Today: – “In adversity, be mindful of what you don’t know about the situation.  renounce your preconceptions, and do not deny that it does not exist.   Proceed once you understand the nature of the problem.” – a reading from the I Ching

In adversity, be mindful of what you don’t know about the situation.  renounce your preconceptions, and do not deny that it does not exist.   Proceed once you understand the nature of the problem.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation: LA827-19950307 – Third Eye

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 62 – The Tao is the center of the universe, the good man’s treasure, the bad man’s refuge.

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47 – Forty-Seven  K’un / Exhaustion

A Dead Sea, its Waters spent eons ago, more deadly than the desert surrounding it:
The Superior Person will stake his life and fortune on what he deeply believes.

Triumph belongs to those who endure.
Trial and tribulation can hone exceptional character to a razor edge that slices deftly through every challenge.
Action prevails where words will fail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is the realm of the Shaman.
You have exhausted every alternative, spent yourself completely, taxed body and mind beyond your former limits.
Survival and salvation lie beyond your reach now.
Only transcendence to a new existence — a higher plane of being — will see you through.
The Old You is just a dry husk.
You can’t return to it.
Metamorphosis is the only grace offered.
You can only return to your homeland as a New You.

Six in the third place means:

Hemmed in by stone, with nothing to climb but thorns: a trap of his own making.
Struggling home, he cannot find his wife.
Misfortune.

A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
And leans on thorns and thistles.
He enters the house and does not see his wife.
Misfortune.

Thorns and thistle

This shows a man who is restless and indecisive in times of adversity. At first he wants to push ahead, then he encounters obstructions that, it is true, mean oppression only when recklessly dealt with. He butts his head against a wall and in consequence feels himself oppressed by the wall. Then he leans on things that have in themselves no stability and that are merely a hazard for him who leans on them. Thereupon he turns back irresolutely and retires into his house, only to find, as a fresh disappointment, that his wife is not there. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:

If a man permits himself to be oppressed by something that ought not to oppress him, his name will certainly be disgraced. If he leans on things upon which one cannot lean, his life will certainly be endangered. For him who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death draws near; how can he then still see his wife?

28 – Twenty-Eight  Ta Kuo / Critical Mass

The Flood rises above the tallest Tree:
Amidst a rising tide of human folly, the Superior Person retires to higher ground, renouncing his world without looking back.

Any direction is better than where you now stand.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Several high-priority concerns demand immediate attention.
All are crucial.
None will be denied.
Yet some demand the denial of others.
Like two atoms seeking to occupy the same space, these irresistible forces and immovable objects threaten to ignite a cataclysm that could irreversibly alter your world.
This is no time for fatal heroics.
You are at Ground Point Zero.
Remove yourself from this situation without delay.
Find sanctuary.
Later you may deal with these concerns on your own terms, from a position of strength.

Today: “If a man knows his value, the whole world will value him. If a man knows his value, he speaks the truth and his words become the truth.” Yogi Bhajan

“If a man knows his value, the whole world will value him. If a man knows his value, he speaks the truth and his words become the truth. A teacher is one who knows you and reminds you of your value.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: Know the Psyche of the Other

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Today: – “Always adopt an attitude of gratitude and humility in your good fortune.  Give up postures of privilege and entitlement lest you fall prey to the whims of fate.. ” – a reading from the I Ching

Always adopt an attitude of gratitude and humility in your good fortune.  Give up postures of privilege and entitlement lest you fall prey to the whims of fate.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Musings on Grace and Gratitude

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 61 – When a country obtains great power, it becomes like the sea: all streams run downward into it.

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58 – Fifty-Eight  Tui / Empowering

The joyous Lake spans on and on to the horizon:
The Superior Person renews and expands his Spirit through heart-to-heart exchanges with others.

Success if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is the sign of true companionship.
The principals in this situation exchange energy, ideas and feelings, constantly invigorating and encouraging each other to new heights of Spiritual achievement and Self-discovery.
This exchange is not for the glory of the Team, but for furthering the process of each individual’s ‘Te’, or pure potentiality.

Six at the top means:

Don’t let thrill-seeking comrades divert you from true joy.

Seductive joyousness.

 

 

Garden of Earthly Delights

 

‘Tuin der Lusten’ (Garden of Earthly Delights) – Hieronymus Bosch, c. 1450–1516 – Museo del Prado, Madrid

A vain nature invites diverting pleasures and must suffer accordingly (cf. the six in the third place). If a man is unstable within, the pleasures of the world that he does not shun have so powerful an influence that he is swept along by them. Here it is no longer a question of danger, of good fortune or misfortune. He has given up direction of his own life, and what becomes of him depends upon chance and external influences.

25 – Twenty-Five  Wu Wang / Remaining Blameless

Thunder rolls beneath Heaven, as is its nature and place:
Sage rulers aligned themselves with the changing seasons, nurturing and guiding their subjects to do the same.

Exceptional Progress if you are mindful to keep out of the way of the natural Flow.
It would be a fatal error to try to alter its course.
This is a time of Being, not Doing.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is thoroughly a matter of the heart.
If everything you attempt, no matter how carefully planned, ends in disarray, then examine your motives.
They are the cause of your predicament.
It isn’t that your motives aren’t pure — even the best intentions will fail under these circumstances.
What stymies you in this situation is that you have a motive at all.
Free yourself of all expectations, release any tenuous grip you may have, and roll with it.
This is totally out of your control.
There are higher powers and more elements affecting the outcome of this situation than you can imagine.
Get out of their way.

Today: “If man can awaken himself to the awareness that he is a man, then his destiny changes.” Yogi Bhajan

“If man can awaken himself to the awareness that he is a man, then his destiny changes. What you must know in your life is that you are positively a human being.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: KWTC7-19910705 – Self Hypnotic Trance – Self Bliss

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Today: – “Pursuit of gratification produces personal decline in physical and mental health,  contributing to the madness and general breakdown of  the social order.” – a reading from the I Ching

Pursuit of gratification produces personal decline in physical and mental health,  contributing to the madness and general breakdown of  the social order.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation: LA021-780319 – You Will Feel Totally Conscious

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 60 – Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.

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27 – Twenty-Seven  I / Providing Nourishment

Beneath the immobile Mountain the arousing Thunder stirs:
The Superior Person preserves his freedom under oppressive conditions by watching what comes out of his mouth, as well as what goes in.

Endure and good fortune will come.
Nurture others in need, as if you were feeding yourself.
Take care not to provide sustenance for those who feed off others.
Stay as high as possible on the food chain.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a conduit in this instance, able to provide the sustenance needed by others.
Position yourself to nourish the truly needy and worthy.
Avoid situations where you might be coerced into supporting the parasites and vermin who deprive your true charges.
Your own nourishment is an issue here, too.
Remember Lao Tzu’s three Great Treasures:
Only the person possessed of Compassion, Modesty and Frugality can remain fit enough to stay free of desperation and keep control of the situation.

Six in the third place means:

You gorge yourself on tempting sweets, devoid of nutritional value.
Such heedless compulsiveness carries longlasting consequences.
Turning away from nourishment.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Do not act thus for ten years.
Nothing serves to further.

Sweets

He who seeks nourishment that does not nourish reels from desire to gratification and in gratification craves desire. Mad pursuit of pleasure for the satisfaction of the senses never brings one to the goal. One should never (ten years is a complete cycle of time) follow this path, for nothing good can come of it.
26 – Twenty-Six  Ta Ch’u / Recharging Power

Heaven’s motherlode waits within the Mountain:
The Superior Person mines deep into history’s wealth of wisdom and deeds, charging his character with timeless strength.

Persevere.
Drawing sustenance from these sources creates good fortune.
Then you may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There are important precedents in this situation.
Others have trodden this Path before you, overcoming the same obstacles facing you now, and making crucial decisions at the same crossroads.
Study their journals, watch for their trail markings.
Gain inspiration and wisdom from the heroes and learn from the mistakes of those who chose a sidepath.
All were Seekers, explorers whose daring mapped a course you can follow.
The words and deeds of the finest can imbue you with the courage necessary to face what lies before you.

Today: “Individual consciousness will refine you, group consciousness will expand you, and universal consciousness will redeem you to infinity.” Yogi Bhajan

“Individual consciousness will refine you, group consciousness will expand you, and universal consciousness will redeem you to infinity.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: LA082-790123 Telescopic Infinity

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Today: – “Your intentions are blessed.  Keep them pure.  Keep up your call to action. ” – a reading from the I Ching

Your intentions are blessed.  Keep them pure.  Keep up your call to action.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 59 – For governing a country well there is nothing better than moderation

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35 – Thirty-Five  Chin / Aspiration

The Sun shines down upon the Earth:
Constantly honing and refining his brilliance, the Superior Person is a Godsend to his people.
They repay his benevolence with a herd of horses, and he is granted audience three times in a single day.

Promotion.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of reward for good works.
Those you have helped want to show their gratitude.
Benefits come both from on high and from the humble you uplifted.
Accept all gifts graciously, though the reward may not be what you truly need or hoped for.
Some may bestow more than they can afford to give, but you must realize that they need to feel that they have repaid you.

yang
yin above: Li / The Clinging, Fire
yang
yin
yin below: K’un / The Receptive, Earth
yin

 

The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth. It is therefore the symbol of rapid, easy progress, which at the same time means ever widening expansion and clarity.

THE JUDGEMENT

PROGRESS. The powerful prince
Is honored with horses in large numbers.
In a single day he is granted audience three times.

As an example of progress, this pictures a time when a powerful feudal lord rallies the other lords around the sovereign and pledges fealty and peace. The sovereign rewards him richly and invites him to a closer intimacy.
A twofold idea is set forth here. The actual effect of the progress emanates from a man who’s in a dependent position and whom the others regard as their equal and are therefore willing to follow. This leader has enough clarity of vision not to abuse his great influence but to use it rather for the benefit of his ruler. His ruler in turn is free of all jealousy, showers presents on the great man, and invites him continually to his court. An enlightened ruler and an obedient servant – this is the condition on which great progress depends.

THE IMAGE

The sun rises over the earth:
The image of PROGRESS.
Thus the superior man himself
Brightens his bright virtue.

 

Sunrise above earth from space

The light of the sun as it rises over the earth is by nature clear. The higher the sun rises, the more it emerges from the dark mists, spreading the pristine purity of its rays over an ever widening area. The real nature of man is likewise originally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with earthly things and therefore needs purification before it can shine forth in its native clarity.1


1. This is the theme dealt with in detail in the Great Learning, Ta Hsüeh [The Chinese Classics, I: Confucian Analects, etc., translation James Legge, and edn., Oxford, 1893, pp. 355-81].

Today: “A child is born to you to help him face his karma in this life.” Yogi Bhajan

“A child is born to you to help him face his karma in this life. A child is not your ego, it is not a pet dog in the house, it is not a substitute for love. A child has nothing to do with that. A child is born to you so that you can prepare him to face time unto infinity.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM0337-Bujung Kriya – For Wisdom and Understanding

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Today: – “The culture of madness is everywhere.  Fortunately, that cannot last.  Something has to give.” – a reading from the I Ching

The culture of madness is everywhere.  Fortunately, that cannot last.  Something has to give.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote and Verse 57.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation:  LA372 831212 Corruption and character

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 58 – “If a country is governed with tolerance, the people are comfortable and honest”

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4 – Four  Mêng / Inexperience

A fresh Spring at the foot of the Mountain:
The Superior Person refines his character by being thorough in every activity.
The Sage does not recruit students; the students seek him.
He asks nothing but a sincere desire to learn.
If the student doubts or challenges his authority, the Sage regretfully cuts his losses.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of interchange between a mentor and pupil.
Whether you are the teacher or the student, it is a time of companionship along a mutual path.
This hexagram also emphasizes the eternal, cyclical nature of the mentor/student relationship — a mentor is merely a more seasoned pupil, further along on the journey.
A pupil holds within himself the seed of a future Master.

Six in the fourth place means:

Entangled folly brings humiliation.

Erasmus

For youthful folly it is the most hopeless thing to entangle itself in empty imaginings. The more obstinately it clings to such unreal fantasies, the more certainly will humiliation overtake it.
Often the teacher, when confronted with such entangled folly, has no other course but to leave the fool to himself for a time, not sparing him the humiliation that results. This is frequently the only means of rescue. 
64 – Sixty-Four  Wei Chi / The End In Sight

Fire ascends above the Water:
The Superior Person examines the nature of things and keeps each in its proper place.

Too anxious the young fox gets his tail wet, just as he completes his crossing.
To attain success, be like the man and not like the fox.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Resist the rush to completion.
Anticipation of fulfillment may cause you to be careless before you have fully absorbed the lessons of the journey.
The endpoint of this Quest will only prove to be the threshold for another.
You are short steps from Mastery on this plane, yet you stride toward Ignorance of the challenges lying beyond.
Savor this accomplishment.
Fully Become.
Take full possession of your world before embarking to discover the next one.
That voyage begins soon enough, and you will reminisce about this one.
These are the Good Old Days.

 

Today: “In me, I have found only one reality—that I breathe in and I breathe out. ” Yogi Bhajan

“In me, I have found only one reality—that I breathe in and I breathe out. And so anything that breathes in or out is reality. When I found this as a reality in everybody, I found myself in everybody and everybody in myself.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

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Today: – “Once you recognize the influence you are having on your community, commit to compassion and justice in your works.  That will be noticed and extend far beyond your personal efforts.” – a reading from the I Ching

Once you recognize the influence you are having on your community, commit to compassion and justice in your works.  That will be noticed and extend far beyond your personal efforts.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote and Verse 57.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 57 – If you want to be a great leader, you must learn to follow the Tao.

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42 – Forty-Two  I / Expansion

Whirlwinds and Thunder:
When the Superior Person encounters saintly behavior, he adopts it; when he encounters a fault within, he transforms it.

Progress in every endeavor.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Get ready to ride a tide of accelerated growth toward self-actualization.
A joyful awareness of the best within you, coupled with an acceptance of your Shadow, will provide a greater repertoire, a much bolder vision, and new depth and clarity that will compel you to expand your horizons.

Six in the fourth place means:

Your balance and skill have not gone unnoticed by those in power.
They will entrust you with responsibilites that have far-reaching influence.

If you walk in the middle
And report the prince,
He will follow.
It furthers one to be used
In the removal of the capital.

Prince Shotoku

Prince Shotoku

It is important that there should be men who mediate between leaders and followers. These should be disinterested people, especially in times of increase, since the benefit is to spread from the leader to the people. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way; it should really reach those for whom it is intended. This sort of intermediary, who also exercises a good influence on the leader, is especially important in times when it is a matter of great undertakings, decisive for the future and requiring the inner assent of all concerned.
25 – Twenty-Five  Wu Wang / Remaining Blameless

Thunder rolls beneath Heaven, as is its nature and place:
Sage rulers aligned themselves with the changing seasons, nurturing and guiding their subjects to do the same.

Exceptional Progress if you are mindful to keep out of the way of the natural Flow.
It would be a fatal error to try to alter its course.
This is a time of Being, not Doing.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is thoroughly a matter of the heart.
If everything you attempt, no matter how carefully planned, ends in disarray, then examine your motives.
They are the cause of your predicament.
It isn’t that your motives aren’t pure — even the best intentions will fail under these circumstances.
What stymies you in this situation is that you have a motive at all.
Free yourself of all expectations, release any tenuous grip you may have, and roll with it.
This is totally out of your control.
There are higher powers and more elements affecting the outcome of this situation than you can imagine.
Get out of their way.

Today: “Start understanding that you are the creative source and nucleus of the whole vibratory effect.” Yogi Bhajan

“Start understanding that you are the creative source and nucleus of the whole vibratory effect. The moment you understand that, your problem is solved. The moment you know that you are you, your problems are over. The moment you know that you are you, God and you are one, because you are the Creator and He is the Creator.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision

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Today: – “Justice must prevail, regardless of backlash from the mob.” – a reading from the I Ching

Justice must prevail, regardless of backlash from the mob.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation: KWTC-870710-No One Complains About the Lord

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 56 – Those who know don’t talk. Those who talk don’t know.

The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha

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21 – Twenty-One  Shih Ho / Biting Through

The merciless, searing judgement of Lightning fulfills the warning prophecies of distant Thunder.
Sage rulers preserved Justice by clearly defining the laws, and by delivering the penalties decreed.

Though unpleasant, it is best to let justice have its due.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A terrible reckoning is due.
A wrong will be righted — and even if it has been you who has been wronged, you will tremble at the terrible power of Justice untempered by Mercy.
Pray for your oppressor, that his punishment will fit his crime.

Six in the third place means:

Biting into dried meat And striking something spoiled.
Uncomfortable, but no harm.

Bites on old dried meat
And strikes on something poisonous.
Slight humiliation. No blame.

Salted and dried meat

Salted and dried meat

Punishment is to be carried out by someone who lacks the power and authority to do so. Therefore the culprits do not submit. The matter at issue is an old one — as symbolized by salted game — and in dealing with it difficulties arise. This old meat is spoiled: by taking up the problem the punisher arouses poisonous hatred against himself, and in this way is put in a somewhat humiliating position. But since punishment was required by the time, he remains free of blame.

33 – Thirty-Three  Tun / Retreat

The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.

Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.

Today: “In the house of the Lord, progress is slow, but there is no ultimate darkness.” Yogi Bhajan

“In the house of the Lord, progress is slow, but there is no ultimate darkness. You shall be answered if you will call Him.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: LA792 931214 – Experience and Ecstasy

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Today: – “Maintain you honesty and generosity for the sake of all.” – a reading from the I Ching

Maintain you honesty and generosity for the sake of all.

Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today.

Meditation: NM142 19940615 – Bless the Planet Earth and Let the Heavens Descend in You

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 55 – He who is in harmony with the Tao is like a newborn child

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19 – Nineteen  Lin / Noble Calling

The rich, loamy Earth on the banks of the Marsh provides fertile soil for exceptional progress.
The Superior Person is inexhaustible in his willingness to teach, and without limit in his tolerance and support of others.

Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
But be aware that your time is limited; your power will wane, as Summer changes to Fall.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are in a position to help another.
This is a temporary situation, because your power is cyclical, seasonal.
Knowing this, you must perform your good deed without hope of reward.
You are not furthering your own process, but another’s.
Though you may cherish this other, you will never possess.
Touch without grasping.
Take comfort in becoming a fond memory.
Nurture, then let go.

Six at the top means:

You approach with humble honesty and generosity.
This is a superior act.
Greathearted approach.
Good fortune. No blame.
Supper at Emmaus

‘Supper at Emmaus’ (Luke 24) – Caravaggio

A sage who has put the world behind him and who in spirit has already withdrawn from life may, under certain circumstances, decide to return once more to the here and now and to approach other men. This means great good fortune for the men whom he teaches and helps. And for him this greathearted humbling of himself is blameless.
7 – Twenty-Seven  I / Providing Nourishment

Beneath the immobile Mountain the arousing Thunder stirs:
The Superior Person preserves his freedom under oppressive conditions by watching what comes out of his mouth, as well as what goes in.

Endure and good fortune will come.
Nurture others in need, as if you were feeding yourself.
Take care not to provide sustenance for those who feed off others.
Stay as high as possible on the food chain.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a conduit in this instance, able to provide the sustenance needed by others.
Position yourself to nourish the truly needy and worthy.
Avoid situations where you might be coerced into supporting the parasites and vermin who deprive your true charges.
Your own nourishment is an issue here, too.
Remember Lao Tzu’s three Great Treasures:
Only the person possessed of Compassion, Modesty and Frugality can remain fit enough to stay free of desperation and keep control of the situation.

Today: “Those who are humble in practice are always righteous in the face of God.” Yogi Bhajan

“Those who are humble in practice are always righteous in the face of God. They are protected by the Supreme Being and shall always live in plentiful abundance.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: KWTC-870710-No One Complains About the Lord

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