surrender the matter to the sage

every breath, each movement

 

There is an obstacle

to the expression of truth.

Withdrawal into quietness

allows the Sage to

moderate.

 
Unity has been broken by one who is not being true to proper principles. This may be another, or an element in one’s own personality, or both. In any case, serious misfortune may result if the appropriate response is not made. The I Ching is very clear about what our proper action is when confronted with an obstacle of this nature: withdrawal into contemplation and a turning over of the matter to the Higher Power for resolution.

This is a time when aggressive action or intervention can only compound the misfortune. Use your strength to clearly separate yourself from incorrectness and realign yourself with the Sage. It is always our responsibility to acknowledge where something has gone wrong, but never our right to punish. The administration of justice is the sole province of the Deity.

The I Ching teaches us to forgive but not to forget. This does not mean one who reveals himself as inferior today should be regarded as such tomorrow. It means that we are wise to pay conscientious attention to the waxing and waning of truth in oneself and others. When truth predominates, we can progress. When it is eclipsed, we are obligated to withdraw and surrender the matter to the Sage.
 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 21, Shih Ho / Biting Through

 

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direct the mind toward emptiness

the taming power of the small

 

The best effort

one can make is the

gentlest effort: wei wu wei.

Quietly, persistently direct the

mind toward emptiness. When

all thoughts and ideas have

dissipated, then make no

further effort. Just

breathe.

 

This is the only

practice required of a

human, the best one, the one

that perfectly purifies

our lives.

 

Wei wu Wei Ching, Chapter 9

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the length of a person’s life


 

The Buddha asked a monk,

“How do you measure the length of a person’s life?”

The monk answered, “By days.” The Buddha

said, “You do not understand

the Way.”

 

The Buddha asked another monk,

“How do you measure the length of a person’s life?”

The monk answered, “By the time that passes during

a meal.” The Buddha said, “You do not

understand the Way.”

 

The Buddha asked a third monk,

“How do you measure the length of a person’s life?”

The monk answered, “By the breath.”

The Buddha said, “Very well,

you know the Way.”

 

Sutra of Forty Two Chapters

full text translated by D.T. Suzuki

 

quietude whatever you are doing

courage, virtue, emptiness

 

Return the mind

to quietude whatever you are doing,

not imagining what is yet to come and not thinking

about what has already passed. After a long time at this, spirit and

energy merge, feelings and objects are forgotten; spirit solidifies,

energy congeals, and there is just one breath in the belly,

revolving without going out or in.

This is called womb

breathing.

 

The Cultivator of Realization