marry yourself to the oneness

clark little

Can you

marry your spirit and

body to the oneness and

never depart

from it?

Can you

ride your breath until

your entire being is as supple

as the body of an

infant?

Can you cleanse

your inner vision until you

see heaven in every

direction?

Can you love

people and govern them

without conniving and

manipulating?

Can you bear

heaven’s children in all

that you do and

are?

Can you give

the wisdom of your heart

precedence over the

learning of your

head?

Giving birth,

nourishing life,

shaping things without

possessing them, serving without

expectation of reward, leading without

dominating: these are the profound

virtues of nature, and of nature’s

best beings.

from The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 10

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no power so great as modesty

release and flow

The Creative acts

to empty what is full and

to offer abundance to

what is modest.

This hexagram suggests that a deepening of one’s modesty now is a sure means of improving the situation. There is no power so great as modesty for compelling the assistance of the Sage – nor one so hindering as immodesty. Those in high places who retain their modesty are loved by all and continually prosper; those below who cultivate modesty inevitably rise on the strength of their merits, without making enemies along the way.

But what does modesty mean? Certainly it entails a refusal to boast or act imperiously with others, even in small ways. But beyond this steadfast humility it also means that our effort to discern what is right and then do it is constant; we do not work against ourselves, and we do not indulge in doubts about the wisdom of correct conduct. This unwavering commitment to what is correct might be called “the modesty before the Sage”.

So there is in modesty a component of nonaction – that is, not indulging in arrogant, ego-centered behavior – as well as a component of active effort: looking for opportunities to correct ourselves, to assist justice where there is injustice, to feed where there is hunger, to give solace where there is pain.

Finally and most plainly, modesty means holding to innocence, sincerity, and openness in every situation. To do this is to empty ourself and make room for the blessings of the Creative to take root.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 15, Ch’ien / Modesty

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no one else gives this to you

smoke ’em if you got ’em

We already

have what we need.

The wisdom, the strength,

the confidence, the awakened heart

and mind are always accessible here and now.

We are just uncovering them. We are rediscovering

them. We’re not inventing them or importing

them from somewhere else.

They’re here.

That’s why

when we feel caught

in darkness, suddenly the clouds

can part. Out of nowhere we cheer up

or relax or experience the vastness

of our minds. No one else

gives this to

you.

Pema Chodron

hexagram 53 ☯️ gradual progress

@brianwalker

Those who persevere make continual progress.

The image of this hexagram is that of a tree growing high on a mountain top. If this tree grows too fast, without first properly rooting itself, it becomes susceptible to being torn up and destroyed by the winds. If, however, it establishes a proper foundation and is content to grow gradually, it will enjoy a long life and a lofty view.

Human beings are no different. While we often desire rapid progress – we want to change someone’s mind today, obtain an apology now, achieve all our goals immediately – sooner or later we must come to understand that the only lasting progress is gradual progress. Chien comes to urge you to accept that fact and base your thoughts, attitudes, and actions upon it.

When we have allowed ourselves to be pulled off balance by another or by some event, the ego tempts us to believe that we can influence the situation through forceful behavior. This is incorrect; the actions of the ego inevitably complicate our difficulties. The greatest influence possible always comes through the patient and steady refinement of one’s inner self. If you will devote yourself to the path of the Sage, with every step along that path you will be strengthened, and progress will come automatically. It will be gradual, but it will last.

Be patient, modest, and accepting now. Life often demands that we wait longer than we might like for some change, and the only true comfort available during these times is the knowledge that we are steadfastly developing ourselves into superior people. In time, every honor comes to those who are persevering and correct.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 53, Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)

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