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
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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.
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Just
detach from thoughts
and cut off sentiments and transcend
the ordinary conventions. Use your own inherent
power and take up its great capacity and great wisdom right
where you are. It is like letting go when you are hanging
from a mile-high cliff, releasing your body
and not relying on anything
anymore.
A true change of
heart is possible when we accept the
necessity of adversity. Peace comes when
we discontinue the strivings
of the ego.
fifth changing line
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 30, Li / The Clinging (Fire)
(full text here)
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A moment of
great influence is at hand.
Prepare wisely and act
accordingly.
The image of the hexagram Fêng is that of thunder and lightning filling the sky. It signifies a period of tremendous power which, like all such moments, only lasts for a time. Here we are instructed how to know when the moment is ripe, and what to do when it is not.
Our influence in the world naturally ebbs and flows. At one moment others are full of mistrust, and forward movement is impossible. In the next, by steadfastly clinging to what is true and good, we reawaken their receptivity and growth can take place. Only by carefully observing these cycles—the openings and closings of others to our influence—can we achieve greatness.
To do this, we must cultivate an attitude of independent watchfulness. In this state of quiet observation we open our hearts to the aid of the Sage, who in turn opens our eyes to what is possible and what is not. This clarity enables us to move with strength and grace when the time is right, and in this we achieve abundance.
Fêng also advises us that influence cannot last forever; as the sun rises, so it must set. When receptivity gives way to mistrust and our influence begins to wane, we ought not struggle to fortify or prolong it. Modesty and detachment require that we accept the turning of the tide. By letting go of the passing moment and entering the next with a correct and balanced attitude, we save ourselves for a more beneficial time.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
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Art of War for iPad/Phone, Kindle,
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