strong within, gentle without

True joy is

experienced by those who

are strong within and

gentle without.

The hexagram Tui teaches us how to come into possession of joy. In our search for success and happiness we are prone to think that we must take aggressive actions to achieve them. The instruction of the I Ching is just the opposite: only those who practice innocence, acceptance, and detachment inherit true joy in this world.

We often see around us how forcible effort brings about what appears to be progress. Our egos tempt us to believe that these gains are lasting and valuable, but the truth is otherwise. Whatever is won by the desirous, ambitious, demanding manipulations of the ego will soon be lost. Others can always be temporarily browbeaten into doing things our way, but only hearts won by friendliness and sincere goodwill are true over time.

The I Ching teaches us again and again that joy and success cannot be forced or stolen. They are achieved gradually—but steadily—by those who relate correctly to others and to the Higher Power. To relate correctly means to steadfastly practice innocence, detachment, acceptance, modesty, and gentleness. Life is full of shortcuts, but this is the only route that leads to true joy.

The image of the hexagram is that of two lakes joined together to keep from drying up. It is an encouragement to us to join with like-minded friends now in the discussion and contemplation of higher things. If we engage in an ongoing conversation about proper principles with our friends, our relationship to truth is steady and our ego cannot seduce us into the doubt, fear, and anxiety that lead away from joy.

In your heart, be firm in holding to what is good and honest and correct. In your thoughts and actions, be gentle and accepting. Those who persevere on this path will meet with true joy and lasting success.

from The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 58, Tui / The Joyous

FIFTH CHANGING LINE

One who dabbles in inferior emotions,

attitudes, and actions will be undone by them.

Let these things go and return to

innocence and truth.

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fame and fortune are shallow and injurious

orion above easter island

People yearn

for fame and fortune,

but this is like aching to taste the

point of a weapon. These are shallow,

confusing, empty of virtue — yet

people become fixed on them

and lose their way

forever.

Look closely

at things that shine

without substance. Fame

enflames one’s idea of self and

separates one from humanity. Touched

by it, people grasp desperately to

get and keep it. What is the

wisdom, though,

in resisting

change?

Fortune

is a lover similarly

impossible to satisfy.

Constantly demanding energy

and attention, fencing off people’s

hearts, it returns less and less to

the soul. Yet common people

contort themselves

into cripples

chasing

it.

See

the injury

built into these,

and let them

go by.

Wei wu Wei Ching, Chapter 32

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the perfection of existence

dick van duijn

By seeing

all the way through

things we are able to perceive

the perfection of existence. The

foreground of mind is noisy chatter,

but by simply watching that with

discipline and perseverance, we

see it quiet. In its place arises

a vast, silent, illuminated

emptiness.

also with life.

The foreground is rife

with suffering and difficulty,

but by doing non-doing and

quietly observing, we

become aware of

its purity.

Wei wu Wei Ching, Chapter 10

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utilize the I Ching as a lantern

marcel van luit

Even the foolish

can attain wisdom by

modestly following the Sage.

Folly is a characteristic of youth: those who have had little experience generally exhibit little wisdom. This is true of us in a spiritual way as well; in comparison to the Sage we are “babes in the woods.” The hexagram Mêng counsels us to utilize the I Ching as a lantern so that we may survive our youthful folly and travel safely through the woods of life.

There is no shame in seeking guidance in life. A child is eager to be shown the way by his parents and teachers, and we are wise to recognize that in spiritual terms we are akin to children. Our success will come quicker if we find and follow a wise teacher. The Sage is available to serve in this way for those who approach the I Ching with a sincere desire to learn and grow.

To study the I Ching is to gain the perspective of the Deity, to learn the cosmic lesson inherent in every situation that faces us. If we truly look for and strive to comprehend these larger lessons, we gain mastery over fear, doubt, and anxiety. We can learn from study of the I Ching to live in a state of understanding, contentment, and acceptance, but several things are required of us.

The first is that we suspend our mistrust of the Unknown and allow the Sage to lead us. It is tempting to think that the I Ching might be just a book, merely words on paper, but there is more to it that this. To accept this is to recognize the Sage and become receptive to his assistance.

The second thing required of us is that we quiet the demands of our egos for comprehensive answers to our questions about life. The I Ching teaches us not how to get from A to Z but how to get from A to B, then from B to C, then from C to D. The sage travels step by step, dealing always with what is immediately at hand and bringing complete focus and concentration to the moment. By doing the same we fall into step with, and receive the help of, the Creative power of the universe.

Lastly, we are required to unstructure our attitude. By abandoning strategies about people and situations, we let the past and future go and meet the present with an open mind. To be unstructured and open is to allow the Sage to guide us safely and joyfully through life.

The image of Mêng is that of a stream beginning to flow down a mountainside, filing each ravine and hollow place as it goes. If we persevere in following the Sage, seeking the counsel of the I Ching and filling in the gaps in our character as they are revealed, we will be led to lasting success in life.

The I Ching, or Book of Changes

Hexagram 4, Mêng / Youthful Folly

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