With limited means, prioritize and focus on what is important. Others of modest means will be inspired to follow your example. Recruit your allies and set your armies marching.
Category: Today: I Ching
Today: Commit yourself to eradicating evil – from the I Ching
It is a time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their influence is on the wane; as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions occurs, a break-through. Form a clear goal and organize. You will be successful if you act now to discredit evil and restore goodness to our society.
The text reads:
“Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position, 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.”
Today: Strive for great fortune and success – from the I Ching
Strive for great fortune and success. The prerequisite is the cultivation of harmonious relations others and with nature. We are advised not to fix what is broken by force, but rather through peaceful means.
The text reads:
“The hour of doom is at hand. When matters have come to this pass, we should submit to fate and not try to stave it off by violent resistance. The one recourse left us is to hold our own within our intimate circle. Should we persevere in trying to resist the evil in the usual way, our collapse would only be more complete, and humiliation would be the result.” Continue reading “Today: Strive for great fortune and success – from the I Ching”
Today: Permeate the social structure – from the I Ching
Understand the social structure. If you know how its elements interrelate, you can use them to advantage. Avoid joining or supporting factions that subvert the integrity of the structure, which must function as a whole. Use your understanding to support and strengthen the structure and help your fellow citizens.
If you can do this, your communications will permeate far and wide and reach many people.
Today: Stagnation – from the I Ching
Stagnation. Things are upside down. Hold to your inner principles and your inner light. Refrain from intervening. Stay safe. Your light will still shine brightly in this dark time.
The text reads:
“Heaven and earth are out of communion and all things are benumbed. What is above has no relation to what is below, and on earth confusion and disorder prevail. The dark power is within, the light power is without. Weakness is within, harshness without. Within are the inferior, and without are the superior. The way of inferior people is in ascent; the way of superior people is on the decline. But the superior people do not allow themselves to be turned from their principles. If the possibility of exerting influence is closed to them, they nevertheless remain faithful to their principles and withdraw into seclusion.”
Today: A stranger in a strange land – from the I Ching
As a stranger in a strange land it is important to keep moving forward. As you dwell impermanently here and there use every opportunity for growth. Be careful to protect your resources as you carry them with you and not squander them. Use everything at your disposal to channel the flow of wealth in the world to those in need. Allow this to happen by adopting saintly behavior as you encounter it and by fixing faults within yourself.
Today: The path to justice and fulfillment is long – from the I Ching
The path to justice and fulfillment is long and fraught with obstacles. One must expect that rather than assign blame for the delays. True power lies in unity and a common purpose. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything. In time, criminals will be held to account, even when we forgive them.
Today: Stand up to corruption and stagnation – from the I Ching
Stand up to corruption and stagnation.
The text reads:
“You are blessed with an opportunity to resuscitate that which others have abandoned as beyond repair.
This time of ruin wasn’t caused by evil intention, but by indifference to decay. Just by addressing yourself to the problem, you exhibit a new awareness, a fresh perspective.
This is a time of recovery, renewal, regeneration.”
Today: On the threshold of a breakthrough – from the I Ching
Exercise your strong will. Do not follow anyone who would drag you down. Neither dissociate yourself. Opinion may go against you. Receive insults in silence. Doing this will inspire others to follow your supreme example.
Today: Be nourished by the collective wisdom of the ages – from the I Ching
We all have at our disposal the collective wisdom of the ages. It is present in our associations with family and community. When we engage with others everyone benefits. Serve your community and encourage everyone to help each other. Every human being can draw in the course of his education from the inexhaustible wellspring of the divine in man’s nature. Do not give up on penetrating the roots of humanity, nor come only halfway, becoming fixed in convention. With your intimate connection with the collective, you will have a subtle influence that propagates and is felt far and wide.
Today: In a time of uncertainty and danger – from the I Ching
In a time of uncertainty and danger we must help each other. Offer good counsel and keep it real. Don’t go after quick fixes. You will know what to do when the time comes.
Today: When you call, your people will hear you – from the I Ching
When you call, your people will hear you. No need for fame. You have power and influence among kindred spirits. Use it wisely. Nurture those relationships lest external forces come between you and break them apart.
Today: Advance your intentions – from the I Ching
It is a good time to advance your intentions. Whatever you propose, do it with sincerity and don’t overdo it. Teach the truth.
Today: Ego and thoughtless ignorance – from the I Ching
There can be success despite thoughtless ignorance if one puts aside arrogance and submits to tutoring by those who know. When ego interferes, only turning to the deep tradition of one’s heritage can dissolve this blockage.
Today: Face your trials – from the I Ching
Challenged at every turn, meet the dangers with flexibility and sincerity. Keep it simple and work together with others in your common interests. Teach what you know and be consistent.
Today: Nourishment – from the I Ching
Watch what goes in and comes out of your mouth. Provide nourishment for people who need it as if you were nourishing yourself. Provide physical nourishment as well as with your words and deeds.