“Life is not given to us to live as a routine. It is given to us as our destiny. It is given so we experience life. Every day we must die and we must experience that death. And every day we must be reborn and must experience resurrection.” Yogi Bhajan
Tag: Kundalini Yoga
Tao Te Ching – Verse 11 – We work with being, but non-being is what we use.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 11
We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that makes the wagon move.
We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.
We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it livable.
We work with being,
but non-being is what we use.
(translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)
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Thirty spokes join in one hub
In its emptiness, there is the function of a vehicle
Mix clay to create a container
In its emptiness, there is the function of a container
Cut open doors and windows to create a room
In its emptiness, there is the function of a room
Therefore, that which exists is used to create benefit
That which is empty is used to create functionality
(translation by Derek Lin, 2006)
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It is the gaps that define.
That definition is perfect.
Ornate vessels hold water —
So it is Nothingness which has been defined, not the vessel.
The unwise have been tricked.
(translation by Jeremy M. Miller, 2013)
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from I Ching Online
Today: “Direct your attention toward realizing your aspirations. Go all in. Constructive achievement is always more profitable than engaging fearful distractions.” – From the I Ching
Direct your attention toward realizing your aspirations. Go all in. Constructive achievement is always more profitable than engaging fearful distractions.
Dispel the inflexible demands and fears of the Mind so that you may reunite in the Heart.
If you have begrudged, forgive.
If you have torn down, repair.
If you have injured, heal.
If you have judged, pardon.
If you have grasped, let go.
He must set aside all personal desires and disperse whatever the self gathers about it to serve as a barrier against others. Only on the basis of great renunciation can he obtain the strength for great achievements
Wind follows upon wind, wandering the earth, penetrating gently but persistently:
Small, persistent, focused effort brings success.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 10: “Can you coax your mind from its wandering and keep to the original oneness?”
Yogi Bhajan: “I see you all in only one way. I see divine everywhere. Now I have seen it, I cannot see anything else.”
Previous reading: “Engage in good works. Give freely. Hold an attitude of gratitude.”
Today: “Engage in good works. Give freely. Hold an attitude of gratitude.” – From the I Ching
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
Meditation: LA747 921231 Fear 6, to command yourself
Meditation: LA046 – 780614 – Hari Shabad Meditation – Use the Wind to Produce Trance and Dissolve Negativity
Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention
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
59 – Fifty-Nine. Huan / Dissolution
Wind carries the Mists aloft:
Sage rulers dedicated their lives to serving a Higher Power and built temples that still endure.
The King approaches his temple.
Success if you stay on course.
You may cross to the far shore.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Walls meant to protect have instead separated and isolated.
Your defenses have kept you apart from those whom you most need to touch.
Whatever the reason for discord between you, it is time to lay down your arms.
Dispel the inflexible demands and fears of the Mind so that you may reunite in the Heart.
If you have begrudged, forgive.
If you have torn down, repair.
If you have injured, heal.
If you have judged, pardon.
If you have grasped, let go.
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Six in the third place means: His ego dissolves and the void is filled with his Self.
Self-Portrait as a young man, 1634 – Rembrandt van Rijn |
| Under certain circumstances, a man’s work may become so difficult that he can no longer think of himself. He must set aside all personal desires and disperse whatever the self gathers about it to serve as a barrier against others. Only on the basis of great renunciation can he obtain the strength for great achievements. By setting his goal in a great task outside himself, he can attain this standpoint. |
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.
Today: “I see you all in only one way. I see divine everywhere. Now I have seen it, I cannot see anything else.” Yogi Bhajan
“I see you all in only one way. I see divine everywhere. Now I have seen it, I cannot see anything else. If I am blind to the man-made rules and regulations, that is not my fault. I have lived under those rules and it was the grace and the glory of the Master who gave me sight; now I have that sight and I don’t want to lose it at any cost; I am more willing to lose this body, this vehicle, and leave it here, then to lose that sight which has taken me beyond time, beyond karmas.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 10 – Can you coax your mind from its wandering and keep to the original oneness?
Tao Te Ching – Verse 10
Can you coax your mind from its wandering
and keep to the original oneness?
Can you let your body become
supple as a newborn child’s?
Can you cleanse your inner vision
until you see nothing but the light?
Can you love people and lead them
without imposing your will?
Can you deal with the most vital matters
by letting events take their course?
Can you step back from you own mind
and thus understand all things?
Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue.
(translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)
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In holding the soul and embracing oneness
Can one be steadfast, without straying?
In concentrating the energy and reaching relaxation
Can one be like an infant?
In cleaning away the worldly view
Can one be without imperfections?
In loving the people and ruling the nation
Can one be without manipulation?
In the heavenly gate’s opening and closing
Can one hold to the feminine principle?
In understanding clearly all directions
Can one be without intellectuality?
Bearing it, rearing it
Bearing without possession
Achieving without arrogance
Raising without domination
This is called the Mystic Virtue
(translation by Derek Lin, 2006)
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Be empty and know effulgent Zero.
Breathe softly and know Blissful Nothingness.
Stop looking, then see what was hidden.
Love in secret.
Watch without touching.
Rule All while resting in Zero.
(translation by Jeremy M. Miller, 2013)
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from I Ching Online
Today: “Engage in good works. Give freely. Hold an attitude of gratitude.” – From the I Ching
Engage in good works /
exercising gratitude /
you will meet your goals
Engage in good works. Give freely. Hold an attitude of gratitude.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 9 – Better to stop in time than to fill to the brim
Today: “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
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
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
Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention
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
35 – Thirty-Five. Chin / Aspiration
The Sun shines down upon the Earth:
Constantly honing and refining his brilliance, the Superior Person is a Godsend to his people.
They repay his benevolence with a herd of horses, and he is granted audience three times in a single day.
Promotion.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
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.
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above: Li / The Clinging, Fire | |
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below: K’un / The Receptive, Earth | |
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| The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth. It is therefore the symbol of rapid, easy progress, which at the same time means ever widening expansion and clarity.
THE JUDGEMENT PROGRESS. The powerful prince As an example of progress, this pictures a time when a powerful feudal lord rallies the other lords around the sovereign and pledges fealty and peace. The sovereign rewards him richly and invites him to a closer intimacy. THE IMAGE The sun rises over the earth: |
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| The light of the sun as it rises over the earth is by nature clear. The higher the sun rises, the more it emerges from the dark mists, spreading the pristine purity of its rays over an ever widening area. The real nature of man is likewise originally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with earthly things and therefore needs purification before it can shine forth in its native clarity.1
1. This is the theme dealt with in detail in the Great Learning, Ta Hsüeh [The Chinese Classics, I: Confucian Analects, etc., translation James Legge, and edn., Oxford, 1893, pp. 355-81]. |
Today: “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
“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
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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.
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| 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. |
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Tree on a mountain – from monastry of Semen Stolbnik near Aleppo – Syria |
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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