Category: Today: I Ching

Today: Don’t let inferior elements of your personality gain a foothold – from the I Ching

Do not let inferior elements of your personality gain a foothold through seduction or compulsion.  Do not surrender your dignity.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The inferior man rises only because the superior man does not regard him as dangerous and so lends him power. If he were resisted from the first, he could never gain influence.
Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance. When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper; when a prince and his official come to meet each other, the world is put in order. It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway. But the coming together must be free of dishonest ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result.”
“

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Remain innocent – from the I Ching

Remain innocent.  Do not struggle with the flow.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Man has received from heaven a nature innately good, to guide him in all his movements. By devotion to this divine spirit within himself, he attains an unsullied innocence that leads him to do right with instinctive sureness and without any ulterior thought of reward and personal advantage. This instinctive certainty brings about supreme success and “furthers through perseverance”. However, not everything instinctive is nature in this higher sense of the word, but only that which is right and in accord with the will of heaven. Without this quality of rightness, an unreflecting, instinctive way of acting brings only misfortune. Confucius says about this:
“He who departs from innocence, what does he come to? Heaven’s will and blessing do not go with his deeds.”
“

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Contemplate – from the I Ching

Contemplate.  Within you lie the answers to direction, advance and retreat.  Forget the naive forms that come from the world that always presuppose a viewpoint and offer inherently limited options.  In this paradigm shift, realize a state of grace.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“This is the place of transition. We no longer look outward to receive pictures that are more or less limited and confused, but direct our contemplation upon ourselves in order to find a guideline for our decisions. This self-contemplation means the overcoming of naïve egotism in the person who sees everything solely form his own standpoint. He begins to reflect and in this way acquires objectivity. However, self-knowledge does not mean preoccupation with one’s own thoughts; rather, it means concern about the effects one creates. It is only the effects our lives produce that give us the right to judge whether what we have done means progress or regression.
By contemplating the forms existing in the heavens we come to understand time and its changing demands. Through contemplation of the forms existing in human society it becomes possible to shape the world.
“

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Great power comes from your inner worth – from the I Ching

Great power comes from your inner worth.  Use it for righteous causes and for justice.  Apply it from within without grand external gestures.  Your greatness with then go unchallenged.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power.  For that is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point – namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united – we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.
If a man goes on quietly and perseveringly working at the removal of resistances, success comes in the end. The obstructions give way and all occasion for remorse arising from excessive use of power disappears.
The sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach mankind, and just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and caring for all creatures on it, so the sage sustains and cares for all people and excludes no part of humanity. “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Be flexible – from the I Ching

Be flexible.  You can overcome any obstacle.  You can go around, you can go through it, you can merge.  No need for struggle.  Teach others the same.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.  “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Hold your course – from the I Ching

Hold your course.  You can expect ultimate success.  There is no need for precipitous action now.  The promised rain will come.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The situation is not unfavourable; there is a prospect of ultimate success, but there are still obstacles in the way, and we can merely take preparatory measures. Only through the small means of friendly persuasion can we exert any influence. The time has not yet come for sweeping measures. However, we may be able, to a limited extent, to act as a restraining and subduing influence. To carry out our purpose we need firm determination within and gentleness and adaptability in external relations.  “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Embrace simplicity – from the I Ching

Embrace simplicity.  Be frugal.  Draw on the strength of your inner attitude to balance what is lacking in externals.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not to try to cover up poverty with empty pretence. If a time of scanty resources brings out an inner truth, one must not feel ashamed of simplicity. For simplicity is then the very thing needed to provide inner strength for further undertakings. Indeed, there need be no concern if the outward beauty of the civilisation, even the elaboration of religious forms, should have to suffer because of simplicity. One must draw on the strength of the inner attitude to compensate for what is lacking in externals; then the power of the content makes up for the simplicity of form. There is no need of presenting false appearances to God. Even with slender means, the sentiment of the heart can be expressed. “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Look for success in small things – from the I Ching

Examine the nature of current conflict. Reflect on your position in it.  Be sure that you are aligned with what is right, and not merely exploiting someone in a weaker position.  Look also at what you can reasonably expect to accomplish.  In this time, do not go after lofty goals.  Look for success in small things.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“CONFLICT DEVELOPS when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict.
If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear- headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry on the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated.
This refers to a person whose inner attitude at first lacks peace. He does not feel content with his situation and would like to improve it through conflict.  He is dealing with a weaker opponent and might therefore succeed. But he cannot carry on the fight, because, since right is not on his side, he cannot justify the conflict to his conscience. Therefore he turns back and accepts his fate. He changes his mind and finds lasting peace in being at one with eternal law. This brings good fortune.
Exceptional modesty and conscientiousness are sure to be rewarded with success; however, if a man is not to throw himself away, it is important that they should not become empty form and subservience but be combined always with a correct dignity in personal behaviour. We must understand the demands of the time in order to find the necessary offset for its deficiencies and damages. In any event we must not count on great success, since the requisite strength is lacking. In this lies the importance of the message that one should not strive after lofty things but hold to lowly things.

 “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: True fellowship must be based on concerns that are universal – from the I Ching

True fellowship must be based on concerns that are universal. It is not the private interests of individuals that create lasting fellowship, but rather the goals of humanity (see yesterday).  When personal or egotistical interests coming from the leadership dominate, the fellowship will be broken and factions will form that are in conflict with each other.  Though difficult, the constituents must inform the leadership of the error of their ways.  This will not be taken kindly, but with enough decorum and grace the message will get through and have an impact.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“True fellowship among men must be based on a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among men, but rather the goals of humanity. That is why it is said that fellowship with men in the open succeeds. If unity of this kind prevails, even difficult and dangerous tasks, such as crossing the great water, can be accomplished. But in order to bring about this sort of fellowship, a persevering and enlightened leader is needed – a man with clear, convincing, and inspiring aims and the strength to carry them out.
There is danger here of formation of a separate faction on the basis of personal and egotistic interests. Such factions, which are exclusive and, instead of welcoming all men, must condemn one group in order to unite the others, originate from low motives and therefore lead in the course of time to humiliation.
The situation is really difficult. That which is strongest and that which is weakest are close together. The weak follows behind the strong and worries it. The strong, however, acquiesces and does not hurt the weak, because the contact is in good humor and harmless.
In terms of a human situation, one is handling wild, intractable people. In such a case one’s purpose will be achieved if one behaves with decorum. Pleasant manners succeed even with irritable people.
 “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: A fellowship requires a spiritual basis and a strong leader – from the I Ching

A fellowship requires a spiritual basis and a strong leader.  Only a strong moral force can unite the world.  Then, great achievements can be realized.  Recognize the obstructions and join with friends of like mind.  From this organic convergence, leadership arises.  Unswerving inner purpose will bring good fortune in the end.  Obstructions that last only for a time are useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The gathering together of people in large communities is either a natural occurrence, as in the case of the family, or an artificial one, as in the case of the state. The family gathers about the father as its head. The perpetuation of this gathering in groups is achieved through the sacrifice to the ancestors, at which the whole clan is gathered together. Through the collective piety of the living members of the family, the ancestors become so integrated in the spiritual life of the family that it cannot be dispersed or dissolved.
Where men are to be gathered together, religious forces are needed. But there must also be a human leader to serve as the centre of the group. In order to be able to bring others together, this leader must first of all be collected within himself. Only collective moral force can unite the world. Such great times of unification will leave great achievements behind them. This is the significance of the great offerings that are made. In the secular sphere likewise there is need of great deeds in the time of GATHERING TOGETHER.
Often a man feels an urge to unite with others, but the individuals around him have already formed themselves into a group, so that he remains isolated. The whole situation proves untenable. Then he ought to choose the way of progress, resolutely allying himself with a man who stands nearer to the centre of the group, and can help him to gain admission to the closed circle. This is not a mistake, even though at first his position as an outsider is somewhat humiliating.
Here an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly. In such a situation it is wise to pause in view of the danger and to retreat. However, this is merely a preparation for overcoming the obstructions. One must join forces with friends of like mind and put himself under the leadership of a man equal to the situation: then one will succeed in removing the obstacles. This requires the will to persevere just when one apparently must do something that leads away from his goal. This unswerving inner purpose brings good fortune in the end. An obstruction that lasts only for a time is useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.  “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: The creative powers rising will ignite a wildfire of accomplishment – from the I Ching

The creative powers rising will ignite a wildfire of accomplishment for all to see an participate in.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Things that accord in tone vibrate together. Things that have affinity in their inmost natures seek one another. Water flows to what is wet, fire turns to what is dry. Clouds (the breath of heaven) follow the dragon, wind (the breath of earth) follows the tiger. Thus the sage arises, and all creatures follow him with their eyes. What is born of heaven feels related to what is above. What is born of earth feels related to what is below. Each follows its kind.   “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Be steady in your progress toward your goals – from the I Ching

Be steady in your progress toward your goals.  Adaptability circumvents obstacles, brute force slams into them.  Be patient and strong.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“The pushing upward of the good elements encounters no obstruction and is therefore accompanied by great success. The pushing upward is made possible not by violence but by modesty and adaptability. Since the individual is borne along by the propitiousness of the time, he advances. He must go to see authoritative people. He need not be afraid to do this, because success is assured. But he must set to work, for activity (this is the meaning of “the south”) brings good fortune.  “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Get used to being the wanderer – from the I Ching

Get used to being the wanderer; a stranger in a strange land.  Allow what is familiar and unfamiliar.  Be gracious and don’t judge by comparison.  Bring peace.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“WHEN A man is a wanderer and stranger, he should not be gruff nor overbearing. He has no large circle of acquaintances, therefore he should not give himself airs. He must be cautious and reserved; in this way he protects himself from evil. If he is obliging toward others, he wins success.
A wanderer has no fixed abode; his home is the road. Therefore he must take care to remain upright and steadfast, so that he sojourns only in the proper places, associating only with good people. Then he has good fortune and can go his way unmolested. “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Keep your fire bright – from the I Ching

Keep your fire bright.  Hold to your principles as the onslaught of dark forces advances.  Under siege, be the light that prevails.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“What is dark clings to what is light and so enhances the brightness of the latter. A luminous thing giving out light must have within itself something that perseveres; otherwise it will in time burn itself out. Everything that gives light is dependent on something to which it clings, in order that it may continue to shine.
Here the end of the day has come. The light of the setting sun calls to mind the fact that life is transitory and conditional. Caught in this external bondage, men are usually robbed of their inner freedom as well. The sense of the transitoriness of life impels them to uninhibited revelry in order to enjoy life while it lasts, or else they yield to melancholy and spoil the precious time by lamenting the approach of old age. Both attitudes are wrong. To the superior man it makes no difference whether death comes early or late. He cultivates himself, awaits his allotted time, and in this way secures his fate.
This pictures a time when inferior people are pushing forward and are about to crowd out the few remaining strong and superior men.   The right behaviour in such adverse times is to be deduced from the images and their attributes. The lower trigram stands for the earth, whose attributes are docility and devotion. The upper trigram stands for the mountain, whose attribute is stillness. This suggests that one should submit to the bad time and remain quiet. For it is a question not of man’s doing but of time conditions, which, according to the laws of heaven, show an alternation of increase and decrease, fullness and emptiness. It is impossible to counteract these conditions of the time. Hence it is not cowardice but wisdom to submit and avoid action. “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: Repair the damage done – from the I Ching

Repair the damage done through apathy and indifference.  Do not allow the same mistakes to repeat.  Be decisive while instructing the inexperienced so that there is no misunderstanding of what has happened and what needs to be done.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“What has been spoiled through man’s fault can be made good again through man’s work.  We must first know the causes of corruption before we can do away with them; hence it is necessary to be cautious during the time before the start. Then we must see to it that the new way is safely entered on, so that a relapse may be avoided; therefore we must pay attention to the time after the start. Decisiveness and energy must take the place of inertia and indifference that have led to decay, in order that the ending may be followed by a new beginning.
This describes a man who proceeds a little too energetically in righting the mistakes of the past. Now and then, as a result, minor discords and annoyances will surely develop. But too much energy is better than too little. Therefore, although he may at times have some slight cause for regret, he remains free of any serious blame.
IN THE TIME OF youth, folly is not an evil. One may succeed in spite of it, provided one finds an experienced teacher and has the right attitude toward him. This means, first of all, that the youth himself must be conscious of his lack of experience and must seek out the teacher. Without this modesty and this interest there is no guarantee that he has the necessary receptivity, which should express itself in respectful acceptance of the teacher. This is the reason why the teacher must wait to be sought out instead of offering himself. Only thus can the instruction take place at the right time and in the right way. “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching

Today: In danger, be like water – from the I Ching

A situation similar to yesterday’s.  In a time of danger, be like water.  Do not try to extricate yourself from the situation.  Rather, be adaptable.
Do not, under any circumstances, normalize evil.  It should not be accepted in any form.  Do not negotiate with evil.  It must be thoroughly discredited.
While evil has reared its ugly head and threatens with real danger, it has not yet taken hold of real power in order to exert its dominance and do permanent damage.  If people at large should begin to accept it as normal, then we are lost.  It must be stopped before that happens.
Fortunately, the situation is shifting toward a time where we can send evil into retreat.  It has not yet advanced too far.  We must take heed of this change in good time. If we meet evil before it becomes reality- before it has even begun to stir-we can master it.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.
By growing used to what is dangerous, a man can easily allow it to become part of him. He is familiar with it and grows used to evil. With this he has lost the right way, and misfortune is the natural result.
If we meet evil before it becomes reality- before it has even begun to stir-we can master it … the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach mankind, and just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and caring for all creatures on it, so the sage sustains and cares for all people and excludes no part of humanity.
  “

Meditation
Previous readings
Today: I Ching