Put aside the
crazy and false mind that
has been concocting your knowledge
and understanding, and make it so that
nothing whatsoever is weighing
on your mind.
Put aside the
crazy and false mind that
has been concocting your knowledge
and understanding, and make it so that
nothing whatsoever is weighing
on your mind.
In the changing of
the constellations, we study the
criterion of the universe; in the alteration
of clouds and rain, we see clearly the
harmony of nature.
Tao is a mysterious
presence; it eludes the sharpest
tracker. Acquiring knowledge of the Way
we must return to simple beginnings that come
naturally, like the rules of music. As the mists
lift and the stars usher forth the moon,
we see the true path all
around us.
In fellowship with others,
embody the principles of the Sage.
This hexagram addresses the proper basis for relationships with others. It generally comes as a sign that some kind of self-correction is in order in this arena.
Proper relationships, whether in love, work, family, or friendship, must be founded on and conducted under proper principles in order to succeed. Our model for how to behave with others is the Sage: in relating we are obliged to practice kindness, humility, correctness, equanimity, and openness. Wherever we depart from these we lose the aid of the Higher Power and risk and encounter with misfortune.
The fundamental rule of the I Ching for the conduct of relationships is that they take place in the open. This means that every facet of a relationship should be seen as fair and correct by everyone concerned, not just yourself. It also means that it is improper to enter into or continue in relationships with unspoken reservations or hidden intentions.
Exceptional things can be accomplished by those who come together correctly in fellowship now under the guidance of an enlightened leader or leaders. Seek that role by patterning yourself after the Sage. Meet others halfway in a spirit of sincerity and receptivity. Give trust where it is due; where it is not, do not resort to harshness – reserve and reticence are adequate measures. Avoid the formation of factions and cliques, and correct your errors in relationships as soon as you become aware of them. In this way you can accomplish magnificent deeds now.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 13, T’ung Jen / Fellowship with Others
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With all
this talking, what has
been said? The subtle truth can
be pointed at with words, but
it can’t be contained
by them.
Take time
to listen to what is said
without words, to obey the law
too subtle to be written, to worship the
unnameable and to embrace the unformed.
Love your life. Trust the Tao. Make love
with the invisible subtle origin of the
universe, and you will give
yourself everything
you need.
You won’t
have to hide away
forever in spiritual retreats.
You can be a gentle, contemplative hermit
right here in the middle of everything, utterly
unaffected, thoroughly sustained and
rewarded by your integral
practices.
Encouraging others,
giving freely to all, awakening and
purifying the world with each movement
and action, you’ll ascend to the
divine realm in broad
daylight.
The breath of
the Tao speaks, and
those who are in harmony
with it hear quite
clearly.
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Proper enthusiasm opens every door.
The I Ching
teaches that there are
two kinds of enthusiasm: one that
leads to misfortune, and one that leads to success.
This hexagram comes as a sign that you can
proceed with confidence now if your
enthusiasm is properly
founded.
Improper
enthusiasm is fueled
by the desires of the ego.
People often desire recognition,
wealth, power, or freedom from difficulty.
Such desires can become so great that we will do
anything to achieve them. Our energy rises as we wildly
pursue our goal, but this unruly and egotistical
enthusiasm inevitably leads us into incorrect
and imbalanced behavior and
into misfortune.
Proper enthusiasm,
on the other hand, is fueled by
a devotion to attaining and expressing
inner balance and inner truth. When your aim
is not to influence others or to satisfy your ego but to
follow the guidance of the Higher Power in all that you do,
you acquire another kind of energy: a balanced and
bottomless eagerness for living in step with
what is right and good. In this there
is true power and true
grace.
This hexagram
reminds you that striving out
of your ego now will only push you further
away from your goals. Seek instead to follow proper
principles: keep to what is innocent, correct, and
kind, and the Creative will come to your aid.
The path of truth is always the path
of least resistance.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
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Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
You
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the I Ching as part of a
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book.