Targeted Self-Improvement with Guidance
Destiny has its fixed patterns, and so do people, but life should not be confined by them. People can certainly change—for better or worse. The study of fate has long sought the roots that determine rise or decline. In this view, fortune is a pattern, not an absolute verdict. Between those who strive to change and those who resign themselves to fate, even under the same fortune, outcomes can differ greatly.
Guided by the principle of seeking benefit and avoiding harm, a person's fate arises from the heart and is shaped by their nature. Here, the heart means the true self—the original state or original spirit; any of these terms apply. All methods of calculation are driven by this original state. The state of the true self is the source of everything, and the heart’s orientation is desire. Desire amplifies temperament. This is why it’s said that cultivation can change fate; at its core, it is the cultivation of the heart. Advocating a clear mind and fewer desires aims to prevent desire from excessively magnifying one’s temperament. This idea is not exclusive to religion; it was summarized in fate studies more than a thousand years ago. The first and most effective rule is to withdraw from excess, study, keep the body fit, and regulate the diet. From an objective standpoint, cultivation is not a technique, so it has not been analyzed in detail, because it cannot be measured by patterns. With this understanding, whether your BaZi, facial features, or palmistry look favorable or not, mastering the root source is what matters. Faith is certainly helpful, as it can unify one’s mind and spirit, allowing for better command of the heart. Achieving a clear mind and fewer desires is not easy, which is why changing fate is difficult. Even so, you can continually strengthen restraint over desire—this is the basic idea of cultivation. Restraining desire tempers one’s disposition; tempering the disposition improves behavior, which in turn improves one’s circumstances. This process may take a long time for some and come more easily to others; cultivation calls this one’s root capacity.
From a technical perspective, especially through physiognomy, one can receive targeted training in areas of personal disadvantage.
1. For those who struggle with emotional expression
Focus on the eyes. Those who are emotionally reserved should train their eyes. Not all stage actors are born with large eyes; they train them. As the eyes become more expressive, emotions are conveyed more clearly, and the spirit shines through as those emotions are released.
2. For those who struggle with verbal expression
Focus on the mouth. Certain unfavorable mouth shapes—especially those that reflect sorrow or anger—can project these feelings, resulting in a bitter or troubled appearance. People with thin lips should be especially cautious about speaking too much or too quickly, while those with protruding lips should be mindful of complaints and emotional overtones in their speech. Targeted training for mouth shape can make communication easier and enhance personal abilities.
3. For those with poor financial luck
Practice smiling, and maintain and massage the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones to help improve financial flow.
4. For those with unfavorable fortunes and family discord
Lightly smooth the eyebrows from end to end, and gently press the area between the eyebrows—especially the space between the brows down to the root of the nose—which reflects overall fortune. In fact, those who frequently frown may experience a decline in fortune and energy after middle age. Used together with mood regulation, this method can help improve one’s fortune.
Of course, external methods are merely auxiliary; the essence lies within. Still, external methods can reinforce the process.