Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24

He who stands on tiptoe
doesn’t stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn’t go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can’t know who he really is.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm”

Today: “Understand views besides your own.  Use that awareness to discern the Truth that comes from your heart.  Follow that.” – from the I Ching

Understand views besides your own.  Use that awareness to discern the Truth that comes from your heart.  Follow that.

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Meditation:  Meditation: Know the Psyche of the Other

Meditation: Meditation: NM0337-Bujung Kriya – For Wisdom and Understanding

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Recite The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha over a meal with friends today.

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

 

61 – Sixty-One. Chung Fu / Inner Truth

The gentle Wind ripples the Lake’s surface:
The Superior Person finds common ground between points of contention, wearing away rigid perspectives that would lead to fatal error.

Pigs and fishes.
You may cross to the far shore.
Great fortune if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The subject of this hexagram discovers a key to Tranquility by first gaining insight into his own nature, then turning that vision outward.
By resolving inner conflicts and being at peace with himself, he learns to gain insight into others.
In effect, he enters another, sees with the other’s eyes, listens with the other’s ears, feels with the other’s heart.
He then returns to his own center, with new perspective and understanding.

Six in the fourth place means:

Just before the moon waxes full, One horse breaks from the harness, and its mate remains.
It is as it should be.

The moon nearly at the full.
The team horse goes astray.
No blame.

Horse on beach with moon

To intensify the power of inner truth, a man must always turn to his superior, from whom he can receive enlightenment as the moon receives light from the sun. However, this requires a certain humility, like that of the moon when it is not yet quite full. At the moment when the moon becomes full and stands directly opposite the sun, it begins to wane. Just as on the one hand we must be humble and reverent when face to face with the source of enlightenment, so likewise must we on the other renounce factionalism among men. Only by pursuing one’s course like a horse that goes straight ahead without looking sidewise at its mate, can one retain the inner freedom that helps one onward.

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.

Today: “Whenever there is stress, you will use up more oxygen.” Yogi Bhajan

“Whenever there is stress, you will use up more oxygen. You will not be in a position to be handicapped by lack of oxygen if you do Breath of Fire every day.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: Breath of Fire

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet

Tao Te Ching – Verse 23

Express yourself completely,
then keep quiet.
Be like the forces of nature:
when it blows, there is only wind;
when it rains, there is only rain;
when the clouds pass, the sun shines through.

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Today: “Allow your inner Fire [to] ignite passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.” – from the I Ching

Allow your inner Fire [to] ignite passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

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Meditation:  Meditation:  Breath of Fire

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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.

Six in the fifth place means:

Tears of repentance flood.
Enlightenment turns the tide for the better.

Tears in floods, sighing and lamenting.
Good fortune.

The Weeping Woman

‘The Weeping Woman’ (based on Dora Maar) – Pablo Picasso, 1937

Here the zenith of life has been reached. Were there no warning, one would at this point consume oneself like a flame. Instead, understanding the vanity of all things, one may put aside both hope and fear, and sigh and lament: if one is intent on retaining his clarity of mind, good fortune will come from this grief. For here we are dealing not with a passing mood, as in the nine in the third place, but with a real change of heart.
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.

Today: “Five, ten minutes of Breath of Fire is all you need.” Yogi Bhajan

“Five, ten minutes of Breath of Fire is all you need.. .If you do Breath of Fire, it will cleanse your lungs and make them strong. You will have deep breathing all day, you will have good oxygen in your bloodstream, and you will be young and healthy for a long time. If you do it five to fifteen minutes every day, it is the best way to keep the blood purified, it doesn’t matter what. It’s a direct blood purification system.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation:  TCH36-8I-2000724-You and Thou

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 22 – If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 22

If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become straight,
let yourself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 22 – If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.”

Today: “Remain flexible and be prepared to meet with clarity any unforeseen circumstances that challenge your well being. ” – from the I Ching

Remain flexible and be prepared to meet with clarity any unforeseen circumstances that challenge your well being.

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Meditation:  Meditation: KWTC 980708 Our internal Fears and their exit

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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.

Six in the fourth place means:

The wild geese must find shelter in the trees.
Only the broadest, flattest branches will harbor them.
No mishaps.

The wild goose gradually draws near the tree.
Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame.

Wild goose

A tree is not a suitable place for a wild goose. But if it is clever, it will find a flat branch on which it can get a footing. A man’s life too, in the course of its development, often brings him into inappropriate situations, in which he finds it difficult to hold his own without danger. Then it is important to be sensible and yielding. This enables him to discover a safe place in which life can go on, although he may be surrounded by danger.

13 – Thirteen. T’ung Jên / Social Mechanism

Heaven reflects the Flame of clarity:
The Superior Person analyzes the various levels and working parts of the social structure, and uses them to advantage.

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

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a matter of Positioning — not only yourself, but others as well.
There are niches to be filled, potentials to be realized, right livelihoods to be found.
You are not building a new organization, but shoring up an existing infrastructure.
It’s worth the effort, because it will provide union, community, and an ironclad alliance.

Today: “You were alive (in the womb) by the navel point. So now you combine the navel with the breath. If you can combine that, you can conquer death.” Yogi Bhajan

“You were alive (in the womb) by the navel point. So now you combine the navel with the breath. If you can combine that, you can conquer death. It is a very simple yogic rule.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: LA007-780117-SADHANA YOJINA-To Infinity Upon Death

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Today: “Develop discipline that you can live with for the long term.  Keep it simple.  Adopt frugality in place of excesses.” – from the I Ching

Develop discipline that you can live with for the long term.  Keep it simple.  Adopt frugality in place of excesses.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day

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Meditation:  Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline

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

Six in the fourth place means:

He is most content in frugality and simplicity: the highest success.

Contented limitation. Success.

Waterfall

‘Waterfall’ – Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972)

Every limitation has its value, but a limitation that requires persistent effort entails a cost of too much energy. When, however, the limitation is a natural one (as for example, the limitation by which water flows only downhill), it necessarily leads to success, for then it means a saving of energy. The energy that otherwise would be consumed in a vain struggle with the object, is applied wholly to the benefit of the matter in hand, and success is assured.

M.C. Escher Lego Waterfall

54 – Fifty-Four. Kuei Mei / A Loveless Marriage

The Thunderstorm inseminates the swelling Lake, then moves on where the Lake cannot follow:
The Superior Person views passing trials in the light of Eternal Truths.
Any action will prove unfortunate.
Nothing furthers.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

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.

Today: “(At that time) the only energy you had was at the navel point. That is why we stimulate the navel.” Yogi Bhajan

“(At that time) the only energy you had was at the navel point. That is why we stimulate the navel. In Kundalini Yoga there are two points that we stir up: one is the pituitary and the other is the navel point.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: LA673-19910205- Third Chakra

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Today: “Putting aside all hatred and ill will in general, set out about rebuilding what is important to the community.” – from the I Ching

Putting aside all hatred and ill will in general, set out about rebuilding what is important to the community.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day

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Meditation:  Meditation: M074 – 920423 – Balance the Pineal and Pituitary

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

Nine in the second place means:

When his dreams evaporate to mist on the breeze, he returns to his well of strength.
Regret is washed away.

At the dissolution
He hurries to that which supports him.
Remorse disappears.

Composition

Composition by Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

When an individual discovers within himself the beginnings of alienation from others, of misanthropy and ill humor, he must set about dissolving these obstructions. He must rouse himself inwardly, hasten to that which supports him. Such support is never found in hatred, but always in a moderate and just judgement of men, linked with good will. If he regains this unobstructed outlook on humanity, while at the same time all saturnine ill humor is dissolved, all occasion for remorse disappears.
37 – Thirty-Seven. Chia Jên / Family Duties

Warming Air Currents rise and spread from the Hearthfire:
The Superior Person weighs his words carefully and is consistent in his behavior.

Be as faithful as a good wife.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

One in this situation must be keenly aware of his influence on others.
Maintain a healthy respect for the ripple effect of your words and deeds.
To some you serve as a role model.
You can either help shape their world or tilt them into chaos.
Show temperance and consideration to all.

Today: “The first faculty of a Teacher is to identify to one’s self that one is a Teacher.” – Yogi Bhajan

“The first faculty of a Teacher is to identify to one’s self that one is a Teacher. Then one must identify to the whole world that one is a Teacher. Third, one should know there’s nothing else but a teacher. Those three things are essential. Let yourself know once and for all that you are a Teacher. Let the whole world know once and for all that you are Teacher. Less than this you are phony, you are a ruthless liar, you are good for nothing, you are a fake, and you have no reality whatsoever. I don’t want to be more abusive than this, but if you can add something, it’s fine.” Yogi Bhajan

The Teacher

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Today: “The social order is on the wrong track.  It is time to bring precipitous change.  Just get rid of the bad actors and replace them.  Address further details later.” – from the I Ching

The social order is on the wrong track.  It is time to bring precipitous change.  Just get rid of the bad actors and replace them.  Address further details later.

A man of influence is at hand, but his influence is not understood by the common people. This matters little in the case of the masses, for they benefit by the actions of the ruling sage whether they understand them or not. But for a superior man it is a disgrace. He must not content himself with a shallow, thoughtless view of prevailing forces; he must contemplate them as a connected whole and try to understand them.

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Meditation:  Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

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

Six at the top means:

You dodge the snares and snatch victory with the lightning speed and agility of a panther.
The jackals lose their nerve and swear allegiance to you.
You have won your revolt.
Don’t seek to climb higher.
Instead stabilize the new order for the good of all.

The superior man changes like a panther.
The inferior man molts in the face.
Starting brings misfortune.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.

Panther

Panther

After the large and fundamental problems are settled, certain minor reforms, and elaborations of these, are necessary. These detailed reforms may be likened to the equally distinct but relatively small marks of the panther’s coat. As a consequence, a change also takes place among the inferior people. In conformity with the new order, they likewise “molt.” This molting, it is true, does not go very deep, but that is not to be expected. We must be satisfied with the attainable. If we should go too far and try to achieve too much, it would lead to unrest and misfortune. For the object of a great revolution is the attainment of clarified, secure conditions ensuring a general stabilization on the basis of what is possible at the moment.

13 – Thirteen. T’ung Jên / Social Mechanism

Heaven reflects the Flame of clarity:
The Superior Person analyzes the various levels and working parts of the social structure, and uses them to advantage.

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

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a matter of Positioning — not only yourself, but others as well.
There are niches to be filled, potentials to be realized, right livelihoods to be found.
You are not building a new organization, but shoring up an existing infrastructure.
It’s worth the effort, because it will provide union, community, and an ironclad alliance.

Today: “Beware of people who attempt to befriend you for personal advantage.  Hold closer those with whom you form a genuine bond.” – from the I Ching

Beware of people who attempt to befriend you for personal advantage.  Hold closer those with whom you form a genuine bond.

Meditations:  Meditation:  LA588 890411 Silver Grain Meditation 

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching
17 – Seventeen. Sui / Following

Thunder beneath the Lake’s surface.
The Superior Person allows himself plenty of sheltered rest and recuperation while awaiting a clear sign to follow.

Supreme success.
No mistakes if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Thunder from the Lake — the lulling, rhythmic roar of the faithful tide, eternally wearing away the stone of the shoreline, forever obedient to the phases of the moon.
The pull of the moon on the tide is the Following called for now.
As mighty as the tide is in its own right, it is ever the puppet of the invisible, irresistible gravity of the moon.
What cyclical forces pull you along?
Are you futilely attempting to resist a natural attraction?

Nine in the fourth place means:

Following for dishonorable reasons.
Pause for clarity and a return to integrity.
Once actions are sincere, you may move forward blamelessly.

Following creates success.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
To go one’s way with sincerity brings clarity.
How could there be blame in this?

Flattery

‘Flattery’ – Juan Gris, 1908 – Pencil, color pencil and watercolor on paper

It often happens, when a man exerts a certain amount of influence, that he obtains a following by condescension toward inferiors. But the people who attach themselves to him are not honest in their intentions. They seek personal advantage and try to make themselves indispensable through flattery and subservience. If one becomes accustomed to such satellites and cannot do without them, it brings misfortune. Only when a man is completely free from his ego, and intent, by conviction, upon what is right and essential, does he acquire the clarity that enables him to see through such people, and become free of blame.
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.

Today: “You live by breath. You can get everything from your breath of life.” Yogi Bhajan

“You live by breath. You can get everything from your breath of life.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: LA936 980609 Four Stroke Breath to Build Intuition

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