If you indulge
a bad habit, no matter
how small, eventually you fall
into an abysmal pit. Leave
behind incorrectness
now.
first changing line,
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 29, K’an / The Abysmal (Water)
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Emperor Wu
of Liang asked Bodhidharma,
“I have built temples and had monks
ordained without number: what merit is there
in this?” Bodhidharma said, “There is no merit.”
The emperor said, “Why no merit?” Bodhidharma
said, “These are just the lesser fruits of gods
and men, causes of defilement: like
shadows following shapes,
though they’re there,
they’re not
real.”
The Emperor
said, “What is true merit?”
Bodhidharma answered, “The subtle
perfection of pure wisdom, its essence naturally
empty and still. Such merit is not to be sought with worldly
means.” Only then did the Emperor ask, “What is the
highest meaning of the holy truths?” Bodhidharma
answered, “Empty, without holiness.”
The Emperor said, “Who is facing
me?” Bodhidharma replied,
The Emperor
did not understand, so
Bodhidharma crossed the river
into Wei. If you want to see real merit
right now, don’t look for it anywhere else,
just comprehend it in “I don’t know”.
If you can penetrate those three
words, the task of your whole
life’s study will be
completed.
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.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 28 / Ta Kuo (Preponderance of the Great)
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Further guidance from the
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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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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.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
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You
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Activity grounded in truth
brings good fortune.
It is
a time when
great progress can be made
through effort of will. However, it is essential
that all your activity be characterized by humility,
conscientiousness, and adaptability. Progress
as a tree does, bending around obstacles
rather than confronting them,
pushing upward steadily
but gently.
There
is nothing to be feared
from others now. Be neither subservient
nor forceful with those you encounter; simply meet
everyone with tolerance and gentle goodwill.
Those who look for the good
in others find it
there.
If fears
or doubts intrude,
remain quietly focused on
the activity at hand. Cultivate inner
independence and trust the leadership of
the Sage. The time is ripe for progress
if you put forth an effort that is
innocent, sincere, and
balanced.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 46, Sheng / Pushing Upward
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