Category: Today: I Ching

Today: Adopt an attitude of simplicity – from the I Ching

Adopt an attitude of simplicity.  Serve where it is needed.  In so doing, you do not deprive yourself nor compromise your dignity.  Abandon mindless consumption in favor of a judicious application of your faculties toward your own nourishment and care for others.  Give attention to what is important.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not to try to cover up poverty with empty pretence. If a time of scanty resources brings out an inner truth, one must not feel ashamed of simplicity. For simplicity is then the very thing needed to provide inner strength for further undertakings. Indeed, there need be no concern if the outward beauty of the civilisation, even the elaboration of religious forms, should have to suffer because of simplicity. One must draw on the strength of the inner attitude to compensate for what is lacking in externals; then the power of the content makes up for the simplicity of form. There is no need of presenting false appearances to God. Even with slender means, the sentiment of the heart can be expressed.
A high-minded self-awareness and a consistent seriousness with no forfeit of dignity are necessary if a man wants to be of service to others. He who throws himself away in order to do the bidding of a superior diminishes his own position without thereby giving lasting benefit to the other. This is wrong. To render true service of lasting value to another, one must serve him without relinquishing oneself.
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.

A simple Prayer
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Today: Look to the wisdom of the ages – from the I Ching

Look beyond your personal inexperience to the wisdom  of the ages.  Seek advice, then follow it.  Do not engage in ineffective fantasies.  Do not fail to act nor rush to judgement lest you fail to grasp the the situation completely.  Chaos will yield to a new order.  Enduring perseverance will see you through the transition unscathed.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“A teacher’s answer to the question of a pupil ought to be clear and definite like that expected from an oracle; thereupon it ought to be accepted as a key for resolution of doubts and a basis for decision.
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.
The conditions are difficult. The task is great and full of responsibility. It is nothing less than that of leading the world out of confusion back to order. But it is a task that promises success, because there is a goal that can unite the forces now tending in different directions.  

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Today: A time of blessing and enrichment- from the I Ching

Lift up others as if they are family, because they are.  When everyone benefits, the community flourishes.  A time of blessing and enrichment has such powerful effects that even events ordinarily unfortunate must turn out to the advantage of those affected by them.  One makes no mistakes while acting in harmony with the truth.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“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.
A time of blessing and enrichment has such powerful effects that even events ordinarily unfortunate must turn out to the advantage of those affected by them. These persons become free of error, and by acting in harmony with truth they gain such inner authority that they exert influence as if sanctioned by letter and seal.
THE FAMILY shows the laws operative within the household that, transferred to outside life, keep the state and the world in order.”

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Today: Move toward balance and equilibrium – from the I Ching

Move toward balance and equilibrium and stability in relations with the world.  Temper extremes.  Be modest.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The destinies of men are subject to immutable laws that must fulfil themselves. But man has it in his power to shape his fate, according as his behaviour exposes him to the influence of benevolent or of destructive forces. When a man holds a high position and is nevertheless modest, he shines with the light of wisdom; if he is in a lowly position and is modest, he cannot be passed by. Thus the superior man can carry out his work to the end without boasting of what he has achieved.

The wealth of the earth in which a mountain is hidden is not visible to the eye, because the depths are offset by the height of the mountain. Thus high and low complement each other and the result is the plain. Here an effect that it took a long time to achieve, but that in the end seems easy of accomplishment and self-evident, is used as the image of modesty.   The superior man does the same thing when he establishes order in the world; he equalises the extremes that are the source of social discontent and thereby creates just and equable conditions.

”

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Today: Another turning point – from the I Ching

Another turning point.  All movement is governed by cycles: a starting point (return), progression and completion.  There can even be cycles within cycles.  Now is a point in time for a significant return.  We discover what needs to be renewed, and we align our intentions and actions with that.
When things are ready to turn, then a nudge is all that is required to set them in motion.  Only decide what is worthy of your attention, and give it.  Right now, you possess a big lever with which to produce a significant impact.  Use it.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force.
The old is discarded and the new is introduced. Both measures accord with the time; therefore no harm results. Societies of people sharing the same views are formed. But since these groups come together in full public knowledge and are in harmony with the time, all selfish separatist tendencies are excluded, and no mistake is made. The idea of RETURN is based on the course of nature. The movement is cyclic, and the course completes itself. Therefore it is not necessary to hasten anything artificially. Everything comes of itself at the appointed time. This is the meaning of heaven and earth.
All movements are accomplished in six stages, and the seventh brings return. Thus the winter solstice, with which the decline of the year begins, comes in the seventh month after the summer solstice; so too sunrise comes in the seventh double hour after sunset. Therefore seven is the number of the young light, and it arises when six, the number of the great darkness, is increased by one. In this way the state of rest gives place to movement.

”

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Today: strong leadership and the gathering of helpers – from the I Ching

It is a time for strong leadership and the gathering of helpers for important action.  Under attack, we must recognize what bonds us together and hold that unity.  What is under attack is that unity itself.  With compassion, success is assured as it is the foundation of what holds us together.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“AN ARMY is a mass that needs organization in order to become a fighting force.
Without strict discipline nothing can be accomplished, but this discipline must not be achieved by force. It requires a strong man who captures the hearts of the people and awakens their enthusiasm. In order that he may develop his abilities he needs the complete confidence of his ruler, who must entrust him with full responsibility as long as the war lasts. 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.
Game is in the field – it has left its usual haunts in the forest and is devastating the fields. This points to an enemy invasion. Energetic combat and punishment are here thoroughly justified, but they must not degenerate into a wild melee in which everyone fends for himself. Despite the greatest degree of perseverance and bravery, this would lead to misfortune. The army must be directed by an experienced leader. It is a matter of waging war, not of permitting the mob to slaughter all who fall into their hands; if they do, defeat will be the result, and despite all perseverance there is danger of misfortune.
WHAT IS required is that we unite with others, in order that all may complement and aid one another through holding together. But such holding together calls for a central figure around whom other persons may unite. To become a centre of influence holding people together is a grave matter and fraught with great responsibility. It requires greatness of spirit, consistency, and strength. Therefore let him who wishes to gather others about him ask himself whether he is equal to the undertaking, for anyone attempting the task without a real calling for it only makes confusion worse than if no union at all had taken place.

”

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Today: Do not fight evil on its own terms – from the I Ching

Yesterday’s reading indicated a dire situation that needs to be addressed.  Doing so, one must be certain to eradicate any remnants of oppression.  One cannot negotiate with evil, nor fight it on its own terms.  It must be thoroughly discredited.  Even expressing the truth seems not to be good enough.  One must appeal to people’s better natures so they can arrive at a proper view of the situation.  Then, it is possible to arrive at an equilibrium that is free of oppression and conflict.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side- therefore fight without quarter is necessary if the good is to prevail.
In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are, however, definite rules that must not be disregarded, if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited. Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favour of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil become dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.
Here a man is suffering from inner restlessness and cannot abide in his place. He would like to push forward under any circumstances, but encounters insuperable obstacles. Thus his situation entails an inner conflict. This is due to the obstinacy with which he seeks to enforce his will. If he would desist from this obstinacy, everything would go well. But this advice, like so much other good counsel, will be ignored. For obstinacy makes a man unable to hear, for all that he has ears.
The transition from the old to the new time is already accomplished. In principle, everything stands systematised, and it is only in regard to details that success is still to be achieved. In respect to this, however, we must be careful to maintain the right attitude. Everything proceeds as if of its own accord, and this can all too easily tempt us to relax and let things take their course without troubling over details. Such indifference is the root of all evil. Symptoms of decay are bound to be the result. Here we have the rule indicating the usual course of history. But this rule is not an inescapable law. He who understands it is in position to avoid its effects by dint of unremitting perseverance and caution.

”

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Today: The urgency of the situation has reached a breaking point – from the I Ching

The urgency of the situation has reached a breaking point.  Pushing ahead in the current climate will lead to disaster.  A leader must bring to the table the wisdom of the ages.  Otherwise, all is lost.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“This indicates a type of man who in times of preponderance of the great insists on pushing ahead. He accepts no advice from others, and therefore they in turn are not willing to lend him support. Because of this the burden grows, until the structure of things bends or breaks. Plunging willfully ahead in times of danger only hastens the catastrophe.
Where men are to be gathered together, religious forces are needed. But there must also be a human leader to serve as the centre of the group. In order to be able to bring others together, this leader must first of all be collected within himself. Only collective moral force can unite the world.
”

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Today: An auspicious day – from the I Ching

This is a very auspicious day.  Success comes from the primal depths of the universe.  Trust in your creative powers and inner strength to spread the light that shines within you and bless the world.  You have the capacity to bring  clarity, success and wealth to all who see you.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“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.
Here the great man has attained the sphere of the heavenly beings. His influence spreads and becomes visible throughout the whole world. Everyone who sees him may count himself blessed.
Confucius says about this line:
Things that accord in tone vibrate together. Things that have affinity in their inmost natures seek one another. Water flows to what is wet, fire turns to what is dry. Clouds (the breath of heaven) follow the dragon, wind (the breath of earth) follows the tiger. Thus the sage arises, and all creatures follow him with their eyes. What is born of heaven feels related to what is above. What is born of earth feels related to what is below. Each follows its kind.
The time is favorable – a time of strength within, clarity and culture without. Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way. This brings supreme success and wealth.
”

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Today: Still waiting; stay calm – from the I Ching

Still waiting.  Despite criticism and other tongue wagging, stay calm.  Accept good advice, and lead from the heart.

 

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. A strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
The danger gradually comes closer. Sand is near the bank of the river, and the water means danger. Disagreements crop up. General unrest can easily develop in such times, and we lay the blame on one another. He who stays calm will succeed in making things go well in the end. Slander will be silenced if we do not gratify it with injured retorts.
Through attraction the sage influences men’s hearts, and thus the world attains peace. From the attractions they exert we can learn the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
”

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Today: Don’t make a big deal of being right – from the I Ching

Don’t make a big deal of being right.  Those who are weak now are in control.  We must wait for the situation to change.  The high ground cannot be taken by force.  Compromise is not an abdication of one’s personal power and ability to have a positive impact on the situation.  Your clear-headed vision and inner strength will prevail in the end.
Take Yogi Bhajan’s advice

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. A strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
Here an attempt is made to press forward forcibly, in the consciousness that the obstructing power is slight. But since, under the circumstances, power actually lies with the weak, this sudden offensive is doomed to failure. External conditions hinder the advance, just as loss of the wheel spokes stops the progress of a wagon. We do not yet heed this hint from fate, hence there are annoying arguments like those of a married couple. Naturally this is not a favourable state of things, for though the situation may enable the weaker side to hold its ground, the difficulties are too numerous to permit of a happy result. In consequence even the strong man cannot so use his power as to exert the right influence on those around him. He experiences a rebuff where he expected an easy victory, and he thus compromises his dignity.
CONFLICT DEVELOPS when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict.
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.
”

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Today: Contemplate & be aware how others look to you for guidance – from the I Ching

Contemplate at this time of transition whether to advance or retreat.  Looking back at your life will give you answers.  Recognize that in any case, what you say and do have effects on others.  Be aware how others look to you for guidance.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Contemplation of the divine meaning underlying the workings of the universe gives to the man who is called upon to influence others the means of producing like effects. This requires that power of inner concentration which religious contemplation develops in great men strong in faith. It enables them to apprehend the mysterious and divine laws of life, and by means of profoundest inner concentration they give expression to these laws in their own persons. Thus a hidden spiritual power emanates from them, influencing and dominating others without their being aware of how it happens.
This is the place of transition. We no longer look outward to receive pictures that are more or less limited and confused, but direct our contemplation upon ourselves in order to find a guideline for our decisions. This self-contemplation means the overcoming of naïve egotism in the person who sees everything solely form his own standpoint. He begins to reflect and in this way acquires objectivity. However, self-knowledge does not mean preoccupation with one’s own thoughts; rather, it means concern about the effects one creates. It is only the effects our lives produce that give us the right to judge whether what we have done means progress or regression.
the influence on others must proceed form one’s own person. In order to be capable of producing such an influence, one’s words must have power, and this they can have only if they are based on something real, just as flame depends on its fuel. Words have influence only when they are pertinent and clearly related to definite circumstances. General discourses and admonitions have no effect whatsoever. Furthermore, the words must be supported by one’s entire conduct, just as the wind is made effective by its duration. Only firm and consistent conduct will make such an impression on others that they can adapt and conform to it. If words and conduct are not in accord and not consistent, they will have no effect.
”

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Today: It is time to recognize the causes for corruption – from the I Ching

It is time to recognize the causes for corruption in our world and begin to repair the damage.  What has been going on for some time must be dealt with and corrected.  The danger has come to a point of crisis only because the concerted efforts of the few who created this situation were met generally with apathy.  That has to change.  While corruption is widespread, it can be remedied.
Rather than charging headlong into a reactionary course, the causes that are perpetuating the situation must be identified, discredited and neutralized.  Every new action must be considered deliberately and applied frugally in order to avoid new reaction.
What has gone before is no longer relevant.  Bringing to light the negative influences that have held the status quo will be sufficient.  They will discredit themselves, their influence will wane and the social organism will begin to begin to heal.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“What has been spoiled through man’s fault can be made good again through man’s work.  
It is not immutable fate that has caused the state of corruption, but rather the abuse of human freedom.
We must first know the [specific] causes of corruption before we can do away with them; hence it is necessary to be cautious during the time before the start. Then we must see to it that the new way is safely entered on, so that a relapse may be avoided; therefore we must pay attention to the time after the start. Decisiveness and energy must take the place of inertia and indifference that have led to decay, in order that the ending may be followed by a new beginning.
Rigid adherence to tradition has resulted in decay. But the decay has not yet penetrated deeply and so can still be easily remedied. It is as if a son were compensating for the decay his father allowed to creep in. Then no blame attaches to the father. However, one must not overlook the danger or take the matter too lightly. Only if one is conscious of the danger connected with every reform will everything go well in the end.
Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not to try to cover up poverty with empty pretence. If a time of scanty resources brings out an inner truth, one must not feel ashamed of simplicity. For simplicity is then the very thing needed to provide inner strength for further undertakings.
”

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Today: You have awesome power at your disposal – from the I Ching

You have awesome power at your disposal as long as you are in alignment with the cosmic rhythms.  Do not flout it.  Do not entangle yourself in useless quarrels with ignorant people.  Give up your expectations of others.  Merely proceed on a righteous course which will carry the day.

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.
Making a boast of power leads to entanglements, just as a goat entangles its horns when it butts against a hedge. Whereas an inferior man revels in power when he comes into possession of it, the superior man never makes this mistake. He is conscious at all times of the danger of pushing ahead regardless of circumstances, and therefore renounces in good time the empty display of force.
…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: A significant week(end) for America – from the I Ching

This is a significant week(end) for Americans and people living in America.  It is a time to assess who we are and what we are about.  It’s about our collective identity.  It’s time to look around and see who else is here and what amplifies US.  We are under attack from without and from within.
Our Republic was founded and is based on the Rule of Law.  The Law is not the Truth, but it is the written contract that defines the parameters by which we agree to live with each other.

The primal law is the Constitution.

From time to time the Law is contorted and stretched, and cheaters will cheat.  But, since the Civil War, its rule has not been breached.

Chaotic forces are now mounting a siege against our nation’s long tradition of unity.  Its reverence for and commitment to Truth is bleeding into the darkness.  The value of Truth itself is being questioned.
The remedy to all this is not to rebel against the dark forces in a disorganized and reactive way.  That would only contribute to the chaos and amplify its effects.
The tools of democracy must be employed in their various forms that offer stability to our way of life.  Dissent must find a common voice through peaceful verbal and physical expression, which includes civil disobedience.
The key has always been, and will always be, unity.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Game is in the field – it has left its usual haunts in the forest and is devastating the fields. This points to an enemy invasion. Energetic combat and punishment are here thoroughly justified, but they must not degenerate into a wild melee in which everyone fends for himself. Despite the greatest degree of perseverance and bravery, this would lead to misfortune. The army must be directed by an experienced leader. It is a matter of waging war, not of permitting the mob to slaughter all who fall into their hands; if they do, defeat will be the result, and despite all perseverance there is danger of misfortune. Limitations are troublesome, but they are effective. If we live economically in normal times, we are prepared for times of want. To be sparing saves us from humiliation. Limitations are also indispensable in the regulation of world conditions. In nature there are fixed limits for summer and winter, day and night, and these limits give the year its meaning. In the same way, economy, by setting fixed limits upon expenditures, acts to preserve property and prevent injury to the people.
But in limitation we must observe due measure. If a man should seek to impose galling limitations upon his own nature, it would be injurious. And if he should go too far in imposing limitations on others, they would rebel.
Therefore it is necessary to set limits even upon limitation. . ”

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Today: Keep your options real – from the I Ching

When caught between advance and retreat and in the grip of fear, do not fantasize.  Keep your options real.  When opposition to your goals is real, see it for what it is and face it.  Do not live in denial.
Choose small undertakings and be content with modest progress.  Find  commonality in the opposition and promote that.  That leads to eventual success.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“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.  
When people live in opposition and estrangement they cannot carry out a great undertaking in common; their points of view diverge too widely. In such circumstances one should above all not proceed brusquely, for that would only increase the existing opposition; instead, one should limit oneself to producing gradual effects in small matters. Here success can still be expected, because the situation is such that the opposition does not preclude all agreement.
In general, opposition appears as an obstruction, but when it represents polarity within a comprehensive whole, it has also its useful and important functions. The oppositions of heaven and earth, spirit and nature, man and woman, when reconciled, bring about the creation and reproduction of life. In the world of visible things, the principle of opposites makes possible the differentiation by categories through which order is brought into the world. ”

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