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

Tao Te Ching – Verse 73

The Tao is always at ease.
It overcomes without competing,
answers without speaking a word,
arrives without being summoned,
accomplishes without a plan.

Its net covers the whole universe.
And though its meshes are wide,
it doesn’t let a thing slip through.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 73 – The Tao is always at ease.”

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.”

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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.

 

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.

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.

Therefore the Master steps back
so that people won’t be confused.
He teaches without a teaching,
so that people will have nothing to learn.
Continue reading “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: “He whom the Creator has blessed with the gift of tolerance and nonreaction is the most blessed one.” Yogi Bhajan

He whom the Creator has blessed with the gift of tolerance and nonreaction is the most blessed one. For do you know when you don’t react you are immediately identified as a God? When you react you are known. When you don’t react you are unknown. If you are trying to find the Unknown, all you have to do is not react. There is only one simple thing you have to practice: Do not react.” Yogi Bhajan

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

“You all know the truth. If you think you can learn what the truth is or what righteous living is, you are mistaken. You all know what righteous living is and what truth is. Everybody knows it, but we can’t live up to it; some of us do not want to live up to it. Now, the question is why can’t we live up to it? We are emotionally involved with each other. When our emotional involvement seems absolutely perfect, it is very difficult for any one of us to pull ourself out of it. And when you are not out of the mud, how can you see what you are doing?” Yogi Bhajan

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

Tao Te Ching – Verse 71

Not-knowing is true knowledge.
Presuming to know is a disease.
First realize that you are sick;
then you can move toward health.

The Master is her own physician.
She has healed herself of all knowing.
Thus she is truly whole.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 71 – Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease.”

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

“For the sake of your own intelligence, take anybody and study. You will find that they are one-pointed, to a man, and that God is their Infinity. Elevate your consciousness to that. In any relationship where you want permanency, where you want Infinity, direct that relationship toward God—God and Guru.” Yogi Bhajan

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

Tao Te Ching – Verse 70

My teachings are easy to understand
and easy to put into practice.
Yet your intellect will never grasp them,
and if you try to practice them, you’ll fail.

My teachings are older than the world.
How can you grasp their meaning?

If you want to know me,
look inside your heart. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 70 – My teachings are easy to understand and easy to put into practice.”

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

“There is a law of compassion that says, deal with the person at his level of consciousness, amalgamate yourself at that level of consciousness without having relation to yours, and then pull him up. This law works in relationships and friendships.” Yogi Bhajan

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

Tao Te Ching – Verse 69

The generals have a saying:
“Rather than make the first move
it is better to wait and see.
Rather than advance an inch
it is better to retreat a yard.”

This is called
going forward without advancing,
pushing back without using weapons. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 69 – Rather than make the first move it is better to wait and see.”

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

“If you have the power to believe, then what you believe shall come true. It means this little unit computer has the power to organize the main Master Computer to act on a signal. In simple rational words, man has control over the Universal Consciousness. They call it bhakti yoga, also devotion, worship.” Yogi Bhajan

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 68 – The best athlete wants his opponent at his best. The best general enters the mind of his enemy. The best businessman serves the communal good. The best leader follows the will of the people.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 68

The best athlete
wants his opponent at his best.
The best general
enters the mind of his enemy.
The best businessman
serves the communal good.
The best leader
follows the will of the people. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 68 – The best athlete wants his opponent at his best. The best general enters the mind of his enemy. The best businessman serves the communal good. The best leader follows the will of the people.”