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

Using the I Ching

The I Ching, or Book of Changes is based on the Tao.  The Tao is the fabric of the universe that contains and connects every conceivable and inconceivable aspect and manifestation of consciousness. The Tao itself is undefined.

The primary manifestation of the Tao is comprised of the dynamic state of polarity of yin and yang.  It is a system whose universe describes every possible state of existence.  It is constantly flowing and changing its balance between the two extreme polarities, total yin (earth) and total yang (heaven).

The I Ching as a book describes a structure that is designed to divine the relative quantities of yin and yang in any moment and circumstance and the tendency for their direction of change.  This structure, known as a form is a physical structure developed by mind that links to subtle structures of consciousness.

Through the use of such forms, physical orthogonal mappings of the mind (as produced by reason, relating to time and space as discrete phenomena) can be transformed into transverse experiences that transcend time and space (as  produced in the realm of shuniya), resulting in new orthogonal structures that can be perceived by the mind and the senses.  Using a form to produce a transverse experience in this way is called divination.  Divining using the form of the I Ching produces an answer to a question.   Engaging the I Ching or any form that produces a transverse experience requires intuition to facilitate the experience.  Intuition is a byproduct of living in a state of shuniya. Another example of a form that produces a transverse experience is White Tantric Yoga.  In this case, the form is facilitated by the intuition of the Mahan Tantric.

The I Ching itself is the ancient Taoist Oracle,  which is formless.  Its foundation is pure consciousness.  One brings form to it by first relating intuitively with the Oracle in the form of a question.  Then, performing a physical divining process.  Then, assigning the result of the divination to one or two of the set of 64 predefined forms known as hexagrams. Then, consulting narratives provided by a translator of the selected hexagram(s) from original Chinese texts and oral tradition.  Finally, interpreting these narratives relative to the original question.

About the I Ching

See previous readings

Today: “With righteous precedent on your side, and with small successes you will reach your goals.” – From the I Ching

With righteous precedent on your side, and with small successes you will reach your goals.  Have no doubts.  You have already won.  Just step through the gate.
The important thing then will be to endure with resiliency, not rigidity.  You can maintain your success by remaining true to the course, the qualities, the values,  that brought you here.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#46, line 4, #32

Beneath the Soil, the Seedling pushes upward toward the light:
To preserve his integrity, the Superior Person contents himself with small gains that eventually lead to great accomplishment.  Supreme Success.
Have no doubts.
The pushing upward of the good elements encounters no obstruction and is therefore accompanied by great success. The pushing upward is made possible not by violence but by modesty and adaptability. Since the individual is borne along by the propitiousness of the time, he advances. He must go to see authoritative people. He need not be afraid to do this, because success is assured.  This indicates a stage in which pushing upward attains its goal. One acquires fame in the sight of gods and men, is received into the circle of those who foster the spiritual life of the nation, and thereby attains a significance that endures beyond time.
The Superior Person possesses a resiliency and durability that lets him remain firmly and faithfully on course.  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. 

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 31

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “When man has a circumvent force that is very strong, he is neither negative to himself nor to another person.” – Yogi Bhajan

“When man has a circumvent force that is very strong, he is neither negative to himself nor to another person.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “Your soul will connect with other people of integrity.  People will gather together in a new way.” – From the I Ching

Regardless of what others are doing, you can rely on yourself.  Their division is not your division.  Your soul will connect with other people of integrity.  Separation will be resolved.  People will gather together in a new way.  Allow this to happen organically.  Don’t push it.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#45, line 3, #62

This is an important Convergence, and you must be part of it.
Look for the Center of this convergence.  Like waters running to the sea, like an astronomical convergence of planets revolving around the sun, you should let the gravity of this Center draw you near.  Others are also drawn to this Center, and among them you will find shared bonds and kindred spirits.
This tribal convergence will give you a clarity of purpose. You will no longer be alone.
Often a man feels an urge to unite with others, but the individuals around him have already formed themselves into a group, so that he remains isolated. The whole situation proves untenable. Then he ought to choose the way of progress, resolutely allying himself with a man who stands nearer to the centre of the group, and can help him to gain admission to the closed circle. This is not a mistake, even though at first his position as an outsider is somewhat humiliating.
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.
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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 30

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “The power of the circumvent force is a protective shield” – Yogi Bhajan

The power of the circumvent force is a protective shield. It will attract God consciousness and Mother Nature will serve you. You will have all that you need.” Yogi Bhajan

 

 

Meditation

Today: “Give the fool enough space to fall on his face” – From the I Ching

Give the fool enough space to fall on his face.  Your weighing in too much only adds to the chaos.  Be careful and mindful of what you are communicating.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#4, line 6, #37

The best way to prove a fool wrong is to let him have his way.
To severely restrict his folly will invite him to always believe that his way would have been right.
The Superior Person weighs his words carefully and is consistent in his behavior.
One in this situation must be keenly aware of his influence on others.
Maintain a healthy respect for the ripple effect of your words and deeds.
To some you serve as a role model.
You can either help shape their world or tilt them into chaos.
Show temperance and consideration to all.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 28

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “The Eighth Chakra is located in the aura” – Yogi Bhajan

“The Eighth Chakra is located in the aura, the magnetic field generated by a human being that surrounds him or her up to nine feet in every direction. The quality of the aura reveals the personality in the projection of power or the depression of defeat.” Yogi Bhajan

 

Meditation

Meditation: KWTC-930407 Childhood Patterns – Aura

“Kundalini Yoga is… a practice of experience of a person s own excellence which is dormant and which is awakened.”‘-Yogi Bhajan 7/26/96 Continue reading “Meditation: KWTC-930407 Childhood Patterns – Aura”

Today: “Understand your own true nature first” – From the I Ching

Understand your own true nature first.  Then you may apply that outwardly in the world.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#61

The wind blows over the lake and stirs the surface of the water. Thus visible effects of the invisible manifest themselves. The hexagram consists of firm lines above and below, while it is open in the centre. This indicates a heart free of prejudices and therefore open to truth. On the other hand, each of the two trigrams has a firm line in the middle; this indicates the force of inner truth in the influences they present.
The subject of this hexagram discovers a key to Tranquility by first gaining insight into his own nature, then turning that vision outward.
By resolving inner conflicts and being at peace with himself, he learns to gain insight into others.
In effect, he enters another, sees with the other’s eyes, listens with the other’s ears, feels with the other’s heart.
He then returns to his own center, with new perspective and understanding.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 28

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “…concentrating on yourself as a part of the Universe and meditating on the Holy Nam” – Yogi Bhajan

“The circumvent force can be straightened out by concentrating on yourself as a part of the Universe and meditating on the Holy Nam. It can straighten out any pit in your life. It can plug any deficiency. It is the highest, most powerful method a man has ever developed or known.” Yogi Bhajan

 

Meditation

Today: “Stay strong.  Keep up for the long haul.” – From the I Ching

Stay strong.  Keep up for the long haul.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#32

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.
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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 27

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Your aura is determined by what you vibrate” – Yogi Bhajan

“Your aura is determined by what you vibrate. Whatever your mental thoughts are, that is your aura and that is the color of your aura.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “From a position of safety, gently share your wisdom to effect change.” – From the I Ching

From a position of safety, gently share your wisdom to effect change.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#57, line 4, #28

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 26

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Those who sleep North/South” – Yogi Bhajan

“Those who sleep North/South—their magnetic field and the magnetic field of the Earth become one and they become zero and lose all initiative. That is why man has always been advised to sleep East/West.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “You just have to wait” – From the I Ching

You just have to wait.  See yesterday’s reading.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching

#5

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.
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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24

Previous readings
Today: I Ching