The man of steadfast morals does not pray for happiness, but Heaven, without him knowing it, fulfills his heart’s desires.
The vicious man is most concerned with escaping calamities, but as he takes steps to do so Heaven deprives him of his senses and leaves him defenceless.
From this, we can see that the ingenuity and power of Heaven is unfathomable. What is the use of man’s puny efforts and craftiness?
贞士无心徼福，天即就无心处牖其衷；人著意避祸，天即就著意中夺其魄。可见天之机权最神，人之智巧何益？
Notes
Heaven’s blessings flow not to those who scheme for gain, but to the sincere who act with natural integrity. Conversely, obsessive attempts to avoid misfortune often invite the very disaster one fears.
This statement from Cai Gen Tan reveals Heaven’s subtle governance: true fortune arises from selfless alignment with principle, while forced cunning disrupts natural harmony and backfires. Human cleverness cannot outwit the intrinsic justice of the cosmos — where actions organically beget their rightful consequences.
The virtue of effortless sincerity
The “virtuous soul” gains blessings precisely through not seeking them. Their integrity aligns with Heaven’s selfless operation, making them conduits for grace.
The trap of calculated avoidance
The “schemer” triggers disaster by over-manipulation. Anxiety distorts perception, and forcefulness ruptures natural balance — inviting the calamity they flee.
Heaven’s subtle governance
Cosmic justice isn’t arbitrary punishment but organic resonance: pure deeds amplify goodness; fearful striving amplifies chaos. Human “wisdom” is powerless against this law.
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