It is a difficult time (see yesterday’s reading), though all positive forward progress has not been stopped. As long as we focus on accomplishing something worthwhile rather than merely escaping from our current situation we will find success. Struggling against powerful interests only leads to conflict. Being right doesn’t support our cause. People who rise from poverty without improving the whole merely replace their oppressors by becoming the new oppressors.
What we do in simple terms, step by step, coming from inner strength and just principles will make the difference, producing meaningful change and ultimate success.
Category: Today: I Ching
Today: We have full on social and moral stagnation – I Ching
We have full on social and moral stagnation due to the illegitimate ascent of immoral and self-serving people to positions of power. The bad news is that they will continue to follow their compulsion to serve and implement their pernicious agenda as long as it is allowed and until it is convenient to their self interest to change course. The good news is that they are feeling some shame. That bodes well for the long term. But, nothing will come of it until the time is right for a change. Righteous people can only stand by and witness the decay and destruction until the tides of the time change, when they can again exert influence and resolve never to let it happen again. In the meantime, they must be content to remain sane and let the flow of the time take its course.
Today: Be modest – I Ching
Be modest in your seeking solutions to deficiencies and imbalances. Count on success with small strides.
Today: Extend the joy that comes from within – I Ching
Extend the joy that comes from within. You are blessed by the grace of God; bless the world in God’s grace. That is your impact. That is your legacy.
Today: Take charge – I Ching
Leadership is so broken that even the most insignificant people are able to take charge. Prosperity may be around the corner, but it will take a seismic shock to facilitate its return. The structure must be shaken to its core. Step up.
Today: Find your niche in fellowship – I Ching
Find your niche in fellowship. When you find common attraction in your hearts, whatever separates you from others will dissolve and joy will replace sadness. Then grace will come and all can live in harmony.
Kongfu (Confucius) says of this:
Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings.
Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again.
Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words,
There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence.
But when two people are at one in their inmost hearts,
They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.
And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,
Their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.
Today: With commitment and devotion, a strong leader will emerge – I Ching
Bonding and unity are insufficient to produce positive effects without a leader. With commitment and devotion, a strong leader will emerge. Everyone has some potential to fill that void. The leader will come from the chosen who choose to participate. It may take some time. With perseverance it will proceed gradually with assured success.
Today: Keep your awareness of your environment – I Ching
Keep your awareness of your environment. Avoid complacency in being right. Do not be blindsided by attacks that come out of left field. Pay close attention even to seemingly small and insignificant movements around you.
If you do these things then you can enjoy the enthusiasm that you generate around you and the help that that brings to your side without fear of secret opposition.
Today: Join good people of like mind to achieve great things – I Ching
Today: What is true, right and just will resonate within you – I Ching
What is true, right and just will resonate within you. You can trust this as a guide for living. That resonance will lend you the power and influence to draw mutual support from kindred souls to accomplish great things. Mere beliefs have marginal value and are easily corrupted.
Today: Decrease; be simple, elegant, frugal – I Ching
Decrease. Be simple, elegant, frugal. Make due with what you have rather than making empty pretense about what you don’t have. Express your relationship with God in you.
Today: Choose the path of gentle persuasion rather than radical upheaval – I Ching
The greatness that preponderates chooses the path of gentle persuasion rather than radical upheaval. The circumstances are dire and must be met with an unwavering commitment that produces a penetrating influence.
Today: It is a momentous time with the potential for really great things to happen- I Ching
It is a momentous time with the potential for really great things to happen. At this time, it is best to offer counsel for gentle restraint with respect to external circumstances while maintaining a firm inner determination.
The danger of actual bloodshed must be avoided by counseling the powerful to do the right thing. The truth will overcome all obstacles as long as it is allowed to emerge unobstructed by precipitous action. Then, pure creative action will replace fear and the full potential of the time will be realized.
Today: Join the gathering for justice and peace- I Ching
Today: Enthusiasm; engage with kindred souls- I Ching
Enthusiasm. The inviolability of natural laws rests on the principle of movement along the line of least resistance. These laws are not forces external to things but represent the harmony of movement immanent in them. Only laws as are rooted in popular sentiment can be enforced, while laws violating this sentiment merely arouse resentment (see Dec 3 and Dec 5 readings).
Today: It’s a time to gather together for your common good – I Ching
It’s a time to gather together for your common good. Gathering out of attraction is no mistake. People who belong together are attracted to the group. Together you will accomplish great things. Good will overcome evil (see Dec 3 reading).