The heart of Tao is immortal,
the mysterious fertile mother of us all,
of heaven and earth, of every
and not-thing.
Invisible yet ever present,
you can use it forever
without using it up.
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Seek union with others
and with the Sage.
“Holding together”
denotes a time for creating union
with others in order to complement and assist
one another, just as the rain complements and assists
the earth, which is an image often associated with
this hexagram. In order for your unions to bear
the greatest possible fruit, certain
requirements must
be met.
The first
requirement for holding
together with others is that we hold
together with our own inner truth. This means
that we adhere to proper principles as a matter of habit,
striving always to remain innocent, balanced, and
correct. In short, marry the Sage first and
faithfully, and good fortune will
come to all subsequent
marriages.
The second
requirement for holding
together with others is that we
steadfastly resist the clamoring of
the emotional inferiors within. Every union
meets with challenges, and if we are not resolute
against the effects of fear, doubt, despair, and anger,
no lasting success will be possible in any relationship.
This is a good time to ask yourself if you are
displaying the steadfast correctness and
strength of character that are
at the heart of all great
unions.
Finally,
it is the responsibility
of one who would unite to see
that it is possible for others to enjoy union
as well. The desire for community is deeply felt by
all humans, and it is the shared responsibility of all those
on the higher path to make some sort of “family”
available to those in need. In doing this,
we pay homage to
the Sage.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 8, Pi / Holding Together
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Calmness
in quietude is not
real calm; when you can be calm
in the midst of activity, this is the true
state of nature. Happiness in comfort is
not real happiness; when you can be
happy in the midst of hardship,
then you see the true
potential of the
mind.
Enlightenment
comes only when you accept
everything that is — without resistance,
without quarrel, in complete stillness. This is
the only, the simplest, the necessary
ground of being for complete
realization.
The opportunity
to dwell in quiet acceptance
exists in every moment — sitting, bathing,
cleaning, cooking, working, wherever.
When that moment passes,
it is present in the next.
Just embrace
it.
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There are
great pressures at work.
By meeting them with modesty and
patience, you avoid misfortune
and meet with success.
The image of this hexagram is that of a beam under a great load: it sags in the middle and is in danger of giving way. You are in a similar situation now. The pressures of the moment are enormous, and there is a temptation to wriggle away and flee, or to resort to the plotting, conniving, and aggressive actions of the ego. It is by resisting this temptation and holding firmly to proper principles that you survive and succeed.
This is in fact a moment for which you have been preparing yourself for some time. A powerful energy has been accumulated—imagine a flood pressing against a dam—and it is up to you to direct its flow. If you succumb to fear, desire, or anger and resort to incorrect behaviors, the dam bursts and the pent-up energy causes destruction and misfortune. If, on the other hand, you cling to what is correct—modesty, balance, patience, independence, and gentleness—then you will obtain the aid of the Higher Power and the accumulated energy will be directed toward creating a profound success.
What is called for now is quiet integrity. With others, no matter how they may assault you, remain modest and patient. In your actions, seek to penetrate gently and steadily rather than forcibly and explosively. Meet the difficulties of the day cheerfully and resolutely. By taking great care now, by remaining correct in every moment, by embodying the principles of the Sage, you make possible the arrival of good fortune.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 28 / Ta Kuo (Preponderance of the Great)
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In every moment,
your enlightenment is directly
in front of you, being handed to you.
All that’s necessary to receive it
is to empty your hands
and relax your
mind.
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