Throughout history, the idea of karma has been central to moral teachings. The notion that harmful actions, especially those that lead others astray, bring severe consequences is deeply embedded in many cultures. In ancient China, authors and artists who created and spread immoral content often faced dire retribution — not only affecting themselves, but sometimes extending to their families.
Creating immoral art leads to tragic demise
During the Tang Dynasty, a man named Zhuge Run from Fujian gained fame for his exceptional painting skills. Unfortunately, he used his talent to create vivid, immoral artwork. His paintings were highly sought after by wealthy patrons, allowing him to amass significant wealth quickly.
However, his fortune came at a cost. One night, a group of robbers broke into Zhuge’s home. As he shouted for help, they brutally attacked him, severing one hand before killing him and ransacking his property.
Later, a scholar named Li Xiaolian encountered Zhuge’s unfinished works and reflected on their potential harm. He remarked that such paintings could lead young men and women to stray from moral paths, corrupting their minds. Determined to prevent further damage, Li purchased all of Zhuge’s works and burned them. Remarkably, Li’s own life flourished afterward — he passed the imperial examination that year, and in subsequent years, both his sons achieved scholarly success.
Profiting from immoral books ends in ruin
The Qing Dynasty text Yuli Baochao recounts another cautionary tale about Zhu Xiang, a bookseller from Jiangnan. Zhu earned a fortune by publishing and selling immoral books, despite warnings from friends about the potential consequences. Unmoved by their concerns, he mocked them for being overly conservative.
Within a few years, Zhu’s health began to deteriorate. He lost his sight, and during a devastating fire, his blindness prevented him from escaping in time. Severely burned, he suffered for three agonizing days before succumbing to his injuries. Before his death, Zhu expressed deep regret, confessing that his wealth came at the expense of others’ morality. He urged others in the publishing trade to destroy such harmful content before it was too late.
Zhu’s remorse came too late to save his family. His crimes left a heavy karmic debt, bringing misfortune to his descendants. His lineage ended, and his wife and daughter, left destitute, were forced into lives of hardship.
Harmful content’s widespread impact
These stories illustrate the principle that “of all evils, lust is the greatest.” Those who create or disseminate immoral content bear immense karmic burdens because their actions corrupt not just individuals, but society at large. By glorifying improper desires, they disrupt social values, leading many down unethical paths.
Ancient teachings emphasize that the heavens observe all deeds, recording transgressions with unerring precision. For those who exploit their talents to spread harmful material, retribution — whether in this life or beyond — is inevitable, often extending to their loved ones.
Moreover, the influence of harmful content often outlasts its creators. Once released, such works can perpetuate damage across generations, compounding the karmic burden. This further underscores the importance of ethical considerations in all creative and commercial endeavors.
Conclusion
The stories of Zhuge Run and Zhu Xiang remind us of the profound consequences of using one’s talents to harm others through immoral means. While they sought wealth and recognition, their actions led to personal ruin and societal damage. Their fates highlight the enduring moral principle that creative works should uplift and guide society, rather than lead it astray.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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