Tao Te Ching – Verse 8
The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.
Today: “Your outreach, kindness and assistance will break the spell that deplorable despots hold over people through their messaging, making them fearful, angry, and prone to despair.” – From the I Ching
Penetrating wind /
infused with subtle kindness /
flies straight to the heart
Your outreach, kindness and assistance will break the spell that deplorable despots hold over people through their messaging, making them fearful, angry, and prone to despair.
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.
Penetration under the bed.
Priests and magicians are used in great number.
Good fortune. No blame.
At times one has to deal with hidden enemies, intangible influences that slink into dark corners and from this hiding affect people by suggestion. In instances like this, it is necessary to trace these things back to the most secret recesses, in order to determine the nature of the influences to be dealt with. This is the task of the priests; removing the influences is the task of the magicians. The very anonymity of such plotting requires an especially vigorous and indefatigable effort, but this is well worth while. For when such elusive influences are brought into the light and branded, they lose their power over people.
Boiling Water over open Flame, one might extinguish The other:
The Superior Person takes a 360 degree view of the situation and prepares for any contingency.
Victory at the expense of another is a merciless taskmaster.
The precarious balance here is reflected in the lines of the hexagram: each of the yin lines rests upon a strong yang line — a seemingly perfect arrangement.
But the scales will be tipped with the change of any one line.
And there WILL be change.
Tireless vigilance and an answer to every challenge — that is the uneasy Seat of Power occupied by the conqueror.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 7 – The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Today: “In me, I have found only one reality—that I breathe in and I breathe out. ” Yogi Bhajan
Previous reading: “You’re not finished yet. The needs of the world call again and again for your service. Now the many must redress the harmful actions of the few. This time, for real.”
Practice this yoga:
Check out the various healing workshops we have conducted over the years.
See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading from the original text
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.
Nine in the second place means:A whirlwind beneath the bed. Penetration under the bed.
Anubis |
| At times one has to deal with hidden enemies, intangible influences that slink into dark corners and from this hiding affect people by suggestion. In instances like this, it is necessary to trace these things back to the most secret recesses, in order to determine the nature of the influences to be dealt with. This is the task of the priests; removing the influences is the task of the magicians. The very anonymity of such plotting requires an especially vigorous and indefatigable effort, but this is well worth while. For when such elusive influences are brought into the light and branded, they lose their power over people. |
63 – Sixty-Three. Chi Chi / Aftermath
Boiling Water over open Flame, one might extinguish The other:
The Superior Person takes a 360 degree view of the situation and prepares for any contingency.
Success in small matters if you stay on course.
Early good fortune can end in disorder.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Victory at the expense of another is a merciless taskmaster.
The precarious balance here is reflected in the lines of the hexagram: each of the yin lines rests upon a strong yang line — a seemingly perfect arrangement.
But the scales will be tipped with the change of any one line.
And there WILL be change.
Tireless vigilance and an answer to every challenge — that is the uneasy Seat of Power occupied by the conqueror.
Today: “In me, I have found only one reality—that I breathe in and I breathe out. ” Yogi Bhajan
“In me, I have found only one reality—that I breathe in and I breathe out. And so anything that breathes in or out is reality. When I found this as a reality in everybody, I found myself in everybody and everybody in myself.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 7 – The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 7
The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Why is it eternal?
It was never born;
thus it can never die.
Why is it infinite?
It has no desires for itself;
thus it is present for all beings. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 7 – The Tao is infinite, eternal.”
Today: “You’re not finished yet. The needs of the world call again and again for your service. Now the many must redress the harmful actions of the few. This time, for real.” – From the I Ching
Over and over /
called to balance the ledger /
one more time for keeps
You’re not finished yet. The needs of the world call again and again for your service. Now the many must redress the harmful actions of the few. This time, for real.
Thunder beneath the Lake’s surface.
The Superior Person allows himself plenty of sheltered rest and recuperation while awaiting a clear sign to follow.
Supreme success.
No mistakes if you keep to your course.
By virtue of your wise heart, you are followed by a leader.
Come down from your mountain, and you will be rewarded with another.
This refers to a man, an exalted sage, who has already put the turmoil of the world behind him. But a follower appears who understands him and is not to be put off. So the sage comes back into the world and aids the other in his work. Thus there develops an eternal tie between the two.
The merciless, searing judgement of Lightning fulfills the warning prophecies of distant Thunder.
Sage rulers preserved Justice by clearly defining the laws, and by delivering the penalties decreed.
Though unpleasant, it is best to let justice have its due.
Today: “Start understanding that you are the creative source and nucleus of the whole vibratory effect.” Yogi Bhajan
Previous previous reading: “The drama is coming to a climax. On all levels, high and low, evildoers must be confronted. Truth to power. Act, then accept the results. No one person controls the reality.”
Practice this yoga:
Meditation: TCH2012 960727 – Warrior’s Exercise for Opening the Energy into the Shushmana & Balancing the Hemispheres of the Brain
Today: “The totality in reality is creating, organizing, and destroying.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426
Check out the various healing workshops we have conducted over the years.
See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading from the original text
17 – Seventeen. Sui / Following
Thunder beneath the Lake’s surface.
The Superior Person allows himself plenty of sheltered rest and recuperation while awaiting a clear sign to follow.
Supreme success.
No mistakes if you keep to your course.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Thunder from the Lake — the lulling, rhythmic roar of the faithful tide, eternally wearing away the stone of the shoreline, forever obedient to the phases of the moon.
The pull of the moon on the tide is the Following called for now.
As mighty as the tide is in its own right, it is ever the puppet of the invisible, irresistible gravity of the moon.
What cyclical forces pull you along?
Are you futilely attempting to resist a natural attraction?
Six at the top means:By virtue of your wise heart, you are followed by a leader. He meets with firm allegiance
K’ung Fu Tzu (Confucius), born 551 b.C., lived during the Chou Dynasty |
| This refers to a man, an exalted sage, who has already put the turmoil of the world behind him. But a follower appears who understands him and is not to be put off. So the sage comes back into the world and aids the other in his work. Thus there develops an eternal tie between the two. The allegory is chosen from the annals of the Chou dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty honored men who had served them well by awarding them a place in the royal family’s temple of ancestors on the Western Mountain. In this way they were regarded as sharing in the destiny of the ruling family. |
21 – Twenty-One. Shih Ho / Biting Through
The merciless, searing judgement of Lightning fulfills the warning prophecies of distant Thunder.
Sage rulers preserved Justice by clearly defining the laws, and by delivering the penalties decreed.
Though unpleasant, it is best to let justice have its due.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
A terrible reckoning is due.
A wrong will be righted — and even if it has been you who has been wronged, you will tremble at the terrible power of Justice untempered by Mercy.
Pray for your oppressor, that his punishment will fit his crime.
Today: “Start understanding that you are the creative source and nucleus of the whole vibratory effect.” Yogi Bhajan
“Start understanding that you are the creative source and nucleus of the whole vibratory effect. The moment you understand that, your problem is solved. The moment you know that you are you, your problems are over. The moment you know that you are you, God and you are one, because you are the Creator and He is the Creator.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 6 – The Tao is called the Great Mother: empty yet inexhaustible, it gives birth to infinite worlds.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 6
The Tao is called the Great Mother:
empty yet inexhaustible,
it gives birth to infinite worlds.
It is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 6 – The Tao is called the Great Mother: empty yet inexhaustible, it gives birth to infinite worlds.”
Today: “Joyful awareness. An opportunity to climb to new heights and take everyone with you.” – From the I Ching
Joyful awareness. An opportunity to climb to new heights and take everyone with you.
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.
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.
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.
The quality of your search for clarity in this situation serves as such a guidepost for others along the Way.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.
Today: “In the house of the Lord, progress is slow, but there is no ultimate darkness.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “In the house of the Lord, progress is slow, but there is no ultimate darkness.” Yogi Bhajan
Previous reading: “The drama is coming to a climax. On all levels, high and low, evildoers must be confronted. Truth to power. Act, then accept the results. No one person controls the reality.”
Practice this yoga:
Meditation: TCH20 02 960722 – Increase the Power of the Infinite Within
Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426
Check out the various healing workshops we have conducted over the years.
See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading from the original text
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. It furthers one to accomplish great deeds.
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: “In the house of the Lord, progress is slow, but there is no ultimate darkness.” Yogi Bhajan
“In the house of the Lord, progress is slow, but there is no ultimate darkness. You shall be answered if you will call Him.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 5
The Tao doesn’t take sides;
it gives birth to both good and evil.
The Master doesn’t take sides;
she welcomes both saints and sinners.
The Tao is like a bellows:
it is empty yet infinitely capable.
The more you use it, the more it produces;
the more you talk of it, the less you understand.
Hold on to the center. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 5 – The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil.”
Today: “The drama is coming to a climax. On all levels, high and low, evildoers must be confronted. Truth to power. Act, then accept the results. No one person controls the reality.” – From the I Ching
Speak Truth to power /
no one controls the outcome /
Truth Reality
The drama is coming to a climax. On all levels, high and low, evildoers must be confronted. Truth to power. Act, then accept the results. No one person controls the reality.
This is the realm of the Shaman.
You have exhausted every alternative, spent yourself completely, taxed body and mind beyond your former limits.
Survival and salvation lie beyond your reach now.
Only transcendence to a new existence — a higher plane of being — will see you through.
Though his nose and feet will surely be cut off, still he must confront the warlord.
He calmly accepts his fate, and offers prayer and sacrifice.
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.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 4 – The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.
Today: “Those who are humble in practice are always righteous in the face of God.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “Those who are humble in practice are always righteous in the face of God.” Yogi Bhajan
Previous previous reading: “Resolve conflict by broadening your view to include the views of others. Feel the conflict within you. Choose to dissolve any misunderstanding.”
Practice this yoga:
Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426
Check out the various healing workshops we have conducted over the years.
See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading from the original text
47 – Forty-Seven. K’un / Exhaustion
A Dead Sea, its Waters spent eons ago, more deadly than the desert surrounding it:
The Superior Person will stake his life and fortune on what he deeply believes.
Triumph belongs to those who endure.
Trial and tribulation can hone exceptional character to a razor edge that slices deftly through every challenge.
Action prevails where words will fail.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is the realm of the Shaman.
You have exhausted every alternative, spent yourself completely, taxed body and mind beyond your former limits.
Survival and salvation lie beyond your reach now.
Only transcendence to a new existence — a higher plane of being — will see you through.
The Old You is just a dry husk.
You can’t return to it.
Metamorphosis is the only grace offered.
You can only return to your homeland as a New You.
Nine in the fifth place means:Though his nose and feet will surely be cut off, still he must confront the warlord. His nose and feet are cut off.
Emperor Qianlong (r. 1736 – 1795) |
| An individual who has the good of mankind at heart is oppressed from above and below (this is the meaning of the cutting off of nose and feet). He finds no help among the people whose duty it would be to aid in the work of rescue (ministers wore purple knee bands). But little by little, things take a turn for the better. Until that time, he should turn to God, firm in his inner composure, and pray and offer sacrifice for the general well-being. |
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.
Today: “Those who are humble in practice are always righteous in the face of God.” Yogi Bhajan
“Those who are humble in practice are always righteous in the face of God. They are protected by the Supreme Being and shall always live in plentiful abundance.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 4 – The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 4
The Tao is like a well:
used but never used up.
It is like the eternal void:
filled with infinite possibilities.
It is hidden but always present.
I don’t know who gave birth to it.
It is older than God. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 4 – The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.”
Today: “Expand your horizons. We are coming out of a time of apathy and detachment. Threats to the relative well-being of many are stimulating their awakening to an extreme imbalance of wealth.” – From the I Ching
Ever expanding /
meeting opportunity /
fearless warrior
Expand your horizons. We are coming out of a time of apathy and detachment. Threats to the relative well-being of many are stimulating their awakening to an impending extreme imbalance of wealth.
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.
It is important that there should be men who mediate between leaders and followers. These should be disinterested people, especially in times of increase, since the benefit is to spread from the leader to the people. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way; it should really reach those for whom it is intended. This sort of intermediary, who also exercises a good influence on the leader, is especially important in times when it is a matter of great undertakings, decisive for the future and requiring the inner assent of all concerned.
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.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 3 – The Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores
Today: “It does not matter who you are, it only matters how you radiate.” Yogi Bhajan
Today: “It does not matter who you are, it only matters how you radiate.” Yogi Bhajan
Previous reading: “Resolve conflict by broadening your view to include the views of others. Feel the conflict within you. Choose to dissolve any misunderstanding.”
Practice this yoga:
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
Meditation: LA950 A00214 20000214 Develop Self-Reliance
Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny
Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426
Check out the various healing workshops we have conducted over the years.
See Richard Wilhelm's translation for this reading from the original text
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.
Six in the fourth place means:Your balance and skill have not gone unnoticed by those in power. If you walk in the middle
Prince Shotoku |
| It is important that there should be men who mediate between leaders and followers. These should be disinterested people, especially in times of increase, since the benefit is to spread from the leader to the people. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way; it should really reach those for whom it is intended. This sort of intermediary, who also exercises a good influence on the leader, is especially important in times when it is a matter of great undertakings, decisive for the future and requiring the inner assent of all concerned. |
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.
Today: “It does not matter who you are, it only matters how you radiate.” Yogi Bhajan
“It does not matter who you are, it only matters how you radiate. Happiness does not come through materials, it comes through happiness.” Yogi Bhajan
Tao Te Ching – Verse 3 – The Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores
Tao Te Ching – Verse 3
If you overesteem great men,
people become powerless.
If you overvalue possessions,
people begin to steal.
The Master leads
by emptying people’s minds
and filling their cores,
by weakening their ambition
and toughening their resolve. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 3 – The Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores”