darkness reigns in the external world

a darkness as much of the womb as the grave

 

Darkness reigns

in the external world now. 

Disengage from negative feelings

and maintain your inner

light.

 
This is a time when darkness and inferior energies surround you. The image is that of the sun completely swallowed by the earth. The only light left is that inside your own heart, and you are counseled to return to it, maintain it, and quietly nourish yourself with it.

It is in dark moments that a correct attitude is most important. If we fight against the darkness, we are swallowed by it and suffer great misfortune. If we react to the lack of visible progress with despair and negativity, we extinguish our own inner light and block the aid of the Creative. If we try to persuade others that they must return to the light, we exhaust ourselves in vain now.

In a time such as this is it wise to adopt a stance of outer disengagement and inner perseverance. Do not focus on or interact with the negative influences around you; this only strengthens their grip on you. Step aside, yield, let go, allow people and events to pass without attachment. Direct your attentions inside to your inner light, your devotion to what is right, your conversation with the Higher Power.

Progress may be slow, but there will indeed by progress. Remember that much of the work of the Higher Power is hidden from us, and that we enable and assist it by remaining detached, accepting, and reserved in the face of negative influences.
 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 36, Ming I / Darkening of the Light

 

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tools of evil

 

No weapon that is formed

against thee shall prosper; and

every tongue that shall rise against thee

in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the

heritage of the servants of the Lord,

and their righteousness is of

me, saith the Lord.

 

Isaiah 54:17

 

the sea is king of the valleys


 

The sea is

king of the valleys

and streams because it

is willing to be beneath them.

One who wishes to guide people

should be humble in her speech

toward them. One who wishes

to lead people must learn

the art of following

them.

 

The sage

is above the people,

but they don’t feel her weight.

She stays ahead of the people,

and no harm comes to them. She has

the affection of the whole world.

Because she contends with

no one, no one can

contend with

her.

 

Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu,

Chapter 66

 

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in harmony with the sage

shamil zhumatov

 

Those who are steadfastly balanced, humble,

and in harmony with the Sage inherit

everything under the sun.

 

This is a time of great power and clarity for you. By conscientiously following the path of proper principles, you have come into partnership with the Higher Power and enjoy the influence of the Creative everywhere in your life. If you remain modest and balanced now, you will come into possession of prosperity and success.

The I Ching indicates here that you increased your personal power by purifying your thoughts, actions, and attitudes. When you have done this long enough so that service of the true and good becomes your only goal in life, you come into complete harmony with the universe. As a result, you begin to have a far-reaching influence, shining on others as the sun shines on everything under the heavens. Because your power is so great, it is especially important to maintain correct attitudes and behavior now.

Having attained a high position, you are wise to remain modest and generous toward others. Remember that it is the Higher Power who gives you your strength. Do not make the mistake of becoming proud, disdainful of others, or convinced of your ability to control events. By leaving the Sage in charge, withdrawing from all inferior influences, and promoting the good wherever possible, you remain gracefully balanced and in harmony with the universe. Your peace of mind becomes permanent, and in this way you come into possession of success and prosperity.

 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 14, Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure

 

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we are all strangers in a strange land

jan l. waldron
 

 

We are all

wanderers in the Unknown. 

Those who travel beside the Sage 

are protected from

harm.

 
A person who travels as a stranger in a strange land is wise to display an attitude free of arrogance and belligerence. Otherwise he is liable to meet with trouble and find himself unable to survive it. With this hexagram the I Ching reminds us that we are all strangers in a strange land, wanderers in a vast and unknowable universe, obliged to act accordingly.

Think of how you would proceed if traveling alone in an unfamiliar country. You would be cautious and reserved, taking great care not to fall in with the wrong people or enter into dangerous places. You would be tolerant of others and generous toward them if a dispute arose, and you would be inclined to settle disagreements quickly to keep them from getting out of hand. You would rely on your attentiveness, your modest attitude, and your gentle manner to keep you out of harm’s way. The hexagram Lu comes to remind you that it is wise to travel through your entire life in this fashion.

Seek now to stay in quiet harmony with the Higher Power and to embody caution, modesty, and generosity in your actions. Do not drag out disagreements with others; conflict is a poison that grows more dangerous every minute you are in it. Do not depart from the path of humility and correct conduct; in doing so, you lose the protection of the Deity and risk misfortune. By continually seeking to serve the innocent and the good, you stay in step with the Sage and never wander alone in the world.
 

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 56, Lü / The Wanderer


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