Today: “You have unchallenged power and influence.  Use it with ease.” From the I Ching

You have unchallenged power and influence.  Use it with ease.  

Tao Te Ching – Verse 79 – Failure is an opportunity

Today: “You are you and you are nothing else but you; but when it comes to testing you, you immediately fail if you don’t know you are you.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “You may take action as you see fit. Your power and influence will inspire many to emulate your passion and grace. Great success.”

Previous Previous reading: “When circumstances align with your intention, seize the moment and act. Do not overthink it.”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
34 – Thirty-Four.  Ta Chuang / Awesome Power

Thunder fills the Heavens with its awful roar, not out of pride, but with integrity; if it did less, it would not be Thunder:
Because of his Great Power, the Superior Person takes pains not to overstep his position, so that he will not seem intimidating or threatening to the Established Order.

Opportunity will arise along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Awesome Power available in this hexagram stems from what the Taoists call your Te, a term not perfectly translated into English.
Roughly, it is your Integrity — not in the Western sense of honor — but more in the psychological definition of a full integration of Who You Are.
This Awesome Power is achieved only by fully embracing both the good and the bad, the strong and the weak, the masculine and the feminine — all polarities within you.
Such self-knowledge spawns a Mastery tempered with the humility necessary to rein in and harness this Awesome Power.

Six in the fifth place means:

There are no threats left before you.
You may set your ram free without regret.
Loses the goat with ease.
No remorse.

Feral goat

Feral goat

The goat is noted for hardness outwardly and weakness within. Now the situation is such that everything is easy; there is no more resistance. One can give up a belligerent, stubborn way of acting and will not have to regret it.
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.

Today: “You may take action as you see fit. Your power and influence will inspire many to emulate your passion and grace.  Great success.” From the I Ching

You may take action as you see fit. Your power and influence will inspire many to emulate your passion and grace.  Great success.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 78 – “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it.”

Today: “When man tries to walk on the path of God, three things will come to him in abundance: women, money, and land.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous previous reading: “Tribalism is all around. In the extreme, it leads to extinction. Welcoming brings growth and prosperity.”

Previous reading: “When circumstances align with your intention, seize the moment and act. Do not overthink it.”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
1 – One   Ch’ien / Creative Activity

Heaven above and Heaven below:
Heaven in constant motion.
With the strength of the dragon, the Superior Person steels himself for ceaseless activity.

Productive Activity.
Potent Influence.
Sublime Success if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The time for action has come.
You now have the focus and the stamina necessary for accomplishing great tasks.
The path before you is being cleared and reward lies ahead.

Nine in the fifth place means:

The dragon rises high for all to see.
He has become the mentor he always longed to find.

Flying dragon in the heavens.
It furthers one to see the great man.

Dragon in heaven

Dragon in heaven

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

Confucius

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.

30 – Thirty.  Li / Igniting

Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.

Today: When circumstances align with your intention, seize the moment and act.  Do not overthink it. From the I Ching

When circumstances align with your intention, seize the moment and act.  Do not overthink it.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 77 – As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow.

Today: “Love means giving. Self-sacrifice means that you accomplish for someone at the expense of yourself.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Tribalism is all around. In the extreme, it leads to extinction. Welcoming brings growth and prosperity.”

Previous previous reading: “Offer your presence generously to those who see you. Each encounter holds the promise of joy and liberation.”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
16 – Sixteen  Yü / Enthusiasm

Thunder comes resounding out of the Earth:
Similar thunder roars up from the masses when the Superior Person strikes a chord in their hearts.

Whip up enthusiasm, rally your forces, and move boldly forward.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a rhythmic force, a world music, that lives deep in the Unconscious of each of us.
It’s a primitive drumbeat, a shaking rattle, a tribal chant that invokes the primal self to rise up and join the dance.
This is the enthusiasm that is generated now.
Not rhetorical persuasion, not a play on the emotions, but a charismatic, irresistible Call of the Wild.
Confucius said that the person who could comprehend this could ‘rule the world as though it were spinning in his hand.’
This is a time for instinct, not intellect — the Thunder from the Beneath.

Six in the third place means:

You wait for a compelling signal, yet ignore the knock at the gate.
Missed opportunity breeds regret.

Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse.
Hesitation brings remorse.

This line is the opposite of the preceding one: the latter bespeaks self-reliance, while here there is enthusiastic looking up to a leader. If a man hesitates too long, this also will bring remorse. The right moment for approach must be seized: only then will he do the right thing.

62 – Sixty-Two. Hsiao Kuo / Lying Low

Thunder high on the Mountain, active passivity:
The Superior Person is unsurpassed in his ability to remain small.
In a time for humility, he is supremely modest.
In a time of mourning, he uplifts with somber reverence.
In a time of want, he is resourcefully frugal.

When a bird flies too high, its song is lost.
Rather than push upward now, it is best to remain below.
This will bring surprising good fortune, if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is no profit to striving here.
To be content with oneself is the greatest success imaginable.
The enlightened person has nothing to prove to himself or others, and thus may always operate from a position of sincerity, with no pretense or posturing.
His humility is guileless simplicity.
His mourning is selfless compassion.
His frugality is an unshakeable faith that he is but a conduit, letting what is needed flow through him to others, with no loss to himself.

Today: Tribalism is all around. In the extreme, it leads to extinction.  Welcoming brings growth and prosperity. From the I Ching

Tribalism is all around. In the extreme, it leads to extinction.  Welcoming brings growth and prosperity. 

Tao Te Ching – Verse 76 – Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry.

Today: “Man has to understand within his own depth that within himself is the word which he has only to experience within himself.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “Offer your presence generously to those who see you. Each encounter holds the promise of joy and liberation.”

Previous previous reading: Despite the obstacles and setbacks affirm your conviction that you are you and act from there. Do not be a tool from someone else’s agenda”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
13 – Thirteen.  T’ung Jên / Social Mechanism

Heaven reflects the Flame of clarity:
The Superior Person analyzes the various levels and working parts of the social structure, and uses them to advantage.

Success if you keep to your course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a matter of Positioning — not only yourself, but others as well.
There are niches to be filled, potentials to be realized, right livelihoods to be found.
You are not building a new organization, but shoring up an existing infrastructure.
It’s worth the effort, because it will provide union, community, and an ironclad alliance.

Six in the second place means:

The clan holds tightly, armed against outsiders.
This inbreeds fear and cruelty, which can only give birth to strife and extinction.

Fellowship with men in the clan.
Humiliation.


Harvard Club

Harvard Club – London’s top private club

There is danger here of formation of a separate faction on the basis of personal and egotistic interests. Such factions, which are exclusive and, instead of welcoming all men, must condemn one group in order to unite the others, originate from low motives and therefore lead in the course of time to humiliation.
14 – Fourteen.  Ta Yu / Great Treasures

The Fire of clarity illuminates the Heavens to those below:
The Superior Person possesses great inner treasures — compassion, economy, and modesty.
These treasures allow the benevolent will of Heaven to flow through him outward to curb evil and to further good.

Supreme success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have become an instrument of Heaven’s will, offering a balance in the world around you.
It is not swashbuckling prowess or uncanny talent that qualifies you for this office, but your simplest gifts — your modesty, your compassion, your economy.
Because you can see clearly who most needs a miracle, Heaven’s bounty is being put at your disposal.

Today: “Offer your presence generously to those who see you.  Each encounter holds the promise of joy and liberation.” From the I Ching

Offer your presence generously to those who see you.  Each encounter holds the promise of joy and liberation.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 75 – When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit

Today: “Whatever you do, you will be paid in equal terms; but when you subject your free will in the Will of the Lord the Creator, He will love you more than you expect Him to love. He will love you tenfold.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: Despite the obstacles and setbacks affirm your conviction that you are you and act from there. Do not be a tool from someone else’s agenda”

Previous  previous reading: “Get to know yourself rather than diluting your identity to diversions and distractions. You have much you can offer as yourself.”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
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.

 


  yin  
  yin above: K’un / The Receptive, Earth
  yin
 
  yin  
  yang below: Tui / The Joyous, Lake
  yang

 


The Chinese word Lin has a range of meanings that is not exhausted by any single word of another language. The ancient explanations in the Yi Jing give as its first meaning, “becoming great.” What becomes great are the two strong lines growing into the hexagram from below; the light-giving power expands with them. The meaning is then further extended to include the concept of approach, especially the approach of what is strong and highly placed in relation to what is lower. Finally the meaning includes the attitude of condescension of a man in high position toward the people, and in general the setting to work on affairs. This hexagram is linked with the twelfth month (January-February), when after the winter solstice, the light power begins to ascend again.

THE JUDGEMENT

APPROACH has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
When the eighth month comes,
There will be misfortune.

The hexagram as a whole points to a time of joyous, hopeful progress. Spring is approaching. Joy and forbearance bring high and low nearer together. Success is certain. But we must work with determination and perseverance to make full use of the propitiousness of the time. And one thing more: spring does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. Then only two strong, light lines are left; these do not advance but are in retreat [see next hexagram (20)]. We must take heed of this change in good time. If we meet evil before it becomes reality- before it has even begun to stir-we can master it.

THE IMAGE

The earth above the lake:
The image of APPROACH.
Thus the superior man is inexhaustible
In his will to teach,
And without limits
In his tolerance and protection of the people.

 
 

 

 
Lake with coots

 

 

Stotersplas Landsmeer, Holland December 21st 2009 – photo Lex van den Bos

The earth borders upon the lake from above.1 This symbolises the approach and condescension of the man of higher position to those beneath him. The two parts of the image indicate what his attitude toward these people will be. Just as the lake is inexhaustible in depth, so the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach mankind, and just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and caring for all creatures on it, so the sage sustains and cares for all people and excludes no part of humanity.


1. [See the two trigrams.]

Today: “You have much to offer and to share.  Doing so will curb evil and serve as an example to others. Be yourself regardless of what they do.” From the I Ching

You have much to offer and to share.  Doing so will curb evil and serve as an example to others.  Be yourself regardless of what they do.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 74 – If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

Today: “Dear ones, there are assets and there are liabilities. When you are young, you need food. If food is not available, you feel crazy…” Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “Get to know yourself rather than diluting your identity to diversions and distractions. You have much you can offer as yourself.”

Previous previous reading: Despite the obstacles and setbacks affirm your conviction that you are you and act from there. Do not be a tool from someone else’s agenda”rs.”

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Meditation: Listening to Angelic Whispers – from the Mind

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
14 – Fourteen.  Ta Yu / Great Treasures

The Fire of clarity illuminates the Heavens to those below:
The Superior Person possesses great inner treasures — compassion, economy, and modesty.
These treasures allow the benevolent will of Heaven to flow through him outward to curb evil and to further good.

Supreme success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have become an instrument of Heaven’s will, offering a balance in the world around you.
It is not swashbuckling prowess or uncanny talent that qualifies you for this office, but your simplest gifts — your modesty, your compassion, your economy.
Because you can see clearly who most needs a miracle, Heaven’s bounty is being put at your disposal.

Nine in the third place means:

A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven.
A petty man cannot do this.

Lakshmi

Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth

A magnanimous, liberal-minded man should not regard what he possesses as his exclusive personal property, but should place it at the disposal of the ruler or of the people at large. In so doing, he takes the right attitude toward his possession, which as private property can never endure. A petty man is incapable of this. He is harmed by great possessions, because instead of sacrificing them, he would keep them for himself.1


1. This offers the same dictum about possessions as that found in the words of the Bible: “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it” [Luke 17:33].

38 – Thirty-Eight   K’uei / Estrangement

Fire distances itself from its nemesis, the Lake:
No matter how large or diverse the group, the Superior Person remains uniquely himself.

Small accomplishments are possible.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are working at cross-purposes with another.
The distance between you is very wide.
The gap can be closed, however, with no compromise of your integrity.
You are not adversaries in this case — just two persons addressing individual needs.
Ask yourself: are these needs mutually exclusive?
Is there common ground here?
Must there be one winner and one loser?
Could you become partners in seeking a solution that would allow for two winners?

Today: “Get to know yourself rather than diluting your identity to diversions and distractions.  You have much you can offer as yourself.” From the I Ching

Get to know yourself rather than diluting your identity to diversions and distractions.  You have much you can offer as yourself.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 73 – The Tao is always at ease.

Today: “A guru can be a word of wisdom coming through a person who has attained a state of mental consciousness to direct or guide or speak the infinite truth under all circumstances.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: Despite the obstacles and setbacks affirm your conviction that you are you and act from there. Do not be a tool from someone else’s agenda”rs.”

Previous  previous reading: “You know you have the strength to challenge the powerful in a dangerous situation. You only have to firm your intention and rely on your fortitude.”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
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 in the third place means:

Coming joyousness. Misfortune.

Romans of the Decadence

‘The Romans of the Decadence’ – Thomas Couture, 1847

True joy must spring from within. But if one is empty within and wholly given over to the world, idle pleasures come streaming in from without. This is what many people welcome as diversion. Those who lack inner stability and therefore need amusement, will always find opportunity of indulgence. They attract external pleasures by the emptiness of their natures. Thus they lose themselves more and more, which of course has bad results.

43 – Forty-Three.  Kuai / Breakthrough

A Deluge from Heaven:
The Superior Person rains fortune upon those in need, then moves on with no thought of the good he does.

The issue must be raised before an impartial authority.
Be sincere and earnest, despite the danger.
Do not try to force the outcome, but seek support where needed.
Set a clear goal.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Your iron will must come to the forefront now.
It will take great personal determination to resolve the situation in question.
Your adversary would love to force you into an angry display.
That would legitimize his opposition to you.
Such a berserker rage would drag you down to his level.
You must resolutely take a public stand against what he represents, but refuse to engage him.
Without compromise, you show others the way to higher ground.

Today: “Despite the obstacles and setbacks affirm your conviction that you are you and act from there.  Do not be a tool from someone else’s agenda.

Despite the obstacles and setbacks affirm your conviction that you are you and act from there.  Do not be a tool from someone else’s agenda.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 72 – When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority.

Today: “You all know the truth. If you think you can learn what the truth is or what righteous living is, you are mistaken.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “You know you have the strength to challenge the powerful in a dangerous situation. You only have to firm your intention and rely on your fortitude.”

Previous previous reading: “You help others amidst the peril of challenging times. Where your own experience is insufficient, include guidance from trusted sources. Avoid giving support to unscrupulous grifters.”

Related Posts

Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline

Meditation: LA950 A00214 20000214 Develop Self-Reliance

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

Meditation: Listening to Angelic Whispers – from the Mind

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
38 – Thirty-Eight.  K’uei / Estrangement

Fire distances itself from its nemesis, the Lake:
No matter how large or diverse the group, the Superior Person remains uniquely himself.

Small accomplishments are possible.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are working at cross-purposes with another.
The distance between you is very wide.
The gap can be closed, however, with no compromise of your integrity.
You are not adversaries in this case — just two persons addressing individual needs.
Ask yourself: are these needs mutually exclusive?
Is there common ground here?
Must there be one winner and one loser?
Could you become partners in seeking a solution that would allow for two winners?

Six in the third place means:

Bandits stop his oxen team and board his wagon.
He is scalped, his face is disfigured, and he is left to die.
Not only will he survive — he will endure and triumph.

One sees the wagon dragged back,
The oxen halted,
A man’s hair and nose cut off.
Not a good beginning, but a good end.

Sphinx Giza

Sphinx Giza

Often it seems to a man as though everything were conspiring against him. He sees himself checked and hindered in his progress, insulted and dishonored.1 However, he must not let himself be misled; despite this opposition, he must cleave to the man with whom he knows he belongs. Thus, notwithstanding the bad beginning, the matter will end well.
34 – Thirty-Four.  Ta Chuang / Awesome Power

Thunder fills the Heavens with its awful roar, not out of pride, but with integrity; if it did less, it would not be Thunder:
Because of his Great Power, the Superior Person takes pains not to overstep his position, so that he will not seem intimidating or threatening to the Established Order.

Opportunity will arise along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Awesome Power available in this hexagram stems from what the Taoists call your Te, a term not perfectly translated into English.
Roughly, it is your Integrity — not in the Western sense of honor — but more in the psychological definition of a full integration of Who You Are.
This Awesome Power is achieved only by fully embracing both the good and the bad, the strong and the weak, the masculine and the feminine — all polarities within you.
Such self-knowledge spawns a Mastery tempered with the humility necessary to rein in and harness this Awesome Power.

 

Today: “Social norms often dictate what associations are appropriate or allowed.  When you are compelled to go against the status quo, follow your heart.  Your boldness will ignite a fire in the hearts of those around you.” – from the I Ching

Social norms often dictate what associations are appropriate or allowed.  When you are compelled to go against the status quo, follow your heart.  Your boldness will ignite a fire in the hearts of those around you.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 71 – Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease.

Today: “You all know the truth. If you think you can learn what the truth is or what righteous living is, you are mistaken.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “You help others amidst the peril of challenging times. Where your own experience is insufficient, include guidance from trusted sources. Avoid giving support to unscrupulous grifters.”

Previous  previous reading: “You know you have the strength to challenge the powerful in a dangerous situation. You only have to firm your intention and rely on your fortitude.”

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Today: Follow you heart without obsession, clinging or fear.- from the I Ching

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

Meditation: Listening to Angelic Whispers – from the Mind

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
13 – Thirteen.  T’ung Jên / Social Mechanism

Heaven reflects the Flame of clarity:
The Superior Person analyzes the various levels and working parts of the social structure, and uses them to advantage.

Success if you keep to your course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a matter of Positioning — not only yourself, but others as well.
There are niches to be filled, potentials to be realized, right livelihoods to be found.
You are not building a new organization, but shoring up an existing infrastructure.
It’s worth the effort, because it will provide union, community, and an ironclad alliance.

Nine in the fifth place means:

He is drawn to another.
He fights the attraction fiercely, but his later surrender brings joy.

Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament,
But afterward they laugh.
After great struggles they succeed in meeting.

Romeo and Juliet

‘Romeo and Juliet’ – Frank Dicksee


Two people are outwardly separated, but in their hearts they are united. They are kept apart by their positions in life. Many difficulties and obstructions arise between them and cause them grief. But, remaining true to each other, they allow nothing to separate them, and although it costs them a severe struggle to overcome the obstacles, they will succeed. When they come together their sadness will change to joy. Kongfu (Confucius) says of this:

Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings.
Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again.
Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words,
There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence.
But when two people are at one in their inmost hearts,
They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.
And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,
Their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.

30 – Thirty.  Li / Igniting

Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.

Today: “You help others amidst the peril of challenging times.  Where your own experience is insufficient, include guidance from trusted sources.  Avoid giving support to unscrupulous grifters.” – from the I Ching

You help others amidst the peril of challenging times.  Where your own experience is insufficient, include guidance from trusted sources.  Avoid giving support to unscrupulous grifters.   

Tao Te Ching – Verse 70 – My teachings are easy to understand and easy to put into practice.

Today: “For the sake of your own intelligence, take anybody and study.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “You know you have the strength to challenge the powerful in a dangerous situation. You only have to firm your intention and rely on your fortitude.”

Previous previous reading: “Live with impermanence in a measured way by first remaining conscious of the reality. Strengthen the self as you write your destiny.”

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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 fifth place means:

Turning away from the path.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.
One should not cross the great water.

Fishing Boat

‘Fishing Boat’ – Tom Anderson

A man may be conscious of a deficiency in himself. He should be undertaking the nourishment of the people, but he has not the strength to do it. Thus he must turn from his accustomed path and beg counsel and help from a man who is spiritually his superior but undistinguished outwardly. If he maintains this attitude of mind perseveringly, success and good fortune are his. But he must remain aware of his dependence. He must not put his own person forward nor attempt great labors, such as crossing the great water.

37 – Thirty-Seven.  Chia Jên / Family Duties

Warming Air Currents rise and spread from the Hearthfire:
The Superior Person weighs his words carefully and is consistent in his behavior.

Be as faithful as a good wife.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

One in this situation must be keenly aware of his influence on others.
Maintain a healthy respect for the ripple effect of your words and deeds.
To some you serve as a role model.
You can either help shape their world or tilt them into chaos.
Show temperance and consideration to all.

Today: “You know you have the strength to challenge the powerful in a dangerous situation.  You only have to firm your intention and rely on your fortitude.” – from the I Ching

You know you have the strength to challenge the powerful in a dangerous situation.  You only have to firm your intention and rely on your fortitude.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 69 – Rather than make the first move it is better to wait and see.

Today: “There is a law of compassion that says, deal with the person at his level of consciousness…” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Live with impermanence in a measured way by first remaining conscious of the reality. Strengthen the self as you write your destiny.”

Previous  previous reading: “Calm your restlessness that causes your wanting to push ahead. With intuition, sit back and contemplate before forming your intentions and taking action. You will be much more effective,”

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10 – Ten.  Lü / Worrying the Tiger

Heaven shines down on the Marsh which reflects it back imperfectly:
Though the Superior Man carefully discriminates between high and low, and acts in accord with the flow of the Tao, there are still situations where a risk must be taken.

You tread upon the tail of the tiger.
Not perceiving you as a threat, the startled tiger does not bite.
Success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have reached a perilous point in your journey.
This is a real gamble — not a maneuver, not a calculated risk.
The outcome is uncertain.
If it goes as you hope, you will gain — but if it turns against you it will cause serious injury, at least to your plans.
The best tack is extreme caution and a healthy respect for the danger involved.

Nine in the fourth place means:

He shows humble hesitation and breathless caution, yet still resolutely takes a necessary step on the tail of the tiger.
His modest manner saves him from the bite.

He treads on the tail of the tiger.
Caution and circumspection
Lead ultimately to good fortune.

This text refers to a dangerous enterprise. The inner power to carry it through is there, but this inner power is combined with hesitating caution in one’s external attitude. This line contrasts with the preceding line, which is weak within but outwardly presses forward. Here one is sure of ultimate success, which consists in achieving one’s purpose, that is, in overcoming danger by going forward.

3 – Three.  Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning

Thunder from the Deep:
The Superior Person carefully weaves order out of confusion.

Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
Carefully consider the first move.
Seek help.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

New ventures always pack along their inherent chaos.
Though this is an annoyance at best, and can even imperil or downright doom an endeavor, it is also the friction needed to polish your project to jewel brilliance.
Learn from these early obstacles.

Today: “Live with impermanence in a measured way by first remaining conscious of the reality.  Strengthen the self as you write your destiny.” – from the I Ching

Live with impermanence in a measured way by first remaining conscious of the reality.  Strengthen the self as you write your destiny.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 67 – Some say that my teaching is nonsense.

Today: “If you have the power to believe, then what you believe shall come true.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “Calm your restlessness that causes your wanting to push ahead. With intuition, sit back and contemplate before forming your intentions and taking action. You will be much more effective,”

Previous previous reading: “Under attack from every direction, the response must be well organized and lead by competent people. A rag tag army will not stop the onslaught.”

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30 – Thirty.  Li / Igniting

Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.

Nine in the third place means:

Old men read the lesson in the setting sun.
Beat the cymbal and sing in this life, or wail away the hours fearing death.

Their choice is their fortune.
In the light of the setting sun,
Men either beat the pot and sing
Or loudly bewail the approach of old age.
Misfortune.


Pacific sunset

Pacific sunset

Here the end of the day has come. The light of the setting sun calls to mind the fact that life is transitory and conditional. Caught in this external bondage, men are usually robbed of their inner freedom as well. The sense of the transitoriness of life impels them to uninhibited revelry in order to enjoy life while it lasts, or else they yield to melancholy and spoil the precious time by lamenting the approach of old age. Both attitudes are wrong. To the superior man it makes no difference whether death comes early or late. He cultivates himself, awaits his allotted time, and in this way secures his fate.
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.

Today: “Calm your restlessness that causes your wanting to push ahead.  With intuition, sit back and contemplate before forming your intentions and taking action.  You will be much more effective,” – from the I Ching

Calm your restlessness that causes your wanting to push ahead.  With intuition, sit back and contemplate before forming your intentions and taking action.  You will be much more effective,

Tao Te Ching – Verse 67 – Some say that my teaching is nonsense.

Today: “What is carbon? Nothing. After thousands of years it becomes a solid crystal. What is the value of a crystal?” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Under attack from every direction, the response must be well organized and lead by competent people. A rag tag army will not stop the onslaught.”

Previous  previous reading: “Use your power and resources wisely. Overstepping brings entanglement and obstruction.”

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43 – Forty-Three.  Kuai / Breakthrough

A Deluge from Heaven:
The Superior Person rains fortune upon those in need, then moves on with no thought of the good he does.

The issue must be raised before an impartial authority.
Be sincere and earnest, despite the danger.
Do not try to force the outcome, but seek support where needed.
Set a clear goal.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Your iron will must come to the forefront now.
It will take great personal determination to resolve the situation in question.
Your adversary would love to force you into an angry display.
That would legitimize his opposition to you.
Such a berserker rage would drag you down to his level.
You must resolutely take a public stand against what he represents, but refuse to engage him.
Without compromise, you show others the way to higher ground.

Nine in the fourth place means:

Your legs are torn and bleeding as you push heedlessly through the thorns toward your target.
If you would allow yourself to be led down the path of least resistance, you would reach your goal.

There is no skin on his thighs,
And walking comes hard.
If a man were to let himself be led like a sheep,
Remorse would disappear.
But if these words are heard
They will not be believed.

Sheep in shade

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.
48 – Forty-Eight.  Ching / The Well

Deep Waters Penetrated and drawn to the surface:
The Superior Person refreshes the people with constant encouragement to help one another.

Encampments, settlements, walled cities, whole empires may rise and fall, yet the Well at the center endures, never drying to dust, never overflowing.
It served those before and will serve those after.
Again and again you may draw from the Well, but if the bucket breaks or the rope is too short there will be misfortune.


SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a Source common to us all.
Jung named it the Collective Unconscious.
Others hail it as God within.
Inside each of us are dreamlike symbols and archetypes, emotions and instincts that we share with every other human being.
When we feel a lonely separateness from others, it is not because this Well within has dried up, but because we have lost the means to reach its waters.
You need to reclaim the tools necessary to penetrate to the depths of your fellows.
Then the bonds you build will be as timeless and inexhaustible as the Well that nourishes them.

Today: “Under attack from every direction, the response must be well organized and lead by competent people.  A rag tag army will not stop the onslaught.” – from the I Ching

Under attack from every direction, the response must be well organized and lead by competent people.  A rag tag army will not stop the onslaught.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 66 – If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them.

Today: “Who is the savior? It is your own higher consciousness which can save you from your own lower consciousness.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “Use your power and resources wisely. Overstepping brings entanglement and obstruction.”

Previous previous reading: “Once you enjoy a state of complete detachment, you may allow things to work themselves out without anxiety or regret. There is no need to engage every obstacle that appears. Just let it be. Just be.”

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7 – Seven.  Shih / Recruiting Allies

Deep Water beneath the Earth’s surface:
Untapped resources are available.
The Superior Person nourishes and instructs the people, building a loyal, disciplined following.
Good fortune.
No mistakes if you follow a course led by experience.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You must gain support from others.
Find a way to make others want to see your objectives met as badly as you want it.
How can they profit from the attainment of this goal?
Can you command confidence that you are just the person that can bring this plan to fruition?

Six in the fifth place means:

The seasoned veteran is elevated to command, and none too soon.
For the game is in the field, and it would be wise to catch it.

There is game in the field.
It furthers one to catch it.
Without blame.
Let the eldest lead the army.
The younger transports corpses;
Then perseverance brings misfortune.


Wild boars

Wild boars

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.
60 – Sixty Chieh / Limitations

Waters difficult to keep within the Lake’s banks:
The Superior Person examines the nature of virtue and makes himself a standard that can be followed.

Self-discipline brings success; but restraints too binding bring self-defeat.
 
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Cultivating the proper disciplines and the proper degree of discipline are the concerns of this hexagram.
By limiting options, you may give more attention to priorities.
One who is all over the map is no less lost than one without a map.
Avoid asceticism, however.
Deprivation is not wise discipline.
The key here is regulation, not restriction.
 

Today: “Use your power and resources wisely.  Overstepping brings entanglement and obstruction.” – from the I Ching

Use your power and resources wisely.  Overstepping brings entanglement and obstruction.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 65 – The ancient Masters didn’t try to educate the people, but kindly taught them to not-know.

Today: “Who is the savior? It is your own higher consciousness which can save you from your own lower consciousness.” Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Once you enjoy a state of complete detachment, you may allow things to work themselves out without anxiety or regret. There is no need to engage every obstacle that appears. Just let it be. Just be.”

Previous  previous reading: “You must include all points of view when contemplating your situations. Include others’ perspectives. Renounce your own preconceptions.”

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34 – Thirty-Four.  Ta Chuang / Awesome Power

Thunder fills the Heavens with its awful roar, not out of pride, but with integrity; if it did less, it would not be Thunder:
Because of his Great Power, the Superior Person takes pains not to overstep his position, so that he will not seem intimidating or threatening to the Established Order.

Opportunity will arise along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Awesome Power available in this hexagram stems from what the Taoists call your Te, a term not perfectly translated into English.
Roughly, it is your Integrity — not in the Western sense of honor — but more in the psychological definition of a full integration of Who You Are.
This Awesome Power is achieved only by fully embracing both the good and the bad, the strong and the weak, the masculine and the feminine — all polarities within you.
Such self-knowledge spawns a Mastery tempered with the humility necessary to rein in and harness this Awesome Power.

Nine in the third place means:

The inferior person throws all his energy toward his goal.
The Superior Person makes conserving energy his goal.
The ram butts into a hedge, entangling his horns.

The inferior man works through power.
The superior man does not act thus.
To continue is dangerous.
A goat butts against a hedge
And gets its horns entangled.


Goat in hedge

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.
54 – Fifty-Four.  Kuei Mei / A Loveless Marriage

The Thunderstorm inseminates the swelling Lake, then moves on where the Lake cannot follow:
The Superior Person views passing trials in the light of Eternal Truths.
Any action will prove unfortunate.
Nothing furthers.
 
This is at best a Marriage of Convenience.
You have found yourself in desperate straits, a position of weakness, and you are tempted to pay dearly for a remedy.
A drowning man isn’t picky about who throws him a rope.
The rescue offered to you now is undesirable.
It may pull you out of this sticky situation, but it will cause even greater predicaments down the road.
Don’t obligate yourself in this way.
You are selling your future for a quick fix today.

Today: “Once you enjoy a state of complete detachment, you may allow things to work themselves out without anxiety or regret.  There is no need to engage every obstacle that appears.  Just let it be.  Just be.” – from the I Ching

Once you enjoy a state of complete detachment, you may allow things to work themselves out without anxiety or regret.  There is no need to engage every obstacle that appears.  Just let it be.  Just be.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 64 – Prevent trouble before it arises. Put things in order before they exist.

Today: “In meditation you begin to realize that there is a world of you” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous  reading: “You must include all points of view when contemplating your situations. Include others’ perspectives. Renounce your own preconceptions.”

Previous previous reading: “Any actions you take today will be blessed with success. You are aligned with the Cosmos and positioned to receive any help you need.”

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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.

Nine at the top means:

He retires nobly, seeing that it is for the good of all.


Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.

Cheerful retreat

Cheerful retreat

The situation is unequivocal. Inner detachment has become an established fact, and we are at liberty to depart. When one sees the way ahead thus clearly, free of all doubt, a cheerful mood sets in, and one chooses what is right without further thought. Such a clear path ahead always leads to the good.

39 – Thirty-Nine.  Chien / Obstacle

Ominous roiling in the Crater Lake atop the Volcano:
When meeting an impasse, the Superior Person turns his gaze within, and views the obstacle from a new perspective.

Offer your opponent nothing to resist.
Let a sage guide you in this.
Good fortune lies along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Obstacle lies in obstinance.
An insistence on only one way of proceeding has brought things to an impasse.
You may either continue banging your head with irresistible force against this immovable object, or you might step back and survey this situation from a fresh perspective.
Which is immobile here — the obstruction or your attitude?