equanimity in all you say think and do

Give proper nourishment

to yourself and

others.

The image of this hexagram is that of an open mouth. It comes to remind us that the nourishment of our bodies and spirits is important and merits our conscientious attention.

The I Ching teaches us that if we wish to gauge someone’s character, we should notice what he nourishes in himself and in others. Those who cultivate inferior behaviors and relationships are inferior people; those who cultivate superior qualities in themselves and others are superior people. This is a test that we should apply to ourselves as well as to others.

What you put into your body is obviously important. Because it determines your fundamental physical well-being, it is wise to be moderate and thoughtful about the food you eat. What you put into your mind is even more significant, and regulating it is a more subtle art. This hexagram gives us three-part advice on that subject.

The first counsel is that we should not feed our minds on desire. When we forego our equanimity and begin to desire something or someone, a host of other inferior influences comes into play: we become ambitious about obtaining the object of our desire; we become fearful that we will not; if we do achieve it our ego is gratified and strengthened and it soon issues another demand for us to meet. A self-reinforcing cycle of negativity is thus created. Therefore it is wise to hold yourself free from desire.

The second counsel is that we begin and continue in a regular practice of meditation. Sitting quietly with our eyes closed for even as little as ten or fifteen minutes a day begins to “clear the waste” out of our hearts and minds, making room for the nourishment of peace and wisdom to enter in. To sit in meditation is tune your ear to the voice of the Sage, and it is the most powerful way of gaining his assistance.

The final counsel is that we observe tranquility in speech, thoughts, and actions. By cultivating calm and equanimity in all that you say, think, and do, you nourish your superior self and that of those around you. One who follows these three counsels now will meet with good fortune.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 27 / Providing Nourishment

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the meditating mind is light as a reed

radim schreiber

Before the night

is even through, I rise and sit,

watching fireflies. The night air clear as

water, the meditating mind is light as a reed.

The moon outlines trees on the western ridge;

a bell arouses homes up above. There may

be those in the dark who know

just how fine is what

I have found.

Wen-siang

verses for the wakeful

studying texts and stiff meditation

okinawa soba

Studying texts

and stiff meditation can

make you lose your Original Mind.

A solitary tune by a fisherman, though,

can be an invaluable treasure. Dusk rain

on the river, the moon peeking in and

out of the clouds; elegant beyond

words, he chants his songs

night after night.

Ikkyu

wikkyu

the search for happiness

grace

The search

for happiness is not

about looking at life through

rose-colored glasses or blinding oneself

to the pain and imperfections of the world.

Nor is happiness a state of exultation

to be perpetuated at all costs; it is

the purging of mental toxins,

such as hatred and

obsession.

Matthieu Ricard

hexagram 53 ☯️ gradual progress

@brianwalker

Those who persevere make continual progress.

The image of this hexagram is that of a tree growing high on a mountain top. If this tree grows too fast, without first properly rooting itself, it becomes susceptible to being torn up and destroyed by the winds. If, however, it establishes a proper foundation and is content to grow gradually, it will enjoy a long life and a lofty view.

Human beings are no different. While we often desire rapid progress – we want to change someone’s mind today, obtain an apology now, achieve all our goals immediately – sooner or later we must come to understand that the only lasting progress is gradual progress. Chien comes to urge you to accept that fact and base your thoughts, attitudes, and actions upon it.

When we have allowed ourselves to be pulled off balance by another or by some event, the ego tempts us to believe that we can influence the situation through forceful behavior. This is incorrect; the actions of the ego inevitably complicate our difficulties. The greatest influence possible always comes through the patient and steady refinement of one’s inner self. If you will devote yourself to the path of the Sage, with every step along that path you will be strengthened, and progress will come automatically. It will be gradual, but it will last.

Be patient, modest, and accepting now. Life often demands that we wait longer than we might like for some change, and the only true comfort available during these times is the knowledge that we are steadfastly developing ourselves into superior people. In time, every honor comes to those who are persevering and correct.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 53, Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)

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