A story about Wei Zhongda

Wei Zhongda from Song Dynasty was an official in Hanlin Academy. Once, his soul was brought to the underworld by the ghost warden. The Judge of the Underworld ordered his servant to bring the two books where Wei’s good and evil in human world were recorded. As the two books were submitted, his Books of Evil were so many that could occupy the entire yard. As for his Book of Good was as thin as a chopstick. The Judge asked for a libra to weigh. Those Books of Evil that occupied the yard turned out to be light, and the chopstick-like Book of Good was heavier. Wei asked: “I’m not even 40, how can I commit so many crimes?” The judge answered: “With only wrong thought, that’s a crime that you don’t even have to commit.” When you see a woman and think about wrong things, that’s a crime. Wei asked what the Book of Good had recorded. The judge responded: “Once, the emperor required for a great renovation on the stone bridge in Sanshan Area. You advised to the emperor to give up such a plan as it would take great properties and labor of the people. This is your draft of advice.” Wei said: “Although that was true, the emperor did not listen and continue the renovation. I didn’t achieve anything about that. How could this draft have such a great power?” The judge told him: “Although the emperor did not listen to your advice, your idea was faithful. Your purpose was to avoid laboring of people. If the emperor did listen, you would have a far greater effort! You will meet no difficulties if you are willing to bring bliss to the people! Unfortunately, your evil thoughts are too many, and so the power of good is reduced to half. It is impossible for you to be promoted to Grand Chancellor.” Later, Wei Zhongda was indeed promoted to a minister only. The position of Grand Chancellor was far away from him. Wei Zhongda’s evil was simply some ideas Rather than practical actions. Still, his blessing in life was weakened. Wei Zhongda’s good was simply words without being heard by the emperor, yet his power of good surpassed the evil that occupied the entire yard! Therefore, if you truly take action of good or evil, their power can go beyond imagining. The starting point of thoughts can either be the way to disaster, or to fortune.