“Happiness comes out of contentment, and contentment always comes out of service.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0390-20010320 – Provoke Your Higher Self
Tao Te Ching – Verse 45 – True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself
Today: “You have arrived at a point of equilibrium. Everything is in order. Watch out for signs of any disparity between you and your peers.” – from the I Ching
You have arrived at a point of equilibrium. Everything is in order. Watch out for signs of any disparity between you and your peers.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Tao Te Ching – Verse 81 – True words aren’t eloquent; eloquent words aren’t true.
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11 – Eleven. T’ai / Peace
Heaven and Earth embrace, giving birth to Peace.
The Superior Person serves as midwife, presenting the newborn gift to the people.
The small depart; the great approach.
Success.
Good fortune.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
It doesn’t get any better than this.
Everything is in harmony, all obstacles are cleared from your Path, anything you could ask for is right at hand.
This is the Elysian Fields, the Garden of Eden.
The only thing wrong with Peace is that it, too, must change.
Whether you are in this state of harmony now or it is predicted for your future, recognize it as your greatest opportunity to build your resources against less harmonious times.
Six in the fifth place means:
The emperor gives his blessing to his daughter’s marriage to a commoner.
All ranks of life benefit from this.
The sovereign I
Gives his daughter in marriage.
And supreme good fortune.
The sovereign I is T’ang the Completer.1 By his decree the imperial princesses, although higher in rank than their husbands, had to obey them like all other wives. Here too we are shown a truly modest union of high and low that brings happiness and blessings.
1. [This refers to Ch’êng T’ang, the first of the Shang rulers, whose reign is thought to have begun in 1766 B.C. However, modern Chinese scholarship no longer accepts the identification of the Emperor I (1191 – 1155 B.C., according to tradition) with T’ang, and holds that the daughter mentioned was given to King Wên’s father, or perhaps to King Wên himself.]
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: “Feel that you exist, then turn yourself into a star.” – Yogi Bhajan
“Feel that you exist, then turn yourself into a star. This is a very powerful meditation. Feel your body entirely, from toe to top, then feel your body totally as a star; then emit the shine. You are turning yourself into a star. Project a lot of light, then become separate from it and watch it.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM345- Strengthen and enhance the radiant body
Tao Te Ching – Verse 44 – Fame or integrity: which is more important?
Today: “Liberation. Without attachment, you may choose your next and every action. Give your attention according to your intuition. If there is something, do it. If there is nothing, don’t act.” – from the I Ching
Liberation. Without attachment, you may choose your next and every action. Give your attention according to your intuition. If there is something, do it. If there is nothing, don’t act.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Tao Te Ching – Verse 80 – If a country is governed wisely, its inhabitants will be content
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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.
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above: Chên / The Arousing, Thunder |
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below: K’an / The Abysmal, Water |
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Here the movement goes out of the sphere of danger. The obstacle has been removed, the difficulties are being resolved. Deliverance is not yet achieved; it is just in its beginning, and the hexagram represents its various stages.
THE JUDGEMENT DELIVERANCE. The south-west furthers. This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible; this is the meaning of “the south-west.” These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however: in such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no retardations occur. |
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THE IMAGE Thunder and rain set in: |
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| A thunderstorm has the effect of clearing the air; the superior man produces a similar effect when dealing with mistakes and sins of men that induce a condition of tension. Through clarity he brings deliverance. However, when failings come to light, he does not dwell on them; he simply passes over mistakes, the unintentional transgressions, just as thunder dies away. He forgives misdeeds, the intentional transgressions, just as water washes everything clean. |
Today: “A common soul frees itself from the earth attachment in seventeen days after death.” – Yogi Bhajan
“A common soul frees itself from the earth attachment in seventeen days after death.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: LA007-780117-Sadhana Yojina-To Infinity Upon Death
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Today: “You are called to lead. It will take a steady commitment to teach and support the development of all who seek guidance.” – from the I Ching
You are called to lead. It will take a steady commitment to teach and support the development of all who seek guidance.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Tao Te Ching – Verse 79 – Failure is an opportunity
Yogi Bhajan’s Seven Steps to Happiness
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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.
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above: K’un / The Receptive, Earth | |
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below: Tui / The Joyous, Lake | |
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The Chinese word Lin has a range of meanings that is not exhausted by any single word of another language. The ancient explanations in the Yi Jing give as its first meaning, “becoming great.” What becomes great are the two strong lines growing into the hexagram from below; the light-giving power expands with them. The meaning is then further extended to include the concept of approach, especially the approach of what is strong and highly placed in relation to what is lower. Finally the meaning includes the attitude of condescension of a man in high position toward the people, and in general the setting to work on affairs. This hexagram is linked with the twelfth month (January-February), when after the winter solstice, the light power begins to ascend again.
THE JUDGEMENT APPROACH has supreme success. The hexagram as a whole points to a time of joyous, hopeful progress. Spring is approaching. Joy and forbearance bring high and low nearer together. Success is certain. But we must work with determination and perseverance to make full use of the propitiousness of the time. And one thing more: spring does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. Then only two strong, light lines are left; these do not advance but are in retreat [see next hexagram (20)]. We must take heed of this change in good time. If we meet evil before it becomes reality- before it has even begun to stir-we can master it. |
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THE IMAGE The earth above the lake: |
Stotersplas Landsmeer, Holland December 21st 2009 – photo Lex van den Bos |
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| The earth borders upon the lake from above.1 This symbolises the approach and condescension of the man of higher position to those beneath him. The two parts of the image indicate what his attitude toward these people will be. Just as the lake is inexhaustible in depth, so the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach mankind, and just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and caring for all creatures on it, so the sage sustains and cares for all people and excludes no part of humanity.
1. [See the two trigrams.] |
Today: “Concentrate on this mantra—Wha, I am the great spirit. It will bring fulfillment and good luck.” – Yogi Bhajan
“Concentrate on this mantra—Wha, I am the great spirit. It will bring fulfillment and good luck.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0380 – Ecstasy and Joy
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Today: “The danger lies in complicating things. Go back to basics and your original mind. Relate with simplicity.” – from the I Ching
The danger lies in complicating things. Go back to basics and your original mind. Relate with simplicity.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Meditation: Listening to Angelic Whispers – from the Mind
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29 – Twenty-Nine. K’an / Dangerously Deep
Water follows Water, spilling over any cliff, flowing past all obstacles, no matter the depth or distance, to the Sea.
The Superior Person learns flexibility from the mistakes he has made, and grows strong from the obstacles he has overcome, pressing on to show others the Way.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
You are facing a crucial trial along your Journey.
The danger of this challenge is very real.
It is a test of your mettle.
If you can maintain your integrity and stay true to your convictions, you will overcome.
That’s not as easy as it seems when you are faced with the sacrifice of other things you’ve come to depend upon or hold dear.
Six in the fourth place means:A simple meal of rice and wine, eaten from earthen bowls. A jug of wine, a bowl of rice1 with it;
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| In times of danger ceremonious forms are dropped. What matters most is sincerity. Although as a rule it is customary for an official to present certain introductory gifts and recommendations before he is appointed, here everything is simplified to the utmost. The gifts are insignificant, there is no one to sponsor him, he introduces himself; yet all this need not be humiliating if only there is the honest intention of mutual help in danger. Still another idea is suggested. The window is the place through which light enters the room. If in difficult times we want to enlighten someone, we must begin with that which is in itself lucid and proceed quite simply from that point on. |
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.
Today: “Nobody can speak the infinite truth until the plate of the mind is clear.” – Yogi Bhajan
“Nobody can speak the infinite truth until the plate of the mind is clear. And what we offer is technical know-how to rub the plate of the mind and make it shiny and clear.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: LA372 831212 Corruption and character
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it
Today: “Come together in support of the leader who is just and compassionate. ” – from the I Ching
Come together in support of the leader who is just and compassionate.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Tao Te Ching – Verse 77 – As it acts in the world, the Tao is like the bending of a bow.
Meditation: LA112 – 790528 For Support From the Elements
See previous reading
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45 – Forty-Five. Ts’ui / Gathering
The Lake rises by welcoming and receiving Earth’s waters:
The King approaches his temple.
It is wise to seek audience with him there.
Success follows this course.
Making an offering will seal your good fortune.
A goal will be realized now.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
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.
Nine in the fourth place means:No one will begrudge you the good fortune ahead. Great good fortune. No blame.
‘Rue Montorgueil, Paris’, Claude Monet, June, 30 1878 |
| This describes a man who gathers people around him in the name of his ruler. Since he is not striving for any special advantages for himself but is working unselfishly to bring about general unity, his work is crowned with success, and everything becomes as it should be. |
8 – Eight. Pi / Bonding
Deep Waters on the face of the Earth:
Surface waters flow together.
The Superior Person recognizes the situation calls for joining together.
Thus he cultivates friendly relations with all.
Good fortune is possible.
Cast the coins again to discover if you have the qualities needed to lead such a group.
Then there will be no error.
Those uncertain will gradually join.
Those who join too late will meet with misfortune.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is a time of connection with another or others — not just an alliance, but a melding of parts into a new whole.
Such a connection may be too close, too intense for some.
Consult the oracle again to see if you have the qualities needed to strengthen and withstand such an intense synthesis.
Today: “Who is powerful, God or you? When you do the japa, chanting repetitiously, then the result is tapa, the heat that burns the karma.” – Yogi Bhajan
“Who is powerful, God or you? When you do the japa, chanting repetitiously, then the result is tapa, the heat that burns the karma.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0425 – Breath of Life
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.
Today: “When good fortune comes, do not be greedy. Do not fall into the familiar trap of shunning human connections in pursuit of material wealth.” – from the I Ching
When good fortune comes, do not be greedy. Do not fall into the familiar trap of shunning human connections in pursuit of material wealth.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
See previous reading
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Share The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha over a meal with friends today.
55 – Fifty-Five. Fêng / Abundance
Thunder and Lightning from the dark heart of the storm:
The Superior Person judges fairly, so that consequences are just.
The leader reaches his peak and doesn’t lament the descent before him.
Be like the noonday sun at its zenith.
This is success.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
You are in a position of authority in this situation.
Archetypally, you are the New King, returned from your quest to claim your throne.
However, you are enlightened enough to realize that you are merely a part of a cycle, and that you must someday yield your throne to the new kid in town, the younger, faster gunslinger, the young turk, the next returning hero, the next New King.
Fretting about the inevitable descent is senseless.
For now you must play your role to the hilt and use this gift of power to govern your world as best you can.
You are the best person for the job.
That’s why you were chosen.
Give it your personal best.
Six at the top means:
His house is in a state of abundance.
He screens off his family.
He peers through the gate
And no longer perceives anyone.
For three years he sees nothing.
Misfortune.
This describes a man who because of his arrogance and obstinacy attains the opposite of what he strives for. He seeks abundance and splendor for his dwelling. He wishes at all odds to be master in his house, which so alienates his family that in the end he finds himself completely isolated.
13 – Thirteen. T’ung Jên / Social Mechanism
Heaven reflects the Flame of clarity:
The Superior Person analyzes the various levels and working parts of the social structure, and uses them to advantage.
Success if you keep to your course.
You may cross to the far shore.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is a matter of Positioning — not only yourself, but others as well.
There are niches to be filled, potentials to be realized, right livelihoods to be found.
You are not building a new organization, but shoring up an existing infrastructure.
It’s worth the effort, because it will provide union, community, and an ironclad alliance.
Today: “Why find God? Where is God? Is He on holiday? Whatever happened to Him?” – Yogi Bhajan
“Why find God? Where is God? Is He on holiday? Whatever happened to Him? If you realize that God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, then you must forget finding Him. You have already found Him. He is in you and you are in Him. But if you have no real connection with Him in that way, then keep on searching and I can guarantee that you will never find Him.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM0415 – 20010910 – Karma & Dharma
Here is an interesting story about finding God: “Silence” the Movie by Martin Scorsese
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 39 – In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious
Today: “When things go better for you and you climb out of your hole, do not flaunt your newfound fortunes. Keep your humility and your humanity.” – from the I Ching
When things go better for you and you climb out of your hole, do not flaunt your newfound fortunes. Keep your humility and your humanity.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Meditation: Meditate on Nothing to Find Prosperity – 19930421
See previous reading
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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:
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.
[/su_spoiler]Today: “A person who cannot discuss his higher self with his lower self and his lower self with his higher self has a great subconscious problem.” – Yogi Bhajan
“A person who cannot discuss his higher self with his lower self and his lower self with his higher self has a great subconscious problem.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: LA935-980608- Connect the subconscious and intuition
See Meditation: LA935-980608- Connect the subconscious and intuition
Tao Te Ching – Verse 37 – The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done
Today: “You can no longer depend on the things that have not served you. Those dependencies brought you to this point. It is imperative that you give up your various indulgences and compulsions. Develop discipline.” – from the I Ching
You can no longer depend on the things that have not served you. Those dependencies brought you to this point. It is imperative that you give up your various indulgences and compulsions. Develop discipline.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline
See previous reading
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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.
Six in the third place means:
A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
And leans on thorns and thistles.
He enters the house and does not see his wife.
Misfortune.
This shows a man who is restless and indecisive in times of adversity. At first he wants to push ahead, then he encounters obstructions that, it is true, mean oppression only when recklessly dealt with. He butts his head against a wall and in consequence feels himself oppressed by the wall. Then he leans on things that have in themselves no stability and that are merely a hazard for him who leans on them. Thereupon he turns back irresolutely and retires into his house, only to find, as a fresh disappointment, that his wife is not there. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:
If a man permits himself to be oppressed by something that ought not to oppress him, his name will certainly be disgraced. If he leans on things upon which one cannot lean, his life will certainly be endangered. For him who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death draws near; how can he then still see his wife?
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.