Mazu Fortune Poem No. 12: You drift with the current across the open sea,

Mazu Fortune Poem No. 12 is paired with the Xun · Wind hexagram. In plain words: It's fine to set out and go your own way. Once you've gained something, know when to step back, so you don't slip and regret it.

Xun · Wind

You drift with the current across the open sea,sailing where you please, making your own choices.When you've gained, know how to step back,before one slip leaves you with heavy regret.

Original Chinese

汝曹逐流泛重洋順意遊行自主張得利須知尋退步免教失足悔難當

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Questions people ask

Is Mazu Fortune Poem No. 12 a good fortune?

This set is not ranked from good to bad here. What matters is the reminder: It's fine to set out and go your own way. Once you've gained something, know when to step back, so you don't slip and regret it. The choice is yours.

What does Mazu Fortune Poem No. 12 say in English?

You drift with the current across the open sea, / sailing where you please, making your own choices. / When you've gained, know how to step back, / before one slip leaves you with heavy regret.

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