If one’s fate is unfavorable, one must first correct improper thoughts, then follow the principles outlined in Master Yuan Liaofan's Merit and Fault Ledger. Accumulate virtues and merits, uphold moral principles, practice them faithfully, and consistently re-establish connection with the Universe by doing Kou-Shou at the Altar. By continuing such practices, one can change their destiny.

As stated in the Treatise of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution: 'A virtuous person speaks good, observes good, and acts good. Doing three good deeds a day will bring heavenly blessings within three years. A wicked person speaks evil, observes evil, and acts evil. Doing three evil deeds a day will bring heavenly calamities within three years.' It also states: 'When a heart is inclined toward good, though good deeds have not yet been done, benevolent spirits will follow. Conversely, when a heart is inclined toward evil, though evil deeds have not yet been done, malevolent spirits will follow. If one has committed evil in the past but repents and refrains from all evils while practicing all good deeds, over time, they will undoubtedly receive blessings, turning misfortune into fortune.'

Therefore, by practicing virtue, accumulating merits, and changing one’s mindset, one can avert misfortunes, change their fate, and turn calamities into blessings.

• We must carry a heart of joy and gratitude, thanking the people around us. Only then can happiness descend upon you and your family. Thus, the beginning of happiness must be sought within your heart.

Where does happiness come from? Seek it within.

• All blessings stem from the heart. When the heart changes, circumstances change. True blessings reside within; there is no need to seek them externally.

• Why do fortune-telling practices—such as astrology, numerology, and geomancy—flourish today?

Because people are ignorant and doubtful! They hope to rely on external forces to alter their destinies.

• Understand this: destiny is karma.

• What is karma?

It is the culmination of thoughts and actions from birth to now—the combined effect of everything we’ve done.

• Because of karma, destiny controls you. When you do not practice self-cultivation or adjust your heart, you try to change destiny through external means: altering feng shui, changing your name, modifying strokes in writing, or adjusting your home’s design. These methods are superficial and do not address the root of the issue.

• Where is the Buddha?

The Buddha resides in your heart. Without a Buddha in your heart, even if you place countless Buddha statues in your home, they are of no use.

If your heart lacks the Buddha, no matter where you place the statues, there is no Buddha. This outward search for Buddha is futile and unfortunate.

• If the Buddha is in your heart, even a small image on a card holds Buddha’s presence.

• If you seek Buddha externally, the path becomes misguided.

Do not become attached to these outward forms or practices such as feng shui or fortune-telling. Of course, these things may bring temporary peace of mind, but what happens when a fortune-teller predicts disaster? How will you handle it?

• If you do not address your bad temper and habits, no amount of external efforts can remove calamities.

• True disasters must be resolved from within. If you do not improve your temper and behavior, how can you expect harmony in your relationships—with your spouse, in-laws, or others? Such unresolved issues are the real disasters!

• The first step is to change yourself.

• When you transform yourself, disasters naturally dissolve. Relying on external remedies, like spending money on fortune-tellers, is ineffective.

• If your heart is full of anger and bad habits, no external intervention will work. When someone criticizes you, why not see it as a way to resolve your karma? Why not thank them for helping you remove a calamity?

• Instead, when you retaliate with anger, how can the disaster be resolved? It only escalates further.

• The first requirement for happiness is a heart of gratitude and joy.

When you cultivate gratitude and transform yourself, happiness and peace will follow naturally.