in one’s mind there is a source

jacob wrestling with the enemy

 

One learns to understand

that there is a world in one’s self,

that in one’s mind there is a source of happiness

and unhappiness, the source of health and illness, the source of light

and darkness, and that it can be awakened, either mechanically or at will,

if only one knew how to do it. Then one does not blame his ill fortune

nor complain of his fellow man. He becomes more tolerant,

more joyful, and more loving toward his neighbor,

because he knows the cause of every thought

and action, and he sees it all as the

effect of a certain cause.

 

A physician would not

revenge himself on a patient in an asylum,

even if the patient hit him, for he knows the cause.

Psychology is the higher alchemy, and one must not study

it only without practicing it. Practice and study must

go together, which opens the door to

happiness for every soul.

 

Hazrat Inayat Khan

kashf / insight

 

this morning I felt strong and jaunty

a buddha was born

 

This morning

I felt strong and jaunty in my

mail order Israeli commando trousers.

Up at Hard Luck Ranch I spoke to the ravens

in baritone, fed the cats with manly gestures.

Acacia thorns can’t penetrate these mighty pants,

then out by the corral the infant pup began

to weep, abandoned. In an instant

I became another of the

Earth’s billion sad

mothers.

 

Jim Harrison

all are worthy

 

arrogance brings danger and downfall


 

Arrogance in ambition

or conduct brings danger, downfall,

and isolation. Remain quietly joined to

the will of the Sage. The abandonment

of gentleness and humility leads

to misfortune. 

 

sixth changing line

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 1, Ch’ien / The Creative

 

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innocence, sincerity, openness

release and flow and let go

 

The Creative acts

to empty what is full and

to offer abundance to

what is modest.

 

This hexagram suggests that a deepening of one’s modesty now is a sure means of improving the situation. There is no power so great as modesty for compelling the assistance of the Sage – nor one so hindering as immodesty. Those in high places who retain their modesty are loved by all and continually prosper; those below who cultivate modesty inevitably rise on the strength of their merits, without making enemies along the way.

But what does modesty mean? Certainly it entails a refusal to boast or act imperiously with others, even in small ways. But beyond this steadfast humility it also means that our effort to discern what is right and then do it is constant; we do not work against ourselves, and we do not indulge in doubts about the wisdom of correct conduct. This unwavering commitment to what is correct might be called “the modesty before the Sage”.

So there is in modesty a component of nonaction – that is, not indulging in arrogant, ego-centered behavior – as well as a component of active effort: looking for opportunities to correct ourselves, to assist justice where there is injustice, to feed where there is hunger, to give solace where there is pain.

Finally and most plainly, modesty means holding to innocence, sincerity, and openness in every situation. To do this is to empty ourself and make room for the blessings of the Creative to take root.
 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 15, Ch’ien / Modesty

 

when a
person falls to
the earth

 

ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,

Wei wu Wei Ching, Hua hu Ching, and

Art of War for iPad/Phone, Kindle,

Nook, or Android

 
 

You

can now buy

the I Ching as part of a

five-app bundle of Taoist classics 

for iPhone or iPad for less than

the cost of one hardcover

book.

brian browne walker taoist app bundle ios ipad iphone