There is a famous saying in the West: “Man plans, and God laughs.” Though man may compete and strive for things like wealth or a prestigious position, what actually determines if he will have these things in his lifetime? It seems that just because someone wants these things, it does not mean that he will have them.
The cat theory
In the 1980s, the leader of the Communist Party of China put forward the famous “cat theory.” The theory says that it doesn’t matter whatever cat it is, whether it’s a black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches the mouse, then it’s a good cat. In essence, it says that it doesn’t matter what means you use to gain something or get ahead, as long as you are successful, that’s all that matters.
For a time, many people across China made a fortune through unscrupulous means. In fact, applying the so-called “the cat catches the mouse” theory doesn’t make a fortune for the majority of investors or businessmen, and even those who gain some wealth this way often soon lose it.
But why is this the case?
Karma decides your fate
Anyone who is familiar with Chinese ancient philosophy knows that your life is affected by fate, fortune, feng shui, anonymous acts of kindness, and learning.
If your fate does not include wealth, it will be difficult to earn money. In fact, the key to acquiring wealth depends on your virtue, which comes from having done kind and good deeds. Virtue earns you blessings, or good karma, as some may call it. Conversely, doing wrong or hurtful things will bring you bad karma. It manifests in the form of hardships, and serves as a way for you to pay for what you have done.
Karma, whether good or bad, exists in the microscopic dimension. The things that a person obtains in his lifetime are converted from his karma, and this karma comes from the good or bad deeds he has performed in the past.
Additionally, the law of the universe states: “no pain, no gain.” No matter what people today may think, nothing is truly free — everything comes at a price. Whether you can see this principle clearly or not, this law is always at play. Therefore, you must work and put in some effort if you are to gain. If you seemingly gain something for free, the law of the universe says that you will be forced to pay a price in some form.
If you are destined to have wealth, but the time has not come, wealth will not come early; you must wait until the time is right. If you want to acquire wealth, but have no virtue, or good karma, you will simply not have it in your fate.
Blessings come to those who do the right thing
There are proper ways to obtain wealth, such as through legal efforts and hard work. Another way is through the transformation of virtue. The improper way to obtain wealth is through unscrupulous means. Gaining this way can change one’s fate for a moment, but the consequences will be very terrible later on.
Those who obtain wealth through illegitimate means are ultimately hurting themselves. For example, they may not be able to enjoy their wealth, have a shortened lifespan, or lose their health. This type of person will have no place in Heaven, and can only go to hell to endure more suffering to pay for their bad deeds. In the real world, greediness, get-rich-quick schemes, and scheming to cheat someone are just a few of the unjust ways people employ to obtain wealth.
Obtaining wealth in an upright manner comes through positive efforts and a continuous accumulation of virtue. When you have wealth, you must not be a slave to it, or let it burden your heart. Such wealth is safe.
You can see that it is virtue that brings wealth, and only the virtuous can reap the utmost blessings.
Translated by Patty Zhang
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