In a remote temple during the Ming Dynasty, an elderly abbot held ancient secrets and profound wisdom, guiding people seeking his counsel through life’s and destiny’s mysteries.
A warning to a magistrate
In Dinghu Mountain, Guangdong, an elderly abbot named Dahui lived at Qingyun Temple. Dahui was renowned for his profound knowledge of nurturing qi, understanding the Dao, and celestial secrets. Despite his advanced age, he exuded an aura of immortality and rarely displayed his expertise in medicine and the ancient arts.
At that time, the magistrate of Gaoyao County wanted to visit Qingyun Temple. He was accompanied by an aide named Liu, who was familiar with Dahui’s expertise in fortune-telling. Liu informed the magistrate about Dahui’s skills, prompting him to ask Dahui to read his fortune.
After initially declining, Dahui eventually agreed to the magistrate’s request. Dahui asked the magistrate to relax and clear his mind. He said: “The fate of living beings lies in your hands, and accumulating virtue can protect longevity.” When the magistrate inquired more specifically about his future, Dahui smiled and replied: “I am ignorant and dare not predict your future. People with great virtue will have their blessings. Maintaining a devout and loving heart will bring the county’s people a great fortune.”
Realizing the abbot’s cautious nature and subtle words, the magistrate finished his tea and asked Liu to inquire further into the mysterious words in private.
Dahui candidly told Liu: “After observing the magistrate’s face, I noticed that his radiance and auspicious aura have faded, and they have been replaced by a dull and dark energy. His lifespan may not exceed a year. Fortunately, since the original color has not completely faded, it indicates there is hope amid danger, suggesting his life should not be cut short.
“As a leader responsible for the people, every action and decision he makes affects their lives and safety. If he acts with a compassionate heart, helping and benefiting others, he can bring blessings to all. Therefore, my assertion that he can protect his longevity through accumulated virtue is not merely empty words.” Liu nodded in agreement, saying: “Indeed!”
Liu did not dare to convey the message directly to the magistrate. Instead, he subtly informed him, “The elderly monk advises that within a few months, the esteemed magistrate should perform a benevolent act to save many lives. This will prolong his lifespan.”
Kind acts bring blessings
Not long after, a flood struck the area around Xiliao. The waters rose several feet overnight, submerging farmlands and inundating many houses. The disaster-stricken people were trapped and urgently called for help. The magistrate hurried to a nearby high hill for a vantage point and was shocked and overwhelmed by the devastating scene.
Below, strong and brave villagers escaped in small boats, but younger children and infants were left floating in the water. Seeing this, the magistrate ordered that people who rescued a child would be rewarded with one tael of silver, with more rewards for more rescues. As a result, the families with boats mobilized, saving over 400 children. The magistrate then opened the granary for relief and resettled the disaster-stricken people, thus saving many lives.
Later, the magistrate was promoted to Prefect of Huizhou. While passing by Mount Luofu, he encountered Dahui once more. Upon seeing him, Dahui remarked: “The kind-hearted person has finally received his reward; your blessings will continue to flourish in the future.”
The magistrate’s compassionate leadership during the Xiliao flood not only saved lives, but transformed his destiny, a testament to the enduring impact of virtue and the profound wisdom of Dahui that guided his path.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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