Our
understanding is not just
an intellectual understanding.
True understanding is
actual practice
itself.
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know the masculine, worship the feminine
To know
the masculine and yet
cleave to the feminine is to be the
womb for the world. Being the womb for
the world, never departing from the
eternal power of tao, you
become like an infant
once again:
immortal.
To know
the bright and yet
hold to the dull is to be
an example for the world.
Being the example for the world,
not deviating from the everlasting
power of tao, you return to
the infinite once again:
limitless.
To know
honor and yet keep
to humility is to be the valley
for the world. Being the valley for
the world, rich with the primal power
of tao, you return once again to simplicity,
like uncarved wood. Allow tao to carve
you into a vessel for tao. Then you
can serve the world without
mutilating
it.
from The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,
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paths which ought not be taken
There are
paths which ought not be
taken, forces who shouldn’t be struck,
cities to which siege should not be laid,
positions better left uncontested.
When the sovereign’s orders
fly in the face of this, it is
wiser not to carry
them out.
from The Art of War, Chapter VIII
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mêng / youthful folly
Even the foolish can attain wisdom by modestly following the Sage.
Folly is a characteristic of youth: those who have had little experience generally exhibit little wisdom. This is true of us in a spiritual way as well; in comparison to the Sage we are “babes in the woods.” The hexagram Mêng counsels us to utilize the I Ching as a lantern so that we may survive our youthful folly and travel safely through the woods of life.
There is no shame in seeking guidance in life. A child is eager to be shown the way by his parents and teachers, and we are wise to recognize that in spiritual terms we are akin to children. Our success will come quicker if we find and follow a wise teacher. The Sage is available to serve in this way for those who approach the I Ching with a sincere desire to learn and grow.
To study the I Ching is to gain the perspective of the Deity, to learn the cosmic lesson inherent in every situation that faces us. If we truly look for and strive to comprehend these larger lessons, we gain mastery over fear, doubt, and anxiety. We can learn from study of the I Ching to live in a state of understanding, contentment, and acceptance, but several things are required of us.
The first is that we suspend our mistrust of the Unknown and allow the Sage to lead us. It is tempting to think that the I Ching might be just a book, merely words on paper, but there is more to it that this. To accept this is to recognize the Sage and become receptive to his assistance.
The second thing required of us is that we quiet the demands of our egos for comprehensive answers to our questions about life. The I Ching teaches us not how to get from A to Z but how to get from A to B, then from B to C, then from C to D. The sage travels step by step, dealing always with what is immediately at hand and bringing complete focus and concentration to the moment. By doing the same we fall into step with, and receive the help of, the Creative power of the universe.
Lastly, we are required to unstructure our attitude. By abandoning strategies about people and situations, we let the past and future go and meet the present with an open mind. To be unstructured and open is to allow the Sage to guide us safely and joyfully through life.
The image of Mêng is that of a stream beginning to flow down a mountainside, filing each ravine and hollow place as it goes. If we persevere in following the Sage, seeking the counsel of the I Ching and filling in the gaps in our character as they are revealed, we will be led to lasting success in life.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 4, Mêng / Youthful Folly
☯️
Further guidance from the
Wei Wu Wei Ching
Do you find
your spiritual practice
pitiful and wanting? If buddha
were before you, would you
be ashamed, afraid,
shy, small?
Wake up!
The truth too large
for words is that the buddha
is closer to you than that:
you are the buddha
now.
This entire world
is just for you. All the teaching in
this world is only for you. Accept this without
further thought of whether you are good
or bad and be responsible to it.
This is the spirit you must
bring to everything that
you do. Be the
buddha
now.
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how long has it been since i left home?
With so much on my mind
It’s hard to express myself in letters.
How long has it been since I left home?
Old friends are no longer young.
Frosted leaves fall into empty bird nests;
River fireflies weave through open windows.
I stop at a forest monk’s,
And spend the night in “quiet sitting.”
