The wisdom of our ancestors has always emphasized caution in interpersonal relationships. Their advice, though seemingly simple, often contains profound philosophical meanings, helping people avoid misfortunes and maintain their wealth and peace. One particular adage stands out: “There are three things you should never lend to anyone: a medicine pot, a wallet, and a mirror and comb set.” Even to those closest to us, it is prudent to politely decline such requests to avert potential calamities.
1. Don’t lend your medicine pot – avoid taking on others’ health issues
In traditional culture, a medicine pot is not just a cooking utensil; it is intimately linked to healing, cleansing, and purifying the body. According to folk beliefs, a medicine pot carries the spiritual energy, foundation, and karmic ailments of its user.
When you lend your medicine pot to someone, especially one that you are currently using to treat an illness, you may unintentionally leave behind their illness energy. Not only will this reduce the effectiveness of your medicine when you use the pot again, but you may also attract misfortune if the borrower has a serious illness or deep-rooted karma. For this reason, traditional Eastern medicine practitioners often advise that each person should have their own medicine pot and never share or lend it to others.
In reality, Chinese herbal medicines can permeate the pot during the decocting process. Therefore, there is a risk of unintended interactions with the borrower’s medicine, which could lead to unpredictable consequences, ranging from reduced treatment efficacy to potential fatal outcomes.
Our ancestors understood the significance of the medicine pot, as reflected in the saying, “Medicine saves lives, and the pot saves destinies.” This small pot is intimately connected to life and death, misfortune and blessing. Thus, it is wise to refrain from lending your medicine pot to avoid unforeseen troubles.
2. Don’t lend your wallet – prevent financial losses and maintain prosperity
A wallet is not just a place to store money; it symbolizes one’s financial energy, luck, and monetary destiny. Many people are unaware that, in feng shui, a wallet is considered a “mini-treasury” that constantly attracts wealth. A clean, well-organized, and privately kept wallet is believed to be more prosperous.
When you lend your wallet to someone, even if it’s empty, you inadvertently allow them to tamper with your personal financial energy. This disruption can cause turmoil and stagnation in your financial flow. Moreover, if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, your wallet may be influenced by their negative energy.
Heeding the ancient wisdom, “Money has legs, and luck has a soul,” it is essential to safeguard your wallet as if protecting your prosperity. Don’t lend it to others, or you may find your finances slipping away without your knowledge.
3. Don’t lend your mirror and comb set – preserve your positive energy and vitality
Mirrors and combs are intimately linked to one’s self-image, aura, and energy. In folk beliefs, mirrors are not just for reflection but are also considered spiritual objects capable of deflecting negative energies or attracting positive light. Combs, on the other hand, are directly associated with hair, which symbolizes vitality, intellect, and destiny.
Lending your mirror, especially a makeup mirror, a vanity mirror, or a feng shui mirror, can disrupt your personal positive energy. Ancient beliefs hold that mirrors can retain the temporary soul, aura, and energy of their users. If the borrower carries negative energy, gloom, or bad luck, these influences may linger in the mirror and affect the owner subsequently.
Similarly, combs should be used exclusively by their owners. Combs come into direct contact with the body and are intimately connected to one’s blood and vitality. Lending a comb can lead to the saying, “The borrower takes your vitality, and you lose your soul.” Folk wisdom warns, “A comb is for the head, and a mirror is for the soul – lending them brings unrest to both.”
Why it’s essential to politely decline, even to those close to you
While helping each other is admirable, there are boundaries that, if crossed, can severely impact one’s destiny and spiritual well-being. Our ancestors’ advice is not meant to deter but to guide us to be discerning, understanding the difference between kindness and inadvertently inviting trouble.
Politely declining to lend these three items does not imply mistrust or stinginess; instead, it demonstrates your wisdom in safeguarding yourself. While the borrower may not understand at the moment, they will eventually respect your clarity, principles, and ability to protect your personal space.
Among the myriad of ancient wisdom, some may seem simple but hold profound meanings. “Never lend your medicine pot, wallet, or mirror and comb set.” This is not just practical advice but a way to preserve positive energy, peace, and prosperity.
Learn to help others appropriately and wisely. Sometimes, saying “no” is an act of benevolence. By adhering to this principle, you not only avoid inconveniences but also build a stable, peaceful, and fortunate life over time.
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