In the
practice of the Way,
nothing is forced. Remaining
at home in quiet concentration,
you merge the outside
and inside into
one.
At peace
with everything,
unlearned, unworried,
untouched by phenomena,
you enter into reality
as an ordinary
person.
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To be resolute in the way
means from the beginning never to lose
sight of it, whether in a place of calm or in a place
of strife; to not cling to quiet places nor
shun places where there is
disturbance.
A challenge to improvement:
that which has been spoiled through neglect
can be rejuvenated through effort.
Receiving this hexagram is a sign that there is a defect in the attitude of oneself, another, or one’s society that should be corrected. Your task now is to bring conscientious thought and action to an area where stagnation has set in. Perhaps you engage in continual doubt about the wisdom of behaving according to proper principles. Perhaps you indulge in greed, or vengeful thinking, or a harsh manner. In any case, the time has come to root out the decay.
The I Ching counsels us to work energetically at this task, but only after proper deliberation. We are advised to spend three full days in understanding the defect; another day in resolving sincerely to remove it; and then three more days watching carefully to insure that it does not return. This steady application of attention to the matter is the wind that carries away stagnation and brings new life in its place.
It is likely that the problem is an old one, and equally likely that no solution will be immediately evident. We are cautioned not to abandon the cause; only perseverance will reveal the great reward that is concealed within the problem.
Whether the fault lies in yourself, another, or your community, the requirement is the same. Watch closely while remaining quiet, innocent, and sincere. After you have clearly identified the problem, act unswervingly to eliminate it without abandoning gentleness and inner balance in the process. When this course is completed, good fortune will be met.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 18, Ku / Decay (Work On What Has Been Spoiled)
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Most
women who have done
something with their lives have
been disliked by almost
everyone.
When the workings
of the mind are stirred, a reflection
of a bow may be mistaken for a serpent,
a large rock in the underbrush may be seen
as a crouching lion; here is all killing energy.
When thoughts cease, even the violent can
become gentle, the ordinary can be
elegant; everywhere you see
true potential.
