“Destiny cannot be altered” essentially means “going with the flow” or following the natural order. Acting against the natural order leads to a dead end, often described as “bringing about one’s own ruin.” We cannot change destiny, but we should learn to follow it. The book Records of the Court and Common People recounts the story of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, who heeded the advice of Li Chunfeng, a renowned seer, and followed the natural order.
Emperor Taizong seeks Li Chunfeng’s counsel
During Emperor Taizong’s reign, a secret record stated: “After three generations of Tang rule, a female ruler will take the throne.” Emperor Taizong summoned Li Chunfeng to discuss how to handle this prophecy. Li Chunfeng explained: “Based on metaphysical calculations, this sign has already formed. The woman destined to rule is already within Your Majesty’s palace. Within forty years, she will seize power and execute the emperor’s descendants, nearly wiping them out.”
A crucial decision
Emperor Taizong anxiously asked: “Can we find and kill her to prevent this?” Li Chunfeng replied, “This is the will of Heaven and should not be disrupted. Even if the royal descendants survive, they may not claim the throne. According to my calculations, this woman has already grown up and is now part of Your Majesty’s household. She will age and become benevolent in forty years, sparing most of your descendants. If you kill her now, she will reincarnate and, in forty years, will still seize power, but as a young and ruthless ruler, leaving no survivors.”
Following the natural order
Emperor Taizong followed Li Chunfeng’s advice. As predicted, Wu Zetian eventually returned the throne to the Li family, and under Emperor Xuanzong’s rule, the Tang Dynasty reached a new peak of prosperity. Looking back, it was fortunate that Emperor Taizong did not kill Wu Zetian. Acting against the natural order would have brought divine retribution, and the Li family might have lost the throne entirely.
Reflecting on the natural order in modern times
In retrospect, we see that many natural and human disasters today are clear signs of destiny. People are beginning to understand that every disaster has a purpose and a standard. There is always a reason, whether it affects an individual, a region, or a group. Knowing this, we should treat others kindly, as harming others is essentially harming ourselves. Life should respect the heavens, and disrespecting deities and Buddha leads to self-destruction. We must remain vigilant and aware of these truths.
Translated by Katy Liu
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