accept the way that things are

lean slightly back

 

Do not argue with

what is; simply follow the

progress of truth.

 

Wisdom teaches us that in order to obtain a following — the aid and agreement of others — we must first ourselves practice following. This is done by steadfastly observing what is correct and putting it into practice; in other words, we follow the Sage. This hexagram comes to remind you to make it possible for others to be loyal and helpful to you by redevoting yourself to following inner truth.

It is essential now to quietly accept the way that things are. This does not necessarily mean that you endorse or celebrate current circumstances, just that you do not resist them. Acceptance is the most fundamental principle in the philosophy of the I Ching. To resist events is similar to resisting the turning of the earth – you only exhaust yourself in vain.

To resolve a difficult situation, follow the good within yourself. Whatever correction is necessary is made possible in this way. The use of force or cunning will only breed resentment and misfortune. Peace blooms quickest where proper principles are given expression.

Leading others is a delicate art, and our model in this is always the Sage. Proceed gently, with balance, staying unattached to results and free of egotistical pretensions. Lead the people by following the Sage, and good results will always be had.

 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 17, Sui / Following

 

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humility is the root of greatness

gansbaai

 

Humility is the

root of greatness. Those in high

positions do well to think of themselves 

as powerless, small and

unworthy. 

 

Isn’t this

taking humility for the root? 

Attain honor without being honored. 

Don’t shine like jade, or

chime like bells. 

 

The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 39

 

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the sage has no set mind

melt and let go and rest

 

The sage has no set mind.

She adopts the concerns

of others as her own.

 

She is good to the good.

She is also good to the bad.

This is real goodness.

 

She trusts the trustworthy.

She also trusts the untrustworthy.

This is real trust.

 

The sage takes the minds

of the worldly and spins them around.

People drop their ideas and agendas,

and she guides them like

beloved children.

 

The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 49

 

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a reliable source of nourishment

the well

 

Return to the well of goodness.

 
No community can survive without a dependable source of pure water. In a similar way, human beings cannot survive without a reliable source of spiritual nourishment. In fact, we need two wells: an external source of guidance, such as the I Ching, and an internal source of guidance, which must be our own good character. This hexagram comes to encourage you to concentrate on developing, purifying, and utilizing your two “wells.”

Notice the name of this hexagram: “Ching/The Well.” The I Ching has survived in countless civilizations for thousands of years for a simple reason: it is an inexhaustible source of spiritual nourishment. It provides us with the fundamental building blocks of a successful life. If you approach it sincerely, without mistrust or frivolity, it will guide you through every difficult hour with unimpeachable wisdom. If you muddy the well, however, by doubting the I Ching or by placing your ego desires above the counsel it gives you, you impede your own progress.

The purest of external wells, the I Ching is also an invaluable aid in developing and cleansing the internal well of your own good character. It will, if you are sincere, reveal to you the fundamental issues of your life, and it will instill in you the values necessary to successfully negotiate those issues.

The hexagram Ching comes to encourage you not to muddy the well of your good character in any way now. In relating to others, look beyond any external faults of “muddiness” and acknowledge the clear well that exists somewhere inside them. No person is without this, and by speaking to it you strengthen it. If you will follow these counsels, you will meet with a true and lasting success in life.
 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 48, Ching / The Well

 

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pushing upward steadily but gently

cherry blossom tree

wise trees

 

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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