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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
No. 53, Development / Gradual Progress:
"Gradual Progress. The marriage of a maiden
brings good fortune.
Persistence in a righteous
course
brings reward."
Feeling
a bit frustrated, are we? This future message comes to tell you that the Obstruction that has been blocking
you will indeed be removed --- but not overnight.
"While we desire rapid progress
- we want to change someone's mind today, achieve all our goals immediately - sooner or later we must come
to understand that the only lasting progress is gradual progress. This message comes to urge you to accept this fact
and adjust your attitude and actions accordingly." [Brian Browne Walker]
The Image explains:
"On the mountain, a tree:
The
image of Development.
Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue,
In order to improve the mores."
True advancement and growth will only happen slowly, at a steady, measured
pace.
Develop your inner strength first. Then you can influence
others.
Monday, November 29, 2010
No. 39, Obstruction, Line 6:
"Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to great good
fortune. It furthers one to see the great man."
"Going forward: hardship.
Coming back: a great achievement." [Huang]
In dealing with the obstruction that blocks your path, forgo attempting forward progress for now. It will only lead to more
obstructions.
Concentrate
instead on your own inner development. "Coming back" to your center will further you in your "great achievement."
Tomorrow: Gradual Progress
Sunday, November 28, 2010
No. 39, Obstruction:
“Obstruction. The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the
great man.
Perseverance beings good fortune.”
In the I Ching system of metaphors, the southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast is the region of
advance. You have hit an Obstruction, and it is best - for now - to back away.
The Image adds: “Thus the superior man turns his attention
to himself, and molds his character.”
Huang
quotes Mencius on this point: "If one loves others, and they do not respond in the same way, one should turn inward
and examine one's own love. . . . When one does not realize what one desires, one must turn inward and examine
oneself in every point."
Meaning:
Your own thinking or attitude may be the biggest obstruction. Or, a change in your attitude may be necessary
to overcome an external obstacle. You first need to correctly identify "what's stopping you."
Tomorrow: "Coming leads to great good fortune."
Saturday, November 27, 2010
No. 7, The Army / Group Action / Multitude:
"The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame."
The Army is the future of Peace/Advance,
the main message. Be guided by the Yi's advice, as translated by James Legg in 1854:
"The rules, it is said, are two-fold - first, that the war be for a righteous end; and
second, that the manner of conducting it, especially at the outset, be right."
In other words, be sure your efforts are for something truly worthwhile, then go about it in an honest and honorable way.
This is the only sure way to attract others to work with you.
"Unless there
is a quite definite war aim to which people can consciously pledge themselves, the unity and strength of conviction that lead
to victory will not be forthcoming." [Wilhelm]
Is the "war" you are
planning to wage "for a righteous end?" If you can honestly answer "yes," good fortune awaits.
For Korea, perhaps this means
that strong action at this time, conducted in an honorable way, incurs "no blame."
Friday, November 26, 2010
No. 11, Peace / Advance, Line 3:
"No plain not followed by a slope.
No going not followed by a return. He
who remains persevering in danger Is without blame. Do not complain about this truth; Enjoy
the good fortune you still possess."
"Everything on earth is subject to change. Prosperity is followed by
decline; this is the eternal law on earth. Evil can indeed be held in check but not permanently abolished. It
always returns. This conviction might induce melancholy, but it should not; it ought only to keep us from falling into
illusion when good fortune comes to us." [Wilhelm]
This line encapsulates the philosophy of the I Ching:
All things follow natural cycles. What goes up must come down.
Accept this truth, and enjoy what you have.
Remaining "persevering" in the bad times will see you through to the next upswing.
I
hope what this line means for Korea is summarized in the Blofeld interpretation: "The whole of this passage suggests
present difficulties which we can surely overcome."
Tomorrow:
"The army need perseverance and a strong man."
Thursday, November 25, 2010
No. 11, Peace / Advance,
Line 1:
"When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod
come with it.
Each according to his kind. Undertakings bring good fortune."
Nothing
in life is unconnected. Each person has roots that connect to others, and to the "soil" that supports them.
The same is true of ideas and beliefs. To truly rid yourself of a mistaken belief, you will have
to "pull out" everything connected to it.
With Line 1, the Yi is saying that
now is a good time for such a removal to be made. It may be wrenching, but it will bring good fortune.
I cannot help but view this hexagram and its changing lines in view of the current situation in Korea. Perhaps it means that
for Peace to Advance, it is time for Kim Jong-il to be removed. Changing Line 3 will provide further advice.
Tomorrow: "No going not followed by a return."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
No. 11, Peace / Advance:
"Peace. The small departs,
The great approaches.
Good fortune. Success."
Peace. The elemental powers of heaven and earth "unite in deep
harmony."
But it is not a time of rest. On the contrary, in Chinese this hexagram is T'ai,
which Taoist Master Alfred Huang translates as Advance.
In your relationships,
now is the time to begin new ways of relating. This sort of change can grow and develop now with a minimum of resistance.
For yourself, inner
conflicts will diminish. With inner harmony, you will be able to Advance easily.
Let us pray that this message comes for South and North Korea. The I Ching is deeply
embedded in their culture. The flag of South Korea, and the flag of the entire country when it was united, features
symbols from the I Ching: a red and blue yin-yang symbol, surrounded by four of the eight trigrams. Older versions
of the flag included all eight trigrams; in essence, the bagua, the universal symbol of the I Ching.
Tomorrow: "When
ribbon grass is pulled up . . ."
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
No. 8 Union / Holding Together:
"Holding together brings good
fortune.
Inquire of the oracle once again
Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
Then there is no blame.
Those who are uncertain gradually join.
Whoever comes too late
Meets
with misfortune."
Your relationships with others are
of the utmost importance in the future. Remember, the main message advised - twice - that it "furthers one
to appoint helpers." Once you've got them, you all need to Hold Together.
This is still the beginning of a new direction or enterprise. You
may be hesitant to move forward. To resolve your doubts, cast the coins yourself. (Directions are at the website bookofchanges.org,
at "Getting Started with the I Ching.")
Don't wait too long. You want to be at the head of this movement, not trailing behind.
Monday, November 22, 2010
No. 3, Difficulty at the Beginning, Line 1:
"Hesitation and hindrance.
It furthers one to be persevering.
It furthers one to appoint helpers."
Line 1 is symbolic of the beginning of the Beginning
. The Yi is telling you that, at this point, hesitation and hindrance are natural.
"The timing is significant. Although there is difficulty ahead, it is a crucial time to start a new enterprise.
In this situation, persevering is critical." [Huang]
Finding the right people
to work with is also key. The main message said, "It furthers one to appoint helpers," this line, our only
changing line, says the same thing, and guess what the future message says?
Tomorrow:
"Holding together brings good fortune."
Sunday, November 21, 2010
No. 3, Difficulty at the Beginning:
"Difficulty at the beginning works supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Nothing should
be undertaken.
It furthers one to appoint helpers."
The time now is
the "beginning of a tiny sprout." [Huang] This tiny sprout has the promise of "supreme
success."
Times of growth are seldom easy. "Accept and bear with the discomfort of chaos without attempting to push it away. Allow it
to clear of its own accord." [Walker] Look for friends who can help and
support you.
What are you "beginning?" You need
to go slow for now, and allow things to work themselves out naturally.
Tomorrow: "It
furthers one to appoint helpers."
Saturday, November 20, 2010
No. 56, The Wanderer / Traveling:
“The Wanderer. Success through smallness.
Perseverance brings good fortune
To the
wanderer."
You are entering a state of transition. This is the future of Standstill/Stagnation: One set
of circumstances has reached its conclusion, and you are moving into a situation that is new to you.
In such times, it is wise to take small steps until you understand the forces that are at play.
The 1854 Joseph Legg translation describes The Wanderer as "carrying
with him his means of livelihood and provided with good and trusty servants."
Meaning: Your success is not dependent on any particular location or set of circumstances. You have within
you all that is necessary. Let your inner truth be visible, and you will attract support, no matter where you are.
Tomorrow: "The beginning of a tiny sprout."
Friday, November 19, 2010
No. 12, Standstill / Stagnation, Line 5:
"Standstill is giving way.
Good fortune for the great man.
'What if it should fail, what if it should
fail?'
In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots."
The Stagnation that has you in a funk will start to give way. You will be back on your
path again.
But fears and doubts may overtake you. Have you been agonizing,
"What if I should fail?"
In ancient China, mulberry trees were planted
next to a house for protection against wind and rain. When a mulberry tree is cut down, exceptionally strong shoots
sprout from the roots.
This line is telling you: Change for the better
is now possible. Build on what is new and strong.
Tomorrow: "Perseverance
brings good fortune to the wanderer."
Thursday, November 18, 2010
No. 12, Stagnation / Standstill, Line 3:
"They bear shame."
Taoist Master Alfred Huang translates
this line as "Embrace the shame." It means the cause of the Stagnation must be recognized
before it can be overcome.
You may be stuck in denial: "Oh,
he didn't mean it." "She's just under too much pressure." "One more drink won't hurt me,
I've had a rough day."
Realizing that you have allowed the inferior elements of yourself
- or others - to take control is the first important step toward improvement.
"In
their hearts they begin to be ashamed, although at first they do not show it outwardly. This marks a turn for the better."
[Wilhelm]
Tomorrow: "Standstill is giving way."
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
No. 12, Stagnation / Standstill:
"Standstill. Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior
man.
The great departs; the small approaches."
Your forward movement will be coming to a Standstill.
This will probably be the result of influences
that are beyond your control. "It is an inescapable fact of life that inferior influences sometimes prevail." [Brian
Browne Walker]
Anthony and Moog believe the term "evil people" refers to mistaken
beliefs rather than actual people. Determining the true cause of your Stagnation may require some quiet
reflection. The Image advises, "Thus
the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties."
Fortunately, we were sent two changing lines
to help us through this process.
Tomorrow: "Embrace the shame."
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
No. 45. Gathering Together / Bringing Together:
Bringing Together. Success.
The king arrives at the ancestral temple.
Favorable
to see a great person.
This brings success. Perseverance furthers.
To bring great offerings
creates good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.
Your task at this time is to bring people
together.
Wilhelm and Blofeld translated this message as Gathering Together. Huang chooses Bringing Together,
finding Gathering too general. "Bringing bears a sense of causing to come and implies a
purposeful togetherness."
Or it may be that you - personally
and internally - need to "get it together." As R.L. Wing points out, "When you are not in accord with
your goals, you may well feel indecision, conflict, or malaise; when you are, a sense of confidence and well-being will surround
you."
What is it that you need to "get together?" Whatever it is, this need will
dominate everything you do for the foreseeable future: we received no changing lines with this message.
Monday, November 15, 2010
No. 10, Treading / Conduct:
"Treading. Treading upon the tail
of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success."
In your
path - the future of The Unexpected situation you are
facing - there lies a "tiger."
The tiger may be a powerful and unreasonable
person, or it or it could be any situation over which you have no control, and there is great potential for
harm - to you.
The Yi is warning you: You
cannot avoid contact with this tiger altogether.
But by Treading carefully, and not stepping on his "tail" too hard,
you will be able to continue on your own path without harm. And that is success.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
No. 25, Innocence
/ The Unexpected, Line 2:
"If one does not count the harvest while
plowing,
Nor on the use of the ground while clearing it,
It furthers one to undertake something."
You were advised to meet a coming change with Innocence.
Line 2 adds: Don't demand to be sure of the outcome before beginning in a new direction.
Receiving this line suggests you have the "vending machine" view of life: You want to know exactly
"what you will get out of it" before you put anything in. Th Yi says: Life doesn't work like
that. Do what is right for you, and the outcome will take care of itself.
As E. L. Doctorow said about the process of writing a novel: "It's like driving a car at night. You never see further
than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."
Tomorrow: "Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man."
Saturday, November 13, 2010
No. 25,
Innocence / The Unexpected:
"Innocence.
Supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
If someone is not as he should be,
He has misfortune,
And it does not further him
To undertake anything."
A change is coming from an unexpected direction. You are advised to greet this change
with Innocence - no preconceived notions as to whether the change is good or bad,
right or wrong.
You must meet this change with absolute inner honesty.
Failure to follow your inner guide, and be true to yourself, will result in misfortune.
"What
is important is whether one's attitude and motivation are aligned with the virtue of Heaven. What is considered first
is not the reward one will attain, but whether the work is really good for humanity." [Huang]
Tomorrow: "If one does not count the harvest while
plowing . . ."
Friday, November 12, 2010
No. 52, Keeping
Still / Mountain:
"Keeping Still. Keeping his back still
So that he no longer feels his body.
He goes into his courtyard
And does not see his people.
No blame."
After Working
on What Has Been Spoiled, you are advised to just . . . Keep Still.
The Image explains further: "Thus the superior man does not permit his thoughts to go beyond his situation." Or,
as Ram Dass would say, "Be here now."
That's the key to Keeping Still:
Let go of worrying about what has happened, or what may happen. This is not inaction, but stability.
"It is a phase of advancement." [Huang]
And don't worry about what
others think. Right now, there is "no blame" in not paying attention to the clamoring of others.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Work on What Has Been Spoiled / Decay, Line 2:
"Setting
right what has been spoiled by the mother.
One must not be too persevering."
"In remedying something that has happened, blaming the past is not helpful" [Huang]
"What has been spoiled by the mother" refers to a belief
that was instilled in you from a very young age.
The problem
is, this belief no longer reflects reality, and living your life by it is hurting you.
The Yi cautions you not to "fault" the source. That only sets you up for further mental struggle.
Focus instead on disengaging, so you can move forward, unencumbered.
Tomorrow: "Thus the superior man does not permit his thoughts . . ."
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
No. 18, Work on What Has Been Spoiled / Remedying / Repair:
"Work on What Has Been Spoiled
Has supreme success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Before the starting point, three days.
After the starting point, three days."
You can begin an important project, and you will have supreme success - if
you first Work on What Has Been Spoiled.
This
is some fundamental, traditional viewpoint or attitude you have accepted and adopted that is, unfortunately, just
not true.
What are you telling yourself that you "should"
be doing? This is likely the source of the problem. Tomorrow's changing line will help you pinpoint it.
Changing
this fundamental attitude will not be an easy process. It will take some time. In Remedying this situation,
you should "neither act with undue haste nor continue in the same old rut . . ." [Huang]
Tomorrow: "Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother."
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
No. 13, Fellowship with Others:
"Fellowship with men in the open.
Success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The perseverance of the superior man furthers."
The future of Temptation is successful Fellowship
with Others. You will put a stop to the influence of an "inferior element," but you won't be afraid
to share yourself with those who deserve your trust.
The first requirement for success is that relationships be open and honest.
If you have reservations, or unspoken agendas, your connections to others will not work.
Put aside your Individual concerns, and
focus on universal goals. This is where your greatest success will be realized.
Monday, November 8, 2010
No. 44, Coming to Meet / Temptation, Line 2:
"There is fish in the bag - no error!
But it is of no advantage to the guests."
Line 1 said the Temptation you are facing "must be checked
with a brake of bronze."
Line 2 points to another potential problem: "There
is a danger that we shall fail to share an advantage with people who have a right to expect a share." [Blofeld]
You have good things that are meant to be shared with others. In stopping the Temptation
posed by an "inferior element," don't cut yourself off from everyone.
Tomorrow: "Fellowship
with men in the open."
Sunday, November 7, 2010
No. 44, Coming to Meet / Temptation, Line 1:
"It must be checked with a brake of bronze.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune.
Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around."
Have you identified the Temptation that has
entered your life? It must be stopped - forcefully.
A weak
or inferior element - either in yourself or in another - is trying to take over. You are tempted to "let it
take its course" because, at the moment, it seems insignificant.
With this line, the Yi is telling you: It's not. The potential danger is great. Assert control
while you still can.
Tomorrow: "But it is of no advantage to the guests."
Saturday, November 6, 2010
No. 44, Coming to Meet / Temptation:
"Coming to meet. The influence is powerful.
One should not join with such an influence."
Something "seemingly harmless but potentially dangerous"
[Wing] is entering your life.
"The temptation to
leave our path intrudes, either in reaction to the inferior nature of others, or because of internal pressure of our own desires.
It is important to acknowledge this danger." [Anthony]
With this hexagram, the Yi is sending a message: Don't go there. The situation holds perils you
can't see now.
Tomorrow: "It must be checked with a brake of bronze."
Friday, November 5, 2010
No. 37, The Family / The Clan:
"The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers."
Are you experiencing uncertainty about your "role" in the
current situation?
This simple, one-line main message came
without changing lines. This
is the Yi saying that, deep down, you possess "great clarity about your role. You are, in fact, dependent
upon this role for your sense of power and effectiveness in the world." [R.L. Wing]
Do not let others define
your "place" or agenda for you. You know what you want and need to do.
Do it.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
No. 23, Splitting Apart / Falling Away:
"Splitting apart. It does not further
one
To go anywhere."
This
is the future of Nourishing, as explained in The Image of Splitting Apart: "Thus those
above can ensure their position only by giving generously to those below."
"For
it is a question not of man's doing, but of time conditions. . . It is impossible to counteract these conditions of the
time. Hence it is not cowardice but wisdom to submit and avoid action." [Wilhelm]
As Changing Line 1 pointed out yesterday, you have everything you need. Instead of envying others, share what you have. In
this way, you can all make it through the "winter."
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
No. 27, Nourishing, Line 1:
"You
let your magic tortoise go,
And look at me with the corners of your mouth drooping.
Misfortune."
You have everything you truly need, but you still look
at others and want more.
In ancient China, the "magic tortoise"
was a creature that lived on air and needed no earthly nourishment.* It is also symbolic of the Cosmos, the whole of
the Universe.
"The image means that a man fitted by nature
and position to live freely and independently renounces this self-reliance and instead looks with envy and discontent at others
who are outwardly in better circumstances." [Wilhelm]
As
the only changing line we received, the Yi is telling you: The greatest threat to your happiness is not realizing what
you've got.
Tomorrow: ". . . only by giving generously to those below."
...............................
* It is speculated that lines on a tortoise's shell were the earliest manifestations of the "lines" of
the I Ching. See R.L. Wing's The I Ching Workbook for an example of a tortoise shell used as an augury.
7:58 am mdt
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
No. 27, Nourishing :
"The Corners of the Mouth.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Pay heed
to the providing of nourishment
And to what a man seeks
To fill his own mouth with."
Pay
attention to what you put in your mouth - and in your mind.
Writing down everything you
eat can be a great diet wake-up call. But have you ever
tried keeping track of what you put in your mind? Sure, you can identify the empty calories in America's
Got Talent. But what about your own negative, self-defeating thoughts?
This
scrutiny is not to be directed solely at yourself. Pay attention to what another seeks. "He who
cultivates the inferior parts of his nature is an inferior man." [Wilhelm]
Tomorrow: "You let your magic tortoise go . . ."
Monday, November 1, 2010
No. 8,
Union / Holding Together:
Holding Together brings good fortune.
Inquire of the oracle
once again
Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
Then there is no blame.
Those who are
uncertain gradually join.
Whoever comes too late
Meets with misfortune."
You are entering a time when your relationships with others will be of prime importance. You may be asked to take
a position of authority.
The Yi advises you to sincerely consider whether
you are up to the tasks of leadership. If the answer is yes, proceed.
There
were no changing lines with this one, which "suggests that without strong social connections you may indeed become an
island isolated in the sea of your own illusions. Make an attempt to embrace the opinions and perceptions of others,
if only for a moment. Cross the sea and explore new frontiers of ideas." [Wing]
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