Tao Te Ching – Verse 31
Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them.
Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Today: “Join with what feels right. Follow your inspiration and intuition. Beware of intentions that mislead. Accept things as they are.” – from the I Ching
Join with what feels right. Follow your inspiration and intuition. Beware of intentions that mislead. Accept things as they are.
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
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
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 second place means:
Firm as a rock, but only when necessary and appropriate.
This course brings good fortune.
Firm as a rock. Not a whole day.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Matterhorn
This describes a person who does not allow himself to be misled by any illusions. While others are letting themselves be dazzled by enthusiasm, he recognizes with perfect clarity the first signs of the time. Thus he neither flatters those above nor neglects those beneath him; he is as firm as a rock. When the first sign of discord appears, he knows the right moment for withdrawing and does not delay even for a day. Perseverance in such conduct will bring good fortune. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:
To know the seeds, that is divine indeed. In his association with those above him, the superior man does not flatter. In his association with those beneath him, he is not arrogant. For he knows the seeds. The seeds are the first imperceptible beginning of movement, the first trace of good fortune (or misfortune) that shows itself. The superior man perceives the seeds and immediately takes action. He does not wait even a whole day. In the Yi Jing it is said: “Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
Firm as a rock, what need of a whole day?
The judgement can be known.
The superior man knows what is hidden and what is evident.
He knows weakness, he knows strength as well.
Hence the myriads look up to him.
40 – Forty. Hsieh / Liberation
A Thunderous Cloudburst shatters the oppressive humidity:
The Superior Person knows the release in forgiveness, pardoning the faults of others and dealing gently with those who sin against him.
It pays to accept things as they are for now.
If there is nothing else to be gained, a return brings good fortune.
If there is something yet to be gained, act on it at once.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
The relief you experience here is not your own personal pardon, but the release of others from your rigid expectations.
Like a hot air balloon, you will rise to new heights as you cast the heavy sandbags of resentments and restrictions away from you.
Feel the lightness of being that results from forgiving others and accepting them as they are.
Free yourself of the endless vigil of policing the behavior of others.
See them for who they are, not what they can or can’t do for you.
Today: “Contentment comes to those who have found their center. Great are those beings who have found the Being of beings.” Yogi Bhajan
“A man was traveling in a car and he saw somebody traveling on a horse. He said, “Ha, ha, look at him. What is he doing?” The man who was going on a horse saw someone who was going on a donkey, and he said, “Look at this fellow, he is really poor.” The man who was going on a donkey also saw someone who was going on foot, and he said, “Look at that poor fellow, he has to walk all day.” The man who was walking saw another man with a broken leg, and he said, “Oh, it is a tragedy.” We speculate because we have never found ourselves. Contentment comes to those who have found their center. Great are those beings who have found the Being of beings.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 30 – Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms
Tao Te Ching – Verse 30
Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn’t try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself.
Today: “Appreciate your connections with others. Express it with your devotion. Inspire others to do the same.” – from the I Ching
Holding together /
no tribes, everyone as one /
bringing out our best
Appreciate your connections with others. Express it with your devotion. Inspire others to do the same.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.
Today: “We can understand how easy life can be if we can just be as we are.” Yogi Bhajan
Share The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha over a meal with friends today.
Meditation: LA0967-Division and Oneness
Meditation: KWTC 19970630 – For Faculty of Self Engagement
Recap: Meditation and Sat Nam Rasayan® Healing Workshop with Hari Nam Singh 03/12/2017- “Holding Together”
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
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
8 – Eight. Pi / Bonding
Deep Waters on the face of the Earth:
Surface waters flow together.
The Superior Person recognizes the situation calls for joining together.
Thus he cultivates friendly relations with all.
Good fortune is possible.
Cast the coins again to discover if you have the qualities needed to lead such a group.
Then there will be no error.
Those uncertain will gradually join.
Those who join too late will meet with misfortune.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is a time of connection with another or others — not just an alliance, but a melding of parts into a new whole.
Such a connection may be too close, too intense for some.
Consult the oracle again to see if you have the qualities needed to strengthen and withstand such an intense synthesis.
Six in the fourth place means:You express your devotion humbly and openly. Hold to him outwardly also.
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| Here the relations with a man who is the centre of union are well established. Then we may, and indeed we should, show our attachment openly. But we must remain constant and not allow ourselves to be led astray. |
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.
Today: “We can understand how easy life can be if we can just be as we are.” Yogi Bhajan
“We can understand how easy life can be if we can just be as we are.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 29
Do you want to improve the world?
I don’t think it can be done.
The world is sacred.
It can’t be improved.
If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it.
If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.”
Today: “Continue to contemplate all views of the situation before acting. Continue to update your view as you progress.” – from the I Ching
Continue to contemplate all views of the situation before acting. Continue to update your view as you progress.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female
Meditation: LA004 780109 Experience the Experience
Recap: Healing and Meditation Class at Yoga West with Hari Nam Singh 2019-05-01 – The Projective Meditative Mind
Recap: Healing and Meditation Workshop at Yoga West with Hari Nam Singh 2019-05-03 – The Projective Meditative Mind Part 2
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
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
32 – Thirty-Two. Hêng / Durability
Arousing Thunder and penetrating Wind.
Close companions in any storm:
The Superior Person possesses a resiliency and durability that lets him remain firmly and faithfully on course.
Such constancy deserves success.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Endurance is the key to success in this situation.
However, durability is not synonymous with stone-like rigidity.
True resilience requires a flexibility that allows adaptation to any adverse condition, while still remaining true to the core.
Can you maintain your integrity under any circumstance?
Can you influence the situation without giving opposing forces anything to resist?
Then you will endure to reach your goal.
Nine in the fourth place means:No game in the field.
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| If we are in pursuit of game and want to get a shot at a quarry, we must set about it in the right way. A man who persists in stalking game in a place where there is none may wait forever without finding any. Persistence in search is not enough. What is not sought in the right way is not found. |
15 – Fifteen. Ch’ien / Modesty
The Mountain does not overshadow the Plain surrounding it:
Such modest consideration in a Superior Person creates a channel through which excess flows to the needy.
Success if you carry things through.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
The Cosmos is moving toward equilibrium.
Extremes are being tempered, excess is beginning to shift toward the empty.
You can use these moderating influences to strike a balance in the world around you.
Remember, though, that this Leveling will not come about through an arrogant confiscation of excess, but through subtler persuasions.
Modesty and moderation are the keys.
Today: “What use is a flower with no fragrance? What use is a mirror in which you cannot see yourself? You must know your soul and project it.” Yogi Bhajan
“What use is a flower with no fragrance? What use is a mirror in which you cannot see yourself? You must know your soul and project it.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: M043-19890623 See Your Soul Within Your Third Eye
Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female
Tao Te Ching – Verse 28
Know the male,
yet keep to the female:
receive the world in your arms.
If you receive the world,
the Tao will never leave you
and you will be like a little child.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female”
Today: “Keep on the path to liberation. Acknowledge your thoughts and impulses without letting them dominate your intentions and actions. Watch the flow of your existence without being caught up in surrounding events.” – from the I Ching
Thoughts and impulses /
come and go in the silence /
let them flow freely
Keep on the path to liberation. Acknowledge your thoughts and impulses without letting them dominate your intentions and actions. Watch the flow of your existence without being caught up in surrounding events.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving
Today: “Advise only those whom your advice suits.”
Yogi Bhajan Previous reading: “Weigh your words carefully before expressing them. Be aware of the impact that you have on others.”
Previous previous reading: “A terrible reckoning is due.”
Milarepa’s Song to Lady Palderboom
Recap: Healing and Meditation Workshop at Yoga West with Hari Nam Singh 2019-05-03 – The Projective Meditative Mind Part 2
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
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
52 – Fifty-Two. Kên / The Mountain
Above this Mountain’s summit another more majestic rises: The Superior Person is mindful to keep his thoughts in the here and now. Stilling the sensations of the Ego, he roams his courtyard without moving a muscle, unencumbered by the fears and desires of his fellows. This is no mistake. SITUATION ANALYSIS: There is a higher vantage point available to you, but it is obscured by the visible peak of personal ambition. To climb to this higher plane, you must shake off the desires and fears of the conscious, visible world around you. To make this journey you must quiet the Ego, empty your mind of past and future, and dwell totally in the moment at hand. Thorough mindfulness of what is before you is the only tranquility. Be. Here. Now.
Six in the fourth place means:He keeps his trunk still through flexibility. Faultless. Keeping his trunk still. No blame.
‘Finding Inner Peace’ – Joe Triano |
| As has been pointed out above in the comment on the Judgement, keeping the back at rest means forgetting the ego. This is the highest stage of rest. Here this stage has not yet been reached: the individual in this instance, though able to keep the ego, with its thoughts and impulses, in a state of rest, is not yet quite liberated from its dominance. Nonetheless, keeping the heart at rest is an important function, leading in the end to the complete elimination of egotistic drives. Even though at this point one does not yet remain free from all the dangers of doubt and unrest, this frame of mind is not a mistake, as it leads ultimately to that other, higher level. |
50 – Fifty. Ting / The Caldron
Fire rises hot and bright from the Wood beneath the sacrificial caldron: The Superior Person positions himself correctly within the flow of Cosmic forces. Supreme Accomplishment. SITUATION ANALYSIS: Your needs are coming into harmony with the requirements of the Cosmos. Blending brilliantly with the Dance of Life, you are becoming an actual element of Cosmic Law. Your goals will now be realized because you no longer cut against the Cosmic grain; you are no longer swimming against the flow of the Tao. You are acquiring an intuitive sense of what can and cannot be, and aligning your efforts accordingly.
Today: “Advise only those whom your advice suits.” Yogi Bhajan
“Advise only those whom your advice suits. Never advise a monkey, he will mess up your house. Never give advice to anybody if you don’t want enemies.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: LA031 19780423 – Ad Nad Kriya – Gupt Gian Shakti the Secret Power of the Knowledge
Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving
Tao Te Ching – Verse 27
A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is.
Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn’t reject anyone.
He is ready to use all situations
and doesn’t waste anything.
This is called embodying the light. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving”
Today: “Weigh your words carefully before expressing them. Be aware of the impact that you have on others.” – From the I Ching
Weigh your words carefully before expressing them. Be aware of the impact that you have on others.
Previous reading: “A terrible reckoning is due.”
Previous previous reading: “Justice is due.”
Meditation: NM0365-20001024-On Communication II
Meditation: M074 – 920423 – Balance the Pineal and Pituitary
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426
Check out the various healing workshops we have conducted over the years.
See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading from the original text
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.
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above: Sun / The Gentle, Wind | |
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below: Li / The Clinging, Fire | |
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| This hexagram represents the laws obtaining within the family. The strong line at the top represents the father, the lowest the son. The strong line in the fifth place represents the husband, the yielding second line the wife. On the other hand, the two strong lines in the fifth and the third place represent two brothers, and the two weak lines correlated with them in the fourth and the second place stand for their respective wives. Thus all the connections and relationships within the family find their appropriate expression. Each individual line has the character according with its place. The fact that a strong line occupies the sixth place – where a weak line might be expected – indicates very clearly the strong leadership that must come from the head of the family. The line is to be considered here not in its quality as the sixth but in its quality as the top line. THE FAMILY shows the laws operative within the household that, transferred to outside life, keep the state and the world in order. The influence that goes out from within the family is represented by the symbol of the wind created by fire.
THE JUDGEMENT THE FAMILY. The perseverance of the woman furthers. The foundation of the family is the relationship between husband and wife. The tie that hold the family together lies in the loyalty and perseverance of the wife. Her place is within (second line), while that of the husband is without (fifth line). It is in accord with the great laws of nature that husband and wife take their proper places. Within the family a strong authority is needed; this is represented by the parents. If the father is really a father and the son a son, if the elder brother fulfils his position, and the younger fulfils his, if the husband is really a husband and the wife a wife, then the family is in order. When the family is in order, all the social relationships of mankind will be in order. |
| Three of the five social relationships are to be found within the family – that between father and son, which is the relation of love, that between the husband and wife, which is the relation of chaste conduct, and that between elder and younger brother, which is the relation of correctness. The loving reverence of the son is then carried over to the prince in the form of faithfulness to duty; the affection and correctness of behavior existing between the two brothers are extended to a friend in the form of loyalty, and to a person of superior rank in the form of deference. The family is society in embryo; it is the native soil on which performance of moral duty is made easy through natural affection, so that within a small circle a basis of moral practice is created, and this is later widened to include human relationships in general. |
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THE IMAGE Wind comes forth from fire: Heat creates energy: this is signified by the wind stirred up by the fire and issuing forth from it. This represents influence working from within outward. The same thing is needed in the regulation of the family. Here too the influence on others must proceed from 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. |
Today: “Why are we limited? Because of lack of wisdom through knowledge. If you know wisdom and then you go through an experience, you have knowledge.” Yogi Bhajan
“Why are we limited? Because of lack of wisdom through knowledge. If you know wisdom and then you go through an experience, you have knowledge. Then you are one step higher and one step higher and one step higher. Any wisdom which you experience within yourself becomes a knowledge within you. A man of wisdom will fall. A man of knowledge will never fall.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0337-Bujung Kriya – For Wisdom and Understanding
Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 26
The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement.
Thus the Master travels all day
without leaving home.
However splendid the views,
she stays serenely in herself.
Why should the lord of the country
flit about like a fool?
If you let yourself be blown to and fro,
you lose touch with your root.
If you let restlessness move you,
you lose touch with who you are.
(translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)
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Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.”