Author: harinam

Yogi, teacher, healer

“When you can play just one game” Yogi Bhajan

“When you can play just one game that is boundless in time and space, then all others stop.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: In danger, be like water – from the I Ching

In a time of danger, be like water.  Do not try to extricate yourself from the situation.  Rather, be adaptable.  You are likely not alone in your circumstance.  Recognize small things that you can do together with others that will improve and increase the common well-being.
Selfless service brings out the best in people who amplify small gestures through their gratitude and inspiration.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.
When we are in danger we ought not to attempt to get out of it immediately, regardless of circumstances; at first we must content ourselves with not being overcome by it. We must calmly weigh the conditions of the time and be satisfied with small gains, because for the time being a great success cannot be attained. A spring flows only sparingly at first, and tarries for some time before it makes its way into the open.
Sacrifice on the part of those above for the increase of those below fills the people with a sense of joy and gratitude that is extremely valuable for the flowering of the commonwealth. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings are possible, and even difficult and dangerous enterprises will succeed. Therefore in such times of progress and successful development it is necessary to work and make the best use of the time. This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heaven, forming and bringing forth living beings. The time of INCREASE does not endure, therefore it must be utilised while it lasts.
  “

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Today: I Ching

Today: In conflict, just be yourself – from the I Ching

In a time of conflict, it is important just to be yourself.  You cannot control the behavior of others who are disposed to attack you.  You can only uphold your own integrity.  Be an invisible target.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear- headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry on the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated.
This is a warning of the danger that goes with an expansive disposition. Only that which has been honestly acquired through merit remains a permanent possession. It can happen that such a possession may be contested, but since it is really one’s own, one cannot be robbed of it. Whatever a man possesses through the strength of his own nature cannot be lost. If one enters the service of a superior, one can avoid conflict only by not seeking works for the sake of prestige. It is enough if the work is done: let the honour go to the other.
The weight of the great is excessive. The load is too heavy for the strength of the supports. The ridge-pole on which the whole roof rests, sags to the breaking point, because its supporting ends are too weak for the load they bear. It is an exceptional time and situation; therefore extraordinary measures are demanded. It is necessary to find a way of transition as quickly as possible, and to take action. This promises success.
  “

Meditation
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Today: I Ching

“Human love is for one thing only: to love your soul” Yogi Bhajan

“Human love is for one thing only: to love your soul. Then the Infinite world around you will be in love with you.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Abundance – from the I Ching

Exercise your greatness to produce more greatness and abundance.  Do it now.  The conditions will change with the cycle.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great.  “

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“God within you must have the courage to relate…” Yogi Bhajan

“God within you must have the courage to relate and face the God outside you. Outside is the reflection. Inside is the reality.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Retreat when aggression serves no purpose – from the I Ching

It is wise to retreat from a bellicose position where aggression serves no purpose or does not enjoy a consensus.  Don’t engage in conflict that cannot be won.  Backing off such a path will be a great relief for all.  It will bring attention to consequences that were averted and stimulate awareness of openings arising from choosing the peaceful approach..

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“But war is always a dangerous thing and brings with it destruction and devastation. Therefore it should not be resorted to rashly but, like a poisonous drug, should be used as a last recourse.
The justifying cause of a war, and clear and intelligible war aims, ought to be explained to the people by an experienced leader. Unless there is a quite definite war aim to which the people can consciously pledge themselves, the unity and strength of conviction that lead to victory will not be forthcoming. But the leader must also look to it that the passion of war and the delirium of victory do not give rise to unjust acts that will not meet with general approval. If justice and perseverance are the basis of action, all goes well.
In the face of a superior enemy, with whom it would be hopeless to engage in battle, an orderly retreat is the only correct procedure, because it will save the army from defeat and disintegration. It is by no means a sign of courage or strength to insist upon engaging in a hopeless struggle regardless of circumstances.
This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible.  These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however: in such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no retardations occur.    “

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Today: I Ching

“If God wants you to know, God will tell you” Yogi Bhajan

“If God wants you to know, God will tell you. Don’t question him; just be.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Great power – from the I Ching

Great power is at hand.  Use it for righteous purpose.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Thunder – electrical energy – mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.    “

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Today: I Ching

“The moment you open up to Infinity” Yogi Bhajan

“The moment you open up to Infinity, you become Infinity. You must enter the Aquarian Age with breadth, quickness, and openness and be noble, courageous, and selfless.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: As danger passes, reality – from the I Ching

The waiting will soon be over.  Danger will be overcome.  How that happens is ultimately out of our hands.  We can only rely on natural forces which will always prevail.  The creative sets things in motion.  The result is the reality that manifests.  Whatever we do from this point must absolutely be grounded in reality.  We must live in accordance with that reality.  The time for fantasy and making things up has passed.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“WAITING is not mere empty hoping. It has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. Such certainty alone gives that light which leads to success. This leads to the perseverance that brings good fortune and bestows power to cross the great water. One is faced with a danger that has to be overcome. Weakness and impatience can do nothing. Only a strong man can stand up to his fate, for his inner security enables him to endure to the end. This strength shows itself in uncompromising truthfulness [with himself]. It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any sort of self- deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events, by which the path to success may be recognised. This recognition must be followed by resolute and persevering action. For only the man who goes to meet his fate resolutely is equipped to deal with it adequately.
The waiting is over; the danger can no longer be averted. One falls into the pit and must yield to the inevitable. Everything seems to have been in vain. But precisely in this extremity things take an unforeseen turn. Without a move on one’s own part, there is outside intervention. At first one cannot be sure of its meaning: is it rescue or is it destruction? A person in this situation must keep his mind alert and not withdraw into himself with a sulky gesture of refusal, but must greet the new turn with respect. Thus he ultimately escapes the danger, and all goes well. Even happy turns of fortune often come in a form that at first seems strange to us.
Nature’s richness lies in its power to nourish all living things; its greatness lies in its power to give them beauty and splendour. Thus it prospers all that lives. It is the Creative (1) that begets things, but they are brought to birth by the Receptive (2). Applied to human affairs, therefore, what the hexagram indicates is action in conformity with the situation. The person in question is not in an independent position, but is acting as an assistant. This means that he must achieve something. It is not his task to try to lead – that would only make him lose the way – but to let himself be led. If he knows how to meet fate with an attitude of acceptance, he is sure to find the right guidance. The superior man lets himself be guided; he does not go ahead blindly, but learns from the situation what is demanded of him and then follows this intimation from fate.   “

Meditation
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Today: I Ching

“Pain and calamity are challenges that give us strength” Yogi Bhajan

“Pain and calamity are challenges that give us strength within us and within our prayers. When you are in pain, your prayers become very strong.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Freeing ourselves of ego is the way to liberation – from the I Ching

Drop the ego.  It is what separates us from everything.  Freeing ourselves of ego is the way to liberation.  Give and forgive.
Doing this gives us the strength and creative resources to accomplish anything.  Nothing is denied you on the righteous path.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“…but only a man who is himself free of all selfish ulterior considerations, and who perseveres in justice and steadfastness, is capable of so dissolving the hardness of egotism.
Under certain circumstances, a man’s work may become so difficult that he can no longer think of himself. He must set aside all personal desires and disperse whatever the self gathers about it to serve as a barrier against others. Only on the basis of great renunciation can he obtain the strength for great achievements. By setting his goal in a great task outside himself, he can attain this standpoint.
When an individual draws this oracle, it means that success will come to him from the primal depths of the universe and that everything depends upon his seeking his happiness and that of others in one way only, that is, by perseverance in what is right.   “

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Today: I Ching

“Even if you have everything…” Yogi Bhajan

“Even if you have everything and you do not know forgiveness, you have nothing.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: True fellowship is what’s needed – from the I Ching

True fellowship is what’s needed.  Not driven by ego.  Leaders without ulterior motives are needed.  Those who can bring people together.
Divisions and tears in the social fabric have reached a point where even the means for fighting have become paralyzed.  This is actually a good thing.  Impotent in their aggression, the players will begin to come to their senses:  Why?  What’s the point?  There is no need to point fingers.  They know who they are.
In this way, the business of supporting one another and providing for the commonwealth can be restored.  That is what has been forgotten.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“True fellowship among men must be based on a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among men, but rather the goals of humanity. That is why it is said that fellowship with men in the open succeeds. If unity of this kind prevails, even difficult and dangerous tasks, such as crossing the great water, can be accomplished. But in order to bring about this sort of fellowship, a persevering and enlightened leader is needed – a man with clear, convincing, and inspiring aims and the strength to carry them out.
Here the reconciliation that follows quarrel moves nearer. It is true that there are still dividing walls on which we stand confronting one another. But the difficulties are too great. We get into straits, and this brings us to our senses. We cannot fight, and therein lies our good fortune.
In bestowing care and nourishment, it is important that the right people should be taken care of and that we should attend to our own nourishment in the right way. If we wish to know what anyone is like, we have only to observe on whom he bestows his care and what sides of his own nature he cultivates and nourishes. Nature nourishes all creatures. The great man fosters and takes care of superior men, in order to take care of all men through them. Mencius says about this:
If we wish to know whether anyone is superior or not, we need only observe what part of his being he regards as especially important. The body has superior and inferior, important and unimportant parts. We must not injure important parts for the sake of the unimportant, nor must we injure the superior parts for the sake of the inferior. He who cultivates the inferior parts of his nature is an inferior man. He who cultivates the superior parts of his nature is a superior man.  “

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Today: I Ching

“When your human ego is bigger than…” Yogi Bhajan

“When your human ego is bigger than your spiritual spirit, then you have died.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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