Today: “Be yourself.  Deal with reality as it is.  Keep a low profile. ” – from the I Ching

Be yourself.  Deal with reality as it is.  Keep a low profile.  Allow your influence in public matters to be felt, not seen.

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

#2 Line 5, #38

In this situation, the Superior Person should not take the initiative; he should follow the initiative of another.
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.
When anyone is called upon to work in a prominent but not independent position, true success depends on the utmost discretion. A man’s genuineness and refinement should not reveal themselves directly; they should express themselves only indirectly as an effect from within.
You are working at cross-purposes with another.
The distance between you is very wide.
The gap can be closed, however, with no compromise of your integrity.
You are not adversaries in this case — just two persons addressing individual needs.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 19

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “If you can get up at 3:00 a.m. and you feel that you are part of the Cosmos and Cosmos is part of you…” – Yogi Bhajan

“If you can get up at 3:00 a.m. and you feel that you are part of the Cosmos and Cosmos is part of you, then you lean on the vibratory effect of your self-creativity as an individual in finite mind to relate to the infinite mind. And you feel those vibrations in you. As a unit light, you feel the beam of the light around you. Then energy-wise you are not going to get weaker; your mind will be very sharp. You will reach the stage of knowing the unknown.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “If there is anything you need to accomplish, the time is now.  You have every means of power at your disposal.” – from the I Ching

If there is anything you need to accomplish, the time is now.  You have every means of power at your disposal.
Do not confront opposition on its own terms.  Stay connected with your cause and focused on the goal.  Do not react to those who would resist or demean you.
Not compromising, you will be an inspiration to all.

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

#1 Line 6, #43

Heaven in constant motion.  With the strength of the dragon, the Superior Person steels himself for ceaseless activity.  
Productive Activity.
Potent Influence.
Sublime Success if you keep to your course.
The time for action has come.  You now have the focus and the stamina necessary for accomplishing great tasks.  The path before you is being cleared and reward lies ahead.
When a man seeks to climb so high that he loses touch with the rest of mankind, he becomes isolated, and this necessarily leads to failure. This line warns against titanic aspirations that exceed one’s power. A precipitous fall would follow.
A Deluge from Heaven: The Superior Person rains fortune upon those in need, then moves on with no thought of the good he does.
our 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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 18

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “God is not what you think, God is not going to change things because you want to change things.” – Yogi Bhajan

“God is not what you think, God is not going to change things because you want to change things. There is a total little tinker in you called soul and when you do the prayer it is called concentrated computed code message to the higher Cosmos that is your orbit. You can change your orbit easily provided you understand you are part of Infinity and Infinity is part of you.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “The first steps to dissolving tribalism are…” – from the I Ching

The first steps to dissolving tribalism are to meet with a kindred spirit of another tribe and then to begin to understand the psyche of the other.  That understanding must come from an inward examination of the self, which can then be extended outward.

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

#38 Line 5, #61

No matter how large or diverse the group, the Superior Person remains uniquely himself.  Small accomplishments are possible.
You are working at cross-purposes with another.  The distance between you is very wide.  The gap can be closed, however, with no compromise of your integrity.  You are not adversaries in this case — just two persons addressing individual needs.
Coming upon a sincere man, one fails to recognize him at first because of the general estrangement. However, he bites his way through the wrappings that are causing the separation. When such a companion thus reveals himself in his true character, it is one’s duty to go to meet him and to work with him.
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 17

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Mantras have power. They are the mind vibration in relationship to the Cosmos.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Mantras have power. They are the mind vibration in relationship to the Cosmos. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge that sound is a form of energy having structure, power, and a definite predictable effect on the human psyche.” Yogi Bhajan

 

Meditation

Today: “Abuse of power must be called out.  The bad actors must be exposed for their misdeeds and replaced.” – from the I Ching

Abuse of power must be called out.  The bad actors must be exposed for their misdeeds and replaced.  Wait for massive dissent.  Then the way will be clear for change.

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

#49

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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 16

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Committed language is when you speak directly, with your heart” – Yogi Bhajan

“Committed language is when you speak directly, with your heart, with all parts of your mind supporting what you say.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “Oppressors are making things difficult.  Be cautious in your endeavors” – from the I Ching

Oppressors are making things difficult.  Be cautious in your endeavors, particularly with your communications.  The messages are being twisted and confused.  Chaos rules.  Beware of a potential hostile strike that will come from this chaos.

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

#3, line 5, #23

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.
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.
The weight of the Mountain presses down upon a weak foundation of Earth:
The Superior Person will use this time of oppression to attend to the needs of those less fortunate.
But in this situation, oppressors are violently seizing power.
Pay special heed when you receive this hexagram, because the oracle is often warning you of a situation of which you are totally unaware.
You are about to be blindsided.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 15

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “When you lose your elevation and have no habit to listen to your consciousness” – Yogi Bhajan

“When you lose your elevation and have no habit to listen to your consciousness, then it seems like you have no choice. You do not understand it because your mind is doing this to you. Your mind is not supposed to do anything to you. Your mind is supposed to do things for you. Now you are caught in the game of mind and ego. Between the two you can be stretched until nothing is left.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation

Today: “Learn from the obstacles that arise in your ventures” – from the I Ching

Learn from the obstacles that arise in your ventures.  Be cautious of whom you enlist to help you.  Give freely without expectations for reward.

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

#3, line 2, #19

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.
Her horses rear in fright; but the highwayman means no harm.
He seeks only the hand of the maiden.  She must refuse him, for she fears a very long journey lies ahead before she can marry.
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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 14

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Our creativity will be our sensory system” – Yogi Bhajan

“Our creativity will be our sensory system. And through this sensory system we will be overflowing with energy, touching the hearts of people, and feeling their feeling, and filling their emptiness. We will act great and our flow will fulfill the gratefulness in the hearts of others. It will be a new relationship. We will create a new humanity which will have the new sensory system, and thus we will establish the Age of Aquarius. This is the fundamental character you have to learn by heart.” Yogi Bhajan

 

 

Meditation

Today: “Life is like a nest which must be built straw by straw” – Yogi Bhajan

“Life is like a nest which must be built straw by straw. Its composition should be according to requirements, its coziness should be to the standard of delicacy of softness, its place and height should be to the standard of safety, and it must be protected by the will of Infinity.” Yogi Bhajan

 

 

Meditation

Today: “Channel the awesome power that comes from within you” – from the I Ching

Channel the awesome power that comes from within you.  Resistance to your intentions is waning.  As long as you use it wisely you will have a clear path to success and great abundance.

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

#34, line 2, #55

The Awesome Power available in this hexagram stems from what the Taoists call your Te, a term not perfectly translated into English.  Roughly, it is your Integrity — not in the Western sense of honor — but more in the  psychological definition of a full integration of Who You Are.
Such self-knowledge spawns a Mastery tempered with the humility necessary to rein in and harness this Awesome Power.
The premise here is that the gates to success are beginning to open. Resistance gives way and we forge ahead. This is the point at which, only too easily, we become the prey of exuberant self-confidence. This is why the oracle says that perseverance (i.e., perseverance in inner equilibrium, without excessive use of power) brings good fortune.
It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. But such sadness does not befit him. Only a man who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 13

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Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Do not be distracted by petty diversions or disheartened by others’ foolishness.” – from the I Ching

Keep your eye on the prize.  Do not be complacent nor distracted by petty diversions.  Do not be disheartened by others’ foolishness.  Your resoluteness is a strong influence for those who look up to you.  No need for bluster.  They will get the message.
The more that  you can align yourself with the cosmic flow, the more powerful your message will be.

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

#44, line 5, #50

A Prince who shouts orders but will not walk among his people may as well try to command the four winds.  A strong, addictive temptation, much more dangerous than it seems.
You are ignoring a clear and present danger to your well-being.  If this threat emanated from a heavy-handed oppressor, you would see it coming.  But this danger comes to you in the form of a seduction, an amusement, a diversion, an indulgence that is eating away at the fiber of your secure little world.  You are too cocksure.  You underestimate the tribute this dalliance will demand.
The melon, like the fish, is a symbol of the principle of darkness. It is sweet but spoils easily and for this reason is protected with a cover of willow leaves. This is a situation in which a strong, superior, well-poised man tolerates and protects the inferiors in his charge. He has the firm lines of order and beauty within himself but he does not lay stress upon them. He does not bother his subordinates with outward show or tiresome admonitions but leaves them quite free, putting his trust in the transforming power of a strong and upright personality. And behold! Fate is favorable. His inferiors respond to his influence and fall to his disposition like ripe fruit.
he Superior Person positions himself correctly within the flow of Cosmic forces.  Supreme Accomplishment.
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.

Meditation

Tao Te Ching – Verse 12

Previous readings
Today: I Ching

 

Today: “Marriage is an institution. It’s a creative institution of human consciousness.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Marriage is an institution. It’s a creative institution of human consciousness. It’s a carriage of united consciousness, united happiness. It’s the highest yoga.” Yogi Bhajan

 

 

Meditation