I Ching, 10-15-09
true October 15th, 200926. Ta Ch’u – The Taming Power of the Great
above РK̻n Keeping Still, Mountain
below – Ch’ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgment:
The Taming Power of the Great.
Perseverance furthers.
Not eating at home brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image:
Heaven within the mountain.
The image of the Taming Power of the Great.
Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity
And many deeds of the past,
In order to strengthen his character thereby.
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Khû has two meanings. It is the symbol of restraint, and of accumulation. What is repressed and restrained accumulates its strength and increases its volume.
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26. Major Restraint
Major restraint.
It is beneficial to persist.
Not eating at home brings good fortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.
Some major problem is holding things back. It is necessary to put quite a bit of time and effort into doing something about it, to make things go well. Don’t give up.
* * * * *
A difficult and challenging time must be taken as an opportunity to express in the outer world our highest inner principles. Others are often tempted to test the inner strength that we have gained through study and discipline. By pushing and prodding, they hope to reveal the weakness of our connection to truth. If we allow them to do this, we are undermined, and they go on, unlearning and satisfied at having engineered our downfall. On the other hand, if we keep still and cling firmly to what is right – the Power of the Great – then eventually we can tame the negative energy and instill in others the desire to grow spiritually.
It is just such challenges to our strength and character that enable us over time to embody in practice the strength of the I Ching. A spiritual understanding that is not practiced under fire is without value; only by applying our knowledge in trying situations do we come into genuine possession of it. So use these tests as opportunities to purify your thoughts and actions. By holding to what is correct in the face of pressure, you gain the strength and peace of mind of the spiritual masters.
If you deviate from the path of the Sage and act to punish or condemn others now, misfortune will result. Instead, meet attacks with stillness, acceptance, and fidelity to proper principles. Treat others with gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. If you are steadfast in this, good fortune will ultimately be yours.
(no changing lines)
One wishes to advance aggressively against those who misbehave. Misfortune results. It is wise to endure the difficulty with restraint. In this way, the resolution comes sooner.
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These are the things I need to be focusing on at this moment in my life, as I gain strength and clarity throughout these trying times. Happy birthday to me!
