Category: Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Retreat to a higher ground where the danger cannot reach you. Anything you lose will be returned to you.”

Previous previous reading: “Looking at your connection with all things, realize also your penetration with all communications and the expression of your being. Include all relations with now, past and future as well as with all beings, living and dead.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 35 – She who is centered in the Tao can go where she wishes, without danger.

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.

Nine in the fourth place means:

He answers a Higher calling.
Whether he survives or whether he falls, he will serve as the inspiration to those who will overthrow the oppressive regime.

He who acts at the command of the highest
Remains without blame.
Those of like mind partake of the blessing.

Ohm

The time of standstill is nearing the point of change into its opposite. Whoever wishes to restore order must feel himself called to the task and have the necessary authority. A man who sets himself up as capable of creating order according to his own judgement could make mistakes and end in failure. But the man who is truly called to the task is favored by the conditions of the time, and all those of like mind will share in his blessing.

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.

[/su_spoiler]

“Retreat to a higher ground where the danger cannot reach you. Anything you lose will be returned to you.” – Today’s Reading

Retreat to a higher ground where the danger cannot reach you. Anything you lose will be returned to you.

Today: “Any time you do not have the answer for something —anything —it doesn’t matter what the question is —hold the breath in.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA673-19910205- Third Chakra

Meditation: Drib Dhristi Lochina Karma

Previous reading: “Looking at your connection with all things, realize also your penetration with all communications and the expression of your being. Include all relations with now, past and future as well as with all beings, living and dead.”

Previous previous reading: “You are able to exert considerable influence in your righteous path. Use your position well, as humble as it may be, shining for all to see as you face new and formidable challenges.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 34 – The great Tao flows everywhere

51 – Fifty-One. Chên / Thunder

Thunder echoes upon Thunder, commanding reverence for its father Heaven:
In awe of Heaven’s majestic power, the Superior Person looks within and sets his life in order.
Thunder mingles with startled screams of terror for a hundred miles around.
As the people nervously laugh at their own fright, the devout presents the sacrificial chalice with nary a drop of wine spilt.
Deliverance

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A thunderbolt of Cosmic judgement crashes to earth.
For the common person, it’s just a momentary fright soon forgotten, its warning unfathomed and unheeded.
But to one who understands its significance, this thunder is a signal to awaken.
Centering the Self, seeking balance, the enlightened person will respect and align himself with this Higher Power, while his fellows remain subject to the whims of every passing storm.

Six in the second place means:

This thunder erupts from the ground beneath your feet, delivering real danger.
Abandon your belongings and climb to higher ground.
Don’t grieve over treasures left behind.
They will return to you in seven days.

Shock comes bringing danger.
A hundred thousand times
You lose your treasures
And must climb the nine hills.
Do not go in pursuit of them.
After seven days you will get them back again.

Nine hills

This pictures a situation in which a shock endangers a man and he suffers great losses. Resistance would be contrary to the movement of the time and for this reason unsuccessful. Therefore he must simply retreat to heights inaccessible to the threatening forces of danger. He must accept his loss of property without worrying too much about it. When the time of shock and upheaval that has robbed him of his possessions has passed, he will get them back again without going in pursuit of them.

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.

[/su_spoiler]

“Looking at your connection with all things, realize also your penetration with all communications and the expression of your being. Include all relations with now, past and future as well as with all beings, living and dead.” – Today’s Reading

Looking at your connection with all things, realize also your penetration with all communications and the expression of your being. Include all relations with now, past and future as well as with all beings, living and dead.

Today: “You have a life. How are you going to fit in? How are you going to come out of your shell? ” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM0365-20001024-On Communication II

Meditation: LA046 – 780614 – Hari Shabad Meditation – Use the Wind to Produce Trance and Dissolve Negativity

Previous reading: “You are able to exert considerable influence in your righteous path. Use your position well, as humble as it may be, shining for all to see as you face new and formidable challenges.”

Previous previous reading: “Revolutionary change must be initiated now by means of inspiration rather than by force. Use your personal radiance in your relations to communicate the urgent need and initiate the practical means for a radical departure from a very flawed social structure and its hierarchy.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 32 – The Tao can’t be perceived. Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies.

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.


		above: Sun / The Gentle, Wind
		above: Sun / The Gentle, Wind


		below: Sun / The Gentle, Wind
		below: Sun / The Gentle, Wind

Sun is one of the eight doubled trigrams. It is the eldest daughter and symbolises wind or wood; it has for its attribute gentleness, which nonetheless penetrates like the wind or like growing wood with its roots.
The dark principle, in itself rigid and immovable, is dissolved by the penetrating light principle, to which it subordinates itself in gentleness. In nature, it is the wind that disperses the gathered clouds, leaving the sky clear and serene. In human life it is penetrating clarity of judgement that thwarts all dark hidden motives. In the life of the community it is the powerful influence of a great personality that uncovers and breaks up those intrigues which shun the light of day.

THE JUDGEMENT

THE GENTLE. Success through what is small.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
It furthers one to see the great man.

Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kind are less striking to the eye than those won by surprise attack, but they are more enduring and more complete. If one would produce such effects, one must have a clearly defined goal, for only when the penetrating influence works always in the same direction can the object be attained. Small strength can achieve its purpose only by subordinating itself to an eminent man who’s capable of creating order.

Chinese kite

THE IMAGE

Winds following one on the other:
The image of THE GENTLY PENETRATING.
Thus the superior man
Spreads his commands abroad
And carries out his undertakings.

The penetrating quality of the wind depends on its ceaselessness. This is what makes it so powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler’s thought should penetrate the soul of the people. This too requires a lasting influence brought about by enlightenment and command. Only when the command has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it possible. Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.

[/su_spoiler]

“You are able to exert considerable influence in your righteous path. Use your position well, as humble as it may be, shining for all to see as you face new and formidable challenges.” – Today’s Reading

You are able to exert considerable influence in your righteous path. Use your position well, as humble as it may be, shining for all to see as you face new and formidable challenges.

Today: “You can achieve what you want, just relate to your own breath of life. That is God in you.” Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality

Review of Meditation and Sat Nam Rasayan® Healing Workshop with Hari Nam Singh 11/27/2016 – “Division and Unity”

Review of Meditation and Sat Nam Rasayan® Healing Workshop with Hari Nam Singh 05/24/2015 – “Healing and the Radiant Body”

Previous reading: “Revolutionary change must be initiated now by means of inspiration rather than by force. Use your personal radiance in your relations to communicate the urgent need and initiate the practical means for a radical departure from a very flawed social structure and its hierarchy.”

Previous previous reading: “Look beyond your acquaintances, tribe and party. Recognize and cultivate the farthest connections of your humanity.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 32 – The Tao can’t be perceived. Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies.

50 – Fifty. Ting / The Caldron

Fire rises hot and bright from the Wood beneath the sacrificial caldron:
The Superior Person positions himself correctly within the flow of Cosmic forces.

Supreme Accomplishment.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Your needs are coming into harmony with the requirements of the Cosmos.
Blending brilliantly with the Dance of Life, you are becoming an actual element of Cosmic Law.
Your goals will now be realized because you no longer cut against the Cosmic grain; you are no longer swimming against the flow of the Tao.
You are acquiring an intuitive sense of what can and cannot be, and aligning your efforts accordingly.

Six in the fifth place means:

The caldron you cook in has yellow handles and golden carrying rings.
Good fortune if you keep to this course.

The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings.
Perseverance furthers.

Bronze cauldron

Here we have, in a ruling position, a man who is approachable and modest in nature. As a result of this attitude he succeeds in finding strong and able helpers who complement and aid him in his work. Having achieved this attitude, which requires constant self-abnegation, it is important for him to hold to it and not to let himself be led astray.

28 – Twenty-Eight. Ta Kuo / Critical Mass

The Flood rises above the tallest Tree:
Amidst a rising tide of human folly, the Superior Person retires to higher ground, renouncing his world without looking back.

Any direction is better than where you now stand.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Several high-priority concerns demand immediate attention.
All are crucial.
None will be denied.
Yet some demand the denial of others.
Like two atoms seeking to occupy the same space, these irresistible forces and immovable objects threaten to ignite a cataclysm that could irreversibly alter your world.
This is no time for fatal heroics.
You are at Ground Point Zero.
Remove yourself from this situation without delay.
Find sanctuary.
Later you may deal with these concerns on your own terms, from a position of strength.

[/su_spoiler]

“Revolutionary change must be initiated now by means of inspiration rather than by force. Use your personal radiance in your relations to communicate the urgent need and initiate the practical means for a radical departure from a very flawed social structure and its hierarchy.” – Today’s Reading

Revolutionary change must be initiated now by means of inspiration rather than by force. Use your personal radiance in your relations to communicate the urgent need and initiate the practical means for a radical departure from a very flawed social structure and its hierarchy.

Today: “You can achieve what you want, just relate to your own breath of life. That is God in you.” Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality

Review of Meditation and Sat Nam Rasayan® Healing Workshop with Hari Nam Singh 05/24/2015 – “Healing and the Radiant Body”

Meditation & Healing Workshops at Park Slope Brooklyn May 15-16, 2015

Previous reading: “Look beyond your acquaintances, tribe and party. Recognize and cultivate the farthest connections of your humanity.”

Previous previous reading: “Escape the best you can the impending upheaval. Stay safe. What is lost will return to you.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 31 – Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them.

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.

Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:

Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.

‘Yellow Cow’ – Franz Marc (1880-1916)

Changes ought to be undertaken only when there is nothing else to be done. Therefore at first the utmost restraint is necessary. One must become firm in one’s mind, control oneself — yellow is the color of the mean, and the cow is the symbol of docility — and refrain from doing anything for the time being, because any premature offensive will bring evil results.

31 – Thirty-One. Hsien / Attraction

The joyous Lake is cradled by the tranquil Mountain:
The Superior Person takes great satisfaction in encouraging others along their journey.
He draws them to him with his welcoming nature and genuine interest.

Supreme success.
This course leads to marriage.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is no greater natural law in the Cosmos than Attraction.
From the magnetic pull of an atom’s nucleus to the centrifugal force that spirals a galaxy, the face of the universe is shaped by Attraction.
On a human scale, it is Attraction that fuels procreation and furthers our species.
Yet it is also Attraction that spawns greed and covetousness, threatening our extinction.
Attraction is the underlying force of the situation in question.
You are refined or debased by the objects of your desire.
What gravitational pull are you now under?
Around what sphere of influence do you circle?
Can you use your own ability to attract?

[/su_spoiler]

“Look beyond your acquaintances, tribe and party. Recognize and cultivate the farthest connections of your humanity.” – Today’s Reading

Look beyond your acquaintances, tribe and party. Recognize and cultivate the farthest connections of your humanity.

Today: “You must have a command of the intuitive self to know exactly what you are” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality

Meditation & Healing Workshops at Park Slope Brooklyn May 15-16, 2015

Previous reading: “Escape the best you can the impending upheaval. Stay safe. What is lost will return to you.”

Previous previous reading: “Make a singular bold move for all to see. When the time is right they will follow suit. It is a time of chaos, so change is in the air.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 30 – Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms

59 – Fifty-Nine. Huan / Dissolution

Wind carries the Mists aloft:
Sage rulers dedicated their lives to serving a Higher Power and built temples that still endure.

The King approaches his temple.
Success if you stay on course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Walls meant to protect have instead separated and isolated.
Your defenses have kept you apart from those whom you most need to touch.
Whatever the reason for discord between you, it is time to lay down your arms.
Dispel the inflexible demands and fears of the Mind so that you may reunite in the Heart.
If you have begrudged, forgive.
If you have torn down, repair.
If you have injured, heal.
If you have judged, pardon.

Six in the fourth place means:

He scatters his group far and wide.
Those who return will be of firmer resolve and leaner, stronger fibre.
An ingenious move.
He dissolves his bond with his group.¹
Supreme good fortune.
Dispersion leads in turn to accumulation.
This is something that ordinary men do not think of.

When we are working at a task that affects the general welfare, we must leave all private friendships out of account. Only by rising above party interests can we achieve something decisive. He who has the courage thus to forego what is near wins what is afar. But in order to comprehend this standpoint, one must have a wide view of the interrelationships of life, such as only unusual men attain.

10 – Ten. Lü / Worrying the Tiger

Heaven shines down on the Marsh which reflects it back imperfectly:
Though the Superior Man carefully discriminates between high and low, and acts in accord with the flow of the Tao, there are still situations where a risk must be taken.

You tread upon the tail of the tiger.
Not perceiving you as a threat, the startled tiger does not bite.
Success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You have reached a perilous point in your journey.
This is a real gamble — not a maneuver, not a calculated risk.
The outcome is uncertain.
If it goes as you hope, you will gain — but if it turns against you it will cause serious injury, at least to your plans.
The best tack is extreme caution and a healthy respect for the danger involved.

[/su_spoiler]

“Escape the best you can the impending upheaval. Stay safe. What is lost will return to you.” – Today’s Reading

Escape the best you can the impending upheaval. Stay safe. What is lost will return to you.

Today: “You were alive (in the womb) by the navel point. So now you combine the navel with the breath. If you can combine that, you can conquer death.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

Meditation: LA950 A00214 20000214 Develop Self-Reliance

Previous reading: “Make a singular bold move for all to see. When the time is right they will follow suit. It is a time of chaos, so change is in the air.”

Previous previous readying: What you are being liberated from is your expectations. Accept the harsh reality and find your place in it. The strength in your durability lies in your adaptability.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.

51 – Fifty-One. Chên / Thunder

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Six in the second place means:

Shock comes bringing danger.
A hundred thousand times
You lose your treasures
And must climb the nine hills.
Do not go in pursuit of them.
After seven days you will get them back again.

Nine hills

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.

[/su_spoiler]

“Make a singular bold move for all to see. When the time is right they will follow suit. It is a time of chaos, so change is in the air.” – Today’s Reading

Make a singular bold move for all to see. When the time is right they will follow suit. It is a time of chaos, so change is in the air.

Today: “You were alive (in the womb) by the navel point. So now you combine the navel with the breath. If you can combine that, you can conquer death.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

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

Previous reading: “What you are being liberated from is your expectations. Accept the harsh reality and find your place in it. The strength in your durability lies in your adaptability.”

Previous previous readying: “Let go of what you have been clinging to. Give up trying to control. Seek happiness instead.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female

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:

Nine in the fifth place means:

You transform into a tiger before their eyes.
Your very being commands an awe that makes consulting the oracle unnecessary.

The great man changes like a tiger.
Even before he questions the oracle
He is believed.

Tiger camouflage

A tigerskin, with its highly visible black stripes on a yellow ground, shows its distinct pattern from afar. It is the same with a revolution brought about by a great man: large, clear guiding lines become visible, understandable to everyone. Therefore he need not first consult the oracle, for he wins the spontaneous support of the people.

62 – Sixty-Two. Hsiao Kuo / Lying Low

Thunder high on the Mountain, active passivity:
The Superior Person is unsurpassed in his ability to remain small.
In a time for humility, he is supremely modest.
In a time of mourning, he uplifts with somber reverence.
In a time of want, he is resourcefully frugal.

When a bird flies too high, its song is lost.
Rather than push upward now, it is best to remain below.
This will bring surprising good fortune, if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is no profit to striving here.
To be content with oneself is the greatest success imaginable.
The enlightened person has nothing to prove to himself or others, and thus may always operate from a position of sincerity, with no pretense or posturing.
His humility is guileless simplicity.
His mourning is selfless compassion.
His frugality is an unshakeable faith that he is but a conduit, letting what is needed flow through him to others, with no loss to himself.

[/su_spoiler]

“What you are being liberated from is your expectations. Accept the harsh reality and find your place in it. The strength in your durability lies in your adaptability.” – Today’s Reading

What you are being liberated from is your expectations. Accept the harsh reality and find your place in it. The strength in your durability lies in your adaptability.

It pays to accept things as they are for now.
If there is nothing else to be gained, a return brings good fortune.
If there is something yet to be gained, act on it at once.

Today: “The navel point is sometimes misunderstood, but it is the most active point in the entire body.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM0336 – For Inner Strength

Meditation: LA046 – 780614 – Hari Shabad Meditation – Use the Wind to Produce Trance and Dissolve Negativity

Previous reading: “Let go of what you have been clinging to. Give up trying to control. Seek happiness instead.”

Previous previous readying: “You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without. Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything. What is important will emerge from the rest.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving

40 – Forty. Hsieh / Liberation

A Thunderous Cloudburst shatters the oppressive humidity:
The Superior Person knows the release in forgiveness, pardoning the faults of others and dealing gently with those who sin against him.

It pays to accept things as they are for now.
If there is nothing else to be gained, a return brings good fortune.
If there is something yet to be gained, act on it at once.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The relief you experience here is not your own personal pardon, but the release of others from your rigid expectations.
Like a hot air balloon, you will rise to new heights as you cast the heavy sandbags of resentments and restrictions away from you.
Feel the lightness of being that results from forgiving others and accepting them as they are.
Free yourself of the endless vigil of policing the behavior of others.
See them for who they are, not what they can or can’t do for you.

Six in the third place means:

The porter carries his burden in a gilded carriage well beyond his means.
This attracts not only the resentment of his peers, but bandits as well.
Injury and humiliation ahead.

If a man carries a burden on his back
And nonetheless rides in a carriage,
He thereby encourages robbers to draw near.
Perseverance leads to humiliation.

Chinese carriage

This refers to a man who has come out of needy circumstances into comfort and freedom from want. If now, in the manner of an upstart, he tries to take his ease in comfortable surroundings that do not suit his nature, he thereby attracts robbers. If he goes on thus he is sure to bring disgrace upon himself. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:

Carrying a burden on the back is the business of a common man; a carriage is the appurtenance of a man of rank. Now, when a common man uses the appurtenance of man of rank, robbers plot to take it away from him. If a man is insolent toward those above him and hard toward those below him, robbers plot to attack him. Carelessness in guarding things tempts thieves to steal. Sumptuous ornaments worn by a maiden are an enticement to rob her of her virtue.

‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, circa 1665 – 1667 – Johannes Vermeer
Mauritshuis – The Hague – Holland

32 – Thirty-Two. Hêng / Durability

Arousing Thunder and penetrating Wind.
Close companions in any storm:
The Superior Person possesses a resiliency and durability that lets him remain firmly and faithfully on course.

Such constancy deserves success.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Endurance is the key to success in this situation.
However, durability is not synonymous with stone-like rigidity.
True resilience requires a flexibility that allows adaptation to any adverse condition, while still remaining true to the core.
Can you maintain your integrity under any circumstance?
Can you influence the situation without giving opposing forces anything to resist?
Then you will endure to reach your goal.

[/su_spoiler]

“Let go of what you have been clinging to. Give up trying to control. Seek happiness instead.” – Today’s Reading

Let go of what you have been clinging to. Give up trying to control. Seek happiness instead.

Today: “You have come here to be teachers. You should understand something about life. Life is not what you think.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA046 – 780614 – Hari Shabad Meditation – Use the Wind to Produce Trance and Dissolve Negativity

Meditation: LA958 A00413 Grace My Grace Is Me! 20000413

Previous reading: “You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without. Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything. What is important will emerge from the rest.”

Previous previous readying: “The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.

59 – Fifty-Nine. Huan / Dissolution

Wind carries the Mists aloft:
Sage rulers dedicated their lives to serving a Higher Power and built temples that still endure.

The King approaches his temple.
Success if you stay on course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Nine in the fifth place means:

He cries in pain as he sweats out this fever.
The king opens the royal stockpile to his subjects.
No mistake.

His loud cries are as dissolving as sweat.
Dissolution! A king abides without blame.

In times of general dispersion and separation, a great idea provides a focal point for the organization of recovery. Just as an illness reaches its crisis in a dissolving sweat, so a great and stimulating idea is a true salvation in times of general deadlock. It gives the people a rallying point – a man in a ruling position who can dispel misunderstandings.

19 – Nineteen. Lin / Noble Calling

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:

[/su_spoiler]

“You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without. Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything. What is important will emerge from the rest.” – Today’s Reading

You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without. Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything. What is important will emerge from the rest.

This phenomenon is no accident. We are now, and will remain, under siege by disruptors and other bad actors. Experience will show us the truth.

Today: “You have come here to be teachers. You should understand something about life. Life is not what you think.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA935-980608- Connect the subconscious and intuition

Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality

Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect

Previous reading: The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.”

Previous previous readying: “As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.

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.

Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:

Meek and uncertain, he nevertheless approaches the radiance.
No mistake.

The footprints run criss-cross.
If one is seriously intent, no blame.

Footprints in the sand

It is early morning and work begins. The mind has been closed to the outside world in sleep; now its connections with the world begin again. The traces of one’s impressions run criss-cross. Activity and haste prevail. It is important then to preserve inner composure and not to allow oneself to be swept along by the bustle of life. If one is serious and composed, he can acquire the clarity of mind needed for coming to terms with the innumerable impressions that pour in. It is precisely at the beginning that serious concentration is important, because the beginning holds the seed of all that is to follow.

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.

[/su_spoiler]

“The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.” – Today’s Reading

The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.

Today: “Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM327-990930 Know Your Heart

Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect

Previous reading: “As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.”

Previous previous readying: “Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm

31 – Thirty-One. Hsien / Attraction

Supreme success.
This course leads to marriage.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Six at the beginning [yin at bottom] means:

He skillfully hides his excitement, but is betrayed by the twitching of his big toe.

The influence shows itself in the big toe.

A movement, before it is actually carried out, shows itself first in the toes. The idea of an influence is already present, but it is not immediately apparent to others. As long as the intention has no visible effect, it is of no importance to the outside world and leads neither to good nor to evil.

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:

[/su_spoiler]

“As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.” – Today’s Reading

As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.

Today: “Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM0415 – 20010910 – Karma & Dharma

Meditation: LA010 – 19780210 – Gobinda – Project to the Infinite

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

Meditation: KWTC-980710 – Life Is Lift To Infinity

Meditation: LA007-780117-Sadhana Yojina-To Infinity Upon Death

Previous reading: “Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.” – Today’s Reading

Previous previous readying: “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

Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet

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.

Six in the fifth place means:

Advancing along this path will prove rewarding if you don’t lose your focus with visions of success or failure.

Remorse disappears.
Take not gain and loss to heart.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Everything serves to further.

Collage – Mixed Media

The situation described here is that of one who, finding himself in an influential position in a time of progress, remains gentle and reserved. He might reproach himself for lack of energy in making the most of the propitiousness of the time and obtaining all possible advantage. However, this regret passes away. He must not take either loss or gain to heart; they are minor considerations. What matters much more is the fact that in this way he has assured himself of opportunities for successful and beneficent influence.

33 – Thirty-Three. Tun / Retreat

The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.

Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.

[/su_spoiler]

“Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.” – Today’s Reading

Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.

Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn.
While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the superior men that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in quest of what is right and so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal.¹Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgement:
“In what is small” – here equivalent to “in the inferior man” – “perseverance furthers.”

1. A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob’s battle with the angel of Peniel: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26).

Today:”One breath per minute optimizes the cooperation between the left and right brain hemispheres.” Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation & Healing Workshops at Park Slope Brooklyn May 15-16, 2015

Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “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.”

Previous Readings:

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “You must not allow the imposter to gain sufficient influence to impose his misguided and selfish agenda on those he purports to lead. Gather sufficient resources and allies to stop him. Allow the disaster to be his alone.”

A letter to a friend

Read the texts translated from the I Ching for today's reading

33 – Thirty-Three. Tun / Retreat

The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.

Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Six in the second place means:

He lashes himself to his cause with thongs of yellow oxhide.

He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.
No one can tear him loose.

Yellow cowhide

1. A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob’s battle with the angel of Peniel: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26).

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:

“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

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.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 22 – If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.

Today: “Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

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

Meditation: Release obstacles in your path

Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “You must not allow the imposter to gain sufficient influence to impose his misguided and selfish agenda on those he purports to lead. Gather sufficient resources and allies to stop him. Allow the disaster to be his alone.”

Previous Readings:

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “Once your projection increases in the estimation of your peers it is easy to become smug and presumptuous. Curb the arrogance and find your original humility in order to remain in the flow.”

A letter to a friend

Read the texts translated from the I Ching for today's 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:

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

Repeated return. Danger. No blame.

“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.

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.

“You must not allow the imposter to gain sufficient influence to impose his misguided and selfish agenda on those he purports to lead. Gather sufficient resources and allies to stop him. Allow the disaster to be his alone.” – Today’s Reading

You must not allow the imposter to gain sufficient influence to impose his misguided and selfish agenda on those he purports to lead. Gather sufficient resources and allies to stop him. Allow the disaster to be his alone.

A man has a difficult and responsible task to which he is not adequate. Moreover, he does not devote himself to it with all his strength but goes about with inferior people; therefore the execution of the work fails. In this way he also incurs personal opprobrium.

Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:
“Weak character coupled with honored place, meagre knowledge with large plans, limited powers with heavy responsibility, will seldom escape disaster.”

Tao Te Ching – Verse 21 – The Master keeps her mind always at one with the Tao; that is what gives her her radiance.

Today: “If you do not have the purpose of your life, all purposes of life will not fit in.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA747 921231 Fear 6, to command yourself

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

Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention