The purpose
and result of quietly
observing the self is to forget
the self. When the mind is seen for
what it is and fascination with
its activities dissipates,
reality, which was
always present,
appears.
It is at
this point that we
understand that nothing
is problematic and life
becomes thoroughly
enjoyable.
You
can now buy
Wei wu Wei Ching as part of a
five-app bundle of Taoist classics
for iPhone or iPad for less than
the cost of one hardcover
book.
The heart is the only reality.
The mind is only a transient phase.
To remain as one’s Self is to
enter the heart.
Remain steady
and allow the world
to shape itself.
Receiving
this hexagram is an
encouragement to endure, to move
ahead by abiding in what is true and correct.
It is not a time to let the ego swell with successes
nor to despair at misfortunes. It is
simply a time to hold to the
path of essential
truth.
It is
likely that a
change has occurred,
or is about to. It is your responsibility
to hold your course and go on without regarding
this change. Constancy in correct thought and action
is the order of the day. Rather than letting your
head be turned, simply hold steady
on your spiritual path while
the world reforms
around
you.
Do not
indulge in judgment,
impatience, or ambitious thinking
now. By concerning yourself only with what
is essential and true and good, only with what
is in front of you and your correct
relationship to it, you meet
with good fortune
now.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
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.
The Creative acts
to empty what is full and
to offer abundance to
what is modest.
This hexagram suggests that a deepening of one’s modesty now is a sure means of improving the situation. There is no power so great as modesty for compelling the assistance of the Sage – nor one so hindering as immodesty. Those in high places who retain their modesty are loved by all and continually prosper; those below who cultivate modesty inevitably rise on the strength of their merits, without making enemies along the way.
But what does modesty mean? Certainly it entails a refusal to boast or act imperiously with others, even in small ways. But beyond this steadfast humility it also means that our effort to discern what is right and then do it is constant; we do not work against ourselves, and we do not indulge in doubts about the wisdom of correct conduct. This unwavering commitment to what is correct might be called “the modesty before the Sage”.
So there is in modesty a component of nonaction – that is, not indulging in arrogant, ego-centered behavior – as well as a component of active effort: looking for opportunities to correct ourselves, to assist justice where there is injustice, to feed where there is hunger, to give solace where there is pain.
Finally and most plainly, modesty means holding to innocence, sincerity, and openness in every situation. To do this is to empty ourself and make room for the blessings of the Creative to take root.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes
ebooks & apps of the Tao the Ching, I Ching,
Hua hu Ching, and Art of War for
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.
There is a true buddha
in family life; there is a real tao
in everyday activities. If people can
be sincere and harmonious, promoting
communication with a cheerful demeanor
and friendly words, that is much better
than formal meditation
practice.
