Changing Destiny - Liao-Fan's Four Lessons

by Chin Kung

Liao-Fan Yuan originally wrote Liao-Fan’s Four Lessons in the 16th century in China. The book was intended to teach his son, Tian-Chi Yuan, how to recognize the true face of destiny, tell good from bad, correct one’s faults and practice kind deeds. It also provided living proof of the rewards and outcomes of people who practice kind deeds and cultivate virtue and humility. Relating from his own experience at changing destiny, Mr. Yuan himself was a living embodiment of his teachings.

Genres: Spirituality

494 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Robert Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning book. If I could give this 10 out of 5 I would. The book consists of a father giving advice to his son on the best ways to be a good person.

The advice given is so practical and enlightening that it can be used by each and every one of us.

I found myself reading point after point to those around me with the result that each point was accepted with enthusiasm.

Truly this is a book for all ages and all people.

[Xiaotong Yao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in original ancient Chinese in high school, can’t emphasize enough the impact it had on my views. If I have to say the most everlasting thing from it is this — your choice ultimately makes the world.

[Conway Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful book. It tells the story of a man who lived in 16th century China, passing on his life experience to his son. Through the book, we also learn of the life experiences of people he encountered during his life. This book has an added commentary on the original lessons of "Liaofan" that helps us contextualise these lessons, given we live in a modern age. So the result is a beautifully layered book.

[Vi Vian · Rating 3 out of 5]

got recommended this book in the period i was a little lost. wasnt all that interested on how to transcend nirvana etc, but i do feel quite connected and soothed by some of the anecdotes that opened up and changed the way i think into being more open-hearted and more mindful of my actions. can be quite draggy if you are not looking to discover spirituality and buddhism.

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was worth reading. The master sheds his insight on the 4 lessons of liao fan, in themselves a great contribution to humanity, lay people (of any religious background) can especially benefit from these lessons. Although the master tends to promote the pureland method I was able to benefit a lot from his explanations of buddhist concepts although I practice ch'an.

[Vincent Saputra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book although written in Buddhist style, the teachings can be applied everywhere. It teaches that one can change destiny by virtue and describes in length the needed virtues. It had made impact during Meiji era in Japan. I recommend this book when you need to understand Chinese culture in administering good government.

[EC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of stuff I know very little about. I'm learning though.