Quote from a Master of Physiognomy: "The Heart is the Source."
In today's world, people often find it challenging to understand the complexities of destiny or how one might predict wealth and poverty. Yuan Shushan, known for reading the fortunes of figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek, was born Yuan Fu (1881–1962 or 1968?) in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu. He attended Peking University in his early years and later studied sociology in Japan. After returning to China, he had the chance to enter public service but chose to return to his hometown to take over the family business, making his living through medicine and fortune-telling.
During the Anti-Japanese War, Yuan gained popularity, with wealthy merchants and political figures seeking his fortune-telling services. In the early 1950s, he moved to Hong Kong, where, at a time when the average worker earned less than 100 Hong Kong dollars a month, his fortune-telling services commanded fees exceeding 500 Hong Kong dollars per session. Having analyzed numerous clients, he observed that they generally fell into three categories: those who had experienced significant trauma, those obsessed with fame and fortune, and those who felt hopeless. He openly admitted, "I have no choice but to read their expressions and offer guidance."
In his book "Exploring the Origins of Fortune-Telling in China and the West," Yuan suggested that a skilled fortune-teller should "first observe the color, then the shape." While facial features are relatively easy to discern, understanding one's aura is more challenging. His views align with those of Zhang Xingjian, who, in his work "The Great Unity of Humanity," wrote, "The aura corresponds to the five organs; the heart is the ruler of the body, and the will is the commander of the aura. When the heart and will are disturbed, the aura changes, and when the aura changes, the expression reveals it." Zhang emphasized the direct link between mental state and aura. Yuan Shushan also pointed out, "Even without a righteous heart, one might still achieve wealth and status but may fall into poverty, or live long only to die prematurely." Thus, the heart is the root of life and death, fortune and misfortune, and the following story may offer readers some insight.
In July of the ninth year of the Qianlong reign, Zhu Jieru was supposed to attend the provincial examination on time, but arrived late. When others inquired about the reason, he explained that he had fainted from heatstroke and found himself in a vast wilderness. Though the cool breeze was comforting, there was no sign of life, and he didn’t know where to go. He noticed a group of several dozen people in the distance, and upon following them, he arrived at a grand hall.
The hall was spacious, featuring long corridors on both sides, bustling with officials as if they were awaiting a high-ranking figure. Suddenly, an official grasped Zhu’s hand and asked, "Why are you here?" It was his deceased friend Zhang Hengzhao, and Zhu realized he might have accidentally wandered into the underworld. He explained to Zhang how he got lost. Zhang reassured him, "It is common for living souls to mistakenly enter the underworld. The King of Hell will not blame you, but he may ask a few questions. Please wait under the corridor eaves, and after the court session, I’ll send you back. I’d also like to hear about your family."
As Zhu settled in the corridor, the King of Hell took his seat. Through a window crack, Zhu saw a group of over a dozen people being questioned. Though he couldn’t hear everything, he observed one person arguing defiantly, unwilling to accept the decision. The King of Hell waved his sleeve, revealing a large round mirror, about ten feet across, on the hall's left side. The mirror showed a bound woman being whipped, then, with a flash of lightning, another woman lying with tear-stained cheeks appeared. The defiant person then acknowledged, "I accept my fate," and was promptly ushered away.
After some time, the court was adjourned. Zhang promised to escort Zhu back and casually inquired about his family. As Zhu began to speak, Zhang interrupted, "Don't say any more; it will only cause distress." Seizing the moment, Zhu asked about the scenes he witnessed, curious if it was the "Karma Mirror." Zhang confirmed it was indeed the "Karma Mirror," but Zhu, still puzzled, questioned, "If there is a form, there is a shadow; yet, without a form, how can an image appear?"
Zhang explained, "Mirrors in the human world reflect physical forms, but the divine mirror reflects the heart. When a person acts, they are aware at heart; since it exists in their heart, the divine mirror reveals it. If an unintentional mistake occurs without one’s awareness, the divine mirror shows no image; if the heart holds nothing, the mirror offers no reflection. Judgments in the underworld are based on intention, so remember this!"
Zhu then asked, "How can the divine mirror reflect the human heart?" Zhang further explained, "In the human world, the heart is invisible and relies on physical objects to be perceived. After death, the soul and body separate, leaving just the essence of the person. Moreover, divine consciousness is eternal, like a constantly shining lamp; the external light is no longer obscured, and the internal light is clear, revealing every detail. Just as he finished, Zhang took Zhu by the hand, and Zhu felt himself rise and fall, like a withered leaf drifting in the wind... Suddenly, he awoke to find himself lying in bed.