Is it possible for a person to change their destiny? This is an age-old question. A sentence in the ancient Chinese text Three Character Classic mentions: “Dou Yanshan, a model of virtue, taught his five sons well, leaving behind a legacy.” Today, we delve into the transformative story of Dou Yanshan, a man who rewrote his destiny through good deeds.
The man known as Dou Yanshan
Dou Yanshan, originally named Dou Yujun, had lost his father at a young age. He served his mother with devotion and eventually climbed the bureaucratic ladder, becoming an important government advisor. Yet by his forties, he remained a bachelor.
One night, during a dream, his deceased grandfather appeared, revealing: “Your past life was filled with wrongdoings, resulting in your childless fate and shortened lifespan. However, by embarking on a path of righteousness and performing good deeds, you might alter your destiny.”
Awakening from this vision, Yanshan took his grandfather’s words to heart, committing himself to a life of benevolence. Over the years, he accumulated countless acts of charity and kindness. He returned lost valuables to their rightful owners, saved lives in dire situations, saved money to set up schools, trained many children from low-income families to become successful adults, and funded funerals and weddings for those unable to afford them. What’s most commendable is that Yanshan practiced and returned kindness when faced with other people’s hostility and bad deeds.
Kindness in the face of betrayal
In Yanshan’s household, a servant secretly embezzled 200 taels of silver. Fearing discovery, the servant decided on a drastic measure: He tied a note to his young daughter’s arm, offering her as lifelong compensation for the debt, and then fled. Upon discovering the note, Yanshan not only burned it, but also took the girl in. When she came of age, he used the same amount to ensure her a worthy marriage. Learning of this, the remorseful servant returned, tearfully admitting his wrongdoing. Yanshan forgave him. In gratitude, the servant and his son painted a portrait of Yanshan and would pray for his longevity and pay their respects in front of it daily.
Destiny rewritten through virtue
A decade later, another dream visited Yanshan. This time, both his grandfather and father stood before him, proclaiming: “Originally, your destiny was sealed. You were destined to be childless and short-lived. However, in recent years, your name has resonated in both heavenly and underworld realms due to your acts of kindness. As a reward, your lifespan will extend by three epochs, and you will be blessed with five illustrious sons. Upon death, you’ll attain a celestial status.”
They further advised: “The principles of Yin and Yang often mirror each other. The consequences of one’s actions, be they good or bad, may manifest in this life or the next. The net of Heaven is vast, yet misses nothing.”
Inspired, Yanshan furthered his virtuous endeavors. At the age of 82, after bidding farewell to his family, he peacefully passed away. True to the prophetic dream, his five sons achieved notable successes, and his eight grandsons held esteemed positions at court. Future generations would cite Dou Yanshan as an exemplary figure in imparting wisdom and values to offspring.
The revered sage Laozi once said: “The ways of Heaven show no partiality, always siding with the virtuous.” Throughout history, countless tales echo the sentiment that those who act with kindness are blessed. Indeed, the story of Dou Yanshan stands as a testament: Good deeds possess the power to reshape destiny.
Translated by Joseph Wu
