Chen Tuan Lao Zu <Heart Appearance Chapter> Part 2

Chen Tuan (871-989) was named Tunan, also known as Fuyaozi and given the title Xiyi Xiansheng. Han nationality, from Zhenyuan County, Bozhou, the hometown of Laozi (now Chenzhuyuan Village, Taiqinggong Town, Luyi County, Henan Province), a famous Taoist scholar and hermit in the Five Dynasties and early Song Dynasty. Chen Tuan inherited the tradition of symbolism and mathematics since the Han Dynasty, and integrated the Huang-Lao thought of tranquility and inaction, Taoist practice techniques and Confucian self-cultivation, which had a great influence on Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianism. Later generations called him "Old Ancestor Chen Tuan", "Sleeping Immortal", "Master Xiyi", etc. He hid in Jiushiyan of Wudang Mountain, moved to Yuntai Temple of Huashan Mountain, and wrote many works. Chen Tuan is a legendary master of traditional mysterious culture. He left behind a masterpiece called "The Heart and Face", which means "appearance is determined by the heart" and has the flavor of the Buddhist "Cause and Effect Sutra". It is incomparable with the physiognomy techniques circulating in the world. It is more grand than Zeng Guofan's "Ice Mirror" and has the merit of stopping evil and promoting good. It is thought-provoking to read. The original text and translation are presented here for everyone to see.

·To help in emergencies and save people from danger, one may sometimes be poor, but blessings come from heaven; to resolve disputes and overcome difficulties, one may sometimes be imprisoned, but God will surely protect him.

[Translation] Those who save people from danger may sometimes encounter poverty, but they are blessed by God; those who help others solve their problems may sometimes suffer imprisonment, but God will protect them.

·Death from starvation is not determined by fate, so just throw away your clothes and scatter your food; death from plague is not determined by fate, so just curse the earth and the sky.

[Translation] Are there people who starve to death just because they have “the entrance of the snake pattern” on their face? Are these people ungrateful and wasteful of grains? Are those who died of the plague simply unlucky? These people commit sins and curse the heaven and earth.

If you are willing to be bullied, you will have a son who will prosper naturally; if you always think of retreating, you will eventually live a life of peace.

[Translation] If you are willing to endure the bullying of others, your descendants will surely prosper; if you often take a step back to consider others, you will live a free and easy life.

Gains and losses are within the norm. If you are not noble, you must be rich, and your longevity can be predicted. You do not show your joy or anger on your face. You can achieve fame and make great contributions, but you may also be treacherous.

[Translation] People who are not moved by fame, disgrace, gains or losses are either noble or wealthy, not to mention longevity; people who do not show their emotions can achieve great success, but there are also great villains.

·When there is nothing to do, one is flustered and panic-stricken, like lightning; when there is trouble, one remains calm and steady, like Mount Tai.

[Translation] A person who panics for no reason has as little fortune as lightning and thunder; a person who remains calm in the face of difficulties has as much fortune as Mount Tai.

·Accumulating merit and kindness will be rewarded in a hundred years; large outlays and small incomes will lead to prosperity for generations.

[Translation] Good deeds that accumulate merit and kindness will surely bring good results, even if you have to wait a hundred years; if you help others a lot and gain little benefit, such a family will surely prosper for generations.

·You can rely on human affairs, but the laws of nature will not go wrong.

[Translation] The accuracy of the Way of Heaven (natural principles, cause and effect) can be verified through human affairs.

How to eat knife and drink sword? A gentleman is stubborn and self-righteous, while a villain takes risks in the hope of getting away with it.

[Translation]Why do some people commit suicide? A gentleman's failure due to his stubbornness or a villain's failure due to his risky behavior can both lead to suicide.

How to die prematurely? Speak mean words, do mean things, have mean thoughts, everything is mean.

[Translation] Why do some people die young and become short-lived ghosts? Because they speak shallow words, do shallow things, and have shallow hearts; everything about them is shallow.

How to avoid disasters and evil deaths? They are vicious, secretive, have shady dealings, and everything they do is shady.

[Translation] Why do some people suffer from sudden misfortunes and die a tragic death? Because these people are vicious, secretive, have shady behavior, and everything they do is shady.

How did he die of a sudden illness? Indulge in extravagant and lustful things.

[Translation]Why do some people die suddenly from illness? Because of indulgence in lust, the vital energy is exhausted.

How to die from carbuncle? Fatty and greasy.