Pocket Temple

The 100 Guanyin lots

Lot 35 of 100

Straighten your robes and cap, and restore the old ways

The poem

衣冠重整舊宿風道是無功卻有功掃卻當途荊棘碍三人共議事相同

In English

Straighten your robes and cap, and restore the old ways.What people call no merit is in fact merit.Sweep away the thorns blocking the road,and three people discussing together will reach agreement.

What it says

Straightening your robes and cap means pulling yourself together and returning to your proper footing. The poem says that what looks like no accomplishment actually counts, and that clearing the thorns and consulting others can bring agreement. Tidy yourself, clear obstacles, and cooperate.

A thought to take with you

Put yourself in order first, then invite people you trust to think it through together.

Draw your own lot