Today: The urgency of the situation has reached a breaking point – from the I Ching

The urgency of the situation has reached a breaking point.  Pushing ahead in the current climate will lead to disaster.  A leader must bring to the table the wisdom of the ages.  Otherwise, all is lost.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“This indicates a type of man who in times of preponderance of the great insists on pushing ahead. He accepts no advice from others, and therefore they in turn are not willing to lend him support. Because of this the burden grows, until the structure of things bends or breaks. Plunging willfully ahead in times of danger only hastens the catastrophe.
Where men are to be gathered together, religious forces are needed. But there must also be a human leader to serve as the centre of the group. In order to be able to bring others together, this leader must first of all be collected within himself. Only collective moral force can unite the world.
”

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“Love is consistent memory” Yogi Bhajan

“Love is consistent memory. With each breath, it comes, it lives, it excels in you.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: An auspicious day – from the I Ching

This is a very auspicious day.  Success comes from the primal depths of the universe.  Trust in your creative powers and inner strength to spread the light that shines within you and bless the world.  You have the capacity to bring  clarity, success and wealth to all who see you.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“When an individual draws this oracle, it means that success will come to him from the primal depths of the universe and that everything depends upon his seeking his happiness and that of others in one way only, that is, by perseverance in what is right.
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 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.
The time is favorable – a time of strength within, clarity and culture without. Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way. This brings supreme success and wealth.
”

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“The greatest blunder you can commit” Yogi Bhajan

“The greatest blunder you can commit is to think that mind and soul are yours. They are not finite, they cannot belong to finite. They are infinite, they belong to infinite. Just think that. Happiness will come to you.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Still waiting; stay calm – from the I Ching

Still waiting.  Despite criticism and other tongue wagging, stay calm.  Accept good advice, and lead from the heart.

 

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. A strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
The danger gradually comes closer. Sand is near the bank of the river, and the water means danger. Disagreements crop up. General unrest can easily develop in such times, and we lay the blame on one another. He who stays calm will succeed in making things go well in the end. Slander will be silenced if we do not gratify it with injured retorts.
Through attraction the sage influences men’s hearts, and thus the world attains peace. From the attractions they exert we can learn the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
”

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“Enrich yourself with sacredness” Yogi Bhajan

“Enrich yourself with sacredness and opportunity will come to you from every corner.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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On this Fourth of July, 2017

Some of my friends and kindred souls are saying that the health of our democratic republic, America, has hit a new low.  I think that the real low was the Civil War, which, evidently, never ended completely, and hopefully, will not be repeated.  With all the diversity of our Nation, there are inevitably people who do want to go there and revive that tragic incident.  We know who they are.

As to why, the question is one of identity.  We can choose to identify with our self and God, or abdicate the elevated self to our ego, other egos, groups of people founded on ego and all the baggage of ego: misery, suffering, fear, hatred and a clinging to ignorance.

I brought this up earlier presenting  a reading from the I Ching for July 4.  Today, I am reminded that people whom we consider to be heroes are just people who remained themselves, no matter what the circumstances: forces, pressures, enticements, threats and dangers.

Today in the Los Angeles Times an article appeared which tells the story of a hero who is just a regular guy who knows who he is and what his duty is to himself, his friends, his nation and humanity.  It may be interpreted, as it is in the article, that certain ethnic or other groups are constantly having to prove that they are Americans.  I don’t see this guy as having any ideal outside of himself that inspired his bravery.  I see him as just a simple fellow from a nondescript place at a certain time under certain circumstances who found within himself the wherewithal to keep going.  In his moment of trial, he had faith.

 

 

 

 

Today: Don’t make a big deal of being right – from the I Ching

Don’t make a big deal of being right.  Those who are weak now are in control.  We must wait for the situation to change.  The high ground cannot be taken by force.  Compromise is not an abdication of one’s personal power and ability to have a positive impact on the situation.  Your clear-headed vision and inner strength will prevail in the end.
Take Yogi Bhajan’s advice

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. A strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
Here an attempt is made to press forward forcibly, in the consciousness that the obstructing power is slight. But since, under the circumstances, power actually lies with the weak, this sudden offensive is doomed to failure. External conditions hinder the advance, just as loss of the wheel spokes stops the progress of a wagon. We do not yet heed this hint from fate, hence there are annoying arguments like those of a married couple. Naturally this is not a favourable state of things, for though the situation may enable the weaker side to hold its ground, the difficulties are too numerous to permit of a happy result. In consequence even the strong man cannot so use his power as to exert the right influence on those around him. He experiences a rebuff where he expected an easy victory, and he thus compromises his dignity.
CONFLICT DEVELOPS when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict.
If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear- headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry on the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated.
”

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“The greatest art is to sit, and wait, and let it come” Yogi Bhajan

“The greatest art is to sit, and wait, and let it come.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Contemplate & be aware how others look to you for guidance – from the I Ching

Contemplate at this time of transition whether to advance or retreat.  Looking back at your life will give you answers.  Recognize that in any case, what you say and do have effects on others.  Be aware how others look to you for guidance.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Contemplation of the divine meaning underlying the workings of the universe gives to the man who is called upon to influence others the means of producing like effects. This requires that power of inner concentration which religious contemplation develops in great men strong in faith. It enables them to apprehend the mysterious and divine laws of life, and by means of profoundest inner concentration they give expression to these laws in their own persons. Thus a hidden spiritual power emanates from them, influencing and dominating others without their being aware of how it happens.
This is the place of transition. We no longer look outward to receive pictures that are more or less limited and confused, but direct our contemplation upon ourselves in order to find a guideline for our decisions. This self-contemplation means the overcoming of naïve egotism in the person who sees everything solely form his own standpoint. He begins to reflect and in this way acquires objectivity. However, self-knowledge does not mean preoccupation with one’s own thoughts; rather, it means concern about the effects one creates. It is only the effects our lives produce that give us the right to judge whether what we have done means progress or regression.
the influence on others must proceed form 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.
”

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“Love is the ultimate state of human being” Yogi Bhajan

“Love is the ultimate state of human being where compassion prevails
and kindness rules.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: It is time to recognize the causes for corruption – from the I Ching

It is time to recognize the causes for corruption in our world and begin to repair the damage.  What has been going on for some time must be dealt with and corrected.  The danger has come to a point of crisis only because the concerted efforts of the few who created this situation were met generally with apathy.  That has to change.  While corruption is widespread, it can be remedied.
Rather than charging headlong into a reactionary course, the causes that are perpetuating the situation must be identified, discredited and neutralized.  Every new action must be considered deliberately and applied frugally in order to avoid new reaction.
What has gone before is no longer relevant.  Bringing to light the negative influences that have held the status quo will be sufficient.  They will discredit themselves, their influence will wane and the social organism will begin to begin to heal.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“What has been spoiled through man’s fault can be made good again through man’s work.  
It is not immutable fate that has caused the state of corruption, but rather the abuse of human freedom.
We must first know the [specific] causes of corruption before we can do away with them; hence it is necessary to be cautious during the time before the start. Then we must see to it that the new way is safely entered on, so that a relapse may be avoided; therefore we must pay attention to the time after the start. Decisiveness and energy must take the place of inertia and indifference that have led to decay, in order that the ending may be followed by a new beginning.
Rigid adherence to tradition has resulted in decay. But the decay has not yet penetrated deeply and so can still be easily remedied. It is as if a son were compensating for the decay his father allowed to creep in. Then no blame attaches to the father. However, one must not overlook the danger or take the matter too lightly. Only if one is conscious of the danger connected with every reform will everything go well in the end.
Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not to try to cover up poverty with empty pretence. If a time of scanty resources brings out an inner truth, one must not feel ashamed of simplicity. For simplicity is then the very thing needed to provide inner strength for further undertakings.
”

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“Committed language is when you speak directly” Yogi Bhajan

“Committed language is when you speak directly, with your heart, with all parts of your mind supporting what you say.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: You have awesome power at your disposal – from the I Ching

You have awesome power at your disposal as long as you are in alignment with the cosmic rhythms.  Do not flout it.  Do not entangle yourself in useless quarrels with ignorant people.  Give up your expectations of others.  Merely proceed on a righteous course which will carry the day.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Thunder – electrical energy – mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.
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.
…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 
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.
”

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“You are the master of your destiny” Yogi Bhajan

You are the master of your destiny. You are the leader of your day. You are the light of your life. You are nothing but a representation of God on this planet. That is the Will and decree, and that is God. In God you dwell, and God dwells in you.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: A significant week(end) for America – from the I Ching

This is a significant week(end) for Americans and people living in America.  It is a time to assess who we are and what we are about.  It’s about our collective identity.  It’s time to look around and see who else is here and what amplifies US.  We are under attack from without and from within.
Our Republic was founded and is based on the Rule of Law.  The Law is not the Truth, but it is the written contract that defines the parameters by which we agree to live with each other.

The primal law is the Constitution.

From time to time the Law is contorted and stretched, and cheaters will cheat.  But, since the Civil War, its rule has not been breached.

Chaotic forces are now mounting a siege against our nation’s long tradition of unity.  Its reverence for and commitment to Truth is bleeding into the darkness.  The value of Truth itself is being questioned.
The remedy to all this is not to rebel against the dark forces in a disorganized and reactive way.  That would only contribute to the chaos and amplify its effects.
The tools of democracy must be employed in their various forms that offer stability to our way of life.  Dissent must find a common voice through peaceful verbal and physical expression, which includes civil disobedience.
The key has always been, and will always be, unity.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“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. Limitations are troublesome, but they are effective. If we live economically in normal times, we are prepared for times of want. To be sparing saves us from humiliation. Limitations are also indispensable in the regulation of world conditions. In nature there are fixed limits for summer and winter, day and night, and these limits give the year its meaning. In the same way, economy, by setting fixed limits upon expenditures, acts to preserve property and prevent injury to the people.
But in limitation we must observe due measure. If a man should seek to impose galling limitations upon his own nature, it would be injurious. And if he should go too far in imposing limitations on others, they would rebel.
Therefore it is necessary to set limits even upon limitation. . ”

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