Chen Tuan Lao Zu <Heart Appearance Chapter> Part 1

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.

·The heart is the root of appearance. Good and evil can be seen by examining the heart. Actions are the manifestation of the heart. Fortune and misfortune can be known by observing actions.

[Translation] The heart is the root of appearance. By examining a person's heart, you can understand his good and evil nature. Behavior is the external manifestation of the heart. By observing a person's behavior, you can know his fortune and misfortune.

If one is unfair in his dealings, it will be hard for his children and grandchildren to grow up; if one speaks repetitively, he should know that his confidants have no one to rely on.

[Translation] A person who is unfair in business transactions will find it difficult to receive long-term support from his children; a person who is untrustworthy and fickle in his words will have few close friends.

·If one is discouraged and keeps to himself, he must be a treacherous and greedy person; if one is open-minded and courageous, he must be a hero.

[Translation] Those who squander other people's money and resources must be greedy and despicable people; those who are brave, courageous and loyal must be heroes.

·If one has a peaceful mind and calm temperament, one can predict that his grandson will be prosperous and his son will be noble; if one is talented but stubborn, he will be extremely poor if he does not suffer a great disaster.

[Translation] If a person is calm and composed, it can be predicted that his descendants will be prosperous and wealthy; if a person is talented and clever but does not listen to others' advice, he will be poor if he does not suffer a great disaster.

Time is merciless, poverty and death come quickly; when we talk about the past, we long for wealth and longevity.

[Translation] People who are ruthless and turn their backs on others will live in poverty and die young; people who are nostalgic and never forget their old friends will be rich and live a long and happy life.

·If you speak carelessly and say something against your will, your life will be short; if you forget gratitude and think about small grudges, it will be difficult to succeed in the imperial examination.

[Translation] People who often say unreasonable and untruthful things are most likely to shorten their lives; people who are ungrateful and hold grudges are unlikely to get the top grades in their studies.

Small wealth and honor are easy to obtain, but their future is limited; great wealth and honor are stable, and their blessings are boundless.

[Translation] People who are proud and arrogant with small achievements will never achieve great things; people who have great achievements but are not proud will have deep and boundless blessings.

If one is deceitful and secretive, his children will not be able to enjoy the splendor he has; if one is fair and upright, he will become a god after his death even if he has no children.

[Translation] Even if a person has wealth and glory, his children and grandchildren will not be able to enjoy it if he hides his evil deeds and does not act in an upright manner. Even if a fair and upright person has no offspring, he can become a god after death.

·Talk about suicide, and avoid important occasions; call everyone a confidant, then your close friendship is actually just an ordinary one.

[Translation] People who always talk big about "dedicating themselves to the country and friends" will definitely run away at critical moments and important times; people who make friends indiscriminately, even if their so-called "close friends" are actually very ordinary.

·He is willing to work hard and endure hardships in dealing with major events, and he is qualified to be a bridge builder; but he avoids suspicion when encountering minor matters, so how can he be a confidant?

[Translation] Anyone who can shoulder heavy responsibilities and work hard must be a pillar of the country. Anyone who avoids responsibility and refuses to take on any responsibility when faced with a small matter, how can he be reused?

·Being difficult to deal with others may lead to unexpected death and harm to your children; being kind to others may bring unexpected blessings and longevity.

[Translation] Being unable to get along with the world (blaming others and complaining about everything) will not only bring about unexpected disasters, but will also harm future generations; those who leave room for others in their dealings will gain unexpected blessings and longevity.

·Being obsessed with flowers and wine, his wives and concubines will be at odds with each other; being selfish and hurting others, his children and grandchildren will be rebellious.