Mazu
Poem - 16
不須作福不須求
用盡心機總未休
陽世不知陰世事
官法如爐不自由
No need to seek blessings, no need to ask.There is no need to seek the help of the gods.Exhausting all efforts, yet never resting.You don't have to exhaust yourself trying to achieve the wishes you desire; no matter what you do, you will never be able to fulfill your heart's wishes.The translation of the quoted text is: "The world of the living does not know the affairs of the underworld."This is because those living in the world of the living cannot understand the cause and effect relationships of the underworld.The law is like a furnace, not free.The consequences of one's various actions are predetermined, and individuals in this world have no control over them at all.
Unfulfilled wishes are due to causal relationships that one is unaware of. Therefore, in the face of various difficulties, do not blame heaven or others. When doing things, one should hold good intentions, seek the right path, fulfill one's responsibilities, and do more good deeds. By striving to accumulate good causes, there will be opportunities to reap good results in the future.
