“Misfortune and fortune have no doors; they are summoned by people themselves.” Our ancestors warned us: the reasons people encounter adversity often stem from violating taboos. Because all life’s circumstances are drawn to us by our own actions, we cannot blame others.
There are 10 major taboos that must be firmly remembered and eradicated
1. Defying parents
Parents give birth to us, raise us, and care for us with unwavering devotion. They worry endlessly and sacrifice everything for us. We should be striving to be filial — how could we ever defy them, anger them, or break their hearts? Such actions severely diminish one’s blessings.
2. Making rash promises
A person without integrity is utterly useless. Once trust is lost, one struggles to stand firm in society. Therefore, in our dealings with others, we must be cautious in speech and action. We cannot make empty promises or blindly commit to things. Once trust is broken, it is difficult to regain.
3. Self-aggrandizement
The Tao Te Ching states: “The way of heaven diminishes the surplus to supplement the deficiency.” If you boast about every minor achievement, fearing others won’t notice, that good deed will soon turn bad. For you possess “surplus,” and that surplus must be shared with those who are “deficient.”
4. Blaming Heaven and others
The Sixth Patriarch Huineng of Chan Buddhism stated in the Platform Sutra: “All fields of merit and virtue are not separate from the mind.” In truth, all our experiences are intertwined with our own thoughts, words, and deeds. We should instead turn inward for reflection. Blaming Heaven and others serves no purpose — it only multiplies our own troubles without resolving anything.
5. Imposing on others
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. As the saying goes, “A melon twisted by force is never sweet.” Even things we enjoy should not be forced upon others.
6. Losing your temper
In all interactions, maintain composure at all times and places. Avoid losing your temper. Otherwise, it not only solves nothing but also harms both others and yourself.
7. Mocking others
What goes around comes around. Treat others with kindness and respect, and you will receive the same in return. Mock and ridicule others, and you will be mocked and ridiculed in turn.
8. Kicking someone when they’re down
As the saying goes: “Fortunes change like the tides.” When others face misfortune, one should act with kindness and integrity. Do not take advantage of their hardship by kicking them while they’re down.
9. Pride and arrogance
Humility brings benefit; arrogance invites loss. Only through humility can one progress and gain. Pride and self-importance inevitably lead to loss, no matter the circumstance.
10. Betraying kindness with malice
Ancient wisdom teaches: “Receive a drop of kindness, repay with a spring.” Recognizing and repaying kindness, remembering one’s roots — these are the traditional virtues of our Chinese nation. Those who fail to show gratitude, instead repaying kindness with betrayal, violate moral principles and human ethics. Such actions inevitably invite misfortune.
Translated by Eva and edited by Amanda
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