamenting one’s presence in the shadows, it is more prudent to bear the torch and advance. The opening verse of the Qian hexagram in the Book of Changes reads: ‘Heaven’s way is vigorous, and the noble one never ceases in their self-improvement. The Earth’s nature is receptive, and the noble one carries the burden of virtue.’
Throughout history, those who have truly achieved success have never placed their hopes in others. For them, it is more worthwhile to be a resilient individual who overcomes challenges rather than entrust their life to mountains, seas, gods, or immortals.
At the age of 16, Fyodor Dostoevsky, the author of ‘How Steel Is Tempered,’ was severely wounded and lost the sight in his right eye. His youth was consumed in the maelstrom of war, and he once lamented, ‘There is nothing more terrifying in life than falling behind.’
However, Dostoevsky did not yield to his fate. With unwavering determination, he completed all the courses offered by a correspondence university. During his university years, he poured all his passion into reading.
After three years of dedication, he wrote with a burning pen, and his blood and sweat became the ammunition for storming the Russian literary world. When his book was published, Dostoevsky held a copy with tears in his eyes, saying, ‘Finally, the gates of life have opened for me.’
In truth, everyone who has witnessed his journey knows that life never closed its doors to him. The doors he entered were paved by his own footsteps.
There is a saying online: ‘Don’t complain about life because life doesn’t even know who you are.’
Indeed, only those who can bear the weight of life can become masters of their own destiny.
On the road to success, thorns are abundant. However, who can claim that roses do not bloom deep within those thorns? Everyone experiences setbacks and challenges, and the sweetest fruits are gifts from destiny to the brave, only after overcoming bitterness.
Therefore, when you find yourself in the darkness, it is wiser to carry a lantern and move forward. You will discover that all rainy days eventually lead to sunny ones.
02
In the Book of Changes, there is a hexagram known as ‘Qian’ – the only hexagram among the sixty-four hexagrams that is entirely auspicious. It emphasizes the virtue of humility and its vital role in life.
Within ‘Qian’ hexagram lies an essential line: ‘Heaven’s way is to diminish excess and increase humility, Earth’s way is to alter excess and promote humility, spirits harm excess and bless humility, human affairs detest excess and favor humility.’
This hexagram, with its clear message, tells us that in life, true auspiciousness is found in humility.
During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, the ‘Complete Library in Four Sections’ was completed through the combined efforts of more than 360 high-ranking officials and scholars. Amid the vast sea of historical records, one name stands out – the Qing philosopher Dai Zhen.
Dai Zhen had shown his talents from a young age, but he truly gained recognition when he was recommended to Emperor Qianlong by his mentor Jiang Yong.
Upon first meeting Dai Zhen, Qianlong was captivated by his talents and found resonance in Dai Zhen’s words. However, in the end, he asked Dai Zhen, ‘Do you think your abilities surpass Jiang Yong’s?’
Dai Zhen replied, ‘Of course, my teacher’s level of expertise is superior. Although my teacher is old, his knowledge far exceeds mine.’
Qianlong, moved by Dai Zhen’s humility, immediately appointed him as an imperial scholar.
As the Earth diminishes excess to form the sea, and humans lower themselves to become kings, the virtuous are nameless, and the great are formless.
If one desires to be favored by destiny, they must bend like the stalk of wheat. When a person is willing to bow, it is their prime opportunity for growth and success.
03
The Book of Changes includes a hexagram called ‘Jian,’ which symbolizes a creature from the natural world that dwells beneath the earth for extended periods. This creature sleeps underground for years, conserving its strength in the soil, awaiting the right moment to break through the surface.
In the Book of Changes, this is used as a metaphor for life’s challenges and obstacles, the blocked path.
Life is rarely as one desires, and everyone experiences times when fortune seems unfavorable, when adversity is the norm. At such moments, the Book of Changes advises us: ‘Do not use the potential dragon; instead, turn back and cultivate virtue.’
It is during times of crisis that one’s character and conduct are revealed. Those who can remain clear-headed in the face of great challenges and reflect on themselves in adversity are certain to find their way forward.
In her essay ‘The Necessary Detour of Life,’ Eileen Chang wrote: ‘In life, there is one road that we must take, and that is the winding path of youth. Without falls, crashes, and the shedding of blood, how can one develop strength and resilience? How can one truly grow up?’
On platforms like Zhihu, there is a description of three stages of personal growth, with the last one occurring when one knows they may be powerless but still strives to achieve their goals.
In life, there are many impossible tasks, but those who truly succeed are those who undertake the impossible. Only when we navigate the winding roads of life do we find our unique rainbow.
Lu Xun said: ‘Originally, there was no path, and the journey became a path as more people traveled it.’
Such is life: there is no straight road; it is only by traversing the winding paths that they become shortcuts.
Finally, I’d like to share a thought: ‘A strong person is not one who conquers everything but one who endures everything.’
If you want to succeed, you must be prepared for a hard-fought battle.”
