# Guanyin Oracle: Thirty-two Lessons English translation prepared for this website from the supplied v0.3.0 review text. The verses retain four lines; the traditional interpretations retain their original subjects and imagery. These are translations of traditional readings, not additional modern interpretations. The five coins are read in the fixed order Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. A marked face represents its element; an unmarked face is shown as a circle. ## Lesson 1 — Advancement [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > A radiant phoenix approaches the vermilion palace gates. > A sacred tortoise brings auspicious signs. > Misfortune passes; blessings and prosperity arrive. > Joy fills the air. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is highly auspicious for seeking wealth. It is a fitting time to go out, return and enjoy good company. Lawsuits, quarrels and disputes fade away. The sick rise from their beds. Those seeking an official appointment will soon succeed. Those away from home will return before long. Misfortune and calamity depart, leaving abundant blessings. Honor and prosperity bring the greatest joy. ## Lesson 2 — Renewal [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Old ways should now be changed. > New endeavors can move ahead. > A fish leaps through the Dragon Gate and is transformed. > An ordinary mortal becomes a divine being. ### Traditional interpretation This reading promises great benefit in seeking wealth. Plans and hopes will come to fruition in due time. The sick recover and leave their beds. Undertakings proceed in an orderly way. Those away return home and establish their affairs. Wherever they are, food and clothing will be available. When spring comes and flowers bloom, what doubt remains? A thousand matters encounter no obstruction. ## Lesson 3 — Bending and Straightening [Neutral] ### Verse > Let your actions follow a favorable wind. > In seeking wealth, you may entrust the task to another. > Welcome the arrival of a Wu or Ji day. > Your undertaking can then be completed. ### Traditional interpretation This reading offers only modest gains in seeking wealth. The sick may not be assured of surviving from morning to evening. Those traveling away are delayed. Legal affairs and business dealings lack a favorable basis. What is sought is not attained, and hopes are hard to fulfill. When the time changes, rain clears and light returns. Look for worry first and joy afterward. ## Lesson 4 — Water Flowing Downward [Favorable] ### Verse > A boat drifts over rivers and lakes. > A precious pearl is hard to find. > It is better to advance toward a greater purpose. > Blessings arrive, and calamity is dispelled. ### Traditional interpretation This reading speaks of worry suddenly easing in the heart. What is sought does not come to fruition. Progress alone brings peace and well-being. Seeking the support of a person of standing brings good fortune. It is like a cold stove kindling into flame, or a withered tree meeting spring. After the rain, drifting clouds disperse, revealing a bright moon like a polished mirror. ## Lesson 5 — Blazing Fire [Neutral] ### Verse > An ominous sign lies toward the south. > A raging fire cannot be resisted. > Lawsuits and written affairs are delayed. > Minor troubles arise from time to time. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows much fear and frequent hesitation. Advancing brings joy; retreating brings further worry. For now, it is best to maintain what is established. Flowers in the garden wither, while yellow chrysanthemums wait for the new autumn. When the right time and fortune arrive, do not remain troubled. Success will come naturally before long. ## Lesson 6 — Cultivation and Harvest [Neutral] ### Verse > Wu and Ji occupy the center. > Worry comes first, and joy follows. > Confucius met hardship in Chen. > For now, harmony and ease are absent. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows obstacles in every matter. Money must first be spent or lost. Those away have not yet returned. The sick find recovery difficult. What is sought has not been achieved. Do not despair over poor fortune or an unfavorable time. Be cautious of present troubles. Afterward, lasting freedom from harm is indicated. ## Lesson 7 — Progress Afar [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > The household prospers in peace. > Wealth grows little by little. > Advancement and aspirations are favored. > Illness gives way to health and ease. ### Traditional interpretation This reading favors the fulfillment of wishes in seeking wealth. A Gengshen day is suitable for the undertaking. Those away gain precious things. Illness brings no lasting harm. Legal affairs and disputes have a favorable basis. A marriage reaching completion is especially fortunate. A person of standing receives you with delight. Repeated blessings and prosperity are indicated. ## Lesson 8 — Receiving Help [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Heaven protects your undertaking. > A hundred blessings gather at your door. > A benefactor lends assistance. > Blessings bring wholehearted joy. ### Traditional interpretation This reading speaks of Xin entering the water of Gui, with a benefactor offering unseen support. Those seeking an official appointment will wear the purple robes of office. Those traveling away gain profit. Incense burns visibly in the censer, while divine beings offer hidden assistance. Children and grandchildren reunite in happiness. What is sought is fulfilled as wished. ## Lesson 9 — Finding Peace [Favorable] ### Verse > For now, you are like a tree in winter. > Its bare branches have not yet flowered. > Soon the signs of spring begin to stir. > Buds appear along every vine. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows much hesitation in the heart. Worry comes first and joy follows without doubt. Those away return home in fine robes. Illness lingers and recovery is delayed. Marriage brings harmony and distinction. Legal affairs need not go awry. Like flowers and willows competing in beauty, the prospects brighten. For now, maintain harmony with others. ## Lesson 10 — Wishes Fulfilled [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Spring brings a gentle, warming air. > What had declined begins to flourish again. > A fine rain falls as well. > Nourishing grace brings life anew. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is auspicious for seeking wealth. Those away return home in fine robes. Marriage is harmonious and free of discord. Quarrels and disputes cease. Promotion and increased official income arrive. Wealth, honor and prosperity accord with your wishes. Plant new seeds in the field of merit in this life; in the next, their worth exceeds heaps of gold. ## Lesson 11 — All Paths Open [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Calamity disperses, and the gate of misfortune closes. > Celebration opens the gate of blessings. > In the encounters immediately ahead, > Unexpected wealth is to be found. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows harmony between those above and those below. Joy comes naturally, without worry. Seeking wealth in distant places is especially suitable. Fame and profit develop as wished. Parched seedlings suddenly receive welcome rain. A lone boat sails easily before a favorable wind. A river of spring water flows eastward. All affairs proceed peacefully, without blame. ## Lesson 12 — Peace and Good Fortune [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Advancement comes largely as desired. > A poor scholar returns in splendid robes. > The road ahead clears beneath a spring breeze. > Walk at ease and enjoy the fragrant blossoms. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is an auspicious sign of advancement and appointment. It favors high office and noble rank. A benefactor leads you to an elevated place, with the gold seal and purple ribbon of official honor. Wealth and profit multiply a hundredfold. Those away are content and free of worry. Like a full moon in autumn, its light illuminates heaven, earth and the whole universe. ## Lesson 13 — Striving to Advance [Highly Inauspicious] ### Verse > The bright moon appears upon the water. > You see its reflection, not its substance. > Money and possessions are scattered and lost. > Caution brings peace. ### Traditional interpretation This reading speaks of Shen overcoming Wu and Ji. Undertakings are lamentably difficult to complete. Money is lost, possessions are damaged and goodwill is diminished. Do not compete or quarrel with petty people. Remaining with old ways is not suitable for every matter; movement and progress offer a course ahead. Make offerings of incense to the divine beings, seeking continued good fortune and protection. ## Lesson 14 — Stillness [Neutral] ### Verse > Action brings unrest. > Undertakings do not succeed. > Stepping back alone can bring good fortune. > Keeping within your proper bounds wards off trouble. ### Traditional interpretation This reading favors maintaining what is established. Withdraw from involvement and refrain from organizing new ventures. Careful conduct and modest spending bring peace. Live according to your circumstances and the conditions that arise. Dreams of piling up gold and jade are like the fleeting dream of Nanke. Recite Amitabha's name in a quiet place, seeking the removal of calamity and misfortune. ## Lesson 15 — Obstruction [Highly Inauspicious] ### Verse > A withered tree seldom meets spring. > A lone boat encounters a fierce wind. > Setting out, you have no support to rely upon. > Affairs do not proceed smoothly. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows obstacles arising in abundance. Plans and hopes do not satisfy the heart. It is best to maintain what is established and remain in quiet retreat. Worry is joined by further troubles. Do not expect promotion or increased official income, nor fine horses and light furs. Act impartially and do not press your demands. Pray for the protection of divine beings and heaven. ## Lesson 16 — Relief from Adversity [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > The rising sun shines across the four seas. > Its radiance lights the world. > Advancement and harmony are auspicious. > All undertakings come naturally to completion. ### Traditional interpretation This reading speaks of Bing and Ji being free of conflict. Peace and well-being naturally extend to every matter. Do not remain with old ways; advancing brings prosperity. Those traveling away encounter no obstruction. Lawsuits and legal disputes have a favorable basis. Seeking wealth brings fulfillment and auspicious signs. Read the scriptures and recite the Buddha's name for peace and well-being. Noble honors and high standing gather in abundance. ## Lesson 17 — Joy at Hand [Favorable] ### Verse > Illness disperses, and the body rests in peace. > Legal matters should be settled through reconciliation. > For the road ahead, keep to what is established. > Calamity gradually wears away. ### Traditional interpretation This reading concerns firmness and gentleness. Harmony is the proper course in every matter. Be humble, take a modest position and do not contend with others. Patience dispels calamity. A person of integrity meets an unfavorable time and poor fortune, while petty people get their way. Yellow chrysanthemums wait until the full autumn season; their fragrance will then spread far and wide. ## Lesson 18 — Hesitation [Highly Inauspicious] ### Verse > This reading holds much uncertainty. > Wealth quietly dwindles away. > Marriage may instead bring harm. > Relations between people lack harmony. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows affairs failing to go as wished. Business remains unsettled and troubling. Deep kindness may turn into enmity. Beware of conflict stirred up by petty people. Be cautious in speech and disputes. Do not pursue fame and profit with painful greed. In autumn, rain passes and the many-colored clouds withdraw; the bright moon then illuminates the universe. ## Lesson 19 — Abundant Harvest [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Abundance increases time after time. > Wealth rises step by step. > Pine and bamboo withstand snow and dew. > Orchids and cypress emerge above the wild grasses. ### Traditional interpretation This reading speaks of three stars bringing assistance. The year is fruitful, goods are abundant and the household prospers. Plans and aspirations rise higher. Those away arrive soon. Illness resolves without treatment. Disputes and quarrels quietly disappear. If you recite the Buddha's name without tiring, the ivory tablet, black boots and gauze cap of official rank are indicated. ## Lesson 20 — An Honored Position [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > A worthy person holds a position of prosperity. > A caged bird is released to live freely. > Your movements draw wealth and treasures. > A journey to a distant place is especially fitting. ### Traditional interpretation This reading favors advancement alone. Do not delay by remaining with old ways. The purple robes of office are indicated in your destiny. Seeking a person of standing in a distant place brings joy. Seeking wealth fulfills the heart's wishes. Do not hesitate over the undertaking. Give thanks to heaven, earth and the divine beings; their protection brings repeated happiness. ## Lesson 21 — Blessings and Prosperity [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Blessings and prosperity rise to great heights. > Your reputation flourishes of its own accord. > Wishes are fulfilled with great good fortune. > A splendid prospect stretches far ahead. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is a sign of advancement and appointment. Misfortune retreats and boundless blessings arrive. Seeking wealth fulfills your wishes, bringing splendor and abundance: fine brocades, carved saddles and splendid horses. Nothing hoped for fails to accord with your wishes. Those away return home in fine robes. Among the thirty-two readings, this is praised most highly for increasing blessings and prosperity. ## Lesson 22 — Clarity [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > The bright moon stands overhead. > Its clear light is full at midnight. > Not the slightest cloud remains. > Stillness extends across the distant sky. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows that what was once obscure is now clear. Seeking wealth, managing affairs and conducting business are favored. Set sail upon the water: the wind is right. Legal affairs, disputes and quarrels disappear. The sick gradually feel lighter and stronger. Purple incense smoke rises from the warm censer. The family enjoys peace and good fortune. ## Lesson 23 — Stagnation [Highly Inauspicious] ### Verse > A weary horse sets out on a distant road. > A hungry traveler faces a long journey. > Advancement is inauspicious in every direction. > Weigh each undertaking carefully. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is a sign of obstruction. Every undertaking is delayed. It is unsuitable to go out and leave home. Wealth is difficult to obtain. Quarrels turn into legal disputes. Beware of illness that lingers and entangles you. To seek security and avoid calamity and wrongdoing, make your prayer to the divine beings in advance. ## Lesson 24 — Honor and Distinction [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > The three houses all nurture their inner nature. > Together, they find life in the primordial beginning. > The outcome takes shape in accordance with the heart. > All affairs come naturally to completion. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is a sign of honor and flourishing. Whether stepping forward or remaining in reserve, you can put your abilities to use. What is sought accords with your intentions. Success is certain and free of failure. The sick recover at once. Legal affairs bring neither worry nor doubt. Seeking wealth and pursuing plans are especially suitable. In movement, stillness and action alike, things proceed favorably. ## Lesson 25 — Abundant Blessings [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Those once separated meet again. > Unexpectedly, affairs all find their way through. > What is sought accords with your wishes. > You enjoy bodily ease and calm contentment. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is a sign of mutual support and growth. Actions bring good fortune without anxiety. Peace and happiness allow you to relax. Harmony brings satisfaction and eases concerns. Trade and business encounter no obstruction. Disputes and quarrels disappear. Those away for several years are welcomed into a joyful reunion today. ## Lesson 26 — Lasting Fulfillment [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > These years have brought few calamities. > Your ancestors accumulated unseen merit. > If you undertake a task, > Heaven lends its assistance. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows fulfillment in all matters, with every undertaking proceeding smoothly. The household flourishes without end. Uphold virtue: advancement and appointment are fitting. Those away will arrive before long. The condition of the sick passes through hardship and improvement. Disputes and quarrels dissolve entirely. Misfortune departs, and blessings endure far into the future. ## Lesson 27 — A Bountiful Year [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > Steady rain nourishes the young crops. > Why fear that the harvest will not be abundant? > Your wishes find their proper fulfillment. > You rest without elation or worry. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is like a tree in winter soon meeting a new spring. Bare branches receive rain and grow fragrant again. Every flower sprouts and flourishes. The nine untimely misfortunes and three calamities are dispelled. Countless troubles and disasters leave the household. Honor, wealth and prosperity bring abundant joy. Exceptional benefit and favorable progress increase. ## Lesson 28 — Unfolding Potential [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > A pearl reveals itself within a shell. > Jade within a stone displays its beauty. > Advancement and aspirations are auspicious. > Ordinary people become immortals. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is a sign of harmony. Your official position and income are destined to rise: black boots, an ivory tablet and purple robes, with fine horses and golden spears lining the road. For an inquiry about illness, full recovery comes early. Seeking wealth brings abundance at once. Cultivate the mind and recite the Buddha's name with steadfast aspiration. Let worries disperse, and enjoy freedom from distress. ## Lesson 29 — Heavenly Prosperity [Most Auspicious] ### Verse > In battle, strength and authority come to your aid. > Banners lead the returning procession. > Achievement brings reputation and rank. > Your household shines with honor. ### Traditional interpretation This reading is highly auspicious in every matter. Heavenly prosperity is indicated in your destiny, supported by unseen blessings. A benefactor gladly assists your actions. Official rank and reputation rise high. Blessings come repeatedly and assuredly. Calamities quietly vanish without a trace. The body is at peace and the heart at ease. Jade and gold fill the storehouses. ## Lesson 30 — Joy after Hardship [Neutral] ### Verse > Leaving the water, you reach the shore. > Crossing the bridge, you arrive in safety. > Though worries, dangers and obstacles come in layers, > Your heart opens into spacious ease. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows a heart filled with worry. What is sought does not yet come easily. Those seeking an official appointment and promotion do not yet see their wishes fulfilled. You feel surrounded by obstacles, yet influence gradually grows. Soon, fresh splendor will shine forth. Official income and rank increase, bringing honor and distinction. ## Lesson 31 — Delay [Highly Inauspicious] ### Verse > The road stretches far into the distance. > Soon the sun sinks behind the mountains. > An anxious heart has no support to rely upon. > Every undertaking is difficult. ### Traditional interpretation This reading shows delay in every matter, like a cart stuck in mud. The journey is long and the sun sinks in the west. There is no support, no one to rely upon and no assistance. When seeking help, few familiar people are found. Seeking wealth brings not the smallest gain. It is better to begin reciting Amitabha's name without delay; divine beings and heaven will offer protection. ## Lesson 32 — Hidden from View [Highly Inauspicious] ### Verse > Dust dims an ancient mirror of Qin. > A rough stone conceals Bian He's precious jade. > It is as though confined within a stone cavern. > When will the light be seen? ### Traditional interpretation This reading is a sign of worry and doubt. Actions remain obscure and unclear. It is best to maintain what is established rather than set out. Quarrels, disputes, calamity and illness are indicated. What is sought does not come to fruition. Many plans are hard to complete. It is better to turn toward goodness and begin reading the scriptures, rather than persist in a futile task like polishing a brick into a mirror. --- ## Translation notes Wu, Ji, Xin, Gui, Bing and Shen, and the designation Gengshen, are traditional Chinese calendrical terms. They are transliterated where they occur in the source. Images of purple robes, seals, tablets, boots and caps refer to historical official rank. Dragon Gate, Confucius in Chen, the dream of Nanke and Bian He's jade retain the source's literary allusions. The first and fourth verse lines of Lesson 23 are unclear in the supplied review transcription. The translation uses the legible readings about a weary horse and careful deliberation in the [printed Guanyin Oracle, page 43](https://amituofo.com.au/uploads/short-url/aF3v1MItYgAJjln4B3YpJOGSxG3.PDF). The Chinese review file has not been altered. The review's lesson numbers and auspiciousness grades are retained throughout.