we all could use a little mercy now


 
 

The shock of unsettling events
brings fear and trembling.
Move toward a higher
truth and all will
be well.

 

 The tendency of human beings is to rely on the strategies of the ego: desiring, plotting, and striving. When we exercise the ego, our spiritual development stops, and the universe must use shocking events to move us back onto the path. The appearance of the hexagram Chên indicates an immediate need for self-examination, self-correction, and a redevotion to following the path of the Sage. In Chinese, the hexagram translates to mean “thunder over thunder”: a continuing series of shocks occurs until the obstruction in our attitude is removed.

It is important not to react against these shocks.Instead, quiet and open your mind, accept that what is happening has come to teach you a specific and necessary lesson, and look inside to see where you are resisting the will of the Higher Power. The sooner you return to innocence and acceptance, the sooner the shocks will subside. 

Those who maintain a reverence for proper principles and an inner commitment to higher things are unperturbed by shocking events; they simply concentrate on deepening their understanding. If you find yourself feeling threatened by circumstances, withdraw into stillness and meditation. The only remedy for doubt and fear is a reconnection with higher truth.Shock is an important and beneficial teacher to those who follow the path of the Sage. Make good use of this new beginning and good fortune results.

 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 51, Chen / The Arousing (Shock)

 

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this is the way of heaven


 

Filling

to fullness is not

as good as stopping

at the right

moment.

 

Oversharpening

a blade causes its edge to be lost.

Line your home with treasures and you

won’t be able to defend it. Amass possessions,

establish positions, display your pride:

Soon enough disaster drives

you to your

knees.

 

This is the

way of heaven:

do your work, then

quietly step

back.

 

The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 9


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good approaches the superior person

electric night, sardinia

 

The

hexagram Lin

signals the approach of

powerful beneficial influences.

Just as the winter solstice heralds the

return of spring, the appearance of this hexagram

marks a similar movement toward light and

growth. Progress and success are

assured now to those who

persevere on the path

of truth.

 

To

maximize

the opportunity implicit

in this moment, it is important to

cultivate a proper attitude. It is easy, during

good times, to relax our inner discipline and fall back

into incorrect thoughts and actions. Allowing one’s ego to take

over in a moment of success is a sure means of ending the

progress that has begun. The growth that is at hand

was made possible by conscientious behavior,

and continuing carefully along that path

is our only means of coming

into full possession

of it.

 

A

steadfast

modesty and acceptance,

whether external conditions are good

or bad, is the mark of the superior person.

In yourself, maintain balance, equanimity, and

humility in times of accomplishment. With

others, remain patient, tolerant, and

gentle. Clinging to those principles

assures you of a time of joy

and prosperity.

 

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 19, Lin / Approach

 

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