The way
to study true zen
is not verbal. Just open
yourself and give up everything.
Whatever happens, study closely
and see what you find out.
This is the fundamental
attitude.
Posts Tagged → ibooks
a long-awaited change is at hand
A breakthrough.
Do not be drawn back
into bad habits.
The arrival of the hexagram Kuai indicates that a long-awaited change is at hand. A difficulty that has oppressed you over a long period is now about to dissolve. It is important to respond in the proper way.
There is a temptation on obtaining relief to fall into the traps of the ego: pride at having dispersed the trouble, self-righteousness about having triumphed through correctness, anger at one who we think was the source of the problem, or a desire to remain free of all difficulty in the future. None of these responses is appropriate to the situation at hand.
What is needed now is resoluteness: a firm commitment to continuing the battle for good and to the self-examination that makes all good things possible. This is not a time to lapse back into negative mental habits and enjoy the “vacation” provided by the breakthrough. Do not rest on your laurels, but push forward, deepening your inner strength and your resistance to the influence of inferiors, both in yourself and others.
Strengthen those around you by setting an example of self-improvement and self-correction. Great progress and good fortune are available now to one who makes proper use of the opening.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 43, Kuai / Breakthrough (Resoluteness)
Forget all ideas
of accomplishing something —
in your practice and everywhere
else. Everything is already
accomplished.
If this sounds
like a tricky idea to you,
the flaw is in your understanding
of reality, not in reality
itself.
Allowing nature
to manifest is the way
of the Way. By setting aside
our ambitions and leaving
the Way to the Way,
we perfect the
Way.
You
can now buy
Wei wu Wei Ching as part of a
five-app bundle of Taoist classics
for iPhone or iPad for less than
the cost of one hardcover
book.
darkness reigns in the external world
a darkness as much of the womb as the grave
Darkness reigns
in the external world now.
Disengage from negative feelings
and maintain your inner
light.
This is a time when darkness and inferior energies surround you. The image is that of the sun completely swallowed by the earth. The only light left is that inside your own heart, and you are counseled to return to it, maintain it, and quietly nourish yourself with it.
It is in dark moments that a correct attitude is most important. If we fight against the darkness, we are swallowed by it and suffer great misfortune. If we react to the lack of visible progress with despair and negativity, we extinguish our own inner light and block the aid of the Creative. If we try to persuade others that they must return to the light, we exhaust ourselves in vain now.
In a time such as this is it wise to adopt a stance of outer disengagement and inner perseverance. Do not focus on or interact with the negative influences around you; this only strengthens their grip on you. Step aside, yield, let go, allow people and events to pass without attachment. Direct your attentions inside to your inner light, your devotion to what is right, your conversation with the Higher Power.
Progress may be slow, but there will indeed by progress. Remember that much of the work of the Higher Power is hidden from us, and that we enable and assist it by remaining detached, accepting, and reserved in the face of negative influences.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 36, Ming I / Darkening of the Light
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, Wei wu Wei Ching,
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.
No weapon that is formed
against thee shall prosper; and
every tongue that shall rise against thee
in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and their righteousness is of
me, saith the Lord.
you will often be thought crazy
in a great storm the wise bird
On
the road to
realization you will
will often be thought crazy.
At times you may actually be
crazy. Both phenomena are
best endured with
stillness and
humor.
You
can now buy
Wei wu Wei Ching as part of a
five-app bundle of Taoist classics
for iPhone or iPad for less than
the cost of one hardcover
book.
pushing upward steadily but gently
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
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
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.