Perseverance in stillness,
in both thought and deed, forms
a noble heart. The ultimate fruit of a
noble heart is complete
peace of mind.
sixth changing line
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
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.
This matter Zen
is like a great mass of fire:
when you approach it your face is sure
to be scorched. It is again like a sword about
to be drawn; when it is once out of the scabbard,
someone is sure to lose his life. The precious
vajra sword is right here and its purpose
is to cut off the head.
The body does not know
how to discourse or to listen to a discourse.
This which is unmistakably perceivable right where
you are, absolutely identifiable yet without
form, this is what listens to
the discourse.
To know
the masculine and yet
cleave to the feminine is to be the
womb for the world. Being the womb for
the world, never departing from the
eternal power of tao, you
become like an infant
once again:
immortal.
To know
the bright and yet
hold to the dull is to be
an example for the world.
Being the example for the world,
not deviating from the everlasting
power of tao, you return to
the infinite once again:
limitless.
To know
honor and yet keep
to humility is to be the valley
for the world. Being the valley for
the world, rich with the primal power
of tao, you return once again to simplicity,
like uncarved wood. Allow tao to carve
you into a vessel for tao. Then you
can serve the world without
mutilating
it.
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
You
can now buy
Tao te Ching as part of a
five-app bundle of Taoist classics
for iPhone or iPad for less than
the cost of one hardcover
book.
Those
who wish to use
Tao to influence others
don’t rely on force or weapons
or military strategies. Force rebounds.
Weapons turn on their wielders.
Battles are inevitably
followed by
famines.
Just do
what needs to be done,
and then stop. Attain your purpose,
but don’t press your advantage. Be resolute,
but don’t force. Succeed, but don’t
crow. Accomplish, but don’t
overpower.
Overdoing
things invites decay,
and this is against Tao.
Whatever is against
Tao soon ceases
to be.
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
You
can now buy
Tao te Ching as part of a
five-app bundle of Taoist classics
for iPhone or iPad for less than
the cost of one hardcover
book.
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.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 28 / Ta Kuo (Preponderance of the Great)
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, Wei wu Wei Ching,
Further guidance from the
Wei Wu Wei Ching
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.
You can now
buy the I Ching and
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.