Sign 80: Guo Ju Buries His Son
Lowest Fortune
Story
Guo Ju of Han was poor. His mother always shared her food with his son. Worried the son would reduce his mother's food, Guo planned to bury his son to save grain. Digging, he found gold with inscription "Heaven bestows on the filial son". Although this sign praises filial piety, the act violates ethics; the signee tends to extremes.
Oracle Poem
Burying his son to serve his mother was hardly humane; heaven's gift of gold also risked bane. If one imitates foolish loyalty harming flesh and blood, in the end, he becomes ungrateful, misunderstood.
Interpretation
Career: Acts extreme and stubborn offends others; reflect on methods. Love: Possessiveness suffocates the partner; give space. Wealth: Unexpected gain hard to keep; greed invites disaster.
Source：《搜神记》