Fortune-telling has long been a subject of fascination in Chinese culture. In the early 20th century, one man stood out as a master of physiognomy — Yuan Shushan. His abilities to read people’s fortunes and predict their futures were legendary. Today, we delve into his life and the remarkable stories left behind.
Reading fortunes and unveiling 15 years of good luck
Yuan Shushan’s fame extended far and wide, attracting clients from various backgrounds. One of his notable clients was Ma Lianliang, a renowned Peking Opera artist. Before Ma and his wife left Hong Kong, they sought Yuan’s expertise to read their fortunes.
To their surprise, Yuan predicted 15 years of good luck for Ma. Intrigued by the revelation, Ma’s wife asked about his fate beyond this period, but Ma wisely suggested not to delve further. True to Yuan’s prediction, Ma passed away precisely 15 years later. This incident showcases Yuan’s exceptional skills as a master fortune-teller.
More than just fortune-telling
Although Yuan Shushan gained fame as a fortune-teller, his abilities transcended this label. He was a learned man, akin to a free scholar. According to his birth chart, his father had predicted that despite lacking the element of water, Yuan could make up for it by obtaining timely water. This means that he might appear foolish, but he could still achieve success in learning.
Yuan Shushan’s reputation may not have been prominent, but his character was impeccable. His path to success lay in studying diligently, leading a peaceful life, and choosing his acquaintances wisely. This insight into his character adds depth to Yuan’s persona, highlighting his intellect and wisdom.
Connections with cultural figures
Yuan Shushan’s influence extended beyond fortune-telling. He had close associations with several cultural figures of his time. He even wrote couplets himself, showcasing his talent as a scholar.
One of his acquaintances, Scholar Luo Zhenchang, wrote a preface for Yuan’s book on fortune-telling, praising it as “eloquent and clear” and far superior to ordinary diviners’ records. These connections shed light on Yuan’s credibility and reputation, proving he was more than a mere quack fortune-teller.
A philanthropist at heart
Unlike many who accumulated wealth, Yuan Shushan was content with a simple life. He had idols he admired, namely Wu Xun and Fuxi, who both valued education. Their teachings inspired Yuan to establish a free school and a temple honoring Fuxi. He founded the “Woxue Elementary School” in his hometown with limited resources, providing students with free education and learning materials.
To secure the school’s future, he purchased land for its use. Later, he converted a newly built Fuxi temple into another school building, forming the “Fuxi Elementary School.” However, during the tumultuous War of Resistance Against Japan, financial constraints forced the school to charge tuition fees. Filled with remorse, Yuan inscribed “Not as good as Wu Xun” on a plaque, showing his commitment to ethical practices.
Guiding a legacy
Yuan Shushan passed on his wisdom and skills to his son, Yuan Furou. Yet he recognized the distinction between fortune-telling and medicine, urging his son to focus on the latter. Yuan Furou obeyed his father’s wishes, becoming a renowned master of traditional Chinese medicine. His dedication to medical science and preserving his father’s legacy demonstrates the family’s commitment to promoting valuable knowledge and contributions.
Understanding the art of divination
Throughout his life, Yuan Shushan believed in the significance of divination and fortune-telling within Chinese cultural history. He viewed these practices as essential and warned against dismissing them without studying their origins. However, he also emphasized the need to dispel superstitions and approach this art rationally.
He believed we could reveal the true nature of divination and fortune-telling through dedicated study and understanding, unlocking its true potential.
Final thoughts
Yuan Shushan’s story is one of intrigue and depth. His mastery of physiognomy and fortune-telling left a lasting impact on the lives he touched. Beyond his role as a fortune-teller, he was a scholar, philanthropist, and advocate for preserving cultural knowledge. His life serves as a reminder to approach these ancient practices with respect and curiosity, acknowledging their historical significance while discovering their true meaning in our modern world.
See Part 1 here.
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