Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving

Tao Te Ching – Verse 27

A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is.

Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn’t reject anyone.
He is ready to use all situations
and doesn’t waste anything.
This is called embodying the light. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving”

“You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without.  Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything.  What is important will emerge from the rest.” – Today’s Reading

You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without.  Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything.  What is important will emerge from the rest.

This phenomenon is no accident.  We are now, and will remain, under siege by disruptors and other bad actors.  Experience will show us the truth.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.

Today: “You have come here to be teachers. You should understand something about life. Life is not what you think.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA935-980608- Connect the subconscious and intuition

Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality

Meditation: NM335 – A00111 Connect Up to Infinity

Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect

See lecture on cold showers

Previous reading: The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.”

Previous previous readying: “As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.”

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The teacher

30 – Thirty.   Li / Igniting

Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.

With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.

Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:

Meek and uncertain, he nevertheless approaches the radiance.
No mistake.

The footprints run criss-cross.
If one is seriously intent, no blame.

Footprints in the sand

Footprints in the sand

It is early morning and work begins. The mind has been closed to the outside world in sleep; now its connections with the world begin again. The traces of one’s impressions run criss-cross. Activity and haste prevail. It is important then to preserve inner composure and not to allow oneself to be swept along by the bustle of life. If one is serious and composed, he can acquire the clarity of mind needed for coming to terms with the innumerable impressions that pour in. It is precisely at the beginning that serious concentration is important, because the beginning holds the seed of all that is to follow.
56 – Fifty-Six.  Lu / The Wanderer

Fire on the Mountain, catastrophic to man, a passing annoyance to the Mountain:
The Superior Person waits for wisdom and clarity before exacting Justice, then lets no protest sway him.

Find satisfaction in small gains.
To move constantly forward is good fortune to a Wanderer.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a stranger to this situation.
It is your attraction to the exotic that has led you here, but you will move on to a new vista when this one has lost its mystique.
Because much of this environment is foreign to you, you must exercise only the best judgement.
You don’t know the custom here, and it’s too easy to cross a line you don’t know is there.
Because you are the foreigner in this setting, you have no history to acquit you.
Watch, listen, study, contemplate, then step lightly but decisively on.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “You have come here to be teachers. You should understand something about life. Life is not what you think.” – Yogi Bhajan

“You have come here to be teachers. You should understand something about life. Life is not what you think. Life is not what you want. Life is not in surrender. Life is not in revolt. Life is not in disobedience. Life is not in obedience. Life is in life, which must be accepted, must be lived, must be recognized, must be organized. It must be mutual in essence. There are three stages. If there is a truth, it will be universal and mutual to all. If it is an ego, it will be mutual only to a few. If it is a neurosis, then it will be mutual only to you.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: TCH20 02 960722 – Increase the Power of the Infinite Within

Life

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What else Yogi Bhajan said

Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 26

The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement.

Thus the Master travels all day
without leaving home.
However splendid the views,
she stays serenely in herself.
Why should the lord of the country
flit about like a fool?
If you let yourself be blown to and fro,
you lose touch with your root.
If you let restlessness move you,
you lose touch with who you are.
(translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)
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Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.”

“The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable.  Do not rely on them for guidance.  Know and follow your own heart.  Those who do the same will join you.” – Today’s Reading

The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable.  Do not rely on them for guidance.  Know and follow your own heart.  Those who do the same will join you.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.

Today: “Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM327-990930 Know Your Heart

Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect

See lecture on cold showers

Previous reading: “As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.”

Previous previous readying: “Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.”

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The teacher

31 – Thirty-One.  Hsien / Attraction

The joyous Lake is cradled by the tranquil Mountain:
The Superior Person takes great satisfaction in encouraging others along their journey.
He draws them to him with his welcoming nature and genuine interest.

Supreme success.
This course leads to marriage.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is no greater natural law in the Cosmos than Attraction.
From the magnetic pull of an atom’s nucleus to the centrifugal force that spirals a galaxy, the face of the universe is shaped by Attraction.
On a human scale, it is Attraction that fuels procreation and furthers our species.
Yet it is also Attraction that spawns greed and covetousness, threatening our extinction.
Attraction is the underlying force of the situation in question.
You are refined or debased by the objects of your desire.
What gravitational pull are you now under?
Around what sphere of influence do you circle?
Can you use your own ability to attract?

Six at the beginning [yin at bottom] means:

He skillfully hides his excitement, but is betrayed by the twitching of his big toe.

The influence shows itself in the big toe.

Buddha's big toe

A movement, before it is actually carried out, shows itself first in the toes. The idea of an influence is already present, but it is not immediately apparent to others. As long as the intention has no visible effect, it is of no importance to the outside world and leads neither to good nor to evil.
49 – Forty-Nine.  Ko / Revolution

Fire ignites within the Lake, defying conditions that would deny it birth or survival:
The Superior Person reads the Signs of the Times and makes the Season apparent to all.

The support you need will come only after the deed is done.
Renewed forces, however, will provide fresh energy for exceptional progress.
Persevere.
All differences vanish.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

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.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “We are not fools when we tell you, “Get up in the morning and have a cold shower.” – Yogi Bhajan

“We are not fools when we tell you, “Get up in the morning and have a cold shower.” All we want is the blood to circulate through the capillaries, and there’s no way to open the capillaries but to take a cold shower. There’s no other way. In the West it is called “hydrotherapy.” In the East it’s called “ishnaan.” It’s a most beautiful thing. When you take a cold shower, the blood from inside hits the outside to cover the attack. In that fast movement, it opens the capillaries. When the capillaries are open, they feed your glands, and when a glandular system is well-fed, it secretes. The chemistry of your blood becomes perfect. That gives you a capacity to act, think, know; and it gives you grit, stamina. What is so bad about that?” Yogi Bhajan

See lecture on cold showers

Meditation: M136-970930 – Reality and discipline

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What else Yogi Bhajan said

Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 25

There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a better name,
I call it the Tao.
It flows through all things,
inside and outside, and returns
to the origin of all things. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.”

“As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration.  Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.” – Today’s Reading

As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration.  Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm

Today: “Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: NM0415 – 20010910 – Karma & Dharma

Meditation: LA010 – 19780210 – Gobinda – Project to the Infinite

Meditation: TCH20 02 960722 – Increase the Power of the Infinite Within

Meditation: NM335 – A00111 Connect Up to Infinity

Meditation: KWTC-980710 – Life Is Lift To Infinity

Meditation: LA007-780117-Sadhana Yojina-To Infinity Upon Death

Previous reading: “Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.” – Today’s Reading

Previous previous readying: “You know the truth in your heart.  It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions.  Work on that.” – Today’s Reading

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35 – Thirty-Five.  Chin / Aspiration

The Sun shines down upon the Earth:
Constantly honing and refining his brilliance, the Superior Person is a Godsend to his people.
They repay his benevolence with a herd of horses, and he is granted audience three times in a single day.

Promotion.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of reward for good works.
Those you have helped want to show their gratitude.
Benefits come both from on high and from the humble you uplifted.
Accept all gifts graciously, though the reward may not be what you truly need or hoped for.
Some may bestow more than they can afford to give, but you must realize that they need to feel that they have repaid you.

Six in the fifth place means:

Advancing along this path will prove rewarding if you don’t lose your focus with visions of success or failure.

Remorse disappears.
Take not gain and loss to heart.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Everything serves to further.

Collage - Mixed Media

Collage – Mixed Media

The situation described here is that of one who, finding himself in an influential position in a time of progress, remains gentle and reserved. He might reproach himself for lack of energy in making the most of the propitiousness of the time and obtaining all possible advantage. However, this regret passes away. He must not take either loss or gain to heart; they are minor considerations. What matters much more is the fact that in this way he has assured himself of opportunities for successful and beneficent influence.

33 – Thirty-Three.  Tun / Retreat

The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.

Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Once you surrender, the karma surrenders with it; and once the karma surrenders with it, you are free. Then you can adopt Dharma. The moment you are in Dharma, and Dharma is your priority, you will never be subject to karma—you are free, you are liberated, you are fine. You are yourself. And then you enjoy yourself. You say what you feel, you do what you feel, you are an elevated self. It’s very fine, it’s very neat.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM0415 – 20010910 – Karma & Dharma

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What else Yogi Bhajan said

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm

Tao Te Ching – Verse 24

He who stands on tiptoe
doesn’t stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn’t go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can’t know who he really is.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm”

“Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.” – Today’s Reading

Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.

Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn.
While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the superior men that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in quest of what is right and so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal.1Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgement:
“In what is small” – here equivalent to “in the inferior man” – “perseverance furthers.”


1. A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob’s battle with the angel of Peniel: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26).

Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet

Today:”One breath per minute optimizes the cooperation between the left and right brain hemispheres.” Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation & Healing Workshops at Park Slope Brooklyn May 15-16, 2015

Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical

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The teacher

Previous Readings:

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “You know the truth in your heart. It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions. Work on that.”

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “You must not allow the imposter to gain sufficient influence to impose his misguided and selfish agenda on those he purports to lead. Gather sufficient resources and allies to stop him. Allow the disaster to be his alone.”

A letter to a friend

Read the texts translated from the I Ching for today's reading

33 – Thirty-Three.  Tun / Retreat

The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.

Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.

Six in the second place means:

He lashes himself to his cause with thongs of yellow oxhide.

He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.
No one can tear him loose.

Yellow cowhide

Yellow cowhide

Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn.
While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the superior men that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in quest of what is right and so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal.1Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgement:
“In what is small” – here equivalent to “in the inferior man” – “perseverance furthers.”


1. A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob’s battle with the angel of Peniel: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26).

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.

Today:”One breath per minute optimizes the cooperation between the left and right brain hemispheres.” Yogi Bhajan

“One breath per minute optimizes the cooperation between the left and right brain hemispheres. There is an experience of great calmness and openness to spiritual experience. Intuition is developed. The whole brain works, especially the brain stem and frontal lobes.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet

Tao Te Ching – Verse 23

Express yourself completely,
then keep quiet.
Be like the forces of nature:
when it blows, there is only wind;
when it rains, there is only rain;
when the clouds pass, the sun shines through.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet”

“You know the truth in your heart.  It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions.  Work on that.” – Today’s Reading

You know the truth in your heart.  It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions.  Work on that.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 22 – If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.

Today: “Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody.” – Yogi Bhajan

Try these meditations:

Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline

Meditation: Release obstacles in your path

Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention

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The teacher

Previous Readings:

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “You must not allow the imposter to gain sufficient influence to impose his misguided and selfish agenda on those he purports to lead. Gather sufficient resources and allies to stop him. Allow the disaster to be his alone.”

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “Once your projection increases in the estimation of your peers it is easy to become smug and presumptuous. Curb the arrogance and find your original humility in order to remain in the flow.”

A letter to a friend

Read the texts translated from the I Ching for today's reading

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.

Six in the third place means:

Return after return after return.
Risky, but never a mistake.

Repeated return. Danger. No blame.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon

“Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, 1907 – Pablo Picasso

There are people of a certain inner instability who feel a constant urge to reverse themselves. There is danger in continually deserting the good because of uncontrolled desires, then turning back to it again because of a better resolution. However, since this does not lead to habituation in evil, a general inclination to overcome the defect is not wholly excluded.

36 – Thirty-Six   Ming I / Eclipsing the Light

Warmth and Light are swallowed by Deep Darkness:
The Superior Person shows his brilliance by keeping it veiled among the masses.

Stay true to your course, despite the visible obstacles ahead.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This time calls for a saintly effort to turn the other cheek.
You have been deliberately injured.
Going blow-for-blow will only escalate this war.
Abstain from vengeance.
Show all watching that you are above it.
Sidestep your aggressor’s headlong charge, giving him the opportunity to fall on his face.

Today: “Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody.” – Yogi Bhajan

“Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody. Some people waste their entire life rebelling. Some people are egomaniac neurotics; they will build themselves into a millionaire, and then destroy it. What a drama! What is this? Have you seen some people? With all that God has given to them, they are very ungrateful. They will plead poor, they will plead miserable.” Yogi Bhajan

Yogi Bhajan’s Seven Steps to Happiness

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 22 – If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 22

If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become straight,
let yourself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 22 – If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked.”