“Ego is nothing but a committed consciousness and when your existence is a committed consciousness and your activity is not committed, then there is a duality.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 9 – Better to stop in time than to fill to the brim
Tao Te Ching – Verse 9
Better to stop in time than to fill to the brim.
Hone a blade to the sharpest point, and it will soon be blunt.
Fill your house with gold and jade, and no one can protect it.
Be prideful about wealth and position, and you bring disasters upon yourself. Retire when the work is done.
This is the way of heaven.
from the Tao Te Ching
Translation by Tolbert McCarroll Comments and layout by Thomas Knierim
-+-+-+-
from I Ching Online
Today: “Keep up. Adversity is the primary ingredient to a well formed character. Perseverance allows for miraculous achievement against all odds.” – From the I Ching
Keep up. Adversity is the primary ingredient to a well formed character. Perseverance allows for miraculous achievement against all odds.
The gnarled Pine grows tenaciously off the Cliff face:
The Superior Person clings faithfully to dignity and integrity, thus elevating the Collective Spirit of Man in his own small way.
Development.
Adaptability mixed with integrity will bring a calm, steady progress.
Move from your center, always faithful to your principles, yet with the flexibility to weather any tempest.
Tree on a mountain – from monastry of Semen Stolbnik near Aleppo – Syria
The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one’s own moral development.
Today: “If you want to grow, you must face opposition.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “If you want to grow, you must face opposition.” Yogi Bhajan
Friedrich Nietzsche agrees: “What does not kill you only makes you stronger”
Today: “The flying dragon hovers over the chasm from which he was born. The world is spinning in the palm of your hand.” – From the I Ching
Today: “Liberation from this unhappy juncture has become a non-negotiable imperative.” – From the I Ching
Meditation: NM374 – 20001128 – Patience and Intuition
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
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
53 – Fifty-Three. Chien / Gradual Progress
The gnarled Pine grows tenaciously off the Cliff face:
The Superior Person clings faithfully to dignity and integrity, thus elevating the Collective Spirit of Man in his own small way.
Development.
The maiden is given in marriage.
Good fortune if you stay on course.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Adaptability mixed with integrity will bring a calm, steady progress.
Move from your center, always faithful to your principles, yet with the flexibility to weather any tempest.
Yours is not a meteoric rise to the top, but the solid, confident footing of one who has a clear vision of what can be, and who is willing to climb the distance to reach it.
The oracle foresees companionship along the way — a Divine comfort on any journey.
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| This hexagram is made up of Sun (wood, penetration) above, i.e., without, and Kên (mountain, stillness) below, i.e., within. A tree on a mountain develops slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually, step by step. The attributes of the trigrams also point to this: within is tranquillity, which guards against precipitate actions, and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.
THE JUDGEMENT DEVELOPMENT. The maiden The development of events that leads to a girl’s following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage takes place. This principle of gradual development can be applied to other situations as well; it is always applicable where it is a matter of correct relationships of co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official. The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on others, for here too the essential factor is a correct way of development through cultivation of one’s own personality. No influence such as that exerted by agitators has a lasting effect. |
|
|
Tree on a mountain – from monastry of Semen Stolbnik near Aleppo – Syria |
|
THE IMAGE On the mountain, a tree: The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one’s own moral development. |
Today: “If you want to grow, you must face opposition.” Yogi Bhajan
“If you want to grow, you must face opposition. If you say there will not be people to negate you and not to oppose you and not to put you down, you can never progress. You must have equal opposition to the amount you have to increase.” Yogi Bhajan
Friedrich Nietzsche agrees: “What does not kill you only makes you stronger”
Tao Te Ching – Verse 8 – The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 8
The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.
Today: “The flying dragon hovers over the chasm from which he was born. The world is spinning in the palm of your hand.” – From the I Ching
The world in your hands /
conquering hero or sage? /
only you can choose
The flying dragon hovers over the chasm from which he was born. The world is spinning in the palm of your hand.
A place of transition has been reached, and free choice can enter in. A twofold possibility is presented to the great man: he can soar to the heights and play an important part in the world, or he can withdraw into solitude and develop himself.
Don’t lose your balance lunging for the brass ring.
While the Fates continue to restrain you, go them one better and display a self-generated restraint and grace.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 7 – The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Today: “Some people think that a holy man is a skinny man with a stick in his hand and a bowl of rice which he eats once a month, that he lives anywhere, he is never angry.” Yogi Bhajan
Previous reading: “Liberation from this unhappy juncture has become a non-negotiable imperative.”
Today: “Liberation from this unhappy juncture has become a non-negotiable imperative.” – From the I Ching
Today: “It is imperative to expose the hidden influences who are stirring up all the chaos and trouble. Once the public at large are aware of them, measures can be devised and implemented to eradicate them.” – From the I Ching
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
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
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 fourth place means:The flying dragon hovers over the chasm from which he was born. Wavering flight over the depths.
Nils Holgersson |
| A place of transition has been reached, and free choice can enter in. A twofold possibility is presented to the great man: he can soar to the heights and play an important part in the world, or he can withdraw into solitude and develop himself. He can go the way of the hero or that of the holy sage who seeks seclusion. There is no general law to say which of the two is the right way. Each one in this situation must make a free choice according to the inner law of his being. If the individual acts consistently and is true to himself, he will find the way that is appropriate for him. This way is right for him and without blame. |
9 – Nine. Hsiao Ch’u / Gentle Restraint
Winds of change high in the Heavens:
Air currents carry the weather.
Dense clouds blow in from the West, but still no rain.
The Superior Person fine tunes the image he presents to the world.
Small successes.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
No matter what you do, the fruit of your labors never seems to ripen.
Your reward remains just out of reach.
Men have gone mad from such anticipation.
Don’t lose your balance lunging for the brass ring.
While the Fates continue to restrain you, go them one better and display a self-generated restraint and grace.
Look for the humor in the situation.
Today: “Some people think that a holy man is a skinny man with a stick in his hand and a bowl of rice which he eats once a month, that he lives anywhere, he is never angry.” Yogi Bhajan
“Some people think that a holy man is a skinny man with a stick in his hand and a bowl of rice which he eats once a month, that he lives anywhere, he is never angry. That’s not true. A holy man is a wholesome, compassionate person.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0420-20011015 – The Power of Memories – Remember the Saint Within
Tao Te Ching – Verse 7 – The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 7
The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Why is it eternal?
It was never born;
thus it can never die.
Why is it infinite?
It has no desires for itself;
thus it is present for all beings. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 7 – The Tao is infinite, eternal.”
Today: “Liberation from this unhappy juncture has become a non-negotiable imperative.” – From the I Ching
Unhappy juncture /
Opportunity and will /
bringing swift relief
Liberation from this unhappy juncture has become a non-negotiable imperative.
The means to accomplish this transformation must be as carefully planned as the events that have led us here. Its swift execution will inspire the overwhelming support of We in quickly supplanting the wily connivances of them which have been so long in the making.
Today: “Trust only comes when you trust yourself.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “What causes pain in our life is that we do not know how to live as relaxed beings.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “It is imperative to expose the hidden influences who are stirring up all the chaos and trouble. Once the public at large are aware of them, measures can be devised and implemented to eradicate them.” – From the I Ching
Today: “The insurgents’ plan to seize power and control is at hand. It cannot be stopped. The collapse of the established order is nearly complete. One can only ride the wave. Then, we’ll see what happens.” – From the I Ching
Meditation: LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change
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
28 – Twenty-Eight. Ta Kuo / Critical Mass
The Flood rises above the tallest Tree:
Amidst a rising tide of human folly, the Superior Person retires to higher ground, renouncing his world without looking back.
Any direction is better than where you now stand.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Several high-priority concerns demand immediate attention.
All are crucial.
None will be denied.
Yet some demand the denial of others.
Like two atoms seeking to occupy the same space, these irresistible forces and immovable objects threaten to ignite a cataclysm that could irreversibly alter your world.
This is no time for fatal heroics.
You are at Ground Point Zero.
Remove yourself from this situation without delay.
Find sanctuary.
Later you may deal with these concerns on your own terms, from a position of strength.
Six at the beginning [yin at bottom] means:He cushions the objects with mats of white palm before setting them on the soft grass. To spread white rushes underneath.
White rush |
| When a man wishes to undertake an enterprise in extraordinary times, he must be extraordinarily cautious, just as when setting a heavy thing down on the floor, one takes care to put rushes under it, so that nothing will break. This caution, though it may seem exaggerated, is not a mistake. Exceptional enterprises cannot succeed unless utmost caution is observed in their beginnings and in the laying of their foundations. |
49 – Forty-Nine. Ko / Revolution
Fire ignites within the Lake, defying conditions that would deny it birth or survival:
The Superior Person reads the Signs of the Times and makes the Season apparent to all.
The support you need will come only after the deed is done.
Renewed forces, however, will provide fresh energy for exceptional progress.
Persevere.
All differences vanish.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
A revolutionary Change must be made forcibly.
There is no negotiating with the Established Order.
Perfect timing is essential.
Let the abuse of power become apparent and oppressive to those around you before making your move.
Lay the groundwork, sow the seeds for Revolution without tipping your hand prematurely.
You will need a strong foundation, because you will have to bring about this necessary change alone.
You cannot count on popular support, so you must wait until there is massive dissent.
Then the avenue for your assault will be cleared.
Today: “What causes pain in our life is that we do not know how to live as relaxed beings.” Yogi Bhajan
“What causes pain in our life is that we do not know how to live as relaxed beings. When you are not relaxed, the spirit will not prevail through you. If you are not relaxed, you are unable to communicate and you cannot understand, so you don’t live. There are two ways of living: living and existing. When you exist, you don’t live; when you live, then you exist in a graceful manner.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 6 – The Tao is called the Great Mother: empty yet inexhaustible, it gives birth to infinite worlds.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 6
The Tao is called the Great Mother:
empty yet inexhaustible,
it gives birth to infinite worlds.
It is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 6 – The Tao is called the Great Mother: empty yet inexhaustible, it gives birth to infinite worlds.”
Today: “It is imperative to expose the hidden influences who are stirring up all the chaos and trouble. Once the public at large are aware of them, measures can be devised and implemented to eradicate them.” – From the I Ching
It is imperative to expose the hidden influences who are stirring up all the chaos and trouble. Once the public at large are aware of them, measures can be devised and implemented to eradicate them.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.
Today: “Trust only comes when you trust yourself.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “Trust only comes when you trust yourself.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “Rather than struggling with wild and chaotic forces directly, try to find the roots of the problem and eradicate them.” – from the I Ching
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
57 – Fifty-Seven. Sun / The Penetrating Wind
Wind follows upon wind, wandering the earth, penetrating gently but persistently:
The Superior Person expands his influence by reaffirming his decisions and carrying out his promises.
Small, persistent, focused effort brings success.
Seek advice from someone you respect.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Gentle persuasion is the key in this instance.
Though the words are soft, their speaker must be firm, calm and confident.
Gentle words are worthless if spoken with trepidation.
Wordless influence by example is also effective in this situation.
All persuasion should be almost unfelt, yet consistent and persistent.
Ask for feedback from someone you know to be an effective persuader.
Nine in the second place means:A whirlwind beneath the bed. Penetration under the bed.
Anubis |
| At times one has to deal with hidden enemies, intangible influences that slink into dark corners and from this hiding affect people by suggestion. In instances like this, it is necessary to trace these things back to the most secret recesses, in order to determine the nature of the influences to be dealt with. This is the task of the priests; removing the influences is the task of the magicians. The very anonymity of such plotting requires an especially vigorous and indefatigable effort, but this is well worth while. For when such elusive influences are brought into the light and branded, they lose their power over people. |
53 – Fifty-Three. Chien / Gradual Progress
The gnarled Pine grows tenaciously off the Cliff face:
The Superior Person clings faithfully to dignity and integrity, thus elevating the Collective Spirit of Man in his own small way.
Development.
The maiden is given in marriage.
Good fortune if you stay on course.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Adaptability mixed with integrity will bring a calm, steady progress.
Move from your center, always faithful to your principles, yet with the flexibility to weather any tempest.
Yours is not a meteoric rise to the top, but the solid, confident footing of one who has a clear vision of what can be, and who is willing to climb the distance to reach it.
The oracle foresees companionship along the way — a Divine comfort on any journey.
Today: “Trust only comes when you trust yourself.” Yogi Bhajan
“Trust only comes when you trust yourself. When you trust your dignity, you will always be dignified. When you trust your love, you will always be lovable. When you trust your beauty, you will always be beautiful. When you trust your greatness, you will always be great.” Yogi Bhajan
The Tao Te Ching speaks to this
Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 5
The Tao doesn’t take sides;
it gives birth to both good and evil.
The Master doesn’t take sides;
she welcomes both saints and sinners.
The Tao is like a bellows:
it is empty yet infinitely capable.
The more you use it, the more it produces;
the more you talk of it, the less you understand.
Hold on to the center. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.”
Today: “The insurgents’ plan to seize power and control is at hand. It cannot be stopped. The collapse of the established order is nearly complete. One can only ride the wave. Then, we’ll see what happens.” – From the I Ching
Takeover complete /
narrowest interests prevail /
What will happen next?
The insurgents’ plan to seize power and control is at hand. It cannot be stopped. The collapse of the established order is nearly complete. One can only ride the wave. Then, we’ll see what happens.
Everything changes. Polarities swing toward their opposites. The only question is how long it will take.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 4 – The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.
Today: “there is a chance for every man to become a perfect saint” – Yogi Bhajan
Today: “there is a chance for every man to become a perfect saint” – Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: LA372 831212 Corruption and character
Meditation: The Neutral Mind
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
23 – Twenty-Three. Po / Splitting Apart
The weight of the Mountain presses down upon a weak foundation of Earth:
The Superior Person will use this time of oppression to attend to the needs of those less fortunate.
Any action would be ill-timed.
Stand fast.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is a situation easily mistaken for Stagnation (Hexagram 12) or Revolution (Hexagram 49).
It just depends on which side you’re on.
During a time of Stagnation, human worms invade to feed on the decay.
During a time of Revolution, oppression is being overthrown.
But in this situation, oppressors are violently seizing power.
Pay special heed when you receive this hexagram, because the oracle is often warning you of a situation of which you are totally unaware.
You are about to be blindsided.
 |
||
 |
above: Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain | |
|
||
|
||
|
below: K’un / The Receptive, Earth | |
|
||
| The dark lines are about to mount upward and overthrow the last firm, light line by exerting a disintegrating influence on it. The inferior, dark forces overcome what is superior and strong, not by direct means, but by undermining it gradually and imperceptibly, so that it finally collapses. The lines of the hexagram present the image of a house, the top line being the roof, and because the roof is being shattered the house collapses. The hexagram belongs to the ninth month (October- November). The yin power pushes up ever more powerfully and is about to supplant the yang power altogether. THE JUDGEMENT SPLITTING APART. It does not further one This pictures a time when inferior people are pushing forward and are about to crowd out the few remaining strong and superior men. Under these circumstances, which are due to the time, it is not favorable for the superior man to undertake anything. The right behavior in such adverse times is to be deduced from the images and their attributes. The lower trigram stands for the earth, whose attributes are docility and devotion. The upper trigram stands for the mountain, whose attribute is stillness. This suggests that one should submit to the bad time and remain quiet. For it is a question not of man’s doing but of time conditions, which, according to the laws of heaven, show an alternation of increase and decrease, fullness and emptiness. It is impossible to counteract these conditions of the time. Hence it is not cowardice but wisdom to submit and avoid action. THE IMAGE The mountain rests on the earth: |
Volcano El Teide, Tenerife – Canary Islands, June 2013 – photo Lex van den Bos |
| The mountain rests on the earth. When it is steep and narrow, lacking a broad base, it must topple over. Its position is strong only when it rises out of the earth broad and great, not proud and steep. So likewise those who rule rest on the broad foundation of the people. They too should be generous and benevolent, like the earth that carries all. Then they will make their position as secure as a mountain is in its tranquillity. |
Today: “there is a chance for every man to become a perfect saint” – Yogi Bhajan
“Whether you believe me or not, there is a chance for every man to become a perfect saint. If your mental attitude is perfect and security and calmness is achieved inside, everything, all the material world, will relate to you outside.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0420-20011015 – The Power of Memories – Remember the Saint Within
See related posts