all good comes when we are innocent

kirvan baldassari

 

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)

 

FIRST LINE
One who remains detached
and innocent no matter what is
assured of good fortune now.

FOURTH LINE
Do not be swayed or
persuaded by others. Stick to what
youknow to be innocent
and correct.

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chosen limits empower growth

nothing ever happens

 

Voluntarily chosen limits
empower your growth.

 
The practice of economies is a valuable notion everywhere in life. In your financial dealings, a reasonable thrift practiced today assures you of opportunity tomorrow. In your emotional life, the practice of balance and equanimity allows steady spiritual progress. The hexagram Chieh comes as an encouragement to set practical limits throughout your life.

Life lived without guidelines is confusing and troubling. In order to make genuine progress in any direction, we must first give some definition to our path. However, limits that are overstrenuous are not helpful; having too many rules causes rebellion in the one on whom they are imposed, whether one’s self or another. Therefore there must be limits even on one’s limits.

To yourself, the setting of limits means defining your purpose and responsibilities so that you have a clear idea of where your energies are to be aimed. Your limits should be determined by yourself, not another or the culture in which you live. Avoid harshness and impatience with yourself; true progress is made in gradual steps. Allow yourself pleasure, but avoid careless self-indulgence.

With others, place limits both on your own actions and the indulgences you offer them. To encourage another’s inferior qualities is to invite misfortune. Allow your interactions with others to take place within the limits of gentleness, tolerance, and innocence. If you will define and observe reasonable limits in all things, you will be assured of steady progress.
 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 60, Chieh / Limitation

 

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be humble like someone held captive

there is one clear truth

 

Soul guides and

prophets have an innate innocence,

but they are subject to the same consequences

as everyone. If a donkey veers off course, he will be hit

with a stick. If you do wrong, you will be punished. Abu Bakr

said that steadiness is the central virtue. From the

mind’s steadiness comes a right action

which in turn balances the

intelligence.

 

They asked me

why prophets were given hardships.

I said it helps to have clear indications. And I added

silently to myself, Be more humble like someone

held captive. Bow to the one who

can free you.

 

Bahauddin, father of Rumi

the drowned book

 

modest, acceptance, innocence

marry mind to breath and look within

 

The Higher Power

looks not only at our actions

but into our hearts to gauge our worthiness.

Through genuine inner modesty, acceptance,

and innocence you correct your own

errors and set an example

for others.

 

fifth changing line

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 63 / Chi Chi (After Completion)

which you can find

right here

 

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a change in attitude delivers you

concentrate on the way

 

A change in attitude

delivers you from

difficulties.

 
The hexagram Hsieh signals the beginning of a deliverance from danger, tensions, and difficulty. The I Ching instructs you here on both the cause of deliverance and how you must act in order to fully benefit from it.

Deliverance is always caused by a change in our attitude. The Higher Power uses conflicts and obstacles to teach us lessons that we refuse to learn in an easier way, but they only darken our doorstep until we have acknowledged the lesson. So long as we ignore or resist difficulty it remains our constant companion; as soon as we accept its presence as a sign that some self-correction is needed, our deliverance begins. Truly, the only way to dispel trouble and regain peace of mind is to change our attitude.

The I Ching also teaches us that we have several responsibilities once our deliverance begins. The first is to forgive the misdeeds of others. The image of the hexagram is that of a powerful rainstorm washing away what is unclean. This, then, is a time to clean every slate and begin anew, meeting others halfway with gentleness and patience.

Next, we are advised to restore our inner balance and see that it is maintained. Deliverance offers us a return to equanimity, and we must avail ourselves of the opportunity conscientiously. Finally, we are counseled not to try to force progress, even though the time is beneficial. If we have truly changed our attitude, we have become detached, innocent, modest, and accepting. In this state we allow progress to unfold naturally according to the will of the Sage.
 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 40, Hsieh / Deliverance

 

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