Healer, Teacher, Yogi
“This constant exchange between separation and union are the two basic acts that run the universe. What do we get out of it? We get bhaag—joy and good fortune. We get out of it what is us, within us. And if we master the mind, elevate ourselves, and entwine the mind in blessing and gratitude, then we get the bliss and meet the Infinite within us.” Yogi Bhajan
Thoughts on identity and you being you
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Be practical in all aspects of an endeavor. Leave no task undone.
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One
Tao Te Ching – Verse 43 – The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
Meditation: NM132-940504-Pratyahar
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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.
elf-doubt vanishes and determination grows.
Three forms of game will be taken in this hunt.
Remorse vanishes.
During the hunt
Three kinds of game are caught.
‘Pheasant Shooting’ – Julius Ceasar Ibbetson, 1790
When a responsible position and accumulated experience lead one to combine innate modesty with energetic action, great success is assured. The three kinds of animals referred to served for offerings to the gods, for feasting guests, and for everyday consumption. When the catch answered all three purposes, the hunt was considered especially successful.
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.
“The power of love is not positive and it is not negative. It is both positive and negative.” Yogi Bhajan
Learn from your mistakes, admit them, and start over, if needed.
See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day
Tao Te Ching – Verse 42 – The Tao gives birth to One
Meditation: LA021-780319 – You Will Feel Totally Conscious
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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.
Openly admitting your mistake, you humbly and nobly return.
No blame.
Noble-hearted return. No remorse.
‘The Return of the Prodigal Son’ – Rembrandt, 1669
When the time for return has come, a man should not take shelter in trivial excuses, but should look within and examine himself. And if he has done something wrong he should make a noblehearted resolve to confess his fault. No one will regret having taken this road.
Thunder from the Deep:
The Superior Person carefully weaves order out of confusion.
Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
Carefully consider the first move.
Seek help.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
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.
“God sits on the tip of the tongue of the holy man. When the holy man speaks, God becomes a slave to his words. Remember what John said: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”” Yogi Bhajan
Do not come to depend on those of means to throw you the scraps of what they enjoy (unsustainable). Connect with everyone for your mutual benefit (sustainable).
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 41 – When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it
Meditation: NM142 19940615 – Bless the Planet Earth and Let the Heavens Descend in You
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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.
The withered willow blossoms.
An older woman takes a young husband.
No blame, no praise.
A withered poplar puts forth flowers.
An older woman takes a husband.
No blame. No praise.
Poplar forest
A withered poplar that flowers exhausts its energies thereby and only hastens its end. An older woman may marry once more, but no renewal takes place. Everything remains barren. Thus, though all the amenities are observed, the net result is only the anomaly of the situation.
Applied to politics, the metaphor means that if in times of insecurity we give up alliance with those below us and keep up only the relationships we have with people of higher rank, an unstable situation is created.
Arousing Thunder and penetrating Wind.
Close companions in any storm:
The Superior Person possesses a resiliency and durability that lets him remain firmly and faithfully on course.
Such constancy deserves success.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Endurance is the key to success in this situation.
However, durability is not synonymous with stone-like rigidity.
True resilience requires a flexibility that allows adaptation to any adverse condition, while still remaining true to the core.
Can you maintain your integrity under any circumstance?
Can you influence the situation without giving opposing forces anything to resist?
Then you will endure to reach your goal.
“I don’t think anybody has to learn what the truth is. Everybody knows the truth. All man does need to learn is how to live the truth. And when he lives the truth, he becomes the truth.” Yogi Bhajan
Insurgents are attempting to destroy the social contract. Put daily business on hold as you discern how to defend and repel the usurpers. Look to history and the origins of the current structure to find a path forward.
One must adjust to the time and promptly avoid the danger. Stubborn perseverance in maintaining one’s standpoint would lead to downfall.
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 40 – Return is the movement of the Tao. Yielding is the way of the Tao.
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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.
Any action would be ill-timed.
Stand fast.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is a situation easily mistaken for Stagnation (Hexagram 12) or Revolution (Hexagram 49).
It just depends on which side you’re on.
During a time of Stagnation, human worms invade to feed on the decay.
During a time of Revolution, oppression is being overthrown.
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.
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Six in the second place means: he arms of the throne are split to kindling.
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| The power of the inferior people is growing. The danger draws close to one’s person; already there are clear indications, and rest is disturbed. Moreover, in this dangerous situation one is as yet without help or friendly advances from above or below. Extreme caution is necessary in this isolation. One must adjust to the time and promptly avoid the danger. Stubborn perseverance in maintaining one’s standpoint would lead to downfall. |
Heaven’s motherlode waits within the Mountain:
The Superior Person mines deep into history’s wealth of wisdom and deeds, charging his character with timeless strength.
Persevere.
Drawing sustenance from these sources creates good fortune.
Then you may cross to the far shore.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
There are important precedents in this situation.
Others have trodden this Path before you, overcoming the same obstacles facing you now, and making crucial decisions at the same crossroads.
Study their journals, watch for their trail markings.
Gain inspiration and wisdom from the heroes and learn from the mistakes of those who chose a sidepath.
All were Seekers, explorers whose daring mapped a course you can follow.
The words and deeds of the finest can imbue you with the courage necessary to face what lies before you.
“Giving is a principle and it is an everlasting principle. Your Creator gave you life and that is why he is the great Giver.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: NM142 19940615 – Bless the Planet Earth and Let the Heavens Descend in You
You are in a position to repair damage caused by corruption and abuse of power. Find the help you need and get it done.
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 39 – In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious
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Winds sweep through the Mountain valley:
The Superior Person sweeps away corruption and stagnation by stirring up the people and strengthening their spirit.
Supreme success.
Before crossing to the far shore, consider the move for three days.
After crossing, devote three days of hard labor to damage control.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
You are blessed with an opportunity to resuscitate that which others have abandoned as beyond repair.
This ruin wasn’t caused by evil intention, but by indifference to decay.
Just by addressing yourself to the problem, you exhibit a new awareness, a fresh perspective.
This is a time of recovery, renewal, regeneration.
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Six in the fifth place means: Setting right the father’s ruins, The son receives honors.
Corruption and fall of the Han dynasty |
| An individual is confronted with corruption originating from neglect in former times. He lacks the power to ward it off alone, but with able helpers he can at least bring about a thorough reform, if he cannot create a new beginning, and this also is praiseworthy. |
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.
“Someone asked me once in a class, “What should one not lose?” I said, “One’s innocence. The highest prized quality is one’s own innocence. No matter how clever and diplomatic and shrewd and intellectually creative you are, you are basically nothing because the beauty of the man lies in his innocence.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: LA010 – 19780210 – Gobinda – Project to the Infinite
In times of darkness, hide your true convictions, not calling attention to yourself. …”they need invincible perseverance of spirit and redoubled caution in their dealings with the world.”
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 38 – The Master doesn’t try to be powerful; thus he is truly powerful.
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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.
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Six in the fifth place means:
Ancient Chinese court |
| Prince Chi lived at the court of the evil tyrant Chou Hsin, who, although not mentioned by name, furnishes the historical example on which this whole situation is based. Prince Chi was a relative of the tyrant and could not withdraw from court; therefore he concealed his true sentiments and feigned insanity. Although he was held a slave, he did not allow external misery to deflect him from his convictions. This provides a teaching for those who cannot leave their posts in times of darkness. In order to escape danger, they need invincible perseverance of spirit and redoubled caution in their dealings with the world. |
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.
“Nothing is everything and everything is nothing. When you become nothing, but tune into everything, then everything straightens out.” Yogi Bhajan
Meditation: Meditate on Nothing to Find Prosperity – 19930421
Your advice and example go unnoticed, with possible dire consequences. Shine even brighter, and do not react in order to gain the influence that is required.
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 37 – The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done
Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical
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Retell and add to The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha over a meal with friends today.
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Winds of change high in the Heavens:
Air currents carry the weather.
Dense clouds blow in from the West, but still no rain.
The Superior Person fine tunes the image he presents to the world.
Small successes.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
No matter what you do, the fruit of your labors never seems to ripen.
Your reward remains just out of reach.
Men have gone mad from such anticipation.
Don’t lose your balance lunging for the brass ring.
While the Fates continue to restrain you, go them one better and display a self-generated restraint and grace.
Look for the humor in the situation.
Six in the fourth place means:By gaining confidence, the man keeps control of the conflict, avoiding the blood that could be spilled by fear. If you’re sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way.
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| If one is in the difficult and responsible position of counselor to a powerful man, one should restrain him in such a way that right may prevail. Therein lies a danger so great that the threat of actual bloodshed may arise. Nonetheless, the power of disinterested truth is greater than all these obstacles. It carries such weight that the end is achieved, and all danger of bloodshed and all fear disappear. |
Heaven above and Heaven below:
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.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
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.
“I remember when Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in a jail. When he was released, he requested, “Can I stay one week more?” They asked what kind of guy is he? He said, “It is a very big jail; there are a lot of people here and I have been teaching a special course on meditation that will take a week more to finish. If I am extended a week, I can teach these people and I’ll be grateful if you allow me to stay in here.” The superintendent said, “We will charge you four rupees, half a dollar a day for that week if you want to stay; otherwise, you better get out, we don’t need you anymore.” Can you believe that kind of consciousness? His consciousness was that he never felt imprisoned.” Yogi Bhajan
You are well prepared to help, but yet unrecognized. Be patient, your time will come.
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Lecture and Meditation: Patience Pays – LA-19831020
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Musings on Grace and Gratitude
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Deep Waters Penetrated and drawn to the surface:
The Superior Person refreshes the people with constant encouragement to help one another.
Encampments, settlements, walled cities, whole empires may rise and fall, yet the Well at the center endures, never drying to dust, never overflowing.
It served those before and will serve those after.
Again and again you may draw from the Well, but if the bucket breaks or the rope is too short there will be misfortune.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
There is a Source common to us all.
Jung named it the Collective Unconscious.
Others hail it as God within.
Inside each of us are dreamlike symbols and archetypes, emotions and instincts that we share with every other human being.
When we feel a lonely separateness from others, it is not because this Well within has dried up, but because we have lost the means to reach its waters.
You need to reclaim the tools necessary to penetrate to the depths of your fellows.
Then the bonds you build will be as timeless and inexhaustible as the Well that nourishes them.
The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
This is my heart’s sorrow,
For one might draw from it.
If the king were clear-minded,
Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.
Kyomasa well – Yoyogi park – Tokyo
An able man is available. He is like a purified well whose water is drinkable. But no use is made of him. This is the sorrow of those who know him. One wishes that the prince might learn about it; this would be good fortune for all concerned.
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.
