Those people
who actually realize it just
keep serene and free at all times,
without cravings, without
dependence.
Posts Tagged → light
the guardian spirit lodged within
If you find anything
better in human life than justice,
honesty, moderation and courage — if,
to put it generally, you find anything better
than the self-sufficiency of your mind on those
occasions that your actions are compatible with
right reason, as well as when something is allotted
to you by fate without your having chosen it —
if, I say, you’re aware of anything better
than this, turn to it with all your heart
and enjoy the supreme good
you’ve discovered.
But if you find
nothing better than the
guardian spirit lodged within you,
which has brought all your particular
impulses under its control, which scrutinizes
your thoughts, which, as Socrates used to say, has
withdrawn itself from sensations, which has put itself
in the gods’ hands, and which cared providentially for
other people — if everything else turns out to be
trivial and worthless by comparison,
then make room for
nothing else.
the universe is a harmonious oneness
Forget
about understanding and
harmonizing and making all things one.
The universe is already a harmonious
oneness; just realize
that.
If you
scramble about in
search of inner peace,
you will lose your
inner peace.
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the proper basis for relationships
In fellowship with others,
embody the principles of the Sage.
This hexagram addresses the proper basis for relationships with others. It generally comes as a sign that some kind of self-correction is in order in this arena.
Proper relationships, whether in love, work, family, or friendship, must be founded on and conducted under proper principles in order to succeed. Our model for how to behave with others is the Sage: in relating we are obliged to practice kindness, humility, correctness, equanimity, and openness. Wherever we depart from these we lose the aid of the Higher Power and risk and encounter with misfortune.
The fundamental rule of the I Ching for the conduct of relationships is that they take place in the open. This means that every facet of a relationship should be seen as fair and correct by everyone concerned, not just yourself. It also means that it is improper to enter into or continue in relationships with unspoken reservations or hidden intentions.
Exceptional things can be accomplished by those who come together correctly in fellowship now under the guidance of an enlightened leader or leaders. Seek that role by patterning yourself after the Sage. Meet others halfway in a spirit of sincerity and receptivity. Give trust where it is due; where it is not, do not resort to harshness – reserve and reticence are adequate measures. Avoid the formation of factions and cliques, and correct your errors in relationships as soon as you become aware of them. In this way you can accomplish magnificent deeds now.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 13, T’ung Jen / Fellowship with Others
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You
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the arrival of a time of revolution
Devotion to truth
enables a revolution.
The hexagram Ko announces the arrival of a time of revolution. A set of conditions, internal or external or both, is ready to pass away in favor of a more beneficial situation. What enables this transformation is your conscious and vigorous adherence to correct thought and behavior.
No revolution in outer things is possible without a prior revolution in one’s inner way of being. Whatever change you aspire to in your affairs must be preceded by a change in heart, and active deepening and strengthening of your resolve to meet every event with equanimity, detachment, and innocent goodwill. When this spiritual poise is achieved within, magnificent things are possible without.
The revolutions of others are enabled also when we refine the fire of goodness and truth inside ourselves. Sincere commitment to higher things travels outward in powerful waves from the superior person, and all those around are affected by this. Indisputably, to lead one’s inner self to truth and peace is to lead the outer world to truth and peace. A beneficial revolution is assured to one who takes this path now.
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.