Throughout history, tales have been told to illuminate the deeper truths of our existence, to guide us when we feel lost, and to remind us of the power that lies within. Such is the ancient parable of Defu, whose name symbolizes fortune, but whose life was marked by anything but. Through an unexpected encounter with a wise monk and a simple grape, he discovered profound insights about destiny, choices, and virtue.
A name misaligned with destiny
In ancient times, there was a young man named Defu, which literally translates to “gaining good fortune.” He always dreamed of accumulating wealth and decided to partner with some relatives in the cotton trade. However, their very first expedition was marred by a once-in-decades torrential downpour. Their warehouse, filled with cotton, was flooded, leading to massive losses as thousands of pounds of cotton rotted.
Upon his disheartened return, misfortunes piled up. His family’s restaurant, managed by his father, was accidentally destroyed by fire. As a result, their financial condition deteriorated rapidly. The emotional distress caused both his parents to fall ill and eventually pass away. Besieged by calamities, Defu lamented: “My name means ‘to gain good fortune,’ yet nothing ever works out for me. I no longer wish for prosperity. I merely wish for no more misfortunes.”
One day, while harboring his grievances against fate, he sought out a fortune teller at a market. The prophecy was grim: Defu was destined never to prosper. Shattered by this revelation, he gave up all his hopes and ambitions. Living off the charity of relatives and kind-hearted neighbors, he soon contemplated ending his life to escape his destiny.
A chance meeting
However, as he stood by a riverbank contemplating suicide, a passerby saved him. Learning about Defu’s tale of woe, the man advised him to visit the Zhan Mountain Temple and seek guidance from the enlightened monk Huiming. Clinging to a shred of hope, Defu made his way to the temple.
Defu poured out his heart to Monk Huiming and implored him, saying: “Venerable Master, can you discern any hope in my destiny? Please be candid.” The wise monk responded with a serene smile: “Destiny is crafted by oneself. When you perform good deeds, you attract fortune; when you do wrong, misfortune follows. Tell me, have you committed any wrongs?” Confidently, Defu shook his head, indicating he had lived righteously. Huiming continued: “Then, from this moment on, reconstruct your own fate. Remember, destiny is shaped by the heart. Embrace kindness, and fortune will naturally come.”
Confused, Defu queried: “Master, can one truly reshape their destiny?” Without answering directly, Monk Huiming picked up a grape and posed a question: “Is this grape whole or crushed?” After a moment, Defu replied: “If I say it’s whole, you could easily crush it.” The monk laughed heartily and remarked: “Destiny, like this grape, rests in your hands. Thus, it’s said that destiny is crafted by the heart and kindness brings fortune.”
Discovering prosperity through virtue
With this newfound understanding, Defu was rejuvenated. Taking up his father’s trade, he started a small food stall, tirelessly expanding it bit by bit. Whenever he encountered refugees or those in need, he lent a helping hand. As he increasingly embodied kindness and virtue in his actions, his business began to thrive, just as Monk Huiming had predicted.
Translated by Cecilia
