Have you ever wondered why some people who do good don't seem to receive good rewards, while others who do evil still prosper? In fact, the relationship between blessings and destiny is like a cup holding water but with leaks. This vivid metaphor reveals the profound mystery within.

Everyone's destiny differs from birth, depending on the size of the "cup" and the initial amount of water. The cup symbolizes a person's mental capacity, the water represents accumulated virtue, and the leaks represent our faults and misdeeds. The greater the mental capacity, the larger the cup; performing good deeds and accumulating virtue adds water; while doing bad deeds or losing one's temper enlarges the leaks, causing blessings to drain away.

Some people do evil but still live well because their cup is large and holds much water. Although it leaks, it hasn't emptied yet. Others do good but remain in poor situations because their cup is small and holds little water; while adding water, it also leaks, and the blessings haven't accumulated enough to manifest. This is the true meaning of "Good is rewarded with good, evil with evil; if the reward is not forthcoming, it is because the time has not yet come."

To truly change destiny, a three-pronged approach is needed: expand mental capacity, perform more good deeds, and correct faults. Expanding mental capacity can be achieved through eight methods: accepting losses willingly, giving generously, transforming thoughts, freeing captive animals with wisdom, breaking through self-limitations, worshipping devoutly, studying classics, and honoring parents. These methods help us improve our character and enlarge the container that holds our blessings.

When accumulating virtue through good deeds, emphasize that "Goodness that desires to be known is not true goodness." Perform good deeds without seeking reward, acting according to circumstance. Correct faults promptly, because "Fear not the arising of thoughts, fear only the delay in awareness." A single evil thought or outburst of anger can cause a significant loss of accumulated blessings.

Remember: "Destiny is shaped by oneself, blessings are sought by oneself." Destiny is in your own hands. Through continuous practice, we can not only change our destiny but also crystallize the water of life into a perfect form, achieving the beautiful state where "appearance changes with the heart, environment changes with the heart."