We have become estranged from the bonds which unite us with others. The divisions in the social structure have come from an abuse of power which has become oppressive to enough people that it is coming to light and becoming known on a large scale. There is no negotiating with the established order. It must be eradicated.
The remedies must have a strong foundation and broad public support in order to be successful. The sentiment is there. It only needs to be organized into a formidable and irresistible force that can produce the changes. The cause must be quite free of selfish aims and must really relieve the need of the people. That purity will ensure profound success.
Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's and subsequent translations of the I Ching
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.
True fellowship among men must be based on a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among men, but rather the goals of humanity. That is why it is said that fellowship with men in the open succeeds. If unity of this kind prevails, even difficult and dangerous tasks, such as crossing the great water, can be accomplished. But in order to bring about this sort of fellowship, a persevering and enlightened leader is needed – a man with clear, convincing, and inspiring aims and the strength to carry them out.
He meets with others in the meadow. There all are in the open, none may remain hidden. No remorse.
The warm attachment that springs from the heart is lacking here. We are by this time actually outside of fellowship with others. However, we ally ourselves with them. The fellowship does not include all, but only those who happen to dwell near one another. The meadow is the pasture at the entrance to the town. At this stage, the ultimate goal of the union of mankind has not yet been attained, but we need not reproach ourselves. We join the community without separate aims of our own.
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.
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.
Political revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out. Not everyone is called to this task, but only the man who has the confidence of the people, and even he only when the time is ripe. He must then proceed in the right way, so that he gladdens the people and, by enlightening them, prevents excesses. Furthermore, he must be quite free of selfish aims and must really relieve the need of the people. Only then does he have nothing to regret.
Times change, and with them their demands. Thus the seasons change in the course of the year. In the world cycle also there are spring and autumn in the life of peoples and nations, and these call for social transformations.
Meditation
Tao Te Ching – Verse 62
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