Tao Te Ching – Verse 32 – The Tao can’t be perceived. Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 32

The Tao can’t be perceived.
Smaller than an electron,
it contains uncountable galaxies.

If powerful men and women
could remain centered in the Tao,
all things would be in harmony.
The world would become a paradise.
All people would be at peace,
and the law would be written in their hearts.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 32 – The Tao can’t be perceived. Smaller than an electron, it contains uncountable galaxies.”

Today: “We are due for sweeping change.  Not violent or destructive action, rather a compassionate, thoughtful and measured reformation of established institutions.”- from the I Ching

We are due for sweeping change.  Not violent or destructive action, rather a compassionate, thoughtful and measured reformation of established institutions.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 31 – Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them.

Meditation:  LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “We must come to understand the psyche of the other in order to heal ourselves and others. Relating only to oneself leads to narcissism, which is dangerous for everyone.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “The true leader is allowed her oversized zeal for providing nourishment for the masses. The leader is also a healer.”

See related posts.

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
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.

Nine in the third place means:

Premature action would prove disastrous.
Let the talk of revolution ferment among the people.

When the rumors have reached your ear three times, that is your signal to strike.

Starting brings misfortune.
Perseverance brings danger.
When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times,
One may commit himself,
And men will believe him.

Goethe

Goethe by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein

When change is necessary, there are two mistakes to be avoided. One lies in excessive haste and ruthlessness, which bring disaster. The other lies in excessive hesitation and conservatism, which are also dangerous. Not every demand for change in the existing order should be heeded. On the other hand, repeated and well-founded complaints should not fail of a hearing. When talk of change has come to one’s ears three times, and has been pondered well, he may believe and acquiesce in it. Then he will meet with belief and will accomplish something.1

60 – Sixty.  Chieh / Limitations

Waters difficult to keep within the Lake’s banks:
The Superior Person examines the nature of virtue and makes himself a standard that can be followed.

Self-discipline brings success; but restraints too binding bring self-defeat.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Cultivating the proper disciplines and the proper degree of discipline are the concerns of this hexagram.
By limiting options, you may give more attention to priorities.
One who is all over the map is no less lost than one without a map.
Avoid asceticism, however.
Deprivation is not wise discipline.
The key here is regulation, not restriction.


1. Cf. Goethe’s tale, “Das Märchen,” in which the phrase, “The hour has come!” is repeated three times before the great transformation begins.

Today: “When you are conscious that you are breathing…” – Yogi Bhajan

“When you are conscious that you are breathing the charge of the Divine energy, the Cosmos, there is nothing more you require.” Yogi Bhajan

Tao Te Ching – Verse 31 – Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 31

Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them.

Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 31 – Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them.”

Today: “We must come to understand the psyche of the other in order to heal ourselves and others.  Relating only to oneself leads to narcissism, which is dangerous for everyone.”- from the I Ching

We must come to understand the psyche of the other in order to heal ourselves and others.  Relating only to oneself leads to narcissism, which is dangerous for everyone.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 30 – Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms

Meditation: Know the Psyche of the Other

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “The true leader is allowed her oversized zeal for providing nourishment for the masses. The leader is also a healer.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “Be careful not to trust too quickly nor too deeply. Discern your own strength in relation with negative influences in your relations.”

See related posts.

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
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.

Six in the second place means:

Peeking from behind a screen may ensure your privacy, but it offers you only a partial view.

Contemplation through the crack of the door.
Furthering for the perseverance of a woman.

Curtains

Through the crack of the door one has a limited outlook; one looks outward from within. Contemplation is subjectively limited. One tends to relate everything to oneself and cannot put oneself in another’s place and understand his motives. This is appropriate for a good housewife. It is not necessary for her to be conversant with the affairs of the world. But for a man who must take active part in public life, such a narrow, egotistic way of contemplating things is of course harmful.

4 – Four.  Mêng / Inexperience

A fresh Spring at the foot of the Mountain:
The Superior Person refines his character by being thorough in every activity.
The Sage does not recruit students; the students seek him.
He asks nothing but a sincere desire to learn.
If the student doubts or challenges his authority, the Sage regretfully cuts his losses.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of interchange between a mentor and pupil.
Whether you are the teacher or the student, it is a time of companionship along a mutual path.
This hexagram also emphasizes the eternal, cyclical nature of the mentor/student relationship — a mentor is merely a more seasoned pupil, further along on the journey.
A pupil holds within himself the seed of a future Master.

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

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

sadhana

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 30 – Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms

Tao Te Ching – Verse 30

Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn’t try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 30 – Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms”

Today: “The true leader is allowed her oversized zeal for providing nourishment for the masses. The leader is also a healer.”- from the I Ching

The true leader is allowed her oversized zeal for providing nourishment for the masses.  The leader is also a healer.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.

Meditation: NM249 971230 theorem of the Kundalini Yoga; control your micro & macro consciousness

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “Be careful not to trust too quickly nor too deeply. Discern your own strength in relation with negative influences in your relations.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “When you are feeling trapped under a mountain of difficulties, do not trust offers of relief from dubious or unknown sources so as not to become obligated to perform acts supporting their agenda. Beware of cult and mob mentality.”

See related posts.

See on healing with Yogi Bhjan

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
27 – Twenty-Seven. I / Providing Nourishment

Beneath the immobile Mountain the arousing Thunder stirs:
The Superior Person preserves his freedom under oppressive conditions by watching what comes out of his mouth, as well as what goes in.

Endure and good fortune will come.
Nurture others in need, as if you were feeding yourself.
Take care not to provide sustenance for those who feed off others.
Stay as high as possible on the food chain.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a conduit in this instance, able to provide the sustenance needed by others.
Position yourself to nourish the truly needy and worthy.
Avoid situations where you might be coerced into supporting the parasites and vermin who deprive your true charges.
Your own nourishment is an issue here, too.
Remember Lao Tzu’s three Great Treasures:
Only the person possessed of Compassion, Modesty and Frugality can remain fit enough to stay free of desperation and keep control of the situation.

Six in the fourth place means:

Climbing to the summit to obtain nourishment for others, you are as alert as a tiger ready to spring.
This is the correct path.

Turning to the summit
For provision of nourishment
Brings good fortune.
Spying about with sharp eyes
Like a tiger with insatiable craving.
No blame.

Tiger

In contrast to the six in the second place, which refers to a man bent exclusively on his own advantage, this line refers to one occupying a high position and striving to let his light shine forth. To do this he needs helpers, because he cannot attain his lofty aim alone. With the greed of a hungry tiger he is on the lookout for the right people. Since he is not working for himself but for the good of all, there is no wrong in such zeal.
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: “God is not what you think, God is not going to change things because you want to change things.” – Yogi Bhajan

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

Meditation: LA057 780928 Change your frequency

Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 29

Do you want to improve the world?
I don’t think it can be done.

The world is sacred.
It can’t be improved.
If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it.
If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.”

Today: “Be careful not to trust too quickly nor too deeply.  Discern your own strength in relation with negative influences in your relations.”- from the I Ching

Be careful not to trust too quickly nor too deeply.  Discern your own strength in relation with negative influences in your relations.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female

Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “When you are feeling trapped under a mountain of difficulties, do not trust offers of relief from dubious or unknown sources so as not to become obligated to perform acts supporting their agenda. Beware of cult and mob mentality.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “Nothing is working. Work on your inner development and start from there rather than try to fix anything all at once. This moment of stagnation will pass.”

See related posts.

Recap: Healing and Meditation Class at Yoga West with Hari Nam Singh 2018-09-18 – Inner Projection

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
58 – Fifty-Eight.  Tui / Empowering

The joyous Lake spans on and on to the horizon:
The Superior Person renews and expands his Spirit through heart-to-heart exchanges with others.

Success if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is the sign of true companionship.
The principals in this situation exchange energy, ideas and feelings, constantly invigorating and encouraging each other to new heights of Spiritual achievement and Self-discovery.
This exchange is not for the glory of the Team, but for furthering the process of each individual’s ‘Te’, or pure potentiality.

Nine in the fifth place means:

You place your trust in an unworthy ally.

Sincerity toward disintegrating influences is dangerous.

Disintegration of Persistence of Memory

‘The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory’ – Salvador Dalí

Dangerous elements approach even the best of men. If a man permits himself to have anything to do with them, their disintegrating influence acts slowly but surely, and inevitably brings dangers in its train. But if he recognizes the situation and can comprehend the danger, he knows how to protect himself and remains unharmed.

Salvador Dalí

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.

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

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

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

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Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female

Tao Te Ching – Verse 28

Know the male,
yet keep to the female:
receive the world in your arms.
If you receive the world,
the Tao will never leave you
and you will be like a little child.

Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female”

Today: “When you are feeling trapped under a mountain of difficulties, do not trust offers of relief from dubious or unknown sources so as not to become obligated to perform acts supporting their agenda.  Beware of cult and mob mentality.”- from the I Ching

When you are feeling trapped under a mountain of difficulties, do not trust offers of relief from dubious or unknown sources so as not to become obligated to perform acts supporting their agenda.  Beware of cult and mob mentality.

Yogi Bhajan told us ” trust no one, not even me” in the context of urging us to be self reliant.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for today

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

Meditation: LA950 A00214 20000214 Develop Self-Reliance

Today: I Ching – Previous Reading – “Nothing is working. Work on your inner development and start from there rather than try to fix anything all at once. This moment of stagnation will pass.”

Today: I Ching – Previous previous reading – “In this and every moment, let go of everything you think you know. Be still as you witness the world and the cosmos unfolding. Engage. You are the healer.”

See related posts.

Recap: Healing and Meditation Class at Yoga West with Hari Nam Singh 2018-09-18 – Inner Projection

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
3 – Three.  Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning

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.

Six in the second place means:

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

Difficulties pile up.
Horse and wagon part.
He is not a robber;
He wants to woo when the time comes.
The maiden is chaste,
She does not pledge herself.
Ten years – then she pledges herself.

The Hay Wain

‘The Hay Wain’, 1821 – John Constable

We find ourselves beset by difficulties and hindrances. Suddenly there is a turn of affairs, as if someone were coming up with a horse and wagon and unhitching them. This event comes so unexpectedly that we assume the newcomer to be a robber. Gradually it becomes clear that he has no evil intentions but seeks to be friendly and to offer help. But this offer is not to be accepted, because it does not come from the right quarter. We must wait until the time is fulfilled; ten years is a fulfilled cycle of time. Then normal conditions return of themselves, and we can join forces with the friend intended for us.
Using the image of a betrothed girl who remains true to her lover in face of grave conflicts, the hexagram gives counsel for a special situation. When in times of difficulty a hindrance is encountered and unexpected relief is offered from a source unrelated to us, we must be careful and not take upon ourselves any obligations entailed by such help; otherwise our freedom of decision is impaired. If we bide our time, things will quiet down again, and we shall attain what we have hoped for.1

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.


1. A different translation is possible here, which would result in a different interpretation:

Difficulties pile up
Horse and wagon turn about.
If the robber were not there,
The wooer would come.
The maiden is faithful, she does not pledge herself.
Ten years – then she pledges herself.

Today: “If your heart is clean, your consciousness is clean, and then if you are slandered, you are liberated.” Yogi Bhajan

“If your heart is clean, your consciousness is clean, and then if you are slandered, you are liberated. That slander is washing our karma.” Yogi Bhajan

Meditation: NM360-20000913 – Making a Mold – White Hole Mudra

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What else Yogi Bhajan said

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”