Posts Tagged → peace

what is called for now

the path is perfect

 

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.
 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 28 / Ta Kuo (Preponderance of the Great)

 

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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.

 

Wei wu Wei Ching, Chapter 28

 

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a time of darkness comes to a close

patricia r. miranda

 

Receiving

this hexagram is a sign

that you have reached a turning point.

This moment is akin to the winter solstice: the

greatest adversity is past, and the light is beginning

to return. Nonetheless, one cannot force the

completion of the change, and it is wise

to rest. Act only when you can move

gently and innocently, and all

will be well.

 

Fu also comes

as a reminder to return

to the light in yourself. Growth is only

possible when we relinquish the expressions of

the ego: pride, impatience, anger, and desire.

To act forcefully or ambitiously

now will only generate

misfortune.

 

Let things

develop naturally, in their

own way. Simply observe and accept

changes as you observe and accept the rising

of the sun. Allow yourself to rest and gather strength

for a time of growth ahead. By holding to modesty,

gentleness, and correct conduct, you prepare

the ground for a fruitful blossoming

when the light fully

returns.

 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 24, Fu / Return

 

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she who is filled with goodness

innocence

 

She

who is filled with

goodness is like a newborn child:

wasps and snakes will not bite it, fierce

beasts will not attack it, birds of

prey will not pounce

on it.

 

Its

bones are soft

and its muscles weak,

but its grip is firm. It hasn’t yet

known the union of male and female,

yet its organ stirs with vitality.

It can howl all day without

becoming hoarse,

so perfect is its

harmony.

 

To

know harmony is to

know the eternal.  To know

the eternal is to be

inspired.

 

Prolonging

life is not harmonious.

Coercing the breath is unnatural.

Things which are overdeveloped must

decay.  All this is contrary to Tao,

and whatever is contrary

to Tao soon ceases

to be.

 

from The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 55

 

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equanimity in all you say think and do

fefo bouvier

 

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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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.

brian browne walker taoist app bundle ios ipad iphone