the kingship of the dervish

patch-robed monks

 

Fleeting time

and the changes of matter

make all the kings of the earth but

transitory kings, ruling over transitory kingdoms;

this is because of their dependence upon their environment

instead of their imagination. But the kingship of the dervish,

independent of all external influences, based purely on

his mental perception and strengthened by the forces

of his will, is much truer and at once unlimited

and everlasting. Yet in the materialistic view

his kingdom would appear as nothing,

while in the spiritual conception

it is an immortal and

exquisite realm

of joy.

 

Hazrat Inayat Khan

good approaches the superior person

electric night, sardinia

 

The

hexagram Lin

signals the approach of

powerful beneficial influences.

Just as the winter solstice heralds the

return of spring, the appearance of this hexagram

marks a similar movement toward light and

growth. Progress and success are

assured now to those who

persevere on the path

of truth.

 

To

maximize

the opportunity implicit

in this moment, it is important to

cultivate a proper attitude. It is easy, during

good times, to relax our inner discipline and fall back

into incorrect thoughts and actions. Allowing one’s ego to take

over in a moment of success is a sure means of ending the

progress that has begun. The growth that is at hand

was made possible by conscientious behavior,

and continuing carefully along that path

is our only means of coming

into full possession

of it.

 

A

steadfast

modesty and acceptance,

whether external conditions are good

or bad, is the mark of the superior person.

In yourself, maintain balance, equanimity, and

humility in times of accomplishment. With

others, remain patient, tolerant, and

gentle. Clinging to those principles

assures you of a time of joy

and prosperity.

 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 19, Lin / Approach

 

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create from joy

hamid sardar-afkhami

 

The most

beautiful paintings and

sculptures, the greatest poetry,

have not always been born from torment

or bitterness. Often they have sprung from

contemplation, from joy, from an instinct or wonder

toward all things. To create from joy, to create from wonder,

demands a continual discipline, a great compassion…With time

and sincerity, you will discover a way to work and write that does

not harm you spiritually, that does not tempt you to vanity,

that is the deepest expression of your spirituality. You

will find a voice that is not your voice only, but the

voice of Reality itself. . . If you can be empty

enough, that voice can speak through you.

If you can be humble enough, that

voice can inhabit you

and use you.

 

Thuksey Rinpoche