Posts Tagged → mind

it is a dangerous hour

you are your own teacher

 

Darkness reappears unexpectedly.

Caution and reticence

are in order.

 
It is a dangerous hour. Through an eruption of our inferior nature darkness has interrupted the flow of light. The inferior can be quite seductive, and if we are not resolute in resisting it, the moment can be lost to misfortune.

In one’s self, this is a time to examine motives; those which are of questionable honor should be uprooted and discarded. Be wary of situations that engage your ego and tempt you into anger, self-righteousness, or desire. Actively employ your higher nature to test the correctness of tempting ideas and circumstances; that which seems to be suspicious almost certainly is.

In your conduct with others, practice modesty, independence, and patience with great discipline. Avoid anger or arrogance at all costs; withdraw whenever you cannot meet another in a balanced and independent way. Neither encourage another to forego his balance nor indulge him if he does so. Again, withdraw into stillness if the circumstances indicate the presence of inferior influences. Reticence and self-scrutiny are the order of the day.
 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 44, Kou / Coming to Meet

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attained upon looking within

make an offering of stillness

 

The two things

in the world that are hardest

to do are crossing the ocean and going

into battle; yet people will do these things without

fearing their difficulties. When it comes to the Way, it has

the ease of being so easy that it is attained upon looking

within, not like the danger of crossing the ocean;

it has the security of the naturalness of

celestial design, not like the peril of

going into battle: yet people

rarely practice it —

why is that? 

 

The Cultivator of Realization

taoist meditation

 

allow the Sage to moderate

julien de casablanca

 

There is an obstacle

to the expression of truth.

Withdrawal into quietness

allows the Sage to

moderate.

 
Unity has been broken by one who is not being true to proper principles. This may be another, or an element in one’s own personality, or both. In any case, serious misfortune may result if the appropriate response is not made. The I Ching is very clear about what our proper action is when confronted with an obstacle of this nature: withdrawal into contemplation and a turning over of the matter to the Higher Power for resolution.

This is a time when aggressive action or intervention can only compound the misfortune. Use your strength to clearly separate yourself from incorrectness and realign yourself with the Sage. It is always our responsibility to acknowledge where something has gone wrong, but never our right to punish. The administration of justice is the sole province of the Deity.

The I Ching teaches us to forgive but not to forget. This does not mean one who reveals himself as inferior today should be regarded as such tomorrow. It means that we are wise to pay conscientious attention to the waxing and waning of truth in oneself and others. When truth predominates, we can progress. When it is eclipsed, we are obligated to withdraw and surrender the matter to the Sage.
 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 21, Shih Ho / Biting Through

 

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a challenge to improvement

it’s simple

 

A challenge to improvement:

that which has been spoiled through neglect

can be rejuvenated through effort.

 
Receiving this hexagram is a sign that there is a defect in the attitude of oneself, another, or one’s society that should be corrected. Your task now is to bring conscientious thought and action to an area where stagnation has set in. Perhaps you engage in continual doubt about the wisdom of behaving according to proper principles. Perhaps you indulge in greed, or vengeful thinking, or a harsh manner. In any case, the time has come to root out the decay.

The I Ching counsels us to work energetically at this task, but only after proper deliberation. We are advised to spend three full days in understanding the defect; another day in resolving sincerely to remove it; and then three more days watching carefully to insure that it does not return. This steady application of attention to the matter is the wind that carries away stagnation and brings new life in its place.

It is likely that the problem is an old one, and equally likely that no solution will be immediately evident. We are cautioned not to abandon the cause; only perseverance will reveal the great reward that is concealed within the problem.

Whether the fault lies in yourself, another, or your community, the requirement is the same. Watch closely while remaining quiet, innocent, and sincere. After you have clearly identified the problem, act unswervingly to eliminate it without abandoning gentleness and inner balance in the process. When this course is completed, good fortune will be met.
 

SIXTH CHANGING LINE

A withdrawal from

the affairs of the world is appropriate

if you use this time not to condemn, but to further

your own development. By improving

yourself  you improve

the world.

 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 18, Ku / Decay (Work On What Has Been Spoiled)

 

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Wei wu Wei Ching, Hua hu Ching, and

Art of War for iPad/Phone, Kindle,

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You

can now buy

the I Ching as part of a

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for iPhone or iPad for less than

the cost of one hardcover

book.

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