The wise heathen
have no knowledge; they just
keep their mind continually set on the Way.
There are no big shot Buddhas in nature,
and ten thousand sutras are distilled
in a single song.
Posts Tagged → hua hu ching
all good comes when we are innocent
In the
very center of each
of us there dwells an innocent
and divine spirit. If we allow ourselves to
be guided by it in every situation, we can never
go wrong. Wu Wang comes to remind us that
we must actively disengage our egos
before we can obtain the vast
rewards that come from
living in a state of
innocence.
The nature
of the ego is that when
we exercise it, it takes us out
of the present. When we engage in
ambitions, anxieties, or anticipations,
our ego is skipping ahead, and we miss the
guidance of the Creative in the present moment.
When we engage in anger, judgment, and condemnation —
whether toward ourselves or others — our ego is looking
backward, and we cannot see the Sage’s clear solution
to the present situation. In either case, the result is
misfortune. Only by stilling the ego and accepting
life in its entirety can we become innocent.
In this state we are receptive to the
help of the Higher Power and
can meet with good fortune
wherever we go.
You are
advised now to stop
looking forward and backward,
to abandon your ambitions, to disengage
from judgments and critical thinking. If a thought,
attitude, or action is not in accord with the principles of
acceptance, equanimity, humility, and gentleness,
do not indulge in it. The I Ching encourages you
to actively practice innocence. Because
the ego is strong, you must make a
conscious and conscientious
effort to be innocent.
If you
willfully unstructure
your attitude, open your heart
to the Deity, and allow yourself to be
guided by that which is innocent
and pure, you will meet with
success in the coming
time.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 25, Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected)
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return to the light in yourself
there is nothing that is impure
A time of darkness comes to a close.
Receiving
this hexagram is a sign
that you have reached a turning point.
This moment is akin to the winter solstice: the
greatest adversity is past, and the light is beginning
to return. Nonetheless, one cannot force the
completion of the change, and it is wise
to rest. Act only when you can move
gently and innocently, and all
will be well.
Fu also comes
as a reminder to return
to the light in yourself. Growth is only
possible when we relinquish the expressions of
the ego: pride, impatience, anger, and desire.
To act forcefully or ambitiously
now will only generate
misfortune.
Let things
develop naturally, in their
own way. Simply observe and accept
changes as you observe and accept the rising
of the sun. Allow yourself to rest and gather strength
for a time of growth ahead. By holding to modesty,
gentleness, and correct conduct, you prepare
the ground for a fruitful blossoming
when the light fully
returns.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Wei wu Wei Ching, Hua hu Ching, and
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book.
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
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
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,
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.