Yanzi’s Counsel on Praying for Rain
During a long drought in the State of Qi, Duke Jing sought advice on offering sacrifices to the mountain god for rain. Yanzi replied, “The mountain’s body is rock, its hair is grass and trees. In such drought, even the mountain suffers—it cannot save itself, let alone grant us rain.”
When the Duke proposed praying to the river god, Yanzi said, “The river’s kingdom is water, its subjects are fish and turtles. If the rivers dry up, the god itself will perish. What use is sacrifice?”
True wisdom lies not in pleading with powers beyond, but in self-reflection and action. When faced with hardship, look inward, unite with others, and take practical steps. The greatest strength is not in prayer, but in awareness and resilience.