“Good character and diligence are being rewarded.  Enjoy your success without pressing for more. Be content.” – Today’s Reading

Good character and diligence are being rewarded.  Enjoy your success without pressing for more.  Be content.

Success is at hand. The wind has driven up the rain. A fixed standpoint has been reached. This has come about through the cumulation of small effects produced by reverence for a superior character. But a success thus secured bit by bit calls for great caution. It would be a dangerous illusion for anyone to think he could presume upon it. The female principle, the weak element that has won the victory, should never persist in vaunting it – that would lead to danger.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 6 – The Tao is called the Great Mother: empty yet inexhaustible, it gives birth to infinite worlds.

Today: “Creative meditation is that every moment you exist as a part of the universe, the whole universe becomes a part of you.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “Creative meditation is that every moment you exist as a part of the universe, the whole universe becomes a part of you.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: NM0394 – Live Above Denial

 

Previous reading: “Find a safe place in which life can go on, even though danger is all around. Allow this experience to help you become more understanding and compassionate”

Previous previous reading: When it seems that things are going your way, remember that we are all wanderers. Smugness invites carelessness. Enjoy your enthusiasm while maintaining your discipline.”

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Share The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha over a meal with friends today.

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
9 – Nine.  Hsiao Ch’u / Gentle Restraint

Winds of change high in the Heavens:
Air currents carry the weather.
Dense clouds blow in from the West, but still no rain.
The Superior Person fine tunes the image he presents to the world.

Small successes.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

No matter what you do, the fruit of your labors never seems to ripen.
Your reward remains just out of reach.
Men have gone mad from such anticipation.
Don’t lose your balance lunging for the brass ring.
While the Fates continue to restrain you, go them one better and display a self-generated restraint and grace.
Look for the humor in the situation.

Nine at the top means:

The needed rain finally pours down, bringing a well-earned time of rest.
It is Nature’s time to enrich the crops, so leave it to her.
To work the fields in the rain and mud would only undo all good effort.
Do not seek more; the gibbous moon seeks to be full, but once full can do nothing but wane.

The rain comes, there is rest.
This is due to the lasting effect of character.
Perseverance brings the woman into danger.
The moon is nearly full.
If the superior man persists,
Misfortune comes.

Moon cloud

Success is at hand. The wind has driven up the rain. A fixed standpoint has been reached. This has come about through the cumulation of small effects produced by reverence for a superior character. But a success thus secured bit by bit calls for great caution. It would be a dangerous illusion for anyone to think he could presume upon it. The female principle, the weak element that has won the victory, should never persist in vaunting it – that would lead to danger. The dark power in the moon is strongest when the moon is almost full. When it is full and directly opposite the sun, its waning is inevitable. Under such circumstances one must be content with what has been achieved. To advance any further, before the appropriate time has come, would lead to misfortune.

11 – Eleven.  T’ai / Peace

Heaven and Earth embrace, giving birth to Peace.
The Superior Person serves as midwife, presenting the newborn gift to the people.

The small depart; the great approach.
Success.
Good fortune.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

It doesn’t get any better than this.
Everything is in harmony, all obstacles are cleared from your Path, anything you could ask for is right at hand.
This is the Elysian Fields, the Garden of Eden.
The only thing wrong with Peace is that it, too, must change.
Whether you are in this state of harmony now or it is predicted for your future, recognize it as your greatest opportunity to build your resources against less harmonious times.

“Find a safe place in which life can go on, even though danger is all around.  Allow this experience to help you become more understanding and compassionate” – Today’s Reading

Find a safe place in which life can go on, even though danger is all around.  Allow this experience to help you become more understanding and compassionate.

A tree is not a suitable place for a wild goose. But if it is clever, it will find a flat branch on which it can get a footing. A man’s life too, in the course of its development, often brings him into inappropriate situations, in which he finds it difficult to hold his own without danger. Then it is important to be sensible and yielding. This enables him to discover a safe place in which life can go on, although he may be surrounded by danger.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.

Today: “The body has been given to me to realize and I must realize while I am in the body. ” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “The body has been given to me to realize and I must realize while I am in the body. ” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

Click to access LA097-790327-Yoni-Kriya-The-Unknown-Fear-Complex-Of-The-Unknown.pdf

Previous reading: “When it seems that things are going your way, remember that we are all wanderers. Smugness invites carelessness. Enjoy your enthusiasm while maintaining your discipline.”

Previous previous reading: “When it seems that things are going your way, remember that we are all wanderers. Smugness invites carelessness. Enjoy your enthusiasm while maintaining your discipline.”

Related posts

 

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
53 – Fifty-Three.  Chien / Gradual Progress

The gnarled Pine grows tenaciously off the Cliff face:
The Superior Person clings faithfully to dignity and integrity, thus elevating the Collective Spirit of Man in his own small way.
Development.
The maiden is given in marriage.
Good fortune if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Adaptability mixed with integrity will bring a calm, steady progress.
Move from your center, always faithful to your principles, yet with the flexibility to weather any tempest.
Yours is not a meteoric rise to the top, but the solid, confident footing of one who has a clear vision of what can be, and who is willing to climb the distance to reach it.
The oracle foresees companionship along the way — a Divine comfort on any journey.

Six in the fourth place means:

The wild geese must find shelter in the trees.
Only the broadest, flattest branches will harbor them.
No mishaps.

The wild goose gradually draws near the tree.
Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame.

Wild goose

A tree is not a suitable place for a wild goose. But if it is clever, it will find a flat branch on which it can get a footing. A man’s life too, in the course of its development, often brings him into inappropriate situations, in which he finds it difficult to hold his own without danger. Then it is important to be sensible and yielding. This enables him to discover a safe place in which life can go on, although he may be surrounded by danger.

35 – Thirty-Five.  Chin / Aspiration

The Sun shines down upon the Earth:
Constantly honing and refining his brilliance, the Superior Person is a Godsend to his people.
They repay his benevolence with a herd of horses, and he is granted audience three times in a single day.

Promotion.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of reward for good works.
Those you have helped want to show their gratitude.
Benefits come both from on high and from the humble you uplifted.
Accept all gifts graciously, though the reward may not be what you truly need or hoped for.
Some may bestow more than they can afford to give, but you must realize that they need to feel that they have repaid you.

“When it seems that things are going your way, remember that we are all wanderers.  Smugness invites carelessness.  Enjoy your enthusiasm while maintaining your discipline.” – Today’s Reading

When it seems that things are going your way, remember that we are all wanderers.  Smugness invites carelessness.  Enjoy your enthusiasm while maintaining your discipline.

The picture of a bird whose nest burns up indicates loss of one’s resting place. This misfortune may overtake the bird if it is heedless and imprudent when building its nest. It is the same with a wanderer. If he lets himself go, laughing and jesting, and forgets that he is a wanderer, he will later have cause to weep and lament. For if through carelessness a man loses his cow — i.e., his modesty and adaptability — evil will result.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 4 – The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.

Today: “People vibrate with a given physical energy. When the given physical energy vibrates and exalts the Infinite Word, then mental energy correlates and universal energy takes over.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “People vibrate with a given physical energy. When the given physical energy vibrates and exalts the Infinite Word, then mental energy correlates and universal energy takes over.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline

Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention

Meditation: TCH2012 960727 – Warrior’s Exercise for Opening the Energy into the Shushmana & Balancing the Hemispheres of the Brain

Previous reading: “Here we go again! Overcome compulsive habits with discipline. So far, maybe we escaped irreversible consequences. Don’t push it.”

Previous previous reading: “If you are dissatisfied with your situation in life, maybe there is something missing in your view. Including the unknown helps. Gratitude helps.”

Related posts

 

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
56 – Fifty-Six.  Lu / The Wanderer

Fire on the Mountain, catastrophic to man, a passing annoyance to the Mountain:
The Superior Person waits for wisdom and clarity before exacting Justice, then lets no protest sway him.

Find satisfaction in small gains.
To move constantly forward is good fortune to a Wanderer.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a stranger to this situation.
It is your attraction to the exotic that has led you here, but you will move on to a new vista when this one has lost its mystique.
Because much of this environment is foreign to you, you must exercise only the best judgement.
You don’t know the custom here, and it’s too easy to cross a line you don’t know is there.
Because you are the foreigner in this setting, you have no history to acquit you.
Watch, listen, study, contemplate, then step lightly but decisively on.

Nine at the top means:

The traveler uses a bird’s nest as kindling.
He chuckles at his cleverness, but soon weeps when he loses his ox.
Misfortune.

The bird’s nest burns up.
The wanderer laughs at first,
Then must needs lament and weep.
Through carelessness he loses his cow.
Misfortune.

Cow in love

‘Cow in love’ – Hoenderloo Holland 2009 – photo Lex van den Bos

The picture of a bird whose nest burns up indicates loss of one’s resting place. This misfortune may overtake the bird if it is heedless and imprudent when building its nest. It is the same with a wanderer. If he lets himself go, laughing and jesting, and forgets that he is a wanderer, he will later have cause to weep and lament. For if through carelessness a man loses his cow — i.e., his modesty and adaptability — evil will result.

16 – Sixteen.  Yü / Enthusiasm

Thunder comes resounding out of the Earth:
Similar thunder roars up from the masses when the Superior Person strikes a chord in their hearts.

Whip up enthusiasm, rally your forces, and move boldly forward.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a rhythmic force, a world music, that lives deep in the Unconscious of each of us.
It’s a primitive drumbeat, a shaking rattle, a tribal chant that invokes the primal self to rise up and join the dance.
This is the enthusiasm that is generated now.
Not rhetorical persuasion, not a play on the emotions, but a charismatic, irresistible Call of the Wild.
Confucius said that the person who could comprehend this could ‘rule the world as though it were spinning in his hand.’
This is a time for instinct, not intellect — the Thunder from the Beneath.

“Here we go again!  Overcome compulsive habits with discipline.  So far, maybe we escaped irreversible consequences.  Don’t push it.” – Today’s Reading

Here we go again!  Overcome compulsive habits with discipline.  So far, maybe we escaped irreversible consequences.  Don’t push it.

There are people of a certain inner instability who feel a constant urge to reverse themselves. There is danger in continually deserting the good because of uncontrolled desires, then turning back to it again because of a better resolution. However, since this does not lead to habituation in evil, a general inclination to overcome the defect is not wholly excluded.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 3 – The Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores

Today: “In kundalini yoga we don’t worry about the effect, we worry about the cause, because cause has the effect.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “In kundalini yoga we don’t worry about the effect, we worry about the cause, because cause has the effect.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Today: “Recognize when you are being oppressed by your own thoughts, beliefs, compulsions and other habits.  With discipline you can free yourself.” – from the I Ching

Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention

“You know the truth in your heart.  It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions.  Work on that.” – Today’s Reading

Previous reading: “If you are dissatisfied with your situation in life, maybe there is something missing in your view. Including the unknown helps. Gratitude helps.”

Previous previous reading: “The people who have risen to power illegitimately are beginning to see their folly. They do not know how to govern. Shame will follow, then, possibly atonement.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
24 – Twenty-Four.  Fu / Return

Thunder regenerates deep within Earth’s womb:
Sage rulers recognized that the end of Earth’s seasonal cycle was also the starting point of a new year and a time for dormancy.
They closed the passes at the Solstice to enforce a rest from commerce and activity.
The ruler himself did not travel.

You have passed this way before but you are not regressing.
This is progress, for the cycle now repeats itself, and this time you are aware that it truly is a cycle.
The return of old familiars is welcome.
You can be as sure of this cycle as you are that seven days bring the start of a new week.
Use this dormancy phase to plan which direction you will grow.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are about to experience a rebirth — about to be given another chance, a new lease on life.
You have persevered, gone the distance through an entire cycle — through the Spring of hope or new passion, through a Summer of growth and building, only to be sacrificed like the archetypal Harvest King at the Autumn reaping.
You lie dormant like seed beneath Winter snows now, healing and absorbing new energies in preparation for the new young Spring coming shortly to your life.

Six in the third place means:
Repeated return. Danger. No blame.

Return after return after return.
Risky, but never a mistake.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon

“Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, 1907 – Pablo Picasso

There are people of a certain inner instability who feel a constant urge to reverse themselves. There is danger in continually deserting the good because of uncontrolled desires, then turning back to it again because of a better resolution. However, since this does not lead to habituation in evil, a general inclination to overcome the defect is not wholly excluded.

52 – Fifty-Two.  Kên / The Mountain

Above this Mountain’s summit another more majestic rises:
The Superior Person is mindful to keep his thoughts in the here and now.

Stilling the sensations of the Ego, he roams his courtyard without moving a muscle, unencumbered by the fears and desires of his fellows.
This is no mistake.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a higher vantage point available to you, but it is obscured by the visible peak of personal ambition.
To climb to this higher plane, you must shake off the desires and fears of the conscious, visible world around you.
To make this journey you must quiet the Ego, empty your mind of past and future, and dwell totally in the moment at hand.
Thorough mindfulness of what is before you is the only tranquility.
Be. Here. Now.

“If you are dissatisfied with your situation in life, maybe there is something missing in your view.  Including the unknown helps.  Gratitude helps.” – Today’s Reading

If you are dissatisfied with your situation in life, maybe there is something missing in your view.  Including the unknown helps.  Gratitude helps.

Empress and concubines
A girl who is in a lowly position and finds no husband may, in some circumstances, still win shelter as a concubine.
This pictures the situation of a person who longs too much for joys that cannot be obtained in the usual way. He enters upon a situation not altogether compatible with self-esteem. Neither judgement nor warning is added to this line; it merely lays bare the actual situation, so that everyone may draw a lesson from it.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 2 – When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad. Being and non-being create each other.

Today: “Great are those who have the company of the great master, but greater still are those who live by the words of the master, and they become great themselves.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “Great are those who have the company of the great master, but greater still are those who live by the words of the master, and they become great themselves.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: TCH20 02 960722 – Increase the Power of the Infinite Within

Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline

Previous reading: “The people who have risen to power illegitimately are beginning to see their folly. They do not know how to govern. Shame will follow, then, possibly atonement.”

Previous previous reading: “Everything is wrong and the authority to right it is being put into the wrong hands. At least this brings attention to the problem for all to see.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
54 – Fifty-Four.  Kuei Mei / A Loveless Marriage

The Thunderstorm inseminates the swelling Lake, then moves on where the Lake cannot follow:
The Superior Person views passing trials in the light of Eternal Truths.
Any action will prove unfortunate.
Nothing furthers.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is at best a Marriage of Convenience.
You have found yourself in desperate straits, a position of weakness, and you are tempted to pay dearly for a remedy.
A drowning man isn’t picky about who throws him a rope.
The rescue offered to you now is undesirable.
It may pull you out of this sticky situation, but it will cause even greater predicaments down the road.
Don’t obligate yourself in this way.
You are selling your future for a quick fix today.

Six in the third place means:

Not fulfilled by her marriage, the young woman returns home to her former life.

The marrying maiden as a slave.
She marries as a concubine.

Empress and concubines

Empress and concubines

A girl who is in a lowly position and finds no husband may, in some circumstances, still win shelter as a concubine.
This pictures the situation of a person who longs too much for joys that cannot be obtained in the usual way. He enters upon a situation not altogether compatible with self-esteem. Neither judgement nor warning is added to this line; it merely lays bare the actual situation, so that everyone may draw a lesson from it.

49 – Forty-Nine.  Ko / Revolution

Fire ignites within the Lake, defying conditions that would deny it birth or survival:
The Superior Person reads the Signs of the Times and makes the Season apparent to all.

The support you need will come only after the deed is done.
Renewed forces, however, will provide fresh energy for exceptional progress.
Persevere.
All differences vanish.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A revolutionary Change must be made forcibly.
There is no negotiating with the Established Order.
Perfect timing is essential.
Let the abuse of power become apparent and oppressive to those around you before making your move.
Lay the groundwork, sow the seeds for Revolution without tipping your hand prematurely.
You will need a strong foundation, because you will have to bring about this necessary change alone.
You cannot count on popular support, so you must wait until there is massive dissent.
Then the avenue for your assault will be cleared.

 

“The people who have risen to power illegitimately are beginning to see their folly.  They do not know how to govern.  Shame will follow, then, possibly atonement.” – Today’s Reading

The people who have risen to power illegitimately are beginning to see their folly.  They do not know how to govern.  Shame will follow, then, possibly  atonement.

Inferior people who have risen to power illegitimately do not feel equal to the responsibility they have taken upon themselves. In their hearts they begin to be ashamed, although at first they do not show it outwardly. This marks a turn for the better.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 1 – The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name.

Today: “What is greatness? Greatness is when you have found that you are not great, but everything else is.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “We love the finite—the guru—to find the Infinite; and that is the purpose of the guru, to give something to focus on.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “We love the finite—the guru—to find the Infinite; and that is the purpose of the guru, to give something to focus on.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: For contemplating what comes next after the Women’s March

Meditation: LA057 780928 Change your frequency

Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

Previous reading: “Everything is wrong and the authority to right it is being put into the wrong hands. At least this brings attention to the problem for all to see.”

Previous previous reading: “You have everything you need. Remember to distinguish between what is truly yours and what is at your disposal. Use them well.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
12 – Twelve.  P’i / Stagnation

Heaven and Earth move away from each other.
In the ensuing void, the small invade where the great have departed.
There is no common meeting ground, so the Superior Person must fall back on his inner worth and decline the rewards offered by the inferior invaders.

Difficult trials as you hold to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

It is natural to assume that, if Earth above Heaven forms the hexagram for Peace and Paradise, then the opposite configuration, with Heaven over Earth would represent the antithesis of Paradise, Hell.
Not so.
This hexagram is actually the Dark side of Peace, its unsavory byproduct, Stagnation.
In a time when most of our wants are provided, there is little need for the heroes, the artists, the great thinkers and innovators.
As they recede into the shadows, Idleness, Apathy, and Lassitude come to the forefront.
Peace has become boring, bland, unchallenging — Stagnant.
Now our attention turns to the quick fix, the instant celebrity, the fad, the one-nighter, the current buzz.
There is no room for depth.
If you are a passionate soul, you must wait for a better time to find kindred spirits.
In these times, they are only curious legends, bas-relief, dead poets.

Six in the third place means:

A vague inward feeling of shame remains unrecognized but still succeeds in haunting.
They bear shame.

Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI

Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI in the Garden of the Tuilerie

Inferior people who have risen to power illegitimately do not feel equal to the responsibility they have taken upon themselves. In their hearts they begin to be ashamed, although at first they do not show it outwardly. This marks a turn for the better.

 

“Everything is wrong and the authority to right it is being put into the wrong hands.  At least this brings attention to the problem for all to see.” – Today’s Reading

Everything is wrong and the authority to right it is being put into the wrong hands.  At least this brings attention to the problem for all to see.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 81 – True words aren’t eloquent; eloquent words aren’t true.

Today: “What is greatness? Greatness is when you have found that you are not great, but everything else is.” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “What is greatness? Greatness is when you have found that you are not great, but everything else is.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: For contemplating what comes next after the Women’s March

Meditation: LA057 780928 Change your frequency

Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

Previous reading: “You have everything you need. Remember to distinguish between what is truly yours and what is at your disposal. Use them well.”

Previous previous reading: “Continue following your current path. You have joined the flow in all your relations. Keep with the flow of the earth and the Cosmos.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
21 – Twenty-One.  Shih Ho / Biting Through

The merciless, searing judgement of Lightning fulfills the warning prophecies of distant Thunder.
Sage rulers preserved Justice by clearly defining the laws, and by delivering the penalties decreed.

Though unpleasant, it is best to let justice have its due.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A terrible reckoning is due.
A wrong will be righted — and even if it has been you who has been wronged, you will tremble at the terrible power of Justice untempered by Mercy.
Pray for your oppressor, that his punishment will fit his crime.

Six in the third place means:

Biting into dried meat And striking something spoiled.
Uncomfortable, but no harm.

Bites on old dried meat
And strikes on something poisonous.
Slight humiliation. No blame.

Salted and dried meat

Salted and dried meat

Punishment is to be carried out by someone who lacks the power and authority to do so. Therefore the culprits do not submit. The matter at issue is an old one — as symbolized by salted game — and in dealing with it difficulties arise. This old meat is spoiled: by taking up the problem the punisher arouses poisonous hatred against himself, and in this way is put in a somewhat humiliating position. But since punishment was required by the time, he remains free of blame.

30 – Thirty.  Li / Igniting

Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.

“You have everything you need.  Remember to distinguish between what is truly yours and what is at your disposal.  Use them well.” – Today’s Reading

You have everything you need.  Remember to distinguish between what is truly yours and what is at your disposal.  Use them well.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 80 – If a country is governed wisely, its inhabitants will be content

Today: “Behave constantly and strive on the path of righteousness, giving your total self unto the fire of purity and maintaining the flame of light to the end” – Yogi Bhajan

Today: “Behave constantly and strive on the path of righteousness, giving your total self unto the fire of purity and maintaining the flame of light to the end” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: NM142 19940615 – Bless the Planet Earth and Let the Heavens Descend in You

Meditation:  LA049 780901 Homeh Bandana Kriya: takes away self-pride and vanity 

Previous reading: “Continue following your current path. You have joined the flow in all your relations. Keep with the flow of the earth and the Cosmos.”

Previous previous reading: “Know your best, share your best, project your best.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
14 – Fourteen.  Ta Yu / Great Treasures

The Fire of clarity illuminates the Heavens to those below:
The Superior Person possesses great inner treasures — compassion, economy, and modesty.
These treasures allow the benevolent will of Heaven to flow through him outward to curb evil and to further good.

Supreme success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have become an instrument of Heaven’s will, offering a balance in the world around you.
It is not swashbuckling prowess or uncanny talent that qualifies you for this office, but your simplest gifts — your modesty, your compassion, your economy.
Because you can see clearly who most needs a miracle, Heaven’s bounty is being put at your disposal.

Nine in the fourth place means:

He can make the distinction between his true treasures within and the material possessions others covet.

He makes a difference
Between himself and his neighbor.
No blame.

Problem neighbor

This characterises the position of a man placed among rich and powerful neighbors. It is a dangerous position. He must look neither to the right nor to the left, and must shun envy and the temptation to vie with others. In this way he remains free of mistakes.1

19 – Nineteen.  Lin / Noble Calling

The rich, loamy Earth on the banks of the Marsh provides fertile soil for exceptional progress.
The Superior Person is inexhaustible in his willingness to teach, and without limit in his tolerance and support of others.

Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
But be aware that your time is limited; your power will wane, as Summer changes to Fall.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are in a position to help another.
This is a temporary situation, because your power is cyclical, seasonal.
Knowing this, you must perform your good deed without hope of reward.
You are not furthering your own process, but another’s.
Though you may cherish this other, you will never possess.
Touch without grasping.
Take comfort in becoming a fond memory.
Nurture, then let go.


1. Another generally accepted translation of the line is as follows:

He does not rely on his abundance
No blame.

This would mean that the individual avoids mistakes because he possesses as if he possesses nothing.

“Know your best, share your best, project your best.” – Today’s Reading

Know your best, share your best, project your best.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 78 – “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it.”

Today: “A true seeker is one who will seek God in his heart.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

Meditation: NM0406 – Know the Best of You – Share the Best with Others

Meditation: LA031 19780423 – Ad Nad Kriya – Gupt Gian Shakti the Secret Power of the Knowledge

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: “Use your creative powers to expand your horizons.”

Previous previous reading: “Once you understand your path and your destiny, you must conquer all of the obstacles to its completion. Keep up.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
57 – Fifty-Seven. Sun / The Penetrating Wind

Wind follows upon wind, wandering the earth, penetrating gently but persistently:
The Superior Person expands his influence by reaffirming his decisions and carrying out his promises.

Small, persistent, focused effort brings success.
Seek advice from someone you respect.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Gentle persuasion is the key in this instance.
Though the words are soft, their speaker must be firm, calm and confident.
Gentle words are worthless if spoken with trepidation.
Wordless influence by example is also effective in this situation.
All persuasion should be almost unfelt, yet consistent and persistent.
Ask for feedback from someone you know to be an effective persuader.

Six in the fourth place means:

Self-doubt vanishes and determination grows.
Three forms of game will be taken in this hunt.

Remorse vanishes.
During the hunt
Three kinds of game are caught.

Pheasant Shooting

‘Pheasant Shooting’ – Julius Ceasar Ibbetson, 1790

When a responsible position and accumulated experience lead one to combine innate modesty with energetic action, great success is assured. The three kinds of animals referred to served for offerings to the gods, for feasting guests, and for everyday consumption. When the catch answered all three purposes, the hunt was considered especially successful.

14 – Fourteen.  Ta Yu / Great Treasures

The Fire of clarity illuminates the Heavens to those below:
The Superior Person possesses great inner treasures — compassion, economy, and modesty.
These treasures allow the benevolent will of Heaven to flow through him outward to curb evil and to further good.

Supreme success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have become an instrument of Heaven’s will, offering a balance in the world around you.
It is not swashbuckling prowess or uncanny talent that qualifies you for this office, but your simplest gifts — your modesty, your compassion, your economy.
Because you can see clearly who most needs a miracle, Heaven’s bounty is being put at your disposal.

“Use your creative powers to expand your horizons.” – Today’s Reading

Use your creative powers to expand your horizons.

Get ready to ride a tide of accelerated growth toward self-actualization.
A joyful awareness of the best within you, coupled with an acceptance of your Shadow, will provide a greater repertoire, a much bolder vision, and new depth and clarity that will compel you to expand your horizons.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 77 – As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow.

Meditation: NM422 A11020 Coordination of Body Mind by Spirit to Enter the Fall and the Winter Season

Practice this:

Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision

Meditation: KWTC 19970630 – For Faculty of Self Engagement

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: Once you understand your path and your destiny, you must conquer all of the obstacles to its completion. Keep up.”

Previous previous reading: “Be careful to balance forward progress with caution for what you may have failed to include in your view.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
42 – Forty-Two.  I / Expansion

Whirlwinds and Thunder:
When the Superior Person encounters saintly behavior, he adopts it; when he encounters a fault within, he transforms it.

Progress in every endeavor.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Get ready to ride a tide of accelerated growth toward self-actualization.
A joyful awareness of the best within you, coupled with an acceptance of your Shadow, will provide a greater repertoire, a much bolder vision, and new depth and clarity that will compel you to expand your horizons.

yang
yang above: Sun / The Gentle, Wind
yin
yin
yin below: Chên / The Arousing, Thunder
yang

 

The idea of increase is expressed in the fact that the strong lowest line of the upper trigram has sunk down and taken its place under the lower trigram. This conception also expresses the fundamental idea on which the Yi Jing is based. To rule truly is to serve.
A sacrifice of the higher element that produces an increase of the lower is called an out-and-out increase: it indicates the spirit that alone has power to help the world.

THE JUDGEMENT

INCREASE. It furthers one
To undertake something.
It furthers one to cross the great water.

Sacrifice on the part of those above for the increase of those below fills the people with a sense of joy and gratitude that is extremely valuable for the flowering of the commonwealth. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings are possible, and even difficult and dangerous enterprises will succeed. Therefore in such times of progress and successful development it is necessary to work and make the best use of the time. This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heaven, forming and bringing forth living beings. The time of INCREASE does not endure, therefore it must be utilised while it lasts.

THE IMAGE

Wind and thunder: the image of INCREASE.
Thus the superior man:
If he sees good, he imitates it;
If he has faults, he rids himself of them.

 
 

Baruch Spinoza

 

Baruch Spinoza 1

Amsterdam, November 24th 1632 – The Hague, February 21st 1677

While observing how thunder and wind increase and strengthen each other, a man can note the way to self-increase and self-improvement. When he discovers good in others, he should imitate it and thus make everything on earth his own. If he perceives something bad in himself, let him rid himself of it. In this way he becomes free of evil. This ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.


1. Baruch Spinoza, born ‘Benedito de Espinosa’ (Portuguese), November 24th 1632 – February 21st 1677, later Benedict de Spinoza, was a Dutch philosopher of Sephardi Portuguese origin.
The breadth and importance of Spinoza’s work was not fully realized until many years after his death.
By laying the groundwork for the 18th century Enlightenment and modern biblical criticism, including modern conceptions of the self and the universe, he came to be considered one of the great rationalists of 17th century philosophy.
His magnum opus, the posthumous ‘Ethics’, in which he opposed Descartes’ mind–body dualism, has earned him recognition as one of Western philosophy’s most important thinkers.
In the Ethics, “Spinoza wrote the last indisputable Latin masterpiece, and one in which the refined conceptions of medieval philosophy are finally turned against themselves and destroyed entirely.” Hegel said, “You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all.”

Spinoza was raised in the Portuguese Jewish community in Amsterdam.
He developed highly controversial ideas regarding the authenticity of the Hebrew Bible and the nature of the Divine.
The Jewish religious authorities issued a cherem against him, effectively excluding him from Jewish society at age 23.
His books were also later put on the Catholic Church’s Index of Forbidden Books.

Spinoza lived an outwardly simple life as a lens grinder (on this page a lens magnifies his potrait with a mouse-over), turning down rewards and honors throughout his life, including prestigious teaching positions.

Spinoza died at the age of 44 allegedly of a lung illness, perhaps tuberculosis or silicosis exacerbated by fine glass dust inhaled while grinding optical lenses.
Spinoza is buried in the churchyard of the Christian ‘Nieuwe Kerk’ in The Hague.

 

“Once you understand your path and your destiny, you must conquer all of the obstacles to its completion.  Keep up.” – Today’s Reading

Once you understand your path and your destiny, you must conquer all of the obstacles to its completion.  Keep up.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 76 – Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry.

Today: “Dear ones, never blame anyone or anything…Have patience, for patience pays.” – Yogi Bhajan

Practice this:

sadhana

Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: “Be careful to balance forward progress with caution for what you may have failed to include in your view.”

Previous previous reading: “Once recognized, it is best to escape the snares laid by powerful people whose intentions are deceitful and self serving. Do not take the bait.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
63 – Sixty-Three.  Chi Chi / Aftermath

Boiling Water over open Flame, one might extinguish The other:
The Superior Person takes a 360 degree view of the situation and prepares for any contingency.

Success in small matters if you stay on course.
Early good fortune can end in disorder.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Victory at the expense of another is a merciless taskmaster.
The precarious balance here is reflected in the lines of the hexagram: each of the yin lines rests upon a strong yang line — a seemingly perfect arrangement.
But the scales will be tipped with the change of any one line.
And there WILL be change.
Tireless vigilance and an answer to every challenge — that is the uneasy Seat of Power occupied by the conqueror.

Nine in the third place means:

He marches into the Devil’s Domain, and conquers it after three grueling years.
Lesser men could not do this.

The Illustrious Ancestor
Disciplines the Devil’s Country.
After three years he conquers it.
Inferior people must not be employed.

Shang dynasty

Shang Dynasty (Yin Dynasty in its later stages)

“Illustrious Ancestor” is the dynastic title of the Emperor Wu Ting of the Yin dynasty.1 After putting his realm in order with a strong hand, he waged long colonial wars for the subjection of the Huns who occupied the northern borderland with constant threat of incursions.
The situation described is as follows. After times of completion, when a new power has arisen and everything within the country has been set in order, a period of colonial expansion almost inevitably follows. Then as a rule long-drawn-out struggles must be reckoned with. For this reason, a correct colonial policy is especially important. The territory won at such bitter cost must not be regarded as an almshouse for people who in one way or another have made themselves impossible at home, but who are thought to be quite good enough for the colonies. Such a policy ruins at the outset any chance of success. This holds true in small as well as in large matters, because it is not only rising states that carry on a colonial policy; the urge to expand, with its accompanying dangers, is part and parcel of every ambitious undertaking.


1. [Wu Ting reigned from 1324 to 1266 B.C.]
The Shang dynasty in its later stages is also called the Yin dynasty.
It is believed to have been founded by a rebel leader who overthrew the last Xia ruler. Its civilization was based on agriculture, augmented by hunting and animal husbandry. Two important events of the period were the development of a writing system, as revealed in archaic Chinese inscriptions found on tortoise shells and flat cattle bones (commonly called oracle bones), and the use of bronze metallurgy. A number of ceremonial bronze vessels with inscriptions date from the Shang period; the workmanship on the bronzes attests to a high level of civilization.

Large bronze wine jar
Shang or Yin Dynasty

3 – Three.  Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning

Thunder from the Deep:
The Superior Person carefully weaves order out of confusion.

Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
Carefully consider the first move.
Seek help.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

New ventures always pack along their inherent chaos.
Though this is an annoyance at best, and can even imperil or downright doom an endeavor, it is also the friction needed to polish your project to jewel brilliance.
Learn from these early obstacles.

 

“Be careful to balance forward progress with caution for what you may have failed to include in your view.” – Today’s Reading

Be careful to balance forward progress with caution for what you may have failed to include in your view.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 75 – When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit

Today: “A woman who is capable of giving birth must give birth to a saint, a hero, or a giver.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect

Meditation: LA004 780109 Experience the Experience

 

 

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: “Once recognized, it is best to escape the snares laid by powerful people whose intentions are deceitful and self serving. Do not take the bait.”

Previous previous reading: “Once we see the intentions of the evildoers, it is better to escape their plans rather than to join them.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
26 – Twenty-Six.  Ta Ch’u / Recharging Power

Heaven’s motherlode waits within the Mountain:
The Superior Person mines deep into history’s wealth of wisdom and deeds, charging his character with timeless strength.

Persevere.
Drawing sustenance from these sources creates good fortune.
Then you may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There are important precedents in this situation.
Others have trodden this Path before you, overcoming the same obstacles facing you now, and making crucial decisions at the same crossroads.
Study their journals, watch for their trail markings.
Gain inspiration and wisdom from the heroes and learn from the mistakes of those who chose a sidepath.
All were Seekers, explorers whose daring mapped a course you can follow.
The words and deeds of the finest can imbue you with the courage necessary to face what lies before you.

Nine in the third place means:

A good stallion with speed.
Discipline daily, study your goal, and advance is assured.

A good horse that follows others.
Awareness of danger,
With perseverance, furthers.
Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

Scene form Ben Hur

Scene form Ben Hur, the movie

The way opens; the hindrance has been cleared away. A man is in contact with a strong will acting in the same direction as his own, and goes forward like one good horse following another. But danger still threatens, and he must remain aware of it, or he will be robbed of his firmness. Thus he must acquire skill on the one hand in what will take him forward, and on the other in what will protect him against unforeseen attacks. It is good in such a pass to have a goal toward which to strive.

27 – Twenty-Seven.  I / Providing Nourishment

Beneath the immobile Mountain the arousing Thunder stirs:
The Superior Person preserves his freedom under oppressive conditions by watching what comes out of his mouth, as well as what goes in.

Endure and good fortune will come.
Nurture others in need, as if you were feeding yourself.
Take care not to provide sustenance for those who feed off others.
Stay as high as possible on the food chain.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a conduit in this instance, able to provide the sustenance needed by others.
Position yourself to nourish the truly needy and worthy.
Avoid situations where you might be coerced into supporting the parasites and vermin who deprive your true charges.
Your own nourishment is an issue here, too.
Remember Lao Tzu’s three Great Treasures:
Only the person possessed of Compassion, Modesty and Frugality can remain fit enough to stay free of desperation and keep control of the situation.

 

“Once recognized, it is best to escape the snares laid by powerful people whose intentions are deceitful and self serving.  Do not take the bait.” – Today’s Reading

Once recognized, it is best to escape the snares laid by powerful people whose intentions are deceitful and self serving.  Do not take the bait.

The pheasant senses danger and flees the jaws of the trap.
Descending into the belly of the beast, the man beholds the true face of evil.
In revulsion and despair, he flees what he knows he can never defeat.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 74 – If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

Today: “God means total creativity, but the power of love is beyond that.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation:  LA372 831212 Corruption and character

Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

 

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Share The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha over a meal with friends today.

Previous reading: “Once we see the intentions of the evildoers, it is better to escape their plans rather than to join them.”

Previous previous reading: “Your grace will turn the more subtle matters in your favor.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
36 – Thirty-Six   Ming I / Eclipsing the Light

Warmth and Light are swallowed by Deep Darkness:
The Superior Person shows his brilliance by keeping it veiled among the masses.

Stay true to your course, despite the visible obstacles ahead.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This time calls for a saintly effort to turn the other cheek.
You have been deliberately injured.
Going blow-for-blow will only escalate this war.
Abstain from vengeance.
Show all watching that you are above it.
Sidestep your aggressor’s headlong charge, giving him the opportunity to fall on his face.

Six in the fourth place means:

The pheasant senses danger and flees the jaws of the trap.
Descending into the belly of the beast, the man beholds the true face of evil.
In revulsion and despair, he flees what he knows he can never defeat.

He penetrates the left side of the belly.
One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light,
And leaves gate and courtyard.

Hara kiri

Hara kiri

We find ourselves close to the commander of darkness and so discover his most secret thoughts. In this way we realize that there is no longer any hope of improvement, and thus we are enabled to leave the scene of disaster before the storm breaks.

The pheasant senses danger and flees the jaws of the trap.
Descending into the belly of the beast, the man beholds the true face of evil.
In revulsion and despair, he flees what he knows he can never defeat.

 

“Once we see the intentions of the evildoers, it is better to escape their plans rather than to join them.” – Today’s Reading

Once we see the intentions of the evildoers, it is better to escape their plans rather than to join them.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 73 – The Tao is always at ease.

Today: “One who does not know how to live to his word does not know how to live.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation:  LA372 831212 Corruption and character

Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: “Your grace will turn the more subtle matters in your favor.”

Previous previous reading: “Meeting with danger, keep with those you are committed to protect. Together, you will prevail.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
36 – Thirty-Six   Ming I / Eclipsing the Light

Warmth and Light are swallowed by Deep Darkness:
The Superior Person shows his brilliance by keeping it veiled among the masses.

Stay true to your course, despite the visible obstacles ahead.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This time calls for a saintly effort to turn the other cheek.
You have been deliberately injured.
Going blow-for-blow will only escalate this war.
Abstain from vengeance.
Show all watching that you are above it.
Sidestep your aggressor’s headlong charge, giving him the opportunity to fall on his face.

Six in the fourth place means:

The pheasant senses danger and flees the jaws of the trap.
Descending into the belly of the beast, the man beholds the true face of evil.
In revulsion and despair, he flees what he knows he can never defeat.

He penetrates the left side of the belly.
One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light,
And leaves gate and courtyard.

Hara kiri

Hara kiri

We find ourselves close to the commander of darkness and so discover his most secret thoughts. In this way we realize that there is no longer any hope of improvement, and thus we are enabled to leave the scene of disaster before the storm breaks.
14 – Fourteen.  Ta Yu / Great Treasures

The Fire of clarity illuminates the Heavens to those below:
The Superior Person possesses great inner treasures — compassion, economy, and modesty.
These treasures allow the benevolent will of Heaven to flow through him outward to curb evil and to further good.

Supreme success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have become an instrument of Heaven’s will, offering a balance in the world around you.
It is not swashbuckling prowess or uncanny talent that qualifies you for this office, but your simplest gifts — your modesty, your compassion, your economy.
Because you can see clearly who most needs a miracle, Heaven’s bounty is being put at your disposal.

“Your grace will turn the more subtle matters in your favor.” – Today’s Reading

Your grace will turn the more subtle matters in your favor.

The fire, whose light illuminates the mountain and makes it pleasing, does not shine far; in the same way, beautiful form suffices to brighten and to throw light upon matters of lesser moment, but important questions cannot be decided in this way. They require greater earnestness.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 72 – When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority.

Today: “In religion you have to believe something and in yoga you have to experience what you want to believe.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation:  LA958 A00413 Grace My Grace Is Me! 20000413

Meditation: NM345- Strengthen and enhance the radiant body

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: “Meeting with danger, keep with those you are committed to protect. Together, you will prevail.”

Previous previous reading: “Modest yet firm resistance against an oppressor will end the aggression and win concessions. Sometimes you have to show your strength.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
22 – Twenty-Two   Pi / Grace

Fire illuminates the base of the Mountain:
The Superior Person realizes he has not the wisdom to move the course of the world, except by attending to each day’s affairs as they come.

Success in small matters.
This is a good time to begin something.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The emphasis now is on form, not function — on the sizzle and not the steak.
The environment around you is not one of depth, and you are appreciated now for your image, not your essence.
You perfectly fill a role, and no one is seeing the genuine you.
Still, you are being listened to and watched.
Use this influence to further your goals as much as possible.
Even if you don’t feel understood, you can perhaps connect with a few isolated hearts.
Relax and enjoy the attention.

yang
yin above: Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain
yin
yang
yin below: Li / The Clinging, Flame
yang

 

 

This hexagram shows a fire that breaks out of the secret depths of the earth and, blazing up, illuminates and beautifies the mountain, the heavenly heights. Grace-beauty of form-is necessary in any union if it is to be well ordered and pleasing rather than disordered and chaotic.THE JUDGEMENT

GRACE has success.
In small matters
It is favorable to undertake something.

Grace brings success. However, it is not the essential or fundamental thing; it is only the ornament and must therefore be used sparingly and only in little things. In the lower trigram of fire a yielding line comes between two strong lines and makes them beautiful, but the strong lines are the essential content and the weak line is the beautifying form. In the upper trigram of the mountain, the strong line takes the lead, so that here again the strong element must be regarded as the decisive factor. In nature we see in the sky the strong light of the sun; the life of the world depends on it. But this strong, essential thing is changed and given pleasing variety by the moon and the stars. In human affairs, aesthetic form comes into being when traditions exist that, strong and abiding like mountains, are made pleasing by a lucid beauty. 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.1

Fire on the mountain

‘Fire On The Mountain’ – David Pantuso

THE IMAGE

Fire at the foot of the mountain:
The image of GRACE.
Thus does the superior man proceed
When clearing up current affairs.
But he dare not decide controversial issues in this way.

Confucius

Confucius

Mount Rainier Snow Sunrise

Mount Rainier Snow Sunrise – photo Ron Coscorrosa

The fire, whose light illuminates the mountain and makes it pleasing, does not shine far; in the same way, beautiful form suffices to brighten and to throw light upon matters of lesser moment, but important questions cannot be decided in this way. They require greater earnestness.


1. This hexagram shows tranquil beauty – clarity within, quiet without. This is the tranquillity of pure contemplation. When desire is silenced and the will comes to rest, the world-as-idea becomes manifest. In this aspect the world is beautiful and removed from the struggle for existence. This is the world of art. However, contemplation alone will not put the will to rest absolutely. It will awaken again, and then all the beauty of form will appear to have been only a brief moment of exaltation. Hence this is still not the true way of redemption. For this reason Confucius felt very uncomfortable when once, on consulting the oracle, he obtained the hexagram of GRACE.

 

“Meeting with danger, keep with those you are committed to protect.  Together, you will prevail.” – Today’s Reading

Meeting with danger, keep with those you are committed to protect.  Together, you will prevail.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 71 – Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease.

Today: “Teaching is not a verbalization or a communication; teaching is also not a direction; teaching is to be.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM345- Strengthen and enhance the radiant body

Kriya: Awakening Yourself to Your Ten Bodies

Meditation:  One Minute Breath

See lecture on cold showers

See Meditation:  Breath of Fire

Previous reading: “Modest yet firm resistance against an oppressor will end the aggression and win concessions. Sometimes you have to show your strength.”

Previous previous reading: “It is easy to be God because you have all the power. But it is more difficult to be a guru because you have no power of a god.”

Related posts

The teacher

See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading
39 – Thirty-Nine.  Chien / Obstacle

Ominous roiling in the Crater Lake atop the Volcano:
When meeting an impasse, the Superior Person turns his gaze within, and views the obstacle from a new perspective.

Offer your opponent nothing to resist.
Let a sage guide you in this.
Good fortune lies along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Obstacle lies in obstinance.
An insistence on only one way of proceeding has brought things to an impasse.
You may either continue banging your head with irresistible force against this immovable object, or you might step back and survey this situation from a fresh perspective.
Which is immobile here — the obstruction or your attitude?

Nine in the third place means:

Advance will meet with breathtaking obstacles.
Remaining will meet with criticism from family and friends.

Going leads to obstructions;
Hence he comes back.

 

Life in old China

Life in old China

While the preceding line shows the official compelled by duty to follow the way of danger, this line shows the man who must act as father of a family or as head of his kin. If he were to plunge recklessly into danger, it would be a useless act, because those entrusted to his care cannot get along by themselves. But if he withdraws and turns back to his own, they welcome him with great joy.

8 – Eight.  Pi / Bonding

Deep Waters on the face of the Earth:
Surface waters flow together.
The Superior Person recognizes the situation calls for joining together.
Thus he cultivates friendly relations with all.

Good fortune is possible.
Cast the coins again to discover if you have the qualities needed to lead such a group.
Then there will be no error.
Those uncertain will gradually join.
Those who join too late will meet with misfortune.

SITUAT ION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of connection with another or others — not just an alliance, but a melding of parts into a new whole.
Such a connection may be too close, too intense for some.
Consult the oracle again to see if you have the qualities needed to strengthen and withstand such an intense synthesis.