seek the direction of the sage

Surrounded by obstructions,

one must first retreat, then

seek the direction of

the Sage.

There is an old saying which fits this hexagram: “You are caught between a rock and a hard place.” In other words, you are surrounded by obstructions. As much as you may want to blame others for the difficulty, in all likelihood the true obstruction is in your own thinking. What is called for now is a retreat into self-examination and self-correction.

Emotions of desire, fear, or anger may tempt you to take action now, but do not be seduced. The presence of these strong feelings is proof that your are off balance and need to steady yourself. As long as you try to forcibly achieve results—rather than carefully following higher truth step by step—you will be obstructed from making personal progress.

Whenever we indulge in judgements about others, we obstruct our own peace of mind and progress. We should choose instead to see the best in others, allow them to come and go as they will, and turn our energies inward, toward self-improvement.

Often the faults in our own thinking are revealed only with the aid of others. You would be wise now to seek the advice of a qualified counselor or truth-minded friend. Retreat, self-examination, and self-correction will remove the obstructions that block your path now.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 39, Chien / Obstruction

FIRST LINE

Do not resist difficulties

or advance against them. By retreating

and observing, you learn an important lesson.

Then moving forward becomes easy.

FIFTH LINE

The obstructions can only be

overcome by the strength of proper principles.

Through perseverance and correctness you

obtain the aid you need

to succeed.

christian schloe

Want

to study with

an enlightened teacher?

Just stop giving rise to thoughts

and divisions and distinctions. When

self and other, good and bad, right

and wrong are replaced with

emptiness, you are your

own master.

Wei wu Wei Ching, Chapter 39

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by keeping still you gather resources

an emperor is no match

By keeping still

you gather the resources

you need to progress. The way will be

shown when the time is right,

and not before.

fourth changing line

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 39, Chien / Obstruction

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an outpouring of benevolent energy

to the surfers who saved my life

If you are alert to the Creative,

you will meet with good

fortune now.

This hexagram signals a time when the fundamental creative power of the universe is available to you. An unrestricted outpouring of benevolent energy from the heavens makes possible profound progress for those who are conscientiously following proper principles.

Frantic activity is not in order. Your responsibility instead is to be open and receptive to the Higher Power, allowing it to guide your actions. By allowing inferior thoughts and habits to pass away, you make room for an expansion of your superior qualities, which leads inevitably to good fortune.

In your conduct with others, embody tolerance, reticence, and gentleness. Strive to meet others halfway in every situation. To overextend yourself, or require that of another, is to create an undesirable imbalance.

Your attitude toward the Sage is most important. Alertness and receptiveness are paramount. To receive the powerful assistance of the Creative, remain humble, patient, accepting, and responsive. Careful attention to truth brings vast rewards at this time.

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 1, Ch’ien / The Creative

FOURTH CHANGING LINE

A place of transition.

There is the possibility of progress in

many directions. Let go of preconceived notions

about your proper path. You succeed by

allowing the Creative

to guide you.

wei wu wei ching:

the way to enlightenment

is through emptiness

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honor comes to those who are correct

at home anywhere in the universe

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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