Today: “Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free. Then you can adopt Dharma. The moment you are in Dharma, and Dharma is your priority, you will never be subject to karma—you are free, you are liberated, you are fine. You are yourself. And then you enjoy yourself. You say what you feel, you do what you feel, you are an elevated self. It’s very fine, it’s very neat.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM0415 – 20010910 – Karma & Dharma

What else Yogi Bhajan said

Today:”As you are in the Cosmic flow, your goals will be realized.” – From the I Ching

As you are in the Cosmic flow, your goals will be realized.  The first thing is to purge the dark, unsavory elements that have persisted in your environment and thwarted your intentions.  Your self mastery will lead to great accomplishments by you and those who align with you.  You will have a strong influence over others with your excellence.  Exercise your awesome power.

See Nov 1,  Oct 31

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#50, line 1, #34

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.
Tip over the caldron and get rid of its stagnant contents once and for all.
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.

Yogi Bhajan’s Seven Steps to Happiness
Meditation: The Positive Mind
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 17
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

“The Old Man and the Gun” – movie recommendation and review

This is a story of the “gentleman bank robber”,  Forrest Tucker who did his holdups in the early 1980’s.  Robert Redford plays Tucker.

In this story, Forrest Tucker leads a life well-lived.  He was charming and charismatic.  Many of his victims who were interviewed reported that they really liked him.  It seems no one held his profession against him or judged him for it, personally.  If anything, some expressed envy at Tucker’s contentment and love of his work.

I mention this movie precisely because of this.  I like him too.  I was moved at his profound satisfaction with his work and his kind, charming demeanor.

One could say that any bank robber is a flawed human being.  There is, perhaps, a dark side within him.  One could say that he kept it up, against all odds for a good outcome, out of some sort of addiction.  Perhaps the thrill.

The character himself expressed his motive as “just living”.    No separation between himself and what he is doing, the life he is living.  He expressed deep gratitude for the joy and pleasure that he experienced “just living”.

Taking a leap, I would take away two things from this story.

  1.  Forrest Tucker’s example is a prescription for living.  Of course, many things could go wrong.  He was on the wrong side of the law and what most of us consider to be proper behavior.  In this story, he leads a charmed life.  Robbing, getting caught, going to prison, escaping and doing it again.  Nothing really bad seemed to happen to him or his victims.  What he experienced seemed to be simple joy.
  2. I would go further out on a limb to suggest that the story was also autobiographical (of Robert Redford), who is expressing his gratitude for his life well-lived, motivated by doing what he was best at and what he loved the most.  If so, this takes the statement “I can’t believe they pay me to do this” to a new level.  If true, maybe he is suggesting that he got away as a thief would, with something for nothing.

 

 

Today:”Do what you can with what you are good at.  Leave the rest to competent allies. ” – From the I Ching

The signs are there for ultimate success.  Do what you can with what you are good at.  Leave the rest to allies who are competent.  Then, let the situation evolve to completion.

See Oct 31

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#19, line 5, #5

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.
A prince, or anyone in a leading position, must have the wisdom to attract to himself people of ability who are expert in directing affairs. His wisdom consists both in selecting the right people and in allowing those chosen to have a free hand without interference from him. For only through such self-restraint will he find the experts needed to satisfy all of his requirements.
WAITING is not mere empty hoping. It has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. Such certainty alone gives that light which leads to success. This leads to the perseverance that brings good fortune and bestows power to cross the great water. One is faced with a danger that has to be overcome. Weakness and impatience can do nothing. Only a strong man can stand up to his fate, for his inner security enables him to endure to the end. This strength shows itself in uncompromising truthfulness [with himself]. It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any sort of self- deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events, by which the path to success may be recognized. This recognition must be followed by resolute and persevering action. For only the man who goes to meet his fate resolutely is equipped to deal with it adequately. Then he will be able to cross the great water – that is to say, he will be capable of making the necessary decision and of surmounting the danger.

Yogi Bhajan’s Seven Steps to Happiness
Meditation: The Positive Mind
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 17
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody. Some people waste their entire life rebelling. Some people are egomaniac neurotics; they will build themselves into a millionaire, and then destroy it. What a drama! What is this? Have you seen some people? With all that God has given to them, they are very ungrateful. They will plead poor, they will plead miserable.” Yogi Bhajan

Yogi Bhajan’s Seven Steps to Happiness

See my movie review of “The Old Man And the Gun”

Today:”The signs are there for ultimate success. ” – From the I Ching

The signs are there for ultimate success.  It is hard won.  With its approach, push only as far as is necessary.  Return to a regular order of life as soon as possible.

See Oct 30Oct 29, Oct 28

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#19, line 4, #40

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.
Successful or not, a sincere approach is the only course. Approach with determination, yet tolerance.
This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible; this is the meaning of “the south-west.” These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however: in such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no retardations occur.

Meditation: The Positive Mind
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 17
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “If you do not have the purpose of your life, all purposes of life will not fit in.” – Yogi Bhajan

“If you do not have the purpose of your life, all purposes of life will not fit in. You don’t understand that there is a problem in us. We are not born to suffer. We suffer because we don’t have motivation, we don’t have purpose. We think if we are making “x” amount of money, we are fine, if we have “x” amount of sex, we are fine, if we have “x” amount of security, we are fine. We have a judgment on everything. That’s what our measurement is, but this measurement is ridiculous.” Yogi Bhajan

Yogi Bhajan’s Seven Steps to Happiness

Today:”As the direction shifts towards growth after a long period of decay, many difficulties arise as to how it should proceed.  The only mandatory thing is not to give up.” – From the I Ching

As the direction shifts towards growth after a long period of decay, many difficulties arise as to how it should proceed.  The only mandatory thing is not to give up.  That would cause remorse beyond repair.  Manage the reconstruction.  See it through.
Overcoming initial obstacles, you can look forward to a period of expansion and growth.

See yesterday’s reading.   See previous day’s reading.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#3, line 6, #42

TIMES OF GROWTH are beset with difficulties. They resemble a first birth. But these difficulties arise from the very profusion of all that is struggling to attain form. Everything is in motion: therefore if one perseveres there is a prospect of great success, in spite of the existing danger. When it is a man’s fate to undertake such new beginnings, everything is still unformed, dark. Hence he must hold back, because any premature move might bring disaster. Likewise, it is very important not to remain alone; in order to overcome the chaos he needs helpers. This is not to say, however, that he himself should look on passively at what is happening. He must lend his hand and participate with inspiration and guidance.
The difficulties at the beginning are too great for some persons. They get stuck and never find their way out; they fold their hands and give up the struggle. Such resignation is the saddest of all things. Therefore Kongfu (Kongzi, Confucius) says of this line:
“Bloody tears flow: one should not persist in this.”
Sacrifice on the part of those above for the increase of those below fills the people with a sense of joy and gratitude that is extremely valuable for the flowering of the commonwealth. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings are possible, and even difficult and dangerous enterprises will succeed. Therefore in such times of progress and successful development it is necessary to work and make the best use of the time. This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heaven, forming and bringing forth living beings.

Meditation: The Positive Mind
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 15
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “The human is the light: mental, spiritual, self, and the teacher is the embodiment of it.” – Yogi Bhajan

“The human is the light: mental, spiritual, self, and the teacher is the embodiment of it. It delightfully lights everything, and removes the darkness.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM0410 Ek Ong Kar

Today:”Great success will come from your endeavors as long as you maintain strength and stability and the positive projection to endure in the face of great adversity.” – From the I Ching

Enjoy the exuberance of your close-knit comrades.  Great success will come from your endeavors as long as you maintain strength and stability and the positive projection to endure in the face of great adversity.  “Anything is possible.”
See yesterday’s reading.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#58, line 1, #47

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.
A quiet, wordless, self-contained joy, desiring nothing from without and resting content with everything, remains free of all egotistic likes and dislikes. In this freedom lies good fortune, because it harbours the quiet security of a heart fortified within itself.
Times of adversity are the reverse of times of success, but they can lead to success if they befall the right man. When a strong man meets with adversity, he remains cheerful despite all danger, and this cheerfulness is the source of later successes; it is that stability which is stronger than fate. He who lets his spirit be broken by exhaustion certainly has no success. But if adversity only bends a man, it creates in him a power to react that is bound in time to manifest itself. No inferior man is capable of this. Only the great man brings about good fortune and remains blameless. It is true that for the time being outward influence is denied him, because his words have no effect. Therefore in times of adversity it is important to be strong within and sparing of words.

Meditation: The Positive Mind
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 15
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Never utter a word if it’s not from your navel point, and it doesn’t confirm your regal, highest self.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Never utter a word if it’s not from your navel point, and it doesn’t confirm your regal, highest self. Once you start speaking from your anhad, the navel point, in your royalty, you shall live royally. All riches shall come to you, and everybody will feel you.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: BNM0364-20001023-On Communication I

Today:”Together, you and your allies form an indomitable influence.” – From the I Ching

Together, you and your allies form an indomitable influence.  Beware of individuals within the group who would dilute or pollute your singleminded purpose.  If you can bring your intentions to a sharper focus, this will act as thunder to stir even the most reluctant skeptics.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#58, line 5, #51

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.
Dangerous elements approach even the best of men. If a man permits himself to have anything to do with them, their disintegrating influence acts slowly but surely, and inevitably brings dangers in its train. But if he recognizes the situation and can comprehend the danger, he knows how to protect himself and remains unharmed.
A thunderbolt of Cosmic judgement crashes to earth.  For the common person, it’s just a momentary fright soon forgotten, its warning unfathomed and unheeded.  But to one who understands its significance, this thunder is a signal to repent.  Centering the Self, seeking balance, the enlightened person will respect and align himself with this Higher Power, while his fellows remain subject to the whims of every passing storm.

Meditation: Melt Negativity
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 13
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “From the One you came, the one you are, in zero, into Infinity you have to merge” – Yogi Bhajan

“From the One you came, the one you are, in zero, into Infinity you have to merge. Or from Infinity you have to come. In that One Infinity you exist, and then you merge into that One which is your Infinity. So you are born from zero, and you are to die at One. That’s your exit. If your exit is Oneness, that Infinity, that quality, that quantity, that realm of consciousness which has absolutely all the width you need, finally you will have no dimension; Then you are not measurable, you are not understandable, you are not. You become “not”.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: Breath to conquer time space and destiny

Today:”When you are in an uncertain situation, among people you do not know well, it is best to be reserved and act cautiously. ” – From the I Ching

When you are in an uncertain situation, among people you do not know well, it is best to be reserved and act cautiously.  Treat people with respect, regardless of their perceived stature.  In this way, you can make progress without danger of missteps.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#56, line 3, #35

You are a stranger to this situation.
It is your attraction to the exotic that has led you here, but you will move on to a new vista when this one has lost its mystique.  Because much of this environment is foreign to you, you must exercise only the best judgement.
You don’t know the custom here, and it’s too easy to cross a line you don’t know is there.  Because you are the foreigner in this setting, you have no history to acquit you.  Watch, listen, study, contemplate, then step lightly but decisively on.
A truculent stranger does not know how to behave properly. He meddles in affairs and controversies that do not concern him; thus he loses his resting place. He treats his servant with aloofness and arrogance; thus he loses the man’s loyalty. When a stranger in a strange land has no one left on whom he can rely, the situation becomes very dangerous.
This is a time of reward for good works.  Those you have helped want to show their gratitude.  Benefits come both from on high and from the humble you uplifted.  Accept all gifts graciously, though the reward may not be what you truly need or hoped for.  Some may bestow more than they can afford to give, but you must realize that they need to feel that they have repaid you.

Meditation: Melt Negativity
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 13
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “So, you have all come here to become teachers and you must understand the faculty of teacher” – Yogi Bhajan

“So, you have all come here to become teachers and you must understand the faculty of teacher. A Teacher is sharp enough to cut the hardness of the heart, the rudeness of the mind, the falsehood of the head, and the shakiness of the feet. A Teacher challenges you with an absolute definitive graceful power of projection and leaves you no alternative but to submit, surrender, and come in obedience. You are going to become Teachers. Are you going to be that powerful, with that caliber?” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: M136-970930 – Reality and discipline

Today:”As you share your abilities and team spirit with others, beware of those who work to undermine your intentions. ” – From the I Ching

As you share your abilities and team spirit with others, beware of those who work to undermine your intentions.  Recognize and stay away from those people.  Do not depend on them. They would only drag you down.
Rely, instead, on your personal power of transformation, for yourself, and the impact it has on others. See yesterday’s reading

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#58, line 5, #54

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.
Dangerous elements approach even the best of men. If a man permits himself to have anything to do with them, their disintegrating influence acts slowly but surely, and inevitably brings dangers in its train. But if he recognizes the situation and can comprehend the danger, he knows how to protect himself and remains unharmed.
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.

Meditation: Ad Nad Kriya – Gupt Gian Shakti the Secret Power of the Knowledge
Personal I Ching readings
Tao Te Ching – Verse 12
Previous readings
Today: I Ching