Today: “Regardless of what one has gained or acquired, it is one’s nature that is on display.  It is easy to see when someone is virtuous or corrupt.  Live as your true self.” – From the I Ching

Be liberated /
elevate others as your /
original self

Regardless of what one has gained or acquired, it is one’s nature that is on display.  It is easy to see when someone is virtuous or corrupt.  Live as your true self.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One

Today: “My sharing of this yoga is to teach humans the ultimate science of mankind” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “My sharing of this yoga is to teach humans the ultimate science of mankind” – Yogi Bhajan

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Previous reading: “You have the real power by your inner virtue and subtle connections to all mankind. Now keep up! ”

Previous previous previous reading: “Practice what you preach. Be the example that you wish others to follow. Proceed modestly and you will succeed.”

Meditation:  LA19930407 – Experiencing the Original You

Some thoughts on my friend’s message before vision quest

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
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.

Six in the third place means:

The porter carries his burden in a gilded carriage well beyond his means.
This attracts not only the resentment of his peers, but bandits as well.
Injury and humiliation ahead.

If a man carries a burden on his back
And nonetheless rides in a carriage,
He thereby encourages robbers to draw near.
Perseverance leads to humiliation.

Chinese carriage

Chinese carriage

This refers to a man who has come out of needy circumstances into comfort and freedom from want. If now, in the manner of an upstart, he tries to take his ease in comfortable surroundings that do not suit his nature, he thereby attracts robbers. If he goes on thus he is sure to bring disgrace upon himself. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:

Carrying a burden on the back is the business of a common man; a carriage is the appurtenance of a man of rank. Now, when a common man uses the appurtenance of man of rank, robbers plot to take it away from him. If a man is insolent toward those above him and hard toward those below him, robbers plot to attack him. Carelessness in guarding things tempts thieves to steal. Sumptuous ornaments worn by a maiden are an enticement to rob her of her virtue.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, circa 1665 – 1667 – Johannes Vermeer
Mauritshuis – The Hague – Holland

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.

 

Today: “My sharing of this yoga is to teach humans the ultimate science of mankind” – Yogi Bhajan

SSSYWa“You must understand one thing: I have sacrificed what I could have achieved personally for one game only: to create teachers in the West. My sharing of this yoga is to teach humans the ultimate science of mankind. It is priceless. It is the concentrated essence of thousands of years of humanity. I am here to preserve it in your hearts so that it will be available later on when humanity will need it more badly than you or I can imagine.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One

Tao Te Ching – Verse 42

The Tao gives birth to One.
One gives birth to Two.
Two gives birth to Three.
Three gives birth to all things.
All things have their backs to the female
and stand facing the male.
When male and female combine,
all things achieve harmony.
Ordinary men hate solitude.
But the Master makes use of it,
embracing his aloneness, realizing
he is one with the whole universe. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One”

Today: “You have the real power by your inner virtue and subtle connections to all mankind.  Now keep up! ” – From the I Ching

You have the power /
Your virtue and connections /
With all will prevail

You have the real power by your inner virtue and subtle connections to all mankind.  Now keep up!  

Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it

Today: “You must accept that you are you and that your mind is also you.” Yogi Bhajan

Today: “You must accept that you are you and that your mind is also you.” Yogi Bhajan

Related Posts

Previous previous reading: “Practice what you preach. Be the example that you wish others to follow. Proceed modestly and you will succeed.”

Previous previous reading: “The difficulties thrust upon you are real, and shared by nearly everyone. The old social structure is damaged. Recognizing the best in yourself and others, come together again as a new unit. Get over your differences and know you will succeed.”

 

Some thoughts on my friend’s message before vision quest

Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical

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
34 – Thirty-Four.  Ta Chuang / Awesome Power

Thunder fills the Heavens with its awful roar, not out of pride, but with integrity; if it did less, it would not be Thunder:
Because of his Great Power, the Superior Person takes pains not to overstep his position, so that he will not seem intimidating or threatening to the Established Order.

Opportunity will arise along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

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.

 

  yin  
  yin above: Chên / The Arousing, Thunder
  yang
 
  yang  
  yang below: Ch’ien / The Creative, Heaven
  yang

 

The great lines, that is, the light, strong lines, are powerful. Four light lines have entered the hexagram from below and are about to ascend higher. The upper trigram is Chên, the Arousing; the lower is Ch’ien, the Creative. Ch’ien is strong, Chên produces movement. The union of movement and strength gives the meaning of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. The hexagram is linked with the second month (March-April).

THE JUDGEMENT

THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers.

The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on one’s own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time. Therefore the added statement that perseverance furthers. For that is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point – namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united – we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.

The Tao of Power:
Lao Tzu’s Classic Guide to Leadership, Influence, and Excellence [A new translation of the Tao Te Ching] by R.L. Wing

 

Moon in thunder sky

THE IMAGE

Thunder in heaven above:
The image of THE POWER OF THE GREAT.
Thus the superior man does not tread on paths
That do not accord with established order.

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.

 

Today: “You must accept that you are you and that your mind is also you.” Yogi Bhajan

“You must accept that you are you and that your mind is also you. When you have a relationship between you and your mind, it shall answer all problems.”Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: LA935-980608- Connect the subconscious and intuition

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What else Yogi Bhajan said

Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it

Tao Te Ching – Verse 41

When a superior man hears of the Tao,
he immediately begins to embody it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he half believes it, half doubts it.
When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn’t laugh,
it wouldn’t be the Tao.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it”

Today: “Practice what you preach.  Be the example that you wish others to follow.  Proceed modestly and you will succeed.” – From the I Ching

Practice what you preach /
Be the example that you /
Would like to inspire

Practice what you preach.  Be the example that you wish others to follow.  Proceed modestly and you will succeed.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.

Today: “There is no future for those who relate to the past all the time” – Yogi Bhajan

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Previous reading: “The difficulties thrust upon you are real, and shared by nearly everyone. The old social structure is damaged. Recognizing the best in yourself and others, come together again as a new unit. Get over your differences and know you will succeed.”

Previous previous previous reading: “New leader emerges.”

 

Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical

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
60 – Sixty.  Chieh / Limitations

Waters difficult to keep within the Lake’s banks:
The Superior Person examines the nature of virtue and makes himself a standard that can be followed.

Self-discipline brings success; but restraints too binding bring self-defeat.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Cultivating the proper disciplines and the proper degree of discipline are the concerns of this hexagram.
By limiting options, you may give more attention to priorities.
One who is all over the map is no less lost than one without a map.
Avoid asceticism, however.
Deprivation is not wise discipline.
The key here is regulation, not restriction.

Nine in the fifth place means:

He travels easily with economy and simplicity.
This brings merit.

Sweet limitation brings good fortune.
Going brings esteem.

Speed limit

The limitation must be carried out in the right way if it is to be effective. If we seek to impose restrictions on others only, while evading them ourselves, these restrictions will always be resented and will provoke resistance. If, however, a man in a leading position applies the limitation first to himself, demanding little from those associated with him, and with modest means manages to achieve something, good fortune is the result. Where such an example occurs, it meets with emulation, so that whatever is undertaken must succeed.

19 – Nineteen.  Lin / Noble Calling

The rich, loamy Earth on the banks of the Marsh provides fertile soil for exceptional progress.
The Superior Person is inexhaustible in his willingness to teach, and without limit in his tolerance and support of others.

Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
But be aware that your time is limited; your power will wane, as Summer changes to Fall.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are in a position to help another.
This is a temporary situation, because your power is cyclical, seasonal.
Knowing this, you must perform your good deed without hope of reward.
You are not furthering your own process, but another’s.
Though you may cherish this other, you will never possess.
Touch without grasping.
Take comfort in becoming a fond memory.
Nurture, then let go.

 

Today: “There is no future for those who relate to the past all the time” – Yogi Bhajan

“There is no future for those who relate to the past all the time, because the past is now and the future is now. You can wipe out yesterday; now you can figure out tomorrow. The activity to live now is called the highest achievement.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation:  TCH36-1-A00713 – Pain and Ecstasy – Triangle of Knowledge

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 40

Return is the movement of the Tao.
Yielding is the way of the Tao.

All things are born of being.
Being is born of non-being.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.”

Today: “Calamity and catastrophe shake the social and physical structure.  If you have not yet experienced personal devastation, it is a call to awaken.  Remaining still, not reacting,  ride out the earthquake beneath your feet.” – From the I Ching

The storm reeks havoc /
Calling us to awaken /
A new awareness

Calamity and catastrophe shake the social and physical structure.  If you have not yet experienced personal devastation, it is a call to awaken.  Remaining still, not reacting,  ride out the earthquake beneath your feet.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 39 – In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious

Today: “If you want to grow, you must face opposition” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “If you want to grow, you must face opposition” – Yogi Bhajan

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Previous reading: “New leader emerges.”

Previous previous reading: “The difficulties thrust upon you are real, and shared by nearly everyone. The old social structure is damaged. Recognizing the best in yourself and others, come together again as a new unit. Get over your differences and know you will succeed.”

Meditation: LA907 – Kriya for Non-Reaction

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
51 – Fifty-One.   Chên / Thunder

Thunder echoes upon Thunder, commanding reverence for its father Heaven:
In awe of Heaven’s majestic power, the Superior Person looks within and sets his life in order.
Thunder mingles with startled screams of terror for a hundred miles around.
As the people nervously laugh at their own fright, the devout presents the sacrificial chalice with nary a drop of wine spilt.
Deliverance

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

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 awaken.
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.

Six at the top means:

The lightning teeth of the thunder above and the yawning jaws of the earthquake below wreak havoc and ruin on neighbors around you, while you remain miraculously untouched.
There will be rumors and accusations.
Don’t react, or their fate will become yours.

Shock brings ruin and terrified gazing around.
Going ahead brings misfortune.
If it has not yet touched one’s own body
But has reached one’s neighbor first,
There is no blame.
One’s comrades have something to talk about.

Eye of God

“Eye of God” – Hubble Telescope image of Helix Nebula

When inner shock is at its height, it robs a man of reflection and clarity of vision. In such a state of shock it is of course impossible to act with presence of mind. Then the right thing is to keep still until composure and clarity are restored. But this a man can do only when he himself is not yet infected by the agitation, although its disastrous effects are already visible in those around him. If he withdraws from the affair in time, he remains free of mistakes and injury. But his comrades, who no longer heed any warning, will in their excitement certainly be displeased with him. However, he must not take this into account.

30 – Thirty.  Li / Igniting

Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.

 

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

 

Meditation: LA571 890214 Let Go of Your Limitations

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 39 – In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious

Tao Te Ching – Verse 39

In harmony with the Tao,
the sky is clear and spacious,
the earth is solid and full,
all creatures flourish together,
content with the way they are,
endlessly repeating themselves,
endlessly renewed.
When man interferes with the Tao,
the sky becomes filthy,
the earth becomes depleted,
the equilibrium crumbles,
creatures become extinct.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 39 – In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious”

Today: “New leader emerges. ” – From the I Ching

Anonymity /
to center stage he appears, /
Giving, not taking

New leader emerges.  

Even in the midst of danger there come intervals of peace when things go relatively well. If we possess enough inner strength, we shall take advantage of these intervals to fortify ourselves for renewed struggle. We must know how to enjoy the moment without being deflected from the goal, for perseverance is needed to remain victorious.
This is true in public life as well; it is not possible to achieve everything all at once. The height of wisdom is to allow people enough recreation to quicken pleasure in their work till the task is completed.

Heaven and Earth embrace, giving birth to Peace.
The Superior Person serves as midwife, presenting the newborn gift to the people.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 38 – The Master doesn’t try to be powerful; thus he is truly powerful.

Today: “Nothing is good and nothing is bad” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “Nothing is good and nothing is bad” – Yogi Bhajan

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Previous reading: “The difficulties thrust upon you are real, and shared by nearly everyone. The old social structure is damaged. Recognizing the best in yourself and others, come together again as a new unit. Get over your differences and know you will succeed.”

Previous previous reading: “This time demands that people not only wake up, but also grow up. Their naive view of the world will hurt them. We all must all expand our horizons.”

Meditation: NM0406 – Know the Best of You – Share the Best with Others

Meditation: NM0337-Bujung Kriya – For Wisdom and Understanding

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
5 – Five.  Hsü / Calculated Waiting

Deep Waters in the Heavens:
Thunderclouds approaching from the West, but no rain yet.
The Superior Person nourishes himself and remains of good cheer to condition himself for the moment of truth.

Great Success if you sincerely keep to your course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You must now endure this Dangling — either a carrot before your nose, or a sword above your head.
This strange mix of apprehension and anticipation is a Purgatory.
There is nothing more you can do to affect the outcome.
You must now submit to the Fates.

Nine in the fifth place means:

You smile and join in the banquet, relaxing and gaining perspective, yet vigilant and prepared for the next onslaught.
Such genuine grace under pressure ensures victory and good fortune.

Waiting at meat and drink.
Perseverance brings good fortune.

Meat and wine

Meat and wine

Even in the midst of danger there come intervals of peace when things go relatively well. If we possess enough inner strength, we shall take advantage of these intervals to fortify ourselves for renewed struggle. We must know how to enjoy the moment without being deflected from the goal, for perseverance is needed to remain victorious.
This is true in public life as well; it is not possible to achieve everything all at once. The height of wisdom is to allow people enough recreation to quicken pleasure in their work till the task is completed. Herein lies the secret of the whole hexagram. It differs from Chien OBSTRUCTION (39), in the fact that in this instance, while waiting, we are sure of our cause and therefore do not lose the serenity born of inner cheerfulness.
11 – Eleven.  T’ai / Peace

Heaven and Earth embrace, giving birth to Peace.
The Superior Person serves as midwife, presenting the newborn gift to the people.

The small depart; the great approach.
Success.
Good fortune.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

It doesn’t get any better than this.
Everything is in harmony, all obstacles are cleared from your Path, anything you could ask for is right at hand.
This is the Elysian Fields, the Garden of Eden.
The only thing wrong with Peace is that it, too, must change.
Whether you are in this state of harmony now or it is predicted for your future, recognize it as your greatest opportunity to build your resources against less harmonious times.

 

Today: “Nothing is good and nothing is bad” – Yogi Bhajan

“Nothing is good and nothing is bad, but thinking makes it so. Virtuous are those thieves who have stolen the Nam, bounty of the Name, and have filled themselves so much that they live free from bondages.” Yogi Bhajan

 

Meditation: The Neutral Mind

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 38 – The Master doesn’t try to be powerful; thus he is truly powerful.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 38

The Master doesn’t try to be powerful;
thus he is truly powerful.
The ordinary man keeps reaching for power;
thus he never has enough.

The Master does nothing,
yet he leaves nothing undone.
The ordinary man is always doing things,
yet many more are left to be done.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 38 – The Master doesn’t try to be powerful; thus he is truly powerful.”

Today: “The difficulties thrust upon you are real, and shared by nearly everyone.  The old social structure is damaged.  Recognizing the best in yourself and others, come together again as a new unit.  Get over your differences and know you will succeed.” – From the I Ching

Know the best of you /
Know your neighbors as allies /
form a new unit

The difficulties thrust upon you are real, and shared by nearly everyone.  The old social structure is damaged.  Recognizing the best in yourself and others, come together again as a new unit. Get over your differences and know you will succeed.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 37 – The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done

Today: “Everyone wants to know the truth, but nobody wants to face it. Yogi Bhajan

Today: “Everyone wants to know the truth, but nobody wants to face it. Yogi Bhajan

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Previous reading: “This time demands that people not only wake up, but also grow up. Their naive view of the world will hurt them. We all must all expand our horizons.”

Previous previous reading: “In a position of responsibility, you must be true to your heart in your actions while complying with the forms of your station. It’s a tricky situation. Endure malignant pressures with minimal outward compliance until the time is right to emerge as yourself.”

Meditation: NM0406 – Know the Best of You – Share the Best with Others

Meditation: NM0337-Bujung Kriya – For Wisdom and Understanding

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
3 – Three.  Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning

Thunder from the Deep:
The Superior Person carefully weaves order out of confusion.

Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
Carefully consider the first move.
Seek help.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

New ventures always pack along their inherent chaos.
Though this is an annoyance at best, and can even imperil or downright doom an endeavor, it is also the friction needed to polish your project to jewel brilliance.
Learn from these early obstacles.

Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:

You have run up against an obstacle at the very head of the trail.
Keep to your course.
Seek mutual aid.

Hesitation and hindrance.
It furthers one to remain persevering.
It furthers one to appoint helpers.

Hesitation

Hesitation

IF A PERSON encounters a hindrance at the beginning of an enterprise, he must not try to force advance but must pause and take thought. However, nothing should put him off his course; he must persevere and constantly keep the goal in sight. It is important to seek out the right assistants, but he can find them only if he avoids arrogance and associates with his fellows in a spirit of humility. Only then will he attract those with whose help he can combat the difficulties.

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.