Our choices and actions set events into motion in our lives, returning to us in ways we might never expect. These stories from ancient China illustrate how acts of kindness can lead to blessings, while hasty decisions rooted in prejudice can bring about tragic consequences.
2 karmic stories
1. Compassion and selflessness lead to unexpected blessings
During the Qing Dynasty, a woman from Wujiang, known only as Mrs. Zhao, faced a difficult situation with remarkable grace. Her husband, Zhao, had fathered a child with one of their household maids. Upon discovering the maid’s pregnancy, Mrs. Zhao chose to act with compassion rather than resentment.
She concealed the maid within their home and publicly claimed to be pregnant herself. When the maid gave birth, Mrs. Zhao adopted the child as her own, raising him with love and care. Her kindness remained a well-kept secret, known to few.
The child, named Pingzhang, grew up to achieve significant academic success, passing the imperial exams and becoming an esteemed teacher in Jiading. His achievements brought honor to Mrs. Zhao, who received a prestigious title for her role as his mother. Tragically, Mrs. Zhao’s biological son had passed away years earlier. Her family line might have ended if she acted selfishly and mistreated the maid or the child. Her tolerance and generosity ultimately secured a legacy for her family.
2. A rash judgment leads to devastating consequences
In stark contrast, the story of a county magistrate named Huangfu reveals the heavy toll of prejudice and poor judgment. Huangfu, a scholar-official during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, began his career with promise. Known for his integrity and teaching excellence, he later served as the head of a prominent academy in Suzhou. Despite his early success, his life ended in tragedy — a fate seemingly linked to a critical error in judgment.
While serving as a magistrate, Huangfu encountered a case brought by one of his former students, a talented but morally flawed man. The student sought to dissolve his engagement to his fiancée, falsely accusing her of infidelity. Exploiting her swollen abdomen caused by illness, he claimed she was pregnant by another man.
Huangfu, swayed by his student’s account, summoned the woman for questioning. He allowed his preconceived notions to cloud his judgment without giving her a chance to defend herself. Desperate to prove her innocence, the woman took a knife from her sleeve and fatally stabbed herself in court to reveal the truth. The shocking act left no doubt of her innocence, but it was too late to save her life.
The student was punished for his false accusations, and Huangfu was stripped of his office. His guilt over the tragedy haunted him. Misfortune soon struck his family as well — his only son died suddenly after reportedly seeing the woman’s ghost. With no descendants, Huangfu and his wife spent their remaining years in poverty, far from their ancestral home.
The balance of karma: A lesson for all
These two stories reveal the workings of karma — how good deeds and ill intentions can shape the course of our lives. Mrs. Zhao’s quiet act of kindness preserved her family line and brought honor and recognition. In contrast, Huangfu’s failure to see through deceit led to personal and familial ruin.
Heaven’s justice is impartial and thorough. While kindness may be rewarded in ways we cannot foresee, errors born of prejudice and neglect carry their own weighty consequences. These stories serve as timeless reminders to act with compassion and fairness, knowing that every action leaves a mark on our destiny.
Translated by Cecilia
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