An ancient saying goes: “A virtuous person is respected by all, blessed by Heaven, accompanied by fortune, shunned by evil, protected by spirits, and successful in all endeavors.” This implies that a truly good and kind person receives universal respect, divine protection, prosperity, and the guardianship of spiritual beings. It advises us to maintain our integrity, constantly self-reflect, and be mindful of our intentions and actions, avoiding even the slightest misstep.
Some stories from ancient texts illustrate the principle of karmic retribution.
Gratitude and its rewards
In the Ming Dynasty, a boy named Huang Zhong from Yanqing became an orphan at the age of four and was raised by his impoverished uncle. Despite their poverty, his uncle ensured Huang Zhong had food, and Huang Zhong deeply appreciated this kindness. At six, he tearfully expressed his wish to study so he could repay his uncle’s care. However, his uncle couldn’t afford his education.
One night, the local governor, Cai, dreamt of a divine being who informed him about a poor boy destined to become a high-ranking official. The heavenly being explained that the boy sincerely desired to repay his uncle, which moved the heavens. The next day, Cai identified the boy in the temple and began supporting his education.
Three years later, Cai left office without revealing his dream. It wasn’t until years later, after he retired and visited Huang Zhong when he was 18, that Cai finally disclosed the prophetic dream. True to the prophecy, Huang Zhong eventually became a successful official, repaying his benefactors with great respect and care.
Helping others brings divine blessings
Min Shizhang, a wealthy salt merchant from the Qing Dynasty in Yangzhou, was renowned for his philanthropy. Despite his substantial wealth, he lived modestly in a small house and found joy in reading and virtuous acts rather than in luxury or indulgence. He donated most of his fortune to help others, embodying the spirit of a “Confucian merchant,” meaning that he possessed a Confucian scholar’s morals and wisdom alongside a businessman’s wealth and success.
During disasters, Min was always the first to organize relief efforts, providing food and aid to countless people. On one occasion, a couple faced a dire situation: unable to pay a government debt, the husband was sent away, and the wife was taken into custody. The couple wept bitterly, refusing to be separated. Upon learning of their plight, Min paid off their debt, reuniting the couple. His charitable actions extended to helping the poor, supporting orphans, repairing infrastructure, and numerous other philanthropic efforts.
Min practiced strict self-discipline throughout his life, ensuring his actions aligned with his conscience. His life was marked by peace, health, longevity, and prosperous children. He embodied the belief that virtue and generosity attract divine blessings — extending even to one’s descendants.
Assisting evil brings misfortune
In contrast, during the Ming Dynasty, a county magistrate named Yang Kai, notorious for his cruelty, was aided by his subservient assistant, Yang Xun. Despite knowing Yang Kai’s actions were wrong, Yang Xun encouraged his tyranny through flattery to gain favor. This support led to the wrongful punishment and death of several individuals.
One day, Yang Kai ordered the flogging of officers and prisoners who were inefficient in their duties. More than 40 people were severely beaten, with 2 being beaten to death. Shockingly, Yang Xun stood by and praised the brutality, saying: “Beat them to death, great!”
That night, Yang Xun dreamt of being reprimanded by divine beings for his complicity in these evil deeds. Shortly after, he fell ill and died, demonstrating that assisting in wrongdoing brings dire consequences.
This story underscores the crucial role of leading others toward righteousness and abstaining from engaging in or endorsing harmful actions.
Understanding karmic principles
These stories teach us that universal principles of cause and effect govern our actions and intentions. Divine forces observe every thought and deed, emphasizing the need to choose righteousness for ourselves while also guiding others toward virtuous paths. By doing so, we uphold moral integrity, ensure our spiritual well-being, and avoid the repercussions of aiding wrongdoing.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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