Tao Te Ching – Verse 45 – True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself

Tao Te Ching – Verse 45

True perfection seems imperfect,
yet it is perfectly itself.
True fullness seems empty,
yet it is fully present.

True straightness seems crooked.
True wisdom seems foolish.
True art seems artless.

The Master allows things to happen.
She shapes events as they come.
She steps out of the way
and lets the Tao speak for itself. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 45 – True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself”

“Remain focused on the tasks at hand without expectations for recognition or fame.  Yielding the credit to others keeps the peace, avoiding unnecessary competition and potential conflict for differing views.” – Today’s Reading

Remain focused on the tasks at hand without expectations for recognition or fame.  Yielding the credit to others keeps the peace, avoiding unnecessary competition and potential conflict for differing views.

The wise man gladly leaves fame to others. He does not seek to have credited to himself things that stand accomplished, but hopes to release active forces; that is, he completes his works in such a manner that they may bear fruit for the future.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 44 – Fame or integrity: which is more important?

Meditation: NM0405-20010529- Sahaj Naad Kriya

The Seven Steps to Happiness

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “Keep serving regardless of whether you are trusted. People can begin to trust once their fear subsides.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “If you live your life surrounded by mud, you will lose all significance to yourself and everyone else.”

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Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
2 – Two   K’un / Receptive Force

Earth above and Earth below:
The Earth contains and sustains.
In this situation, the Superior Person should not take the initiative; he should follow the initiative of another.
He should seek receptive allies in the southwest; he should break ties with immovable allies in the northeast.

Responsive devotion.
Receptive influence.
Sublime Success if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time for dealing with reality as it is, not as you would have it be.
If you realize that in this situation you are the receptor, not the transmitter of the stimulus, you will find yourself reaching goals that seemed unattainable under your own steam.
If you persist in futile efforts to be the Shaper rather than the Shaped, you will completely miss this unique opportunity.

Six at the top means:

The battling dragons are too evenly matched.
Each spills black and yellow blood to the soil below.

Dragons fight in the meadow.
Their blood is black and yellow.

Green dragonGreen dragon

In the top place the dark element should yield to the light. If it attempts to maintain a position to which it is not entitled and to rule instead of serving, it draws down upon itself the anger of the strong. A struggle ensues in which it is overthrown, with injury, however, to both sides. The dragon, symbol of heaven, comes to fight the false dragon that symbolised the inflation of the earth principle. Midnight blue is the color of heaven; yellow is the color of earth. Therefore, when black and yellow blood flow, it is a sign that in this unnatural contest both primal powers suffer injury.1

Battling dragons


1. While the top line of THE CREATIVE indicates titanic pride and forms a parallel to the Greek legend of Icarus, the top line of THE RECEPTIVE presents a parallel to the myth of Lucifer’s rebellion against God, or to the battle between the powers of darkness and the gods of Valhalla, which ended with the Twilight of the Gods.

Six in the third place means:

Hide your brilliance.
Feeling no threat, they won’t resist the completion of your goal.
All you lose is credit for the accomplishment.

Hidden lines.
One is able to remain persevering.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works, but bring to completion.

Kemsit - Nubian queen

Kemsit, the Nubian queen of the Egyptian King Mentuhotep II (2061-2010 B.C.), and her servants

If a man is free of vanity he is able to conceal his abilities and keep them from attracting attention too soon; thus he can mature undisturbed. If conditions demand it, he can also enter public life, but that too he does with restraint. The wise man gladly leaves fame to others. He does not seek to have credited to himself things that stand accomplished, but hopes to release active forces; that is, he completes his works in such a manner that they may bear fruit for the future.

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.

Today: “In meditation you begin to realize that there is a world of you” – Yogi Bhajan

“In meditation you begin to realize that there is a world of you. There is a world of your mind, and a world of you. In the world of you, in your basic elementary situation, in your identity, your mind is your servant not your master. That is why we do Kundalini Yoga. That is why we do sadhana.” Yogi Bhajan

sadhana

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 44 – Fame or integrity: which is more important?

Tao Te Ching – Verse 44

Fame or integrity: which is more important?
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success or failure: which is more destructive?

If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 44 – Fame or integrity: which is more important?”

“Keep serving regardless of whether you are trusted.  People can begin to trust once their fear subsides.” – Today’s Reading

Keep serving regardless of whether you are trusted.  People can begin to  trust once their fear subsides.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 43 – The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world.

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

The Seven Steps to Happiness

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “If you live your life surrounded by mud, you will lose all significance to yourself and everyone else.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “he forces of the cosmos are cycling in your favor. This is an ideal time for great progress and expansion in every endeavor.”

See related posts.

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

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
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.

Nine in the fifth place means:

He could rescue them, if only they would trust.
For now, he must provide protection and small comfort from the shadows.

Difficulties in blessing.
A little perseverance brings good fortune.
Great perseverance brings misfortune.

Persevere

An individual is in a position in which he cannot so express his good intentions that they will actually take shape and be understood. Other people interpose and distort everything he does. He should then be cautious and proceed step by step. He must not try to force the consummation of a great undertaking, because success is possible only when general confidence already prevails. It is only through faithful and conscientious work, unobtrusively carried on, that the situation gradually clears up and the hindrance disappears.
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.

Today: “Excellence, awareness, and caliber come to you when you make your mind play the game you and your soul want.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Excellence, awareness, and caliber come to you when you make your mind play the game you and your soul want.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM0413 – Intuition and the Strength of Excellence

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 43 – The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 43

The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action.
Teaching without words,
performing without actions:
that is the Master’s way. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 43 – The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world.”

“If you live your life surrounded by mud, you will lose all significance to yourself and everyone else.” – Today’s Reading

If you live your life surrounded by mud, you will lose all significance to yourself and everyone else.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One

Meditation: KWTC-980710 – Life Is Lift To Infinity

The Seven Steps to Happiness

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “If you look to your inner nature rather than external diversion, you will find the Holy Grail of contentment.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “If you look to your inner nature rather than external diversion, you will find the Holy Grail of contentment.”

See related posts.

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
48 – Forty-Eight   Ching / The Well

Deep Waters Penetrated and drawn to the surface:
The Superior Person refreshes the people with constant encouragement to help one another.

Encampments, settlements, walled cities, whole empires may rise and fall, yet the Well at the center endures, never drying to dust, never overflowing.
It served those before and will serve those after.
Again and again you may draw from the Well, but if the bucket breaks or the rope is too short there will be misfortune.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a Source common to us all.
Jung named it the Collective Unconscious.
Others hail it as God within.
Inside each of us are dreamlike symbols and archetypes, emotions and instincts that we share with every other human being.
When we feel a lonely separateness from others, it is not because this Well within has dried up, but because we have lost the means to reach its waters.
You need to reclaim the tools necessary to penetrate to the depths of your fellows.
Then the bonds you build will be as timeless and inexhaustible as the Well that nourishes them.

Six at the beginning [yin at bottom] means:

The water in this old well has seeped into the mud.
Not even the animals come to drink from it.

One does not drink the mud of the well.
No animals come to an old well.

Old well

If a man wanders around in swampy lowlands, his life is submerged in mud. Such a man loses all significance for mankind. He who throws himself away is no longer sought out by others. In the end no one troubles about him any more.

5 – Five.  Hsü / Calculated Waiting

Deep Waters in the Heavens:
Thunderclouds approaching from the West, but no rain yet.
The Superior Person nourishes himself and remains of good cheer to condition himself for the moment of truth.

Great Success if you sincerely keep to your course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You must now endure this Dangling — either a carrot before your nose, or a sword above your head.
This strange mix of apprehension and anticipation is a Purgatory.
There is nothing more you can do to affect the outcome.
You must now submit to the Fates.

Today: “You are always known by your projected personality” – Yogi Bhajan

“You are always known by your projected personality. Everyone wants his real personality to be hidden. But your aura always represents your real personality.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: Drib Dhristi Lochina Karma

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One

Tao Te Ching – Verse 42

The Tao gives birth to One.
One gives birth to Two.
Two gives birth to Three.
Three gives birth to all things.
All things have their backs to the female
and stand facing the male.
When male and female combine,
all things achieve harmony.
Ordinary men hate solitude.
But the Master makes use of it,
embracing his aloneness, realizing
he is one with the whole universe. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One”

The forces of the cosmos are cycling in your favor. This is an ideal time for great progress and expansion in every endeavor. – Today’s Reading

The forces of the cosmos are cycling in your favor.
This is an ideal time for great progress and expansion in every endeavor.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it

Meditation: NM345- Strengthen and enhance the radiant body

The Seven Steps to Happiness

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “If you look to your inner nature rather than external diversion, you will find the Holy Grail of contentment.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “You can contribute beneficially to the common good only if you understand your connections with the social structure. Know your leaders and your brethren. Understand your presence in the flow. Cults are not allowed.”

See related posts.

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
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.

Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:

The forces of the cosmos are cycling in your favor.
This is an ideal time for great progress and expansion in every endeavor.

It furthers one to accomplish great deeds.
Supreme good fortune. No blame.

Selfless

Selfless

If great help comes to a man from on high, this increased strength must be used to achieve something great for which he might otherwise never have found energy, or readiness to take responsibility. Great good fortune is produced by selflessness, and in bringing about great good fortune, he remains free of reproach.
20 – Twenty.  Kuan / Contemplation

The gentle Wind roams the Earth:
The Superior Person expands his sphere of influence as he expands his awareness.
Deeply devoted to his pursuit of clarity and wisdom, he is unconscious of the inspiring, positive example he is setting for others to emulate.

You have cleansed yourself; now stand ready to make your humble, devout offering.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The situation marks a rising to new heights.
As you climb for a better view of the panorama, you make yourself more conspicuous to those below.
This hexagram is also known as the Watchtower, because the shape formed by its lines resembles the ancient guardposts manned by Chinese soldiers.
These towers were placed on mountainsides to give a better vantage point.
To those below, the watchtowers served as landmarks to help them find their way.
The quality of your search for clarity in this situation serves as such a guidepost for others along the Way.

Today: “It is no good to be too sweet, And it is no good to be too bitter. ” – Yogi Bhajan

“It is no good to be too sweet, And it is no good to be too bitter. No good to talk big, No good to talk little. Life is mutual. Keep it that way. Balance in life in the long run pays.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: The Neutral Mind

Meditation: LA741 – 921125 – Dance of Shiva

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it

Tao Te Ching – Verse 41

When a superior man hears of the Tao,
he immediately begins to embody it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he half believes it, half doubts it.
When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn’t laugh,
it wouldn’t be the Tao.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it”

If you look to your inner nature rather than external diversion, you will find the Holy Grail of contentment. – Today’s Reading

If you look to your inner nature rather than external diversion, you will find the Holy Grail of contentment.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.

Meditation:  NM0426 – 20011117 – Self Transformation

The Seven Steps to Happiness

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “You can contribute beneficially to the common good only if you understand your connections with the social structure. Know your leaders and your brethren. Understand your presence in the flow. Cults are not allowed.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “Rather than forging forward, allow a substantial and durable alliance to form supporting your noble enterprise.”

See related posts.

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
58 – Fifty-Eight.  Tui / Empowering

The joyous Lake spans on and on to the horizon:
The Superior Person renews and expands his Spirit through heart-to-heart exchanges with others.

Success if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is the sign of true companionship.
The principals in this situation exchange energy, ideas and feelings, constantly invigorating and encouraging each other to new heights of Spiritual achievement and Self-discovery.
This exchange is not for the glory of the Team, but for furthering the process of each individual’s ‘Te’, or pure potentiality.

Six in the third place means:

Arguing and negotiating to win love and joy.
Self-defeat.
Misfortune.
Coming joyousness. Misfortune.

Romans of the Decadence

‘The Romans of the Decadence’ – Thomas Couture, 1847

True joy must spring from within. But if one is empty within and wholly given over to the world, idle pleasures come streaming in from without. This is what many people welcome as diversion. Those who lack inner stability and therefore need amusement, will always find opportunity of indulgence. They attract external pleasures by the emptiness of their natures. Thus they lose themselves more and more, which of course has bad results.

43 – Forty-Three.  Kuai / Breakthrough

A Deluge from Heaven:
The Superior Person rains fortune upon those in need, then moves on with no thought of the good he does.

The issue must be raised before an impartial authority.
Be sincere and earnest, despite the danger.
Do not try to force the outcome, but seek support where needed.
Set a clear goal.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Your iron will must come to the forefront now.
It will take great personal determination to resolve the situation in question.
Your adversary would love to force you into an angry display.
That would legitimize his opposition to you.
Such a berserker rage would drag you down to his level.
You must resolutely take a public stand against what he represents, but refuse to engage him.
Without compromise, you show others the way to higher ground.

Today: “If you can listen and hear the power of your own spoken word” – Yogi Bhajan

“If you can listen and hear the power of your own spoken word, you own committed language, and if it is remembered by you, it becomes you. Say it and listen to it consciously. That is the work of the mind. It should listen consciously and help you be surprisingly successful.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM0365-20001024-On Communication II

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 40

Return is the movement of the Tao.
Yielding is the way of the Tao.

All things are born of being.
Being is born of non-being.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.”