Appearance arises from the heart, circumstances transform with the mind

In ancient China, virtually all virtuous people and learned scholars possessed the ability to read faces and discern character. This is because when a person's virtue, wisdom, and cultivation reach a certain level, they achieve complete understanding. The goodness or evil of the human heart, the sincerity or deceitfulness of character, the poverty or wealth of one's life—all can be seen through at a glance.

We all know Zeng Guofan, who even left behind a specialized work on reading people called "Bing Jian" (The Art of Reading Faces). In fact, not only Zeng Guofan, but many ancient sages and wise people throughout history could do this. This is not some mysterious or esoteric skill, but rather: no matter how skilled you are at disguise, your facial features have already revealed everything about you.

As the saying goes: three inches of nose cannot compare to seven feet of body; seven feet of body cannot compare to one inch of heart. What truly determines a person's wealth and fortune is never external appearance, but your inner self.

What's even more incredible is that a person's appearance changes constantly with their thoughts.

With intention but no appearance, appearance follows the intention; with appearance but no intention, appearance fades with the mind.

Confucius said: "The gentleman does not divine."

Not because he didn't understand divination, but because there was simply no need.

The art of reading people lies in observing the heart:

To judge a person below, first listen to their voice; before hearing their voice, first observe their conduct; in observing their conduct, understand their heart.

The way you speak, handle affairs, and generate thoughts has already determined your appearance, and ordained your life's blessings and prosperity. So why seek divination from gods and spirits?

Outside the heart lies no appearance; appearance arises from the heart.
Wealth and poverty all lie in the original mind;
All blessings in the world never leave within an inch.
The world's finest appearance has always been a heart that is luminous, upright, and kind.