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SEVEN.4TAR
COMMUNICATIONS
SANTA MONICA)

-)
 '11II
.\037/ullenlswho attC'nclecl
1'11i.'I:book was accomplishecl with the O.<ii.\\\";stallceof/he
the c1a.fses.)

II e also wish to thank the Chinese National Museumfor the use of the
photograph on the cover.)

SevenSIM Communicalions Group. Inc.

13315 Washington Blvd.. Suile 200
Los Angeles. CA 90066 USA)
,'-
First Pnnung: Augus!. 1983 ,
. ,,
Second Prinling: October. 1989 ,
, .
.)
Third Printing: Oclober. 1992 .'
FourtlJ Printing: December. 1994
Fifth Printing: October. 1997
SiXtll Printing: June 1999
Sevenlh Printing) Jul}\" 2002)
U>)

First Edition: Copyrighl 1983 by Hua-Ching Ni.

1990. 1994 by Hila-Ching Ni.)
Second Edition:) Copyrighl

No part of Ihis book ma}\" be used or reproduced in any

All righlS reserved.
wilhoul wrillen permission. excepl in the case of brief quotations
in
manner
articles or reviews) This book is dedicated to
The paper IIsed in this publication meets Ihe minimum requirements of the the Undivided Oneness of the Universe
American National Standard for Informational Sciences Permanence of Paper and to those seekers of Truth
for Printed Library Materials. ANSI 239.48-1984.) who choose to be like a mirror
reflecting its exquisite, immortal nature.)

Library of Conl(ress Catalol(inl(-in-Publication Data

Ni. Hua-Ching.
The book of changes and the unchanging truth \037[Tien I. pni
nd
chih ching)! by Ni. Hua Ching.-2 ed.
p. em.
ISBN 00-937064-29-7
I. 1 ching. 2. Tien ti pui chih ching.
PL2464.Z7N5 1990 81}-6....18

299'.51282-dc20) C1P)))
 To all readers.
of the Integra] Way. male and
According to the teaching
female are equally important in the natural sphere. This fact is
of Tai Chi. Thus, disnimination is
confirmed in the diagram
not practiced in our tradition. All of my work is dedicated to CONTENTS)
both gendersof the human race.
Wherever possible. constructions using masculine pro-
Where they occur,
nouns to represent both sexes are avoided.
understanding. We hope Preface)
we ask your tolerance and spiritual
the
that you will take the essenceof my teaching andisoverlook In PART ONE
limitations of language. Gender discrimination inherent
do not differentiate The Natural Truth Underlying the
English. Ancient Chinesepronouns
gender.
I wish that all of you will achieve yourselves
well above the level Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth
of language and gender.) 1. Introduction 3
2. The Natural Rhythm of Life 5
Thank you. H. C. Ni)
3. The Principle ofYin and
Yang 11
4. The Five Elementary Phases of Cyclic Movement 16)
- Disclaimer
Warning
and tech- 5. An Abstract Understanding of How Nature
This book is Intended to present information
in use the Orient for many Develops Itself 25
niques that have been throughout Vartous
and these practices utilize a natural 6. Energy Cycles of Nature 39
years. This information 7. Spiritual of the Sky 82
system within the body; however. no claims are made regarding Implication

The information offered is according to the 8. Natural Energy in Human Life 110
their effectiveness. The Natural Truth
author's best knowledge and experience and is to be used by the 9. of the Spiritual Realm) 134)
reader at his or her own discretion and liability.
Because of the sophisticatednature of the information con-
tained within this book, it is recommended that the reader also PART TWO

study the author's other books for a broader understanding of The Natural Path of Life
energy-conducting exercises and a healthy lifestyle. 10. Basic Guidelines for Daily Living in Accordance
People's lives have different conditions and their growth has with the Natural Truth 169
different stages. Because the background of people's develop- 11. Introduction to the Guidance of the 64 Hexagrams 191
ment cannot be unified. there is no single practice that can be 12. Guide for Finding the Hexagrams) 213)
universally applied to everyone. Thus, it must be through the
discernment of the reader that the practices are selected. The
and application of the material offered In this book
adoption PART THREE
must therefore be the reader's own responsibility.
The author and publisher of this book are not responsible
The Guidance of the Sixty-Four Specific Circumstances
in any manner for any ham that may occur through following I. Chyan Positiveness/The Creative 217
the instructions in this book.) 2. K'un Receptiveness 224
3. Chun To Be Stationed/To Assemble 232
4. Meng The Undeveloped One 238
5. Shiu Waiting/Stagnation/Hesitation 244
6. Sung Dispute/Litigation 250
7. Shih Military Leadership 257
8. Bell Fellowship 261
9. Shau Chu Small Accumulation 266
10. Lu Conduct) 270)))
 52. Ken Ket\"ping SIUI/lmpedlmenl 529
11. Tai Peace/Harmony/Good 275
Opportunity
53. Jen Gradualness 533
12. P'i Misfortune 282
54. Kuei Mei Maniage 538
13. Ren UnJting wiUl People 287
14.
Tung
Too Yuo Great Provider/Great Harvest 292 55. Feng Over -Capacity 548
297 56. Lu rr-aveling 553
15. Chien Modesty/Egolessness 57. Soen GenUe WInd/Subrrussiveness 558
16. Yu Comfort 302 1'ui
]7. Sui 307
58. Joyousness 563
]8. Ku
ComplIance/FollowIng
Ule Corruption 312 59. Huan DispersIon 567
19. Lin
Correcting
318 60. Chieh Self- RestraInt 579
AdvancIng
20. Kuan Contemplation/Pain I of VIew 322
61. Ch11ng flI Falthfulness 587
21. Ho HardshJp 328 62. Shioo KIlO Minor Excess 604
Shih BItIng TIrrough 63. Chi Chi Aller CrossIng Ule Water
Be 609
22. Adonunent/BeauUfication 333
64. Wei Chi BeforeCrosstng tlIe Water 626
23. Po Erosion/Decline 337
24. flI Revival/Renewal 342
25. WUWWI IrulOcence/Unexpected HappenIng 346
26. Ta Ch'u Great Amassmenl 351
357
PART FOUR
27. I Providing Nourishment
Five of Ancient I Ching Practitioners
28. Ta Kuo Great Excess 363 Examples
370 I. Wen Ule Virtuous Leader 643
29. K'an The Abyss Wong.
30. LI Radiance 374 I 2. Chang Tzu Va. Ule Hemlit Fisherman 649
3. Fang LI. Ule King's Advisor 651
3I. HSlen Mutual Attraction 380 4. Chang Liang. the Liberator 653
32. Constancy 393 5. Chu Ku Liang, tile Mowltain Hennit 657
Heng
33. Tun Retreat 397
34. Ta Ch11ang Great strength 402
35. Jihn Progress
410
36. MingH The Time of Darkness 417 PART FIVE
37. ChiaJen Family
426 Epilogue 664
38. Kwei Opposition/Disharmony 433
39. JiEn Obstruction 437 List of Figures 669
40. HsiEh Dissolution of tile Problem 443

4I. Suen SacIifice/ Decrease 448

42. H Benefit/Increase 456
43. Kui Resolution 463
44. Kou Encounter/Meeting Togetiler 472
45. Tsui Congregalion/CaUlertng the Essence 480
46. Sheng RisIng
490
47. Kun Besieged/ Entrapped/ Exhausted 494
48. Jing Well 500
49. Gir kevolution/RefonnaUon 509
50. Ting CauJdron/Hannoni7alion & Stability 517
5I. Chen The ArousIng/Force of Thunder 523)))
 PRELUDE) PREFACE)

this modem age, when mankind Is so greatly

The Subtle Essence, as conveyed by the teaching of the In. benefiting
Integral Way. Is the deep
truth of all religions. yet It leaves from Its technological advances. there is also the fearsome
threat of potential destruction.
relig.ton behind, like clothing that Is wom in different seasons Nothing in human life
remains untouched by man's scientific explorations. Nothing
or places. It serves people's lives directly, as religions wish to
do, by extracting the essence of all religions and thereby sur- remains beyond our challenging probes. Our zealous and
the limitations.
often ImpulsIve endeavors have resulted in great confusion,
passing
The Subtle Essence.as conveyed by the teaching of the
both for society and for the individual. as ever new models of
science. but it leaves reality replace the old.
Integral Way. Is the goal of all serious The human mind. master of all spheres
behind all partlal and temporal descriptions of the Integral of life, has be-
Truth.
comeoverwhelIned by Its own creations. What is needed is a
TheSubtle Essence is the master teaching; however. it correct way of thinking which can guide all human activities
does not rely on any authority. It is like a master key that
10 prosperity and safety. a way which will encourage the full
of individual well as the peaceful
can unlock all doors to the inner room of the ultimate truth. development life as
of families and nations.
The Subtle Essencedoesnot belong to the emotional sur- regulation

faceof life and is not locked at the level of thought or belief When individuals in a society faIl to achieve inner
that leads to endless struggles and skepticism. they can easi1y become the victims of oppor-
dev\037lopment,
The teaching of the Integral Way presents tile core of the
tUIUsts who would seize the reins of social leadership. By
Subtle Essence and helps you reach it yourself.) stealing the will of the people through the insidious dis-
senlInation of false infonnation and teachings in politics and
religion. people of unbridled ambition become tyrannical
leaders. Evidence of this can be seen in countries where
people bear the burden of subjugation. The present hard-
ships they endure are the direct result of a lack of inner
growth over a long period of time. It would be a tragedy If
people continued to make the same dreadful mistakes again
and again.
It Isan Immutable fact that mInd and spirit are the
essence of an individual who is, in tum. the essence of
society. In this modem age, we must seriously reflect on
what is avaIlable that can nurture our mInds and guide our
spirits. We cannot rely on the education that society offers to
guide us In tile correct way of living. Nor can \037e rely on
general religious education, since It develops only prejudice
and alienation based on inaccurate spiritual knowledge.
What Is needed now is Ihe discovery of the inner light
whJch enables hLUllan beings to see through the confusion of)))
 Preface ill) ,)
u)

of sphere, balance in life, and positive, steady

the mind and discover the subUe level wherein the truth dally spiritual
life resIdes. growth.
I have therefore \\.Uldertaken this translation and elucida-
In this overpopulated age. can peopleHnd a teacher or for the modem mind. Examples
teachJnl( Ulat presents the correct guidelines for wholesome
tion and illustrations nom
the of my spiritual to
development? Is there any true authority that people can vantage point tradition are included
further clarify certain passages.
trust. totally and absolutely, for good advice in small matters
and great onesalike? Are there any good consultants who are readers, I offer
For interested the following historical
readIly available to all people whenever needed? Though man background. Beforewritten history. an ancient by the name
of Fu Shi developed a \"line system\" to express the principle
now has the ability to develop highly useful machines, it is of
clear that he needs useful, and appropriateness. It was not until about 1181 B.C., however,
increasingly appropriate
the feudal lord. King
direct his life's energies. that Wen of the Shang
timely counsel to correctly 1121 B.C.) provided a written
Dynasty (1766-
Awakened individuals should realize that common explanation of these lines and
education is for common people and that special individuals hexagrams. Much later, Confucius (551-479B.C.) added his
need special education. Just as the fastest thoroughbreds commentaries to the lines in his later years.
need fodder. people who cultivate intenlal values In my present translation, 1 have drawn nom three
superior
need \"superior fodder\" for their growth. but where can ancient guides. who themselves are conduits of prehistoric
modem man find this noUIislunent? In all his attempts to wisdom: Lao Tzu (571 B.C.), who continued the teaching of
establish new of thinking and new modes of living, he natural truth and the importance of sincerity in universal life:
ways
has yet to arrive at insight sufficient to ensure a secure future Confucius (551-479 B.C.), who continued the ancient human-
for himself and his fellow man. We must tum, therefore, to Ist teaching: and Mo Tzu (501-416 B.C.).who continued the
ancient guidelines that were developed before human life prehistoric religious faith in an undiScriminating, impartial
becaJ1le so complicated: not priIIlitive or simplistic methods, Heaven. The commentartes of Confucius are absorbed In the
but true and appropriate solutions. explanation of each hexagram, while the new commentaries
After reviewing the vast cultural and spiritual achieve- offered are nom my spiritual training.
ments of all times. the Book oj Changes or 1 Ching comes Without a doubt. the schools of Lao Tzu, Confucius and
forward. This ancient book holds the time-tested value 01 Mo Tzu were instrumental in preserving this ancient culture.
respondtng to the needs of mankind. The maturity of the If we use divisions of time to express the ancestIy of these
pure m.inds of the ancients has the unique ability to provide schools,Lao Tzu would represent the virtue of the Yellow
the insight that Is needed now. Thosesincereindividuals who Emperor (2698-2358B.C.),Confucius the virtue of Emperors
examine, respect and make use of the Book oj Changes today Niao (2357-2258 B.C.)and Shun (2257-2208 B.c.), and Mo
will discover that It serves as a good advisor and private Tzu the virtue of the Great Yu (2207 B.c.). After these three
teacher that can safely guide them through the trials of life. periods. beginning in the Sha Dynasty (2207-1767 B.C.). the
Qulte simply, rather than offering a dogma or doctrine, corruption of hUIllan nature became Increasingly serious.
the Book oj Changes teaches one to look for the most This debasement continued throughout the Shang Dynasty
appropriale point in any particular behavior or event. This (1766-1121 B.C.I until finally. at the coUapse of this dynasty,
method is invaluable to an individual\"s self-discovery and self- a tribal leader named King Wen responded to the slt\\\037ation:
alignment. One who comes to understand this sense of King Wen deeply understood the Influences that were
approprialeness, incorporates It Into his or her thought corrupting people. Wishing to restore the ancient pure virtue,
processes and adheres firmly to it as the highest \"doclrtne\" of he dedlc.ated hImself to the reor\037anlzation and further
his or her own personal religion will benefit in all three explanation of the Book oj Changes which contained anctent
spheres of l1fe. Such a person will find clarIty In the mental) knowledge about hwuan behavior. Promoting the Book oj
Changes as a system to guide the central government. heads)))
 Iv) PreJace v

of trtbes and influential individuals. King Wen successfui ful guidelines here for specific occasions. as well as a
a new
started epoch. the Chou Dynasty (1122-249 B.C.). presentation of tile fundamental path to take in dally life.
Toward HIe end of the Chou Dynasty. however. the corruption At this difficult time. when intense competition has led to
of human nature resumed. At that time. many other sages bItter relationships among people of the world. It is my wish
cameforth to respond to the situation and restore the pure to continue the work of all great-hearted sages. As the eluci-
virtue Lao Tzu.
of life. ConfucIus and Mo Tzu were three of dator of an ancient pure culture and path of natural I
light.
these. TIley each demonstrated the way of ancient un\037polled join wIth those who would like to see all people find peace and
people in their own way: Lao Tzu through the love of nature brightness In their own minds and beings. Once people can
and total integration wIth the pervading universal spirtt: see Ule fundamental error of separation. their pain and
the value of self-restraint in all human suffering can be elimJnated.
Confucius through
It is my sincere desire that wIth this basic introduction to
relationships: and Mo Tzu through selfless slncenty toward
an indiscrimJnating Heaven. These three together represent the Book oj Changes. as in all the work I
present. you may
the harmonious virtue of pure. onginal human nature and continue your work of self-education. self-discovery and self-
provide a healthy direction for society to follow. This is the fulfillment.)
essence of this book.
A bnghl new epoch starts wIth a correct philosophy that
can guide people to restore human nature to its onginal Hua Clullg Ni
healthy condition and then encourage them to attain further March 21. 1983
development. LosAngeles. CA)))

People who know they are sick also know how they feel
when they are well. Similarly. by observing the simple prin-
ciplesof behavior expressed by ancient. uncorrupted people.
we can rediscover the value of naturalness and health. For
this reason. I felt the time was nght for this contemporary
translation of the Book oj Chnnges. It is aimed at reducing
the dualistic thinking of \"good fonune\" or \"misfortune\" which
pervades daily life. Instead. it leads one toward spirttual
absoluteness and independence.
Sometimesmy readers may be puzzled at the logic I pre-
sent. namely that \"one plus one equals one plus one\" rather
than the usual \"one plus one equals two.\" This is important
spirttuallogIc. because things of nature exist simply by and
for themselves. This logic is validated by natural existence
and needsno recognition from the generai mind. Conceptual
reality is the playground of the mind and can be a far cry
from Ihe reality of natural existence. Because it cannot pIerce
its own shell. the human mind cannot see the natural truth
that surrounds it.
My purpose in making this present work aVallable to my
Engltsh-speaking fnends Is to share it with those who are
sincerely interested in connecting with the earliest harvest of
human cultural and spiritual achievement. You will find use-)
 ,)

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. : .) ..\",) The Natural Truth Underlying
I/'
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PllolD Credil: Alnrllul SmallJlPlzRr. roi Chi MU90zille)

 Chaptel\" 1)

INTRODUCTION)

The Hook qJ Chwlges. also I\"eferred to as the I Ching. is an

\037\037 <:\"'tf 1jJ ,\037 fa ancient work completed by the wise King Wen. a feudal lord.
\037\037
In tile last generation of the Shang Dynasty [1766-1121 B.C.).
It J:- aA People whu recognize this as a remarkable work of profound
:} 'j1-] it. wtsdom might also want to know how the ancient ones
g \037
developed theIr integral vision of all aspects of life.
\037J \0371 Long ago, befol\"e teachel\"s of any cultural heritage
I\037) p existed.
:k -If \037:1 people relied on their own simple mInds to develop a
system
of knowledge and solve the pl\"oblems in theil\" lives. Living
dose to natul\"e provided them with Uleic first teachel\",
1 \037
!\037\037 :pJ.a Nature herself. They learned that she provides for. supports
great

and Instructs all beings. After long periods of observation and

\037\037
.k\037)
\037\037
J! i{) \"f
life experience. the ancient ones not
Nature. but they also discovered
only gathered
Infonnation about the laws
o))) its seeming
II'J.. behind dIversity.
it
Q)
\037.At. 7...di
1\"-. v\037
TIle system of hexagrams which we call the Book oj
Changesor 1 Ching was one of the first great successes In
\037
$ ancient man's attempts to find the laws which regulate all
:{ /n !\037 phenomena. Most significant was the discovery that Ole laws
\037\037t \037.
i
\302\267 of Nature are also the laws ofhLUllanity and that since Nature
\037) and humanity are one, harmony is the key to life. TI1is
)\037 1 pJ} ::1 was drawn after
\037i
I' conclusion long intenlal and extenlal
\037 searching which revealed the balanced way of life as the
fcJ
j, i- -1f fundamental path.

.%1 )..
'1i \037
faiOl
This integral vision of the univel\"se became Ole spiritual
of anctent developed people. It was the bmad and plain
\037 k foundation for Oleir discovery of spiritual truth and secret
fl) 1-. $\037 methods. Since life Is the main theme of all useful know-
ledge, the BookQ(Changes. the Tao Teh Ching. acupundul\"e.
tJ(')
-r: \037i..;. ,G') 1 intenlal medicine. and the intenlal wor-k of spiritual self-
cultivation all make living In hannony with nature their
foundation.
In coniiast. our over-gr-own human population, combined
with modenl cIty life, obscures the signllicance uf natul\"e In
Ihe lives of people today. Gr-eat Natul\"e, howevel\". always)
 Chapter 2)
4 Chapter 1
life. To restore THE NATURAL RHYTHM OF LIFE)
remains the true source of human \037ur
of this integral truth. we can use the \037ne
understandIng
system e.
0 f th Book O r Chan g es to study. the way In wluch
and events develop. . of the Life Line
the usefulness of a natural lJIe. we
people The Rhythm
When we rediscover
We also learn that it is
shall agaln learn to love Nature.
will
the subtle level of the
1. A perfectly straight line:)
dangerous to vIolate our own nature.
natural order and the natural environment..
We \037ust learn to
these ancient methods of integration wll\037 an appre-
approach for
(nGUIIE I))
ciation for what they are: simple. non-coercive gUldelJnes Nature.
hwn\";; nature with the unspoiled. great This line was drawn with the help of a ruler. It ts
hannonizJng all of the
You will find these useful prtnclples underlying perfectly straight, thus It is an artifIcial line,)

material that follows.)

2, A naturally straight line :)

(P1GURE2J)

This line was drawn without the help of a ruler.

thus it is a naturally straight line. A perfectly
straight line is non-existent in nature. except in
very short segments. In nature, all straight lines
are slightly curved.)

3. Thedevelopment of human life. whether in an indivI-

dual or society.is like a straight line with curves. It
is a natural line. This is reality. but most peoplewish
reality to be straight and smooth like a race track.
They cannot accept the fact that reality is not this
way. They expect the environment to take responsi-
bility for them. thus they naturally encounter pain.)

4. A perfect circle:)

IFIGURJ!:3)) o)
Ukewise, an exact circle does not exist in nature.)

5. A natural circle:)

(FIGURE 4))))
o)
---)
 TIle Natural Rhythm of Ufe 7)

6) Chapter 2)

Decreasing the Extremes

shapes In nature.
A real cIrcle. or other round
human
would appear as a natural
cIrcle. }, TI1ls Is an Idealistic baseline of a natural life:)

It looks like this:) ............................................................................)

6. When a life Is lived naturally.
(FIGURE-9))

2. The baseline of a natural life has rhythmical curves:)

8J)
(P\"IGVRB
with curves Is natural. It
7. Although a straight line
not to aug-
Is of an individual
the responsIbility When the hu- (FIGURB 10))
ment the sharpness of the angles. of imaginmy
to impose the concept shows that the peaks and valleys of a
man mind tries TI1ls line
the result Is always unnat-
natural are not too far from the baseline, The
perfection upon nature.disaster and agony are the in- life
line Is the real baseline. A precisely
ural. Destruction. curved
result. Any stressful
situation. either gently
baseline does not exist In natural life.)
evitable
causes the curves of a straight
emotional or psychological.
straight line to become more angular:)
3. When a line rises sharply, the following part natu-
rally falls sharply:)

\037)
(FIGURE II))
(FIGURJ!:8J)

a linear fonn. It looks 4. SImilarly. when a line sinks sharply. the following
When stress Is expressed In
part rises sharply:)
like this:)

\037)
(FIGURE7))
(FIGURE 121)

In ex1reme cases. It looks like this:) causes

5. Therefore. any ex1reme posItive movement
an extreme negative movement:)

(FIGUREII))

(FIGURE 13))))
 \"The Nab.1ral Rhythm oj Life 9)

ctwpter 2)
8 A natural life Is long. like this:)
4. span

extr emes. It can be said

6. All extremes create other
stands forth too posttiveIy.
th e
that when anything are transformed into neg- (FIGURE 16))
of being
benefits positiVe
ative results. 5. If many cwves are made on a straight line. It be-
of a comes shortened:)
path Is the baseline
7. A balanced fundamental
natural life.
of extremes
8. g to decrease the sharp angles
not to create
worldn
to do is (P'IGlIR.B17))
wastes um e. The best thing
corners in life b y exaggerating emotional. The length of this line is actually the same as the
sharp attitudes.)
Dsvcholo<!ical or conceDtual one above in Figure 16.)

come from natural 6. If the curves are sharpened. the length of the origi-
Tensions and pressures may
even more
ones observed that when
9. nal line becomes
straight greatly
causes. The ancient integral
escaped.but
nature createstrouble usually be
it can shortened:)
own trouble, It is fatal.)
when people create their

WV')
Lengthening or Shortening (riGllR.B 18))

the Span of a Human Life the of the curves

7. To lessen intensity actually
a the span of the line. Below is a comparison
1. life can be expressed by lengthens
A natural. peaceful
and easy curves:) of a line with sharp curves and a line of the same
straight line with rhythms
length with natural curves:)

IP'ICUREIf.})

internal or external tension or pres-

2. A life under
sure becomesdenatured:) \037)

(FIGURE.111))
(FIGURE 1.9))

internal pressures are more serious

3. Generally.
Is expressed 8. As can see. lessening extremes has the effect
than external ones Internal pressure you
do you
depression. of lengthening the life span. Which prefer?
through impulsiveness. anxiety. anger.
tensIon. mistakes. etc.)
In how many ways do you shorten your life span?
In what ways could you lengthen It?)))
 Chapter 3)

10 C/Ulpter 2
baseline of a THE PRINCIPLE OF YIN AND YANG)
or stray from the
9. Sharp curves deviate They often represent
crises in the
natural good life.
an integral. normal
life.
of
development The Two Forces)
for his or A.
An individual should
take responsibility
10. Personal growth comes from in- I. The two of yIn and yang can be expressed as
one can remove
her own growth. categories
cessant
which
self-cultivation by love and hate. desire two different lines. one broken and one unbroken:)
elements of
emotional which ex-
It also leads one
the to know
impulse. and
and
impede correct judgment and)
ternal influences adjustments
to
VAnt) \"'n)
must be removed. Compromising
system, the adop- (P1GtJRE20))
socIal or political
an unhealthy concepts or accepting are unbroken line represents yang. the strong force.
tion of incorrect religious
The
imDlature and fashionable educationthat can The broken or separated line represents yIn. the weak
modem. influences
some of the most important of such things often force.)
be removed. The overflow
and extreme.
unbalanced
causes one to become 2. Yin and yang expressed by a slope:)

a de-
and external pressures make person
good life. They
11) Internal
from the baseline of a natural

the curves of a person's

viate life and
v\037 /\\
indirectly form
these curves steeper. The un- ;;n. \037\037
constantly make
life is to denature the II\\..
of modem
healthy tendency I\037 /\0371\037\\
- -)
natural good life.)
(FJGURE21)

12. The teachings of Lao Tzu suggest that the Integral 3. Yin and yang expressed by a circle:)
extremes through personal
Way is to decrease
cultivation.)

is often the teaching of the

13.) The key guideline. which
developed ones. is to be natural. This means
ancient
its extreme by emo-
not artificially brInging a curve to V\037) ym)
tional or psychological exaggeration.)

means that when curves are present. one

14. This also (FJGURE22))
should slow down, not speed up.)

4. The interaction of yin and yang expressing the

15. We should restrain our preference
for any particu- of universal
natural- four phases energy:)
lar time or space and inwardly maintain
cUIVes of life.)
neSS so that we do not sharpen the
Jtll_ L._
VA'\ -)
16. As seen in the illustrations above, one should
not

trade a portion of one's life span for anythIng

I<\037'\
1\037_
VIn)
extemal)
(FIQURE 331)))
 TI1e Prln\302\243lp/eof Yin and Yang 13

12 Chapter 3) D. Finding the Balancing Force)

Energy 1. Nothing exists In isolation. Even In the view of

B.) The Four Phases of univel1lal

modem physics. everything is always Interacting
with everything else. and the most m.inute particle
:
Expressed by a slope
can be split again.)
Lc.>-
,\037U)
JtJt\037 all things.
\"'An{ __ 2. There is an organization
within regard-
less of how large or small they are.)
---- ----\\\\----\037
1:\037W;
L.S\"' ''
(1 \037 ==) 3. In every organization. there are two groups or two
;:
A 1IDportant elements: yln and yang.

(PtGURE24))
4. Within yin and yang there must be a balanctng
by a cIrcle:
Expressed force,)

5. In the case of pure yang and pure yin. the bal-

line of the
.\037\037 ancing force is expressedIn the central
5\037\"%
this line signilles a leader.the
, trigram.
In general.
force which holds the entire hexagram together or
M \"\"
the most 1nfluentla1 or decisive factor In the
\",\037\"'UJL w\037A.1(. .1t:R.Or\\41
\302\245OR.CS
L\0375SE-R..fC'oA.C& Y1n hexagram.)
y\037
-- \037 --)
:7 6. In most hexagrams. the ru1ing line Is the fifth line:)
(F1GURE25))

of Energy
C. The Eight Phases \037nivel1lal
Expressed by the Trigr8IDS

in the Pre-Heaven
Arrangement)

(F10URE27))

7. In the combined energy formation of two different

trigrams. however. any line can be the ruling line or
center of the newly formed hexagram. For example:
a, In \037\037 . the center is the first line.

b. In _ _ . the center is the second line.

c, In \037\037 . the center is the third line.)

d. In == == . the center is the fourth line.)

(F1GURE28))))
 \"The PrIncIple of 01ld
\302\245In Yang 15)

chapter 3)
14
line IS the center. but
the top yang Is
e,) In \037\037 .
centered. The hexagram
Itself
The Complete Cycle of the Eight Phases
It Is not well line carrIes of Yin and
formed. and the weak fifth Yang)
poorly of leadersWp,)
only the sense

Natural Forces
E The Eight
energy are exemplified
of universal
The eight phases connote the basic energy
wWch
the following Images named accordingly:)
by
nature and are
formations of
Earth
- Heaven
yang)
(complete yIn)
(complete
-- WlndfWood
Thunder (strong yIn)
(strong yang)
Fire
Water (middle yIn)
(middle yang)
Lake/RaIn
Mountain - Oesser yIn)
Oesser yang)

(FIGURE28))

of Yin and
Cycle of the Eight
Phases
F. The Complete
yang)
varIes according
The formation of a new kind of energy
and Not only is change
to the composition of yIn yang.

by the quantity
of yIn and yang. but also by the
forces that join to form the new energy
affected
position of the new
phase.
In the following chart. all possible combinations of yIn
the eight phases of uni-
and yang. as expressed through

versal energy. are represented. These combinations form

the baste siXty-four hexagrams.)

(P10URK29))))
 TI1e FIve Elementary Phases of Cycl1c Movement 17)

4)
--
Chapter
--- Characteristics of the Five Elementary Phases)
PHASES
THE FIVE ELEMENTARY
'Wood\ symbolizes the beginning (sprouting or
as shown in 1.
OF CYCLIC MOVEMENT) generating) phase

symbolizes the fully-grown or expanded

\"Fire\
phase as shown in II.)

The Five phaSes of a Cycle)

A.
symbolizes the collecting or inlIovertlng
\"Metal\ as shown in III.)
:m: phase
n:\037 oF p\"\"\"'\" of
6\"ce\037'WO-
o>ft.
c\037 \037,\037\"
...,,\037'Jl.CV\"e1(.51un-
s\"mSoL' \037CAl,) 'Water\ symbolizes the reverting phase as)
.;\037 shown in IV.)
E-J\"PA06f.D-n.
s\"..,soJ. ' .......eo) ( \037 \\
\037 \037 \"Earth\ symbolizes the hannonizing phase as)
1
,,-\"\" \037.\037 U
phA6ec \"\"
shown in V.
\"\"\"\"\"\"''''7 S1\"mI\\01.'\037 ReY<6Jt6t.OO-
\302\243M..
4rnc'f{.A%:1'JH;' SymecJ.' w\037)
s\"'_J.'\302\245\"\"\"\037'''''\037 :v
cx. W'oob)
B. The Five Elementary Phases
(FIOURlt30)) ExpressedThrough the Natural Energy Cycles
a receptive field
four phases are expressedThe substance or en-
on
The 1. The Cycle of the Ten Heavenly Forces or
the fifth phase.
the rotation of the
which is considered four \"Stems\
activates
of the receptive
field is con-
tity
This holding force. or harmonizing phase.
and as
phases. thus there are actually
five Yang wood yin wood
sidered another baSic phase.
movement.) '(Jia)) Z(Yi)) the generating phase or force
phases of every cyclic of a cyclic movement.)

Yang fire and yin fire as the

(Bien))
...
J (Ding) expanding phase or force at
if! of the
the peak cycle.

Yang earth and yinearth as

the allaying of the extremes
\037(WUh)) C(Ji)) of the other phases or forces:
the harmonizing force.)

Yang metal and yin metal as

(Geng)) the introverting phase or
311)
(P'TOURE
m \037(HSin))))
force.
31 above. when one of the four phases dom-
In Figure
inates. the centering force yields. and when the domina-
Yang water and yin water as
the central force to enter the
--i-(Ren)) \037(Quej) phase or force.)
ting force weakens. it
allows the reverting
The four phases of cy-
transfonnIng. transitional phase. The cen-
clic movement are what are most often noticed.
tral force exists. but Is unnoticed.)
 TIle Ftve Elementary Phases of CycUc Movement J 9)

J8 C/wpter 4
\"Stems\"
a) The Ten Heavenly Linear Form)
Represented
in
.m :t:
A . : z. IA
: (......nl S (JIAl v.) qePU; \037\037))
(\"\"\"I f1I i (\"\"nql.(t W-\"\"\"....) t_O)
: (J'A) 'I' ! (8...enl\037 eAJU'h) mcCA1.) !
: WoD\037 \037.s;.e)
YAnf-:-
- : j
, , \037\037
?\
bStn.lMUAL. ..
\037
tOY,))
l \"WI>o'
) J'I'
(Quel) i
\302\253\" *)
y,n i! (J\302\273: f(h6u>I! W-\037,) IJ!)
+-z--c\"\"...) r (\",,,,,I! I) \037hl mc'CAl,.l)
: \037z.) FiRe

!l2}
(f\"IOURE
with generation
The natural cycle of energies
starts \037, J<el>
Note:
can be seen in the
Post -Heaven arrangement 1{' .y
or wood. This also starts t-...\ (-))
of the eighi naiural
forces IFIgure 105bl. whichto the center as [P10URE34})
moves upward to Fire. goes of a cycle there Is an
with wood.
and below as Water. Note: Between each quarter
Earth. to the side as Metal
\"Earth\" above).
(circled In this figure. the Ten Heav-
or \"Celestial\" Stems are In the order
utilized In
bl The Ten Heavenly \"Stems\" enly
Shown in a Circular Manner) the complete cycleof the sixty pairs of Interacting
energy phases which are discussed In Chapter Six.)

2. The Cycle of the Twelve Earthly Forces or

\"Branches\
\037
t;61><;)
Yin water and yang water of
(Tzel
f the force of earth.
j<.IHail
Yang wood and yin wood of
IMao) the force of earth.
1{IEin) 9P
Yin fire and yang fire of the
E. ISze) 1fIWU) force of earlll.
metal and metal of
IShen) Yang yin
eJI @IYu) the force of earth.

prlOI!RE 33') Yang earth of the force of

holds the \037(Chenl \037(ShU) earth.

Note: \"Earth\" is the central element which
other forces together. It acts as a lubricant between
Yin earth of the force of
the other conllicting forces and Is thus a moderating
1L(ChuiI \"* (WeD
earth.)
force In the natural order.)))
 TI1e FIve Elementary Phases of CyclJc Movement 21)

20 C/Wprer 4 The dotted lines IJ1 both the linear and cir-
Form the four major
Twelve Earthly
ph ases IJ1 Unear cular representations separate
shares transi-
The
m..: that each phase the
aJ
:I ]I.: phases. Notice
by the Roman nu-
:II
... !Ii
;' '
\037 , If-
l\"\" )
:t\037:
: (5\"';0) (.,,\"1 i
'}-) tional
meral
phase (\"Earth\")
V IJ1 Figure
represented
36. and by the circled characters
(..n' (cnen): : fnecAL.. eAJU h : (cze-))
For instance. y1n and
t cu-1) \"\"'O\037\302\243AR.t'h
FJ..u. I . IJ1 the note to Figure 35.

\"Ani
: WAUR
i
yang water have a y1n earth. Yin and yang wood
-r---
\037 f f\037 have a yang earth. etc. The Roman numerals are in
\037
'\037 f\037 \037.\037
(\"ft-L) UtAl) {ChUI) the order of the natural cycle that ts expressed by
: (sz.e-) lWi'I)! me.cAl. ! four seasons: Spring corresponding to Wood.
\"\"10 ( mA.O) I t R.. the
-:--t t'lAl) l cno-I)
\037 : FlU eARZh-:
to Metal. and Winter to
: W,toUA..\302\243Mt.Ch : \302\243 .. I
I!I I
: Summer to Fire. Autunm
i t \037
'!' : :
Water. The cycle begins with IV. because the WlJ1ter
011.''tNI1.\037Murw'H..ut:ki'PhA\"'
))
I \037) Solstice Is consIdered the begInning of a yearly
(.If. 'the. 'C\037..clCf)AL
35))
(f\"IGURE cycle.)

Earth start with the retunling

The for ce s order be-
The Twelve Terrestrial Branches as They
Note: The natural
force expressed b y
o\037Water\" . Apply
c)
to the Divisions of The Day. Month and
''Tze''and reads thus: Year)
gins with
Application to the Dally Energy Cycle)
f@1i\037@e1f@tJ'I@\037
---'hl Represented
The Twe Ive E\"-'
uu y \"Branches\"
b) wu.i-
in a Circular Manner 1\\- 11>'\
\037)
I'I'U
\037 \037 -----..,. r>oe@
lt\037\" ....\037')
\037\037

\037 // \037\037 \037

\037J'
C'''' \"', ,/ \"\\ \\
OJ 'h....y)
\037',
Z , \" . -,' \037
-'
..... \" a!!\"u
mACl}P
'........ \"\" \037 'f-7N11) ,\"'7pm)

- \037 \", ,/ \037

\037
\037

1 ' \037!

nl(jh\037)
,/
: j
\037 -',/ t'
l'.....
..
\037\037
,/ ...
\037 -:. ... \" , .!@J

J\037 ?/ Chm) II-lAm

\037.\". \"
rl\037j) -+ c.:ze)
--......:::.,,\037;.------ I.'\037
\037)\"\037
(e;\037)
(f\"ICURE36)) (P1GURE'7))))
 Phases of Cyclic Movement 23)
TI1eFive EtEmentary

22 ChaPtEr 4)

Ten Celestial Stems represent yang. the upper

The
to the Months and Seasons)
force which is the vitality of Heaven or the more subtle
Application force.
level of the universal
life
The Twelve Terrestrial Branches represent yln. the
\"\",If force which ts the vitality of Earth, the more gross.
lower
level of the universal life force.
,...p.t:b
.\"\",,\"h) material with the Integration
The universe comes Into existence
of these forces: \"In the yang force there is yln.
and
of both
111 the yIn force
there is van/!.\"
Tracing back to the basic sourceof the universe. neither
matter nor the absolute subtlethe energy by themselves can be
the foundation of universe. Even In the most
considered
of the universe there is the Integration of yin
minute particle is
the universe and objec-
and yang. Using this key. clearly
\037\"u the system of Stems and Branches. at
eJJ;hCh tively represented by
Chi symbol of Integration.)
the root of which is
-.nAC\037 \"\",n<\\>) the Tal
\037
\"\"\",\"b)

C. Dealing with Cycles. Phases and Forces)

all change. is a pattem of the inter-
All movement.
Each curve In the line of an in-
action of y1n and yang.
universe itself. Is made up
life of the
dividual life, or the

of three parts:
\037,,\037,.;.ndJ
\"\"\",,,,, 1) a generating phase
far and reaching the
a phase of traveling summit
t cze) 2)
a decline and retum to the origin)
3)

make use of and hannonlze with these changes is

(P'IGURE38)) How we
lives.
In our When we follow a gradual
and cycles of can be a matter of importance the curve
curve. we are not very conscious of change.to meet dlmcully.
vaJious vegetation When
The phases
described as follows:)
Is sharp or extreme. however. we are sure
to an extreme curve
is the phase of 'Wood\" or 'Vegetation\" The appropriate psychological response
Its growth
should be oneof balance. Tension or severe emotions do not
and the season of Spring. that a curve
help anything. They are a way of trying to deny
Its luxuriance is the phase of \"Fire\" and the sea- or chanAe exists.
When one faees a new siluation. one's nlind Is orten on
son of Summer.)
This kind of thinking creates obstades to an
sea- the past.
Its contraction is the phase of \"Metal\" and the
a(\"curate. intuitive response whidl is more important than a
son Autumn.) 01the situation. General education
concept ual understanding
of
in their thinking. but it
The retum of its to its root Is the phase of helps peopk beeomewell-versed result.
vitality
the coned use of intuition. As a tragedy can)))
'Water\" and the season of Winter.) destroys
 Chapter 5)
24 Chapter 4) -)
UNDERSTANDING OF
illvolving SOlueone who is AN ABSTRACT
occur in an ordinary siluaUun
HOW NATURE DEVELOPS ITSELF)
as a good thinker.
regard..d
Intdkrtuals and scholars may be very astute
direct
Ullnkers.
instinctual or --)
dumsy when
but Ul..Y often appear
for daily life. TIley work hard mInd of anctent limesaUempt..d
IntuJtiv\037 reactions
are called iII
rather The naturally developed
for an explanation
or hidden nwanlng and control the changes in its surroundings by
at searrhing TIle present. not to UIlderstand
contact wiUl reality.
(han having immediate be faced. but most dever using abstract symbols:)
should
Ih.. past. Is Ul.. reality which becomes an eseape for intellec-
Ihinkers miss il. Thinki.ng lives would be smoother if they The Early Stages of Natural Development
t ually developed p..ople whos..
worked harder at d..veloping and using Iheir Intuition.
the past and also remains Stage I)
is from
When a mind del1lched
it can see the whole
10 any details of Ihe present.
unallached
of situation. The minds of
and Ihus find th.. way out any
bee\037 any better than those of
anci..nl sages mav n\037t have not abuse or spoil their
mo<lf'nl intellectuals. but they did simpfifid i\037 tIo.
line sysum as .0.)
minds. in motion.
is always. and without exception.
EveryUling
is a psychological defect and is
Attadllll..nt to whal one likes or change. the altitude
tmreal. In dealing wilh movement
of the phase of Earth. Its
should be ulilized is Ihat
(YIGURES9))
which
calmness. keeping to Ule root. perceptiveness. does nol equal none. It symbolizes the wholeness
force connotes Zero
balance and not seeking extremes. and of nature as one life. It can also be consideredIhe
mamtaining life. purity
is expressed In iIldlvidual emotional of the universe.
movement
Cyclic
financiallile. family We and ortgtnallrnpetus
from zero. Zero is the center of the
psyehological lif... physical Thus.
life. nature evolves
development. the \"nothing\" or
social relationships as well as in historical universe. In the Tao Teh Ching. It is called
the uJliv..rse and all natural
destiny 01 all mankind.
to see the neutral.)
manifestaUons. You have only to open yOUT eyes
evidence and examples of how to effectively deal
bounWul II)
Stage
with movem..nt and change.
Way is a way of UlOroughly
understandiJlg
11leIntegral
human fortLme;
the univt'rse. It is th.. best way of predicting
our highly developed ancestors preserved
Ule Integral
thus.
for all of us. their wise and fortlUlate descendants.) .Iie fine
Way 1\037
- syskm,
as 'Y-8) --\"''Y'\

(PtOURE40))

TIlls figure demonstrates the divisIon into two: y1n

and yang.)))
 StEps Expressed Numerically 27)
FIve Developing

Young Yin or Lesser Yin

26 5)
Chopt\302\243T

sugem)
This energy phase Is tbe transition created by
tbe movement of yang energy before 11 grows
from weak to strong. less to full.)

In tfu \302\243Uu
s'i'um.) This phase Is tbe mUd transitional force
fJS Lesser 'YatIJI) o)
among tbe four apparenl phases. Its function
os 'FuIl?'''''IJ) Is to harmonize and hold tbe four phases to-
a cyclic function to be
getber. tbus enabling
sustained.)
os 'Full rut)
os L<ss'\" rut)
The Adoption of the New Symbolic Meaning)

tbe sphere of Yin energy is produced by tbe

movement of yang energy in
circle) grows in
yang (tbe small manner in order to assist tbe effort
white
Lesser over-extending an opposing and resisting
yin. This
means the full yin sphere. by is the weak stage of yang energy which
strong of tbe yang. Thus yin
Itself gives bIrth to
lesseryang. of an altemating shift in order to continue generating
black circle) grows in tbe sphere makes
Lesser yin (the small sphere. by ove - itself.
tbe
strong yang. Tlus means full yang
lesser yin.) and -Is in- - -
itself. gives bIrth to The two line system of yang yin
extending
to express this further discovered reality. tbus
adequate the five elementary
tbe three line system was adopted
and
the Five Types of Energy
Nature Produces
phases were expressed with the following adaptations:
one energy. The different
Is
Nature Itself actually
are expressed in tbe self-generating = The Strong Force)
phases of this energy
of stretching and
process of life. Water. as the symbol
takes the emphasized double
--) Strong Yang or Pure Yang
force. It Is the
flowing.
yang
the
lines in center of the new
This Is tbe dominating yang
cre- symbolic system.)
main energy of nature.
It Is constructive.

ative. positive energy.)

= = The Weak Force

Young Yang or Lesser Yang Fire. as the symbol of speeding. con-

into strong the energy
Before developing yang.
and hollowing. takes the em-
Is as suming
center
yin lines as the
expressed \"young\"
that presses forward
This energy Is conceptua1lzed as phasizeddouble
yang. of the new symbolic system.)
\"second strong\" energy.)

or Pure Yin The Light Force

Strong Yin
When over extends itself.
yang energy or vegetation. as the symbol of
It creates
strong
dominating yin energy.
seeks self-adjustment in
This occurs --))) Wood
growing. enlivening. rising and floating
line to the top
upwards. adds one yang
when yang energy
to opposition or resistance. It Is a
response in the new symbolic system.)
way of self-accomplishing.)
 Steps Expressed Numerically 29)
Five Developing

28 Chapter 5) The Ba Gua Octahedron)

---
== 11teHeavy
_ Metal. as
Force

the symbol
line on
of condensing
the
-\037\037,
=- sInking. adds one yang
_ and
bottom In the new symbolic
system,)
\037\037
\037
11te Horrrwnlzlng Force ;
o
of stabiliz-
Soil or earth. as the symbol
to the bottom of
Ing. adds one
force
yIn
line
In the new symbolic :l1j \037. i\037l:

the
system.)
weak %
\"J \037 .
,'{'

The Development of the Line System:) \037'\\- ---)

.=u\037 y\037

Develop into (FIGURE 42))

The Four Energies
the Great Manifestations)
Eight
The Six Stages of Development)
_ to the forces. the Eight
By adding
_ or _ four

are developed:) were developed from the four

Great Manifestations After the eight trigrams
Other than
-\037 becomes
--- and -
- forceS.
being used
they became a useful
to symboliZe
== mountain.
means
the eight natural energies of == sky,
of expression.

fire. ::=
=-= thunder.
earth. ===wind.
::::
becomes ==
and - - =-= water and =rain.they are also used to different
In natural
express
of development of an event or situation.

becomes
-
=-= and - stages
developed medicine.
for example. they are adopted to describe
a
of physical disease; or they can the describe
becomeS -=-= and -) the depth
development
event such as an historical
of an
small scale.
period. a war or
things on a
The six stages. symboliZed by the six lines in a hexagram.
one yang or or situation:
system is completed by
adding in an event
The trt-line
bottom lines reveal two subdivisions or big stages
one yIn line on the top of the already existing
or stage and the yin or hidden stage. For
to become the Eight Great the yang apparent
the two-line symbol an event can move through the three stages of yang:
of
Remember. the hexa- example.
Manifestations of Natural Energy. to == lesser yang. In
a development or order from the from == full yang and =-= strong yang
always expresses from a superficial
gram
bottom up. this progression. the matter is transfonning
level. It also means that the positive yang energy.
to a deeper
Afterwards. the hexagram or six line system was develop- From this position of lesser yang.
an
forms the eight symbols of the Ba is gradually weakening.
ed. Doubling the trigrams event may transfonn into the yin stage
and progress through
are paired with dif- and == strong yin into =
=
the three stages of: == lesseryin
Gua (octahedron). When the trlgrams
are fonned.)
ferent trigrams. the 64 hexagrams of the 1 Ching
full These trigrams express the incn'ase of a negative
yln.
influence. This Is called a \"proceeding regression.\)
 FIve Developb1g Steps Ewressed Numerically 31)

3() Chapter 5 The Five Elements)

there has been a change
the line system was developed
In a sltuaUon of
regressIon.
to complex and from
fro\037n
y After to express different
to hidden. from simple
movese\037som It later came to be used In
apparent
A proceeding progression natural energies and stages,
managed to difI1culL words. the as physical or social
problem, etc. In rocess. However,
such
deep trouble to a slight
other
depiCting complicated phenomena
'
. l'ollo ws a reverse P - an d situations. Following that. the concept of the five elementary
recovery or progresSIOn
that two of the eIght trtg
rams . =
phases developed as way
a to describe the hannonizing and
here ou wI1J notice as descnptive among different and event-
= -. h ave be en dro p ped. They are_ not
used relationships energies
use d t 0 govern = to
conflicting
_
a because =is - ually evolved Into a system for governing complex situations
In such situation
An illustration of the five phases can be seen
stages -
which expresses fire. heating or expansIve change. with simplicity.
==to
of decreasing;
is moving 31 and 51. and in the charts In my book. Tao. the
TWs i\037:ang energy In a process 1!.- In Figures
weaker. subtle Universal Law. StudyIng this materIal can help train
toward becoroingweaker and SImi1ar\037y.=ls used:\037
mcrease of ym.. one's own understanding, one can
=-= === and =:: which expresses
the
the mind. By arranging
g ovem -. cold and deep changes. Regresston a matter or situation. The Five Element System
thJ s represen. ts wate ry
understand
43 and Thi s Ix Is derIved from the eight manifestations of natural energy that
are illustrated In Figures 4.4. vanous \037
and progression
used medicine to descnbe are describedbelow.)
stage process Is In natural

phySical
situations.)

'The Meaning of the Eight Symbols by Trigrams)

The Proceeding Regression
--) --
\",,--
----------)
Transformation
-) Is the full natural impetus of nature as an entirety.)

Watery -- of natural and Is

Fiery Transformation
- --
---) --
--) Is the total stagnation impetus
--
-) without movement or life.
Earth.)
It is a foundation like the

\037) --
--
/')- ./'-.)

---)
...........)
-- - -- -) Is the natural impetus to push
Wood, TIlunder or life
upward.
itself.
such as in
1l expresses

---
vegetation,
--t -....-+-\037--
-\037 --) the great vitality of nature and the vital force contained
-
_--+__\037\037_ ---
In each individual life.)
(FIGURE43))
== Is natura] energy pushing fOlWard, like the flow of
--
The Proceeding Progression Water.)
-------) ----) ---
-) is a
natura] expressed as hollow center or elllpty
---) energy

Transformation Watery Transformation space, like the heart of Fire.)

Fiery
--- --
---) --
-) --) Is nallua]
energy covered by a sllghl obstruction and Is
symbolized by a Lake or Rain
\037)
------) ..,..-) ........)
--- Ills

- -
,.-) .........) has moved too high. like

-_ -- -
--) -) --
-+-- --
--
--))) Is a nalurallmpelus
a Mounlain.)
Ulal

- +-__
- 4--_ --)
4- --)
(FIGURE\302\253))
 FIve Developing StEps Expressed Numerically 33)

is not included in the five elements because it is

32 Chapter 5)
frOIH a)
=
it 1l10VeS Note:
== symbol-
- hllpelus toward
al\037Uon.
represents the iJnpetus of Nature.
---) is a natural
solid base. Jl is like Wind.)
Heaven.
l7.es the
_
full Impetus of the natural force. It represents yang
as oneside
are verbal energy as a wholf\" and cannot be sub-categorized
Heaven. Earth. MOLUltain.
Chi consists of two spheres: yang
Note: The words 1
\037IC..
are meta- of the Tal diagram (which
a type of f\"nerpy. hf\"\037
svmbols used to describe MiSLUlderstandlng
tillS key polnt and yInl.)
rather tilan literal.
phorical use of tile I Ching.)
could limit one's study and
The Deeper of the Five Elements)
Five Elements Meaning

The symbolic Trigrams for the

more than what their names
energies The represent
symbols of the
element trlgrams
the trJ-line
five
The
energy repn.sented 'Water\" has the
by
Thus
symbolize. It is cool
become:) characteristics of fluidity and downward motion.
-- It is a gathertng type of movement.
---) symbolizing
Water) and
It can
liquid.
be gentle and slow.
or dispersing
but it can also be quick. It is not

--- abrupt or sudden. An example of this is the motion of rain

-) symbolizing
Fire)

or airy
water collecting in a beaver dam. which

Another example Is a crowd

slowly trickles out
slowly filling
= Wood. wru.ch includes wind through the stream. then slowly leaving after
-= synlholizing
a concert hall or football stadium. is the breath of
energy.)
the concert or ganle is over. Another example
and gradual.
-- indudes a calm person, slow
-
-) symbofuing
bodies
Metal.
and the
which
stan}' energy of the
all heavenly
sky. The The energy represented by \"Fire\" is explosive
the process of aging or
and hot. It

ones considered stars to be Is a type of bunIing ofT; it speeds up

ancif\"nt developed
Condensation is worn out. It consumes and destroys. It Is also
natural energy. becoming
condensed An example of Fire
beautifying. It is an aiIy type
of reaction.
by the ilnage of Metal.)
is a firecracker. Is
symbolized
energy. besides a bonfire. Another example
is untamed
Earth. which includes Mountain an internal combustion engine. Another example
symbolizing and explosive.
:::: anger: quick. consuming
energy.) The energy of 'Wood\" expresses upward movement. It is
and creative. It consumes and creates some-
expansive plants in
new. It is exemplified by small growing
thing
which consume the seed, water and air to
cre-
the spIing.
as the of a tree or any
ate a plant. It is like the root
The ancient developedonescategorized
Wind and sprout
soU which covers
ill Wood. because no life grows without air. II
plant pushing up to break through the
of thunder
aiIy energy and it is also expressed the movement
is arranged In the Ba Gua Octahedron between Wood it. Thus.
the thick
by
clouds. Another example Is
solid malter, like. breaking through
Fire because il cannot be represented by
growth of a young. successful company.
II ts used in the process of the expansIve the elements
the other four elements. Is cooking. putting together
of Fire.) Another example
burning Wood and is thus
a necessary condition
of a recipe or any creative action which combines different
elements to form something new.
Is contract-
The energy described by the word \"Metal\"
Its Is Inward. It Is cold. It Is)))
Ing and heavy. motion
 Steps ExpressedNwner1caUy 35
FIve Developing

34 Chapter 5 The Traditional Lo Shih Diagram lllustrating

day the Pre-Heaven Order of tbe Eight Manifestations)
of Meta1 energy Is
an overcast
stagnant. An exaIllple of water Into
In winter. Another example
ts the soudifylng
Is depression. which o
Ice. An example In
stagnant energy.
the hUJDan realm
\037oooooooo
/ o
ts tmplodlng. Is stability.
by the word
\"Earth\"
The energy represenled It o
It Is reUable and dependable. o
It ts finn without being rigid. rather. it is a centered
bul II Is not stagnant: I o
Is unmoving.
of Earth energy is the
fOW1daUon
state of being. An example and supporls the structure of the +) o
of a house. which upholds for life activl\037es. o)
a safe environment
building and provides stable person III a
Another example is the
most responsible.
Is the physical body. which
Another example o)
household.
speech and actions In the .b) \037)
provides a base for one's thoughts.
world. liD1lted. will . = even number)
The above illustrations. although hopefully 0= odd number)
of the five element system.)
provide a better W1derstanding 1 = Earth==--) 2 =WInd =
--)
--- or =
The Use of Numbers to Express 3 = Fire) -) 4 = Lake RaIn
-)
the Law of Natural Development)
6 =
5=0) = Mountain
--)
--
-- 8 --
One to five can be expressed as follows;) 7= Water)
--) = Thunder) --
-)
1 = -- Strong (major
force.
or old) yang. 9 = Heaven Of Sky =
-)
the light

2= - Strong (major or old) ytn.

(YIGURE45))
the heavy force.
The Magic Square)
3=
- Lesser (minor or young) yang.
force. electromagnetism.
the young light 2
4 9
Lesser(minor or young) ytn.
4= - the young heavy force. gravity.
3 5 7
The IndJscIimInable whole.
5= 0 the un1f)ring force.) 8 1 6)
(YIOUBE48))

La Shih. Any way the

magic square is derived
from
The
are summed up. the total is fifteen. Now chil-
refer to numbers
For further infonnation regarding the lIne system. dren use 1l as a game. but there is still profound natural
Works oj has been de-
Chapter 61 of the Hua Hu Chillg In The Complete
meaning behind u. This nine house system
Lan Tzu and to Tao. the Subtle Unwersal Law.)
veloped for use in divInation and spiritual practice.)))
 FIve Developl11g Steps EJq>ressedNwnerlcaUy 37)

36 C/wpter 5)
. .)

to Five Elements
TraDSfer
The Eight Symbols

The Traditional Hu To Diagram

0000000)
. . . 0
0
\037Etr
o)
. 0
..
(FIGURE49))
0 one to four are expressed
in this figure. the numbers
.
0
0 the pyramid In Figure 50. the numbers as are
six to
In Figure 45. The numerical
by combinations
. n+n 000 0 nine as shown
0 be expressed as
shown In Figure 47.)
. can also
.
. . .
0
.. .)
0 ';)

Imal!e svmbol Sense

Number 7 l1.\"';\
force
5=6-1 Water - strong
10) & l,\"5\

5=7-2 Fire --
-- weak force
I. , {1-\"on)

5=8-3 Wood
--- light force (FIGURE60)) 10 l5\"\"1.))

A Five is a number whose function is to neutralize

5=9-4 Metal heavy force It is derived from 1 + 4 or 2 + 3 and is
and unify.
of one odd yang number and one even yin
comprtsed
5=0 Earth () field of number.)
harmonization)
B. Five implies establishment.)

(FIGURE47))
numbers six nine are the repetition of
chart. Hu To. C. The through
The center of the above ancient mystical
the numbers one through five In a declining phase.)
shows:)

D. Ten is a number with the implication of stopping

or the full growth of the yin and yang
decreasing
phases.)
E. All numbers contain zero and one. The establish-
EEl) is the number one. and that which is estab-
ing factor
(FIOURE4ft)) lished is zero,)

middle \"five\" expresses the balancing force and is which

The
The F. Thus the number five is an establishment
field. like the element \"Earth.\"
the unlfYing
central
as can be expressed
by \"7.ero\" and contains the possibility
universal basic energy strong
square expresses the lesser of going further up or down.)))
yang. strong yin. lesser yang and yin.)
 Chapter 6)

38 Chnpter 5
the five natural THE V ARlOUS ENERGY CYCLES
be symbolized by
G. One to five can
OF NATURE)
phenomena:)
1. Water
2. Fire the T\"ai Chi Tu
3. Wood I. Yin and Yang Expressed in

4. Metal
51))
(Jl\"l0URR
5. Earth) '0'
I ..) Pi. The Tal Chi Symbol)
above figure. the vertical lines
H In the square In the hortzontal
the rejection of each other.
The
express Five is the
relation of generating.
lines express the
coheres the other Great Four,
neutralizing force which

thus it is zero.) Q)
(FIGURE53))

and Harmonization Each Tal Chi Tu has three aspects:)

The Four Forces
of Lo Shih and Hu To
Derived from the Combination
yang (the white sIde)
differentsystems of order.
The yin (the dark side)
Hu To and Lo Shih are
the circle representing their Integration.)
the balance poInt that can be
f01llld In
number five expresses
The undisclosed spiritual practice
each clrcumst.ance.
Is to realize this purpose (of These two complementary spheres that exist togetller rep-
contained In these d1ragrams and This Is the resent Ule relativity of all existence. both in the physical and
balance) mentally. physically spiritually.
TaD Teh Ching. and other Ule conct'ptual uwverse.
sphere Is a small circle. The circlein
teaching In the 1 Ching. the
each
cenlral Localed wiUlln
spiritual works of equivalent depth.)
Is called \"tile In yang:' and Ule circle in yin is called
yin
yang is
\"the yang in yin.\" It Is understood that furtht'r integration
circle increases into
'Yang enDJ!Y \037 brought fortll in each sphere as the small
from stTOfIJI !P'IJ anoUler Tal Chi.
tofaseryin) From the smallt'st elemt'nt in tht' lmiverse to the largest.
the Tal Chi Tu represents the integration of the wliverse in
Its totality.
Chi slands completeand while at
........( \\- Each Tai indt'pendent
\".. - \"' _........ the same lime being part of the larger whole. This
one sIllall
is Illustrated in Figure 54 bt'low. This precepl can also ut'
Jo;.::;;; Jo;.::;;
10 the model of an individual human lift'. TIle
applied
universe is a unilled existence like an individual hwnan
_\037 J ==
being. and an individual human life is a unilled existelwe.

jusl like tht' universe.)))

'Tin enDJ!Y durrAsur6
ftutn stTOfIJI yin
to \302\243USa
!P'IJ)

(I'1GUIUt62))

order.
Left to right (clockwise) movement ts the generating
movement Is the revolu-
Right to left (counterclockwise)
tionary order.)
 TI1e VarIOus Energy Cycles oj Nature 41)

40 Chapler 6 left side of the

In presenting the lunar cycle. the (yang)
Each Tal Stands Independent from the
Chi
of the Larger Whole) Tal Chi Tu expressesthe moonlight Increastng
of a
as a Small Part
\"new moon\" upward. Around the fifteenth day
vertical middle line is
Chinese calendar.the hypothetical
reached and the moon is at its fullest. Then the
half of a moon cycle
decreasing moonlight follows the next the
(I}) for around fIfteen more days. The right side presents
darkness of the nlghl.
In presenting the yearly solar cycle. the left (light) side
the seasons of Spring and Summer and the
represents seasons of Fall and Winter.
right (dark) represents the
In presenting a human life cycle. the lower left
while the
the first half left upperthe expresses
54))
II\"IGURE
expresses
second half. The right side represents a person before
B. Four Ways to Present the T'ai Chi Tu birth and after death.)

Q
1. (J _ Os \"'\" _bot
of and
<hat \"\"\"\"'-
yang.
,\037
Yang is 3. \"'\" as
TWs
the
orientation
others. the
has the same meaning
only difference being to
the Integration yIn and purposes
presents
energy.
light
thus it rises to the Wgher show the highest point of the cycle in the middle
of the
in a dally cycle. the full moon in
generating. is receptive, heavy energy
sphere. YIn. its
opposIte.
In general. yang top curve. This is noon
sinks the lower sphere. and Summer
and thus to
representing the a lunar cycle. the Wgh point between Spring
age in a human life.)
Increase.
tends to rise. progress and
of nature. Yln tends to In a yearly cycle and middle
creative, active movement
representing the receptive
sink. reverse and decrease,
of
less active movement of
nature. The principle
and
is
and balance as the Tal CW
presented
equilibrium elements,
Tu.. the Interaction of the two different

\037) This more dramatically ex-

4. symbol
natural energy flow in its process or ac-
presses the
of the two op-
celeration. The dimensIons and states
are dearly shown, as well as the
--(!t--- _-\" \"'\" m..-gy\"- posite energy flows
wWch 'The faster the flow
2. oymboI
the cy- important principle says,
the more rapid its decrease.\" This princi-
cycles, and
of daily cycles. moon cycles. yearly
In general cir- progresses.
lifetime of natural phenomena,
cles of an Individual person's can be understood In tenns
force and Wstorical events. The
represents the ple
cumstances. In a daily cycle, yang vivid
the darkness of human physical that
light of daytime and yIn represents movement. the active flow, and the principle
the Tal Tu with a horizontal are all
growth and decline are proportionally
If we bisect CW related
night.
lower half represents the period from mid-
the
line.
to noon. The dark Is exhausted and gives pictured In this diagram. expressed In
night yIn
There is another important principle
to the growing yang. The upper half represents
Tal which says: When reaches its
way
and gives way the Chi Tu yang
the afternoon as yang energy decreases
fullest. yin grows. and when yin is at its fullest. yang)))
to the growing yIn loward midnight.)
 The VarlDus Energy Cyclesof Nah.lre 43)

42 Chapter 6 this is to understand the foundation of

with- understand
All cycles follow this principle
spiIitual truth, the great secret of which is Immortal
starts on Its way.
One has access to the way of cultivatIon
out exception. cultivation.
methods rep-
through all of my books.)
and
There are still more principles wI-uch await further
resented by the Tal Chi Tu symbol
dIscovery .)
B. Four Divisions)
Ordinary Human Life)
U. Use of Yin/Yang cycles in

A. Two Divisions

(YIGURE56))

represents the first quarter of life)

represents the second quarter of life)

(P'IGURE55]) \037)
- . represents the third quarter of life)
life
The yang (light) sphere representsuncertain death - - , the fourth
ytn (dark) sphere represents quarter of life)
The represents

of the universe, according to the

The basic structure
Taotst view. consists of three spheres: The length of each stage In an Individual life is not
as O. determined by the length of time. Instead, the endurance
Heaven. or the spiritual realm, symbolized
of energy decides the of time. Ordinary lives fill up
. .
length
of time, such as how many years a person lives.
Earth. or the matertal realm. symbolized as a \"frame\"
It does not actually
but a \"year\" is only a mark of time.

MankJnd. containing all lives. symbolized as (j. represent the living situation of the person. When one's
or subtle energy withers. life ceases. Therefore, in
yang
order to maintain life, subtle energy must be cultivated.
spirttual science of the
the natural spiritual path. \037
In
achievement. There is no other way. ThIs Is the fundamental viewpOint
a general human life before 0
represents
total fulfillment, as- of ancient naturally developed ones. Lengthening the
representscompleted purtfication,
which curve of life's cycle ts, In reality, lengthening life.
cension or the pure yang body of an immortal one yang
used metaphors to tell the truth which
Is without
tion, downwardness,
any rema1nJ.ng ytn.
ghosts,
.
bondage
represents
and sorrow.
contamina- Ancient masters
is elucidated In my books, but it still requires daily sell-
cultivation 10 develop one's responsiveness and to expert-
To be Is to lengthen the yang or subtle cy-
of Ule Instruction. Total understanding
natural
the or ence the depth
cle. To be supernatural
Is to eliminate yIn
and trust are required for development and achievement.
gross sphere and becomepurely
subtle.
spent chasing Otherwise. my books would be no dilTerent than ordinary -
In contrast. human life is usually books.
after death, and often the gross cycletakes charge of
From the understanding 01 the above, an individual
the entirety of one's life, take responsibility for his life and apply the fol-
to yang and subtle-
should
It is obvious that life belongs
to lowing virtuous practices:)))
ness, while death belongs ytn and grossness. To)
 7he Various Energy CyclesoJNature 45

6)
44 C/uJpter In this illustration of the four d1v1slons
daIly of the
self-cultivation the yang energy Is shown rIslng through
self-control solar cycle.
self-adjustment
the morning hours and peaking at noon when the yin
self-communion self-examlI1 ation In the illustration below (Figure 59).
self-discipline self_unprovement cycle begms.
maxlIDum yang at noon Is shown on the left.
self-government self-regulation
self-Imowledge self-sustenance) \"\"\"\"\"\"'i)
self-surrender)
developed
understood by the ancient spiritually
As
!hese virtuous qualIties wIth
ones, to consistently practice of the uniVerse and
of
slncerIty is to grasp !he meanIng \"\"\"\"\ -mlbn\037)

human life.

in the Dally Cycle

C. Yin and Yang
(FIGURE59))
Division of the Two Phases even-inq

\"OD\"'\ According to the energy differences. yang energy be-

comes too strong In the head area at the time close to
noon. Although this is not a good time for cultivating
it is still okay for handling other daily affairs. The best
time for self-cultivation Is In the early morning when yang
energy is not yet too strong.
In the first part of the yin sphere. yin energy is still
shallow and usable for some work. The laUer part of the
ffi)
yin sphere. when the energy becomes deeper.is time for
If1GURE57) \037kf\037
rest and noi for engagmg in work.)
cultivation. the
Not\302\243: In spiritual way of
!he natural of yang
hours between midnight and noon are composed D. Yin and yang in the Lunar Cycle)
noon and midnight are
energy. while !he hours between
energy gives vitalizing sup-
composedofytn energy. Yang
while ytn energy devitalizes activi- VIe- \037 \"\"\",on)
port to human activity. cultivation occurs dur-
ty. All unportant spiritual
energy
!he cycle.
Ing !he yang part of
Division of the Four Phases)

'04,,\"\",)

\302\245e.n\\\037)
1I)CAA1-\037)

\037 n.W\" moon-)

m\037lI\037) (P10URE OOJ)

(P1GURIt58))))
 I
I
\\
I
The Various Energy Cyclesoj Nature 47) \\

\\
6 influence the development I
46 C/wpt\302\243r 4. The phases of lunar energy
a circle. fetus.
is a traIght line cut through
chord of the brain of a newly conceived If conception \\
A \"chord\" moon the \"upper durin!?; a night with good moonlight. along with I)
:au the half
of the
sphere occurs
of the brain of
Thus
,\037e CW:;e\037: waxtng in the left part
when other nonnal conditions. the development
moon \"lower chord moon\" child will be benef1led.)
) . They call the
it the
of the sphere. The
future
(Figure \037en half
it wanes thr ou gh th e ...\037ht
,..\".' moo n .
\"
of the brain.
moon is called the \"eyebrow develops from the n\037 5. The moon influences the right hemisphere
n
chord.\" which fUll whereas solar energy influences the left. The balance of
increasing . and reaches
\037e \"upper for the
the two hemispheres of the brain.
the intuitive right side
moon, i s fr esh . is worn out an d d ecreasin g . , side. is important for high
n . The '10wer cord\" effects of the moon s and the intellectual left

m\037 e t n1fYing
and sedating
life. During the up- development. The supporting. balancing energy from
to human emotional the nature includes the Big Dipper. the first five planets. and
cy cl
\037end
one feels tonJfied. and d\037g s emo- constellations. among others.)
r e\037hord phases. one the twenty-eight
kwer chord sedated.
One should regulate
this cycle.
balance during do not give birth to the soul. they only provide
ti ons in order to maintaJn self-cultivation is during all phases 6. Parents
The correct time for fonn. The great work of giving a body to a
during the full lower .chord the physical
is the primary work of the
of the moon. but espedallyend of the cycle when no light is soul for mundane development
is the of of the daily cycle. A good
\"N moon\" is the lunar and solar energy phases
:\037\037\037fro\037 the moon.
The New Mo<;>n
called
. eyebrow begt\037gmoon. !t soul comes from the pure sphere of the universe on its
Is also When the parents have
a new cycle. and or the be\037;nnin 0---- g of a
new cycle. It IS voyage of continual evolution.
sugges t s new liIie
with the moon. F or intercourse. an opportunity is created for the seed and egg
beneficial to grow one's energy to meet. Although pregnancy takes ten full moons to
a gentle young energy spr?ul. soul comes to ride in
reasons of protecting must be aVOIded complete. the integration of a visiting
emotional excitement or outbursts this one particular moment of integration
of paternal and
during the new moon.
maternal energies. The aura of a couple
during inter-

Further Applications of Figure

60 course is what attracts the soul. and a good soul \\vill I
E. choice
always make the correct \\vithout hesitation.) i
I
moon one should fast or I
1. On the of the new the I
7. The variation among souls is enonnous. Life'sfonn
day
diet in order to benefit from is
keep a clean.
I
simple
but a vessel; what is inside is most important. Parents
moon's refreshing energy.

only give life to fonn. they

cannot give birth to a soul. \\
I

the full moon (the fifteenth

or sixteenth day
All souls were once pure.
I)
2. During
The liquid energy of
Soul birth is the work of nature.
of the lunar cycle) the tide
rises.
these but the contamination of worldly life has made them I
body also rises
at this time. Owing defects.)
I
the human
affairs which require a
con- impure with \"post-Heavenly\" \\
days, one should avoid
\\
amount of care, delicacy and gentleness.
8. Lunar not only draws water the ocean. but
since it enables one
siderable from
energy
This is a good time for cultivating
can also affect the O\\'ulation and menstruation of a
to achieve clarity. wOlnan. The menstnlatlon of ancient women always oc- \\
thus is the symbol
of the moon's cycle. before curred during the full moon. the moon
3. During the closing days
or contract- of the female in spiritual symbology and the sun is the
at the time of no moon. the attracting
and
is released. On the day symbol of the male. This natural female cycle has be- \\)))
force of the moon's energy social and Intellectual
Ing
the energy is at its lowest, calmness should be comedisordered.however. through
when
CIylng or other acllvitles which create internal disturbance and psv cho -
maintained. One should avoid singing.
emotional outbursts.) logical prohlems.)
 TI1e VaIious Energy Cyclesoj Na!uTe 49

48 Chapter- 6)
Increases from B. Four Phases of Natural Energy)
In the uterus naturally
during
Congestion until It Is released
new moon
the time of the
a woman' s natural cycle
the moon. Sometimes
full
with the moon's cycle. Only
not correspond all does one
does
when menstruation does not take place at
consequences. A) A)
to see definite unnatural
begin '\"-\"'\" \"........
y\"\",,)
-..
yo,.)
.hoJ.J.OW
y,,.)
y..,.
F. Lunar and Solar Energies in a Yearly Cycle)
(F10URE63))
\037
50J,.5CJC.\342\202\254) C. Six Phases of Natural Energy

The Yang Group

r\" \"\"\"'\
qeneAA1. YAnf)

7\"\037:: ::)

=\037l.
-Y6lU'<\\-1. = = .. ,rb\037 \037\037 SQutOOI') SMUOW. U!I5......,
\037
z\"'-') VI\037OItOU(\\.
1)\302\2531'.
m,NlJ.e-
y\037) 0... YO\"\"\",, '1\"\"\"'4)
0\"- eLb\037 VAh<;
(F10URE 64))

Deep yang obtains the bottom line from)

t10\037) Middle yang obtains the middle line from

moon)
11\037

Shallow yang obtains the top line from)

WmUR,.
,ou-.;..:e-)
(I\"IOURE81J)
The Yin Group

The of the twelve hexagrams express the

Cjene\\VJ, )'111-)
cycles of ea('h new
variations of solar energy at the beginning
Chinese New Year is characlerized
moon. Notice that the This roughly
by the first
new moon In the early Spring.
to February/March of the Western calendar.)
corresponds
m'/)l)J,.\037 YIO) (\\hJ\\U.ow.l\037\"\"\" ,
beep. \",\037, Oil. 0\",- \"0'-'\"4; Yln.)
A Deeper Observation of the Natural Energy eLbeJ\\, Vu..)
w.
Phases. Their Symbols and Meanings (F101JRlt85))

Deep yin obtains the bottom line from

A Two Phases of Natural Energy) _ _

=-= Middle yin obtains U1e middle line from

t.-) \"Vln.-)
YAn,>\
===. Shallow yin obtains U1e top line from)))

(F10URE 62))
 11le Various Energy CyclesoJNature 51

50 Chapter 6 The Eight Phases and the Seasonal Changes)

dls- E.
of symptoms. any
According to a group
be cI assIfied b y the
above six divisions of
-- - --
ease can na t ur al h ealin g
and yang. and
the appropriate ,\"\"\"\"\"- ......moo< _n
\037O\037C:Ic.e \0371r)S
yin 1\0371n5
methods can be applied.)
- -=1> -
AI4t\"II1Mt
D. Eight PhaSes of Natural Energy) -.rv-l
.eqwnC;(
mrll..bmoon
(IF.eAoC1\\
5eA6On ......no<

-- -- -
1. The Yang Group) wmu.<. WIf){\"f1l-
.5plilJ\037 '01>'U&
,ec;IM J\302\253;'''')
full or old yang vigorous yang)

(PTGURE6'7J)
shallow yang)
middle yang)
IV, The Universal Cycle of Energy Phases

A. The Five Elementary Phases of Natural Energy

2. The Yin Group
J[.
or old deep yin) :It
:: :: full yin CCOt:RA4:-t:UU; -pbaoe,
pROSpem\"Oq
shallow yin) ll\"1W) (meu.1,.))
=:= middle yin)

3. Diagram of proportionate expression

we take the familiar circular expression gl
If
from the Tal Chi d1agram\037
yin/yang proportionality
it on a linear place to Illustrate the
and represent of one :t
phases of the two great manifestations
qefJ e1W>Z1.1\"Jq
eight
in gradation. we have:) -pMse
prtmal natural energy
We.teCM:WO om -woo\037))

(P'lGURE68))

The symbolic words Wood. Fire. Earth. Metal and Water

are classificationsor phases of natural energy. but Uley
cannot be rigidly interpreted. They are absract represen-
=== 1!IC; YII\037) tations of the cyclic reality of natural energy and the
interwoven relationships of all phenomena. TIleconslruc-
== mlbbLe- \"'In) tive order of natural energy is expressed below:)

== \037h4U.oW Vln) 1. Water gives life to Wood (vegetation).

=)
f1A.U yoJ1\037
2. Wood gives life to Fire.
3. Fire brings forth Earth (ash).
4. Earth creates Metal as the bone of Earth.

(P'IGURE66)) 5. Metal can be transfonned back into a liquid.)))

 TIle Various Energy Cyclesof Nature 53)
52 Chnpter 6
C.)
B. TheTen Celestial phases
C\"UU)
.u\",
(;{\\)

J'\

!..)
.!.)

(FIQURE70))

D. Understanding the Symbols of the Celestial

Stems
, Jja
like a
(yang wood): the Image of
the earth.
breaking
through. sprout breaking through
.z
JUt> Z Vi (yin wood): the Image of early growth with
(WIIU'<-) young. bending stems and branches.
(FIQURE89)

Wood strong generating force \037 Bjen (yang fire): the Image of the life force ex-
Jla
VI
yang
Wood weak generating force panding like a beautiful fire.
y1n
Fire strong developing force :r Ding (yin fire): the Image of a new life becom-
Bien yang
Fire weak developing force ing fully grown.
DIng y1n
Earth stabilizing force \037 Woo (yang earth): the Image of luxuriant
Woo yang strong
Jj Earth weak stabilizing force growth and prosperous development.
y1n

Metal strong refonning force 2. Jj (yin earth): the Image of distinguishable

Geng yang attributes.
Hsin y1n Metal weak reforming force features and

Ren yang Water strong returning force \037 Geng (yang metal): the Image of the beginning
of reversal. the next
Que! y1n
Water weak returning force) energy retreating until Spring.)))
 TIleVarious Energy Cycles of NahJre 55
54 Chapter 6
of withdrawIng. F. The Twelve Terrestrial Branches)
\037 Hsin (yin metal): the lInage

water): the of the life energy

-:f Ren (yang lInage
nurtured deeply within, like a pregnant mother

nourtshing \\be fetus.

of regathering of a
\037 Quei (yin water): the lInage cultivated.
new life force. Underground and inviSibly
\"-\"'
It awaits a new breakthrough.)

Found Within the Celestial Stems) t;'

E. Relationships ...u. oR-
1U>'V1.Y'\\

\".....)
\037

(FIGURE72)

Hal yIn Water

Tze yang Water Retuming/Retreating
Chul yIn Earth \037 Phase

Ein yang Wood

Mao yIn Wood Generating/Reviving
Ch'en yang Earth \037 Phase
earu:I>-
(FIGURI!:71)

1. indicates the same elemental phase (energy). Sze yIn Fire

8 Wu yang Fire Prospering/Developing
2.0--0 indicates an incorporated team. Wel yIn Earth \037 Phase
3. X indicates fighting and conquering.
Shen yang Metal
4.
DO Indicates yIn and yang energy respectively. Yu yIn Metal Contracting/Revolving
can conquer the Shu yang Earth I Phase
5. The yIn phase of any stem same
energy as the yang phase.)))
 TI1eVarious Energy Cycles oj Nature 57
56 Chopter 6
of the Twelve H. The Relstionships Found Within the Twelve
G. Understanding the symbols Branches)
Earthly Branches
1) Harmonious Order

Water): the image of the reproduc-

::f Tze (yang the earth. absorb-
Uvenessof life. like a seed beneath
nulriUon for development. E{---\302\243J
ing moisture and
\037
11 Earth): the image of a sprout before
ye,: :,9
:
Chui (yin
words, underground
It reaches the surface. In other

growth.
e HI
\\Q
I
\037y,
the image of a crawling I I
'1t. Ein (yang Wood):
of aIr. Its final
, ' ,
sprout as It meets the warmth ,
' : :
I
stretch out of the earth.
InAO
\037
T
; ::
':
\037
. s\037
9P Mao (yin Wood): the image of luxurtant vege- EJ ,
'
I I 8
tation dancing in the sunshine, 1/ : \"A\"

U}: ' M1-

JR Ch'en (yang Earth): the image of full awaken- \037 I
.lL
ing for the coming growth. 7'

e Sze (yin Fire): the image of preparation for

(FlGURE73))
\037
2) Enforcing Order)
ripeness. If
......)

tr Wu (yang Fire): the image of growth as It

reaches its peak.

-m- Wel (yin Earth): the image of the sweet taste

that expresses ripeness and mellowness.

Shen
\302\243f3 (yang Metal): the image of full ripeness
and the time of harvest. 'fu\037)
\037-m.w)

tlB Yu (yIn Metal): the image of recollectingafter

a rich yield.

\037 Shu (yang Earth): the image of retreating

from the visIble excitement of life.
1; or core
J<. Hal (yIn Water): the image of the seed \037
(J\\QURK7oI))
awaiting its next growth.) f)))
 TI1e Var10us Energy Cycles of Nature 59)
58 Chapter 6
paired phases Inter-are 3) Persecuting Order)
In Figure 73. horizontally
act harmoniously and
paired phases
vertically
combIne to form one @)
antagonistic. Horizontal For pairs
example, Wu/Wei is Fire.
of the five phases.
Is Water. ChenfYu is Metal, Mao/Shu is
Sze/Shen
is Wood. and Chui/Tze Is
Earth.)
FIre. EIn/HaI

:r ffze. Yang Water) and

..lL (Chui. YIn Earth)
come together to become \"productive Earth.\ mAO)
9P 8)
'If (EIn, Yang Wood) and
1{ (Hal, YIn Water)
come together to become \"growIng Vegetation.\"

9P (Mao. Yin Wood) and

\037 (Shu, Yang Earth)
come together to be \"useful Fire.\
rzc.
Ri (Chen. Yang Earth) and (P10URE75)) 7-)
\037 (Yu, Yin Metal)
come together to become \"usable Metal.\ In Figure 75, the persecuting phases are shown in)
the following four categortes:
e (Sze,YIn Fire) and
Group persecuting: Shen. Sze. Ein
. (Shen, Yang Metal)
Water.\
come together to become \"transforming Imbalanced triangle: Chui, Wei. Shu
Mutually persecuting: Tze. Mao
if- (WU. Yang Fire) and
\037 (Wel. YIn Earth)
Self persecuting:) Chen. Wu. Yu. Hal)

come together to become fiery and light.

situation
This is created by the different aspects of fonn-
Each pair is in harmonious relationsWp and through
ing new relationsWps. Sze and Shen are friends in relation-
a new
ship, but Shen and Ein are in opposItion. When the three
mutual cooperation attains nature.)

come together. they form a new relationship as persecuting

In Figure 74. the four triangles show phases order.
that are The dotted lines show Chui and Shu are in relationsWp, but Chui and Wel are
mutually enforcIng.
the phases that destroy each other. The triangles In opposition. When the three come together, they fonn a
also fonn an element. Shen!Tze!Chen are Water, new relationsWp as persecuting order.
HaJ!Mao!Wei are Wood. Ein!Wu!Shu are Fire. and When Tze and Mao come together. they fonn a persecut-
Sze!Yu!Chuiare Metal.)
ing relationsWp.
The above is created by the aspects as shown in Figure
75.)))
 TI1e Various Energy Cyclesof Nature 61
60 Chapter 6
Stems J. The Complete Sixty Cycle Energy Phases
I. The Interrelation of the Ten Celestial
and the Twelve Terrestrial Branches 1. Six Groups of Ten Cycles
the Twelve Branches 12 nl
1) The With \037 \037
Stems
Ten
(]'fA) 11\\&) (\"\037) (.0\"\"1) (8\"!n) I em ) (<\\ik{U (L)
yo..\"q ....i:ln4 \"n> \"n> VoU><; ...\"\"\" Ym ..\",,,
wood JI - CHUI - WEI earth wvob w<\\u\037 wool> \037 FlU \"\"\"Db \"'Re woob
JIA EIN
I\037 Ii< i!. (6) e .It 17 . I I
2Z *
, \" wood GENG
Z,
- SHEN metal A
(wuh) (Chen)
yo.nq -vo.nq
(J')
Yln
(sze)
y.n-
(.;en<;)
v_
I\037)
\"'''''4
(,NIft.)
\"',,'
l'WeI'
\"\"I-
YI MAO eARXf> \037 1'1R.6 maA.I. 1\"\037 _\"\"-1. \037
,.uu;b
Z IJP
\037 ., -!; (9) 10) \037
fire HSIN - YU metal (mn) (SMn) (\037I-) IV,,)
BIEN WU
\037 \"'''-'''1 V\"-r></ ym Yln
\037 1f- t ......u... _ca.1, 1mUK. \037
- fire REN - TZE water
DING SZE
T e .z \037
'\" \'") 141 .ll
- CHEN - SHU earth QUEI - HAl water (,....) (
\03713I\037
(Bum) ) 1M\"\") (Cb<>1)
WUH
\"\"\"\"\" ...At><; V.uw; ...m 'I\"In
\037 .\037 Jt< \037 \037) wDDb eo.m:h- 1'1_ w...ull. \"t'\\1IJ! \037
(,1 fj (7) .q, I) e
76)) t........N (em) (<;er>4) (Chen) I'\" ) (5241)
(JI\"IGURE
B -V<U>4 yo.nq V\"\"\",, \"An<; vm .....n
Ten Stems) oS<LKrl> -woob ma.u. eAJ<a> metAl. \"\"'V
2) The Twelve Branches With the
\037 (9) Jr-
IJW1) (\"\"'\
.,....... V..\"q
TZE water DING
J\" fire w\"\"\"- \"F'1W>
IQUEI\037
J- WuLf ! JI C earth

water ., (11 Z I.U \037 \037 l)1

QUEI\037 YI (]....) (SMn) 1'1'.) IV...) (11\"''') (ShU)
\037 vegetation
JI i?- earth \"AnQ ...\037 \"Y'>n V.n Van<; ...\037
CHUI:!1, e., earth -w\"'''6 -\037 -wwb \037J, \",,'V c=
1 metal WElt ut J- 2- (61 .ll 171 I) ,
HSINf , :ING J fire
C. 1-wW\302\273(,Z4Ol lJI) (<;e.,q)
IC\"\"-\302\273 (etn) 1M'''') (1IlAD1
fire ...\"\"\" \"\"'\" y,n '1',1> Van.; ...ana Y1ft '1',1>
earth .A.R,.C.1). WAU\037 \037 e= _..u. W1><'b \037 w.,.,<\\
JlA rp vegetation -Ie (9) Hi \037 001 e
EIN\037 SHEN GENG metal l!le n) ) (_.) ISzel
earth 1t (et>el>
r\037\037
WUH\037 ; r\"\037 V<tm1 \037 V.\" 'I\"In
REN water
-\302\243 W\037 \037h- ....uK. \"'''''
L vegetation
metal
I HSIN
MAOplYI YU@ f , 1'1 4- \037 l\" T l4' \037
Z vegetation (1....) 1\"'\" (B.en) (5I><'n) l<\\inql n....)
metal \"(\"-\"'/ -y...,q Y<U14 \"An<; )'In. y.n
CHEN WUH fl< earth t \",\"\"ob 1\" Jl& f'\037 --tAl. 1'''te \037
\037 WUH earth (\" l7'
I\" SHU\037 \037 I I
QUEI\037 water ('WUI\302\273151>(0.) 13' ) IMm)
6 (4<!nql \037z;e) (c.....\"
DING T
!\"\"\" fire \"Y1b ...\037
\"\"'\"\" -VAn<; ....u>o1 \"'I\"1n .......
\",. \037 earth e.<tKrI> e.utn> '111o!c..\037 \037 tnKAL eCoJ<t:t>
-r 191
SZE BIEN REN\302\243 water
e \037 fire Olen) le.I\302\273
I GENG HAI\037 JIA 'Y\037 \037
\037 metal
I vegetation wa.u1\\.. \"\",ob)))
if' -)

(FIGURE71))
 TIle Various Energy oJ
Cyct\302\243s Nature 63
62 6)
Chapt\302\243r

.u Z (OJ \302\243 \037

I.'\" 2. Cross ReferenceChart of Stems to Branches)
. It.
(\"i' J (5%<0) (1!\"'n.)
\"J.A, (,Chen)
\"iAtJ4 VNJ4 -vt-fJ. -yln Y..\"q
.\",...e \"!'.\037
,... ee\0376C\"\"1,
UAAU\037AJ.. \037
.....01> eaJt.t\"l> .,.\".,,\\ \037.U
(7J sc..,...; CYC\"\" 1 CYC\",,:t CYCU J CYc.1.e 4- eYc.1.'-' 5 CYCU 6)
IS' 2- 16J ft ,.. \037
t\"M>h) (5\037' \\7\" t\"\" I (QeMJ (510\302\2531 .If- .IJ; 'ii
\342\202\254 \"\",.\"q -\"/IU1Q (\037';,'I) (\037) (s\037) (5\037) (.......) (.c:I>en-J te\\n)
y\"\"\" \"i1U'4 -y>f> 'V\\\"
e.<U<rI> \037 \037rAJ. e.uu:I1-) ,..... IjiI , ...,.\"q Y\"-'>4 yan<; \"'1I>n4 'Y'U\\<1 y,.\"q
eaJtrII- _CAJ. \"Wl'O\" -wAUR \037 -meClU,. \"!\"M ea.ro::l> woob)
(JIA)
\037 (91 . (\037. .lL
1
(c\"'\ ,..- 11.. 1( 11! e
(\037 (CuI (<l\"'!')
, bt>e.) (ct>tM-) (\"hM) ty...) (Jt) (SU) lL)
y..\".; \"i\\.b .vi'\" .,Jtj>WtOh-
\"\"..\".; ,....
.......\037 -w\037) 'W\037\037) -woob) y,n \"\",\" \037n. \"'1'\\1) ...,n -y,,,
(\037) \037\"\"- ....\037 -me\037 \037 \"!\"\037 ,\"\"\"ob)

:r (41 \302\243 'Iil 4- '*

z ..., 'II' \037 '\" 11< ( eJCI'lIDSwn.) (bl (:t,.) (\037\ (-.J
(V'I) (-.-1 tile\" (CMI\302\273(,\\,,,,) (5:<e) (e1-n) (c.f>e\\11
...- \037...n. \"\"n i>I\"i\037 ...\037 ...<W<1 \"YA1>4 yan<; YA1>4 \"\"'-\"'1
.....\"q 1'JM 'fI-Re elUU'h- \037
\037\037 \037\037 1',.... e\037 .\",\037 (sl\302\243Il) -wool> -\"WUUI\\. ......=\\.) \"!'\\>I<!

(J ,7J ( J z) .JL \037 11! e

e W...) (fUU. QItOWV\302\273 (\"Y...) (&e)
(\"\",\"I (t;er><;) (-) (!o) (ChUI) (1\"U) (-W\037t.)
CJ')
l') \"''' 'V\\I> \"iat1<1 \"\"NIt; -''{In \"\"\"I> '/'>I> J 1'11\302\2531 ...,,,
....1) ...,,, -y,t) \"''' \037n
64OICI> \037 '\\IIE=1. -me=!.) _.....1, _CAJ.) (\03711IIi) 'Wt'\037 \037 ....\037 -mer41. EAIW>- 1\"\037
\"\" 4-
\037 (10) Ii<
(IZI>EI) tNU) I\037\",
( 1,.1>-\037)
\"...\"we!> (e!n)
( CI><!f\302\273 (\037) (::...) (5\037) (.,.,..,
\"\",\" -y,n I'-\037 OJ \037 '\"fonq -VIuu1 y\"-,,,/ <i_ \"YNIt; 'VIIn<1
\037 'W!LU'\ lm0) \037 'W\\>ob W\037 \037 \037 ...'\037

(P'lGURE78)) , e .R. \" III

l\037\037h-) (see) JtW) (\037t.) (MU (\"Y...) \037')
Charts A through F show the complete com- ilt>
Z \037) -y,,,
\037
\"y.\"
eAltO>
\"\"\" \"\"n
\037
\037\"
0') \037 \037
bination of the Ten Celestial Stems with the Twelve 1'1\037

Terrestrial Branches in sIx groups of ten each, mak- s&;,n. .If. fir f- \037 .
( ttf>\037 ) (WU-) lC-bel> ) <e1f,,) (U'-') (5\"\ (-)
up an entire cycle of sixty
j_\037'
ing phases\" -y,.\"q \"V\".u><1 -yanq -\"{/U'IQ \"yas>q
of the year in which ,-..,!it meC4l.
To figure out the energy </enq) 1'>>I<! \037 \037\"Z 'WaWl \037 \037
you were bom. or any other year, work backwards 4)
) it E- .1l.. \" a
F-IO (Quei/HaI) which Is 1983.
l\037,r>q
or forwards from twel) (see) (L) (.Cf\\UI) (M\\) (VI-' )

1973.for instance. would be E-IO. 1963 would be \037

-Y>l) \"r\0371-f) y'1) Ytn \"\"\" \"1'\\1)
t \037 \037\037\037be.uu::h- -\037 \037\037
A quick way to calculate past
1'f\037
D-I0. and so forth.
(1)8111)
in the current cycle f- \037
years is to know that <.\037) \037 .tr \037
or future lue)
Quei/HaI not only 1983. but also 1923, 1863 or
( CI\\\302\243n.) CJtJ\"-)
is YM'I
-or -W\037
(5MI\302\273 (W<\\.)
\"V\"AA4
(e\037)
\"IlUJQ '\"\\'/UJI/
2043. (JW\302\273 -.Xe\037 1<'M \037 \037\037 \037It MPJ:I>
If you were to chart the sixty phases as a cir- 5\
II i e .JL t
cle. each combined pair of phases would represent ( _nC<:l.!,.W' ) ty\\o.) (___I) (\037U) (le) (CIIa\\) \037)
\037II \"'\" \"'''
sIx degrees of the circle. -',t \037 \037t) 'V\\\"
\037)
\"'1'\\\"
...10le)
\"\"\"
\"\"\"'.\\) \037)
(_I)) _\037u..) -mtU\"-)
The upper or Celestial phases begin with the
generating phase, Wood. The lower or Terrestrial (F1GURE79))

phases begin with the retunIlng phase, Water.

Since the generating force comes from the vastness To trace the cycle of sIxty phases from beginning to end.
of the universe, the Earth responds with that which read the Celestial Stems in the far left column, from top
is substantial (water), the source of all earthly life,) to bottom. and match them with the Terrestrial Branches
of Cycle 1. from top to bottom. Then repeat the process,
matching the Stems with Cycle 2, 3 and so forth.)))
 TI1e Various Energy Cycles of Nature 65)
64 6
Clwpf\302\243r

of the Five Elements) 4. Sixty Interacting Phases in Cyclic Rotation)

3. Si1rty-Cycle Interaction

(PTGURE80))

chart illustrates the cyclic movement and

Interre- (PTGURE8l))
'Ihis
lationships of the five phases of natural energy as outlIned
laws are expressed In this In the cycle of sixty. each IndMdual unit of
In Figure 70. Many important -
counterclockwise. the law of generation combIned energy Is a begInnIng, a transition and an
cycle. MuvIng - It is also a part
which Is applied In the science of harmonics In music end. It is complete unto Itself. of
Stems. else. The universe is comprised of
occurs at every eight Intervals among the Heavenly
enUre
something
An Incorporated team of two SIems occurs at every six
In- such Individual units of energy combinations In
chart above,
tervals. The enforced trio of three Stems occurs at every small circles of ten, as
shown In the

four Intervals. These cyclesof universal energy are far from

of two beIng a matter of distant In our daily lives.
MovIng clockwise. an Incorporated
team concem
and the destructive actually the very context In which we live.
Branches occurs each three Intervals. but are
relationship of two Branches at every seven Intervals. This is the value of the knowledge passed
down to

When counting In eIther direction, take the first phase us from the ancient developedones.)))
after the initial phase to which you are referring as # 1.)
 Various
Th\302\243 Energy Cycles of Nature 67)
66 Chnpter 6
of the Sixty Lycles v. The Relation of the Sixty Cycles to the Natural
5. The Spinll Unfolding
Calendar)
I
Energy
-n.M
\037)
A.. Origin of the Calendar)
The Natural Energy Calendar began on the first
day of the first year during the reign of the Yellow
Emperor. The great of that time. Tai Chiu.
astronomer
a student of ancient was assigned the task
astronomy.
of fomlalizing an energy calendar from all the available
sources. The Winter Solstice occurs during the eleventh
moon of the year: this is the time when yin energy
ceases and yang energy begins. The eleventh moon was
therefore chosen as the first moon of the first year of the
Yellow Emperor's reign. in 2698 B.C.. and this time of
the year was recognized as the energy New Year.
Later. the Great Yu (2204-2197 B.C.). a great
warrior of the pre-historic deluge. an outstanding astro-
nomer and a man of spiritual development. established
the thIrd moon after the Winter Solstice (which is the
first moon of Spring) as the first month of the year. This
was done to coordinate human activities with seasonal
variations.
Still later. during the Chou Dynasty. the eleventh
moon (i.e..the full moon before the Winter Solstice) was
again considered the first moon. Subsequently. the

7
third or \"ein\" moon which is now recognized as the
\037
(FICURE82J
'\\
seasonal New Year was consideredas the first moon.
i The following chart shows the ancient calendars
Tai Chi Tu at the
The center of this chart
of Tai Chiu and the Great Yu. as well as the
as yang (the light
that half) expands, yin (the
corresponding cycle of Twelve
shows
Branches their
and
dark half) expands as well. In this illustration. the
Twelve TerrestrtaI Branches are fixed, while the Ten relation to the Western Calendar. At the top of the chart
In a clockwise direc- is the cycle order In energy language. with the birth of
Celestial Stems spirals outward
rise to the twelve of yin In the first month. increasing to Its fullest
tion. gIvIng major segments yang
and yang. e\"-\"presston in the si:\\.1:h month. and followed by the birth
Once again. the Earthly Branches are coon:li- of yin which grows to its full expression In the twelfth
.
nated with the Heavenly Stems In the following or- month.)))
der: Jla/Tze. YI/Chul, Bien/Ein. elc.. continuously
around the spiral.
Note that a yang stem Is always paired with a
yang branch. At no lime does the yang of one cate-
gory pair with the yin of the other category.)
 TI-.e Various Energy Cyclesof Nature 69)
68 Chnpter 6)

- I- Seasonal Yellow Approximate

= -- - Period) Route) Date)
f1AWMI.cl't:lI< -
..\037\"o\037\"- a\037 -- r \037\037 ,--
!spring begins 3150 Feb 4,5
OJU\037lnu.0Kb\037
\037bcp\"\" &r me
reuow empeADl< Rain water 330 0
Feb 18,19
CO\037poI)\037\"\037fIJOndJ: 1 Z 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 It {;
:z Awake from hibernation 3450 March 5,6
C\037 d11\037 ;:
Ol<.l>.....Abop\037 Apa!II.. p.. Spring Equinox 00 March 20,21
<IJ
$I}l\037 b\037c,.-
UOT- JTi,T &.C. 1 I J t '; (; 1 II 9 10 Clear and Bright 15\302\260 April 4,5
C\037ponbl\037 monUI: 11 II

Rain for e:rains 30 0 April 20.21

W0UAA Ot<belt. p\037an
\037 \037 y
\037::::::!='1::- \037 i \037 \037 } .., n \037 i \037 \037
. 45 0
co\037po'ulln\037 monCll:
0> Summer begins May 5,6
\302\245 \037
eht mcne\"\" Altt
0111.\".A,,\"\"\"\"II'>M\037
.0 \037 i ! \037 t n \037 t ! \037 \037
Grain buds 600 May 21,22
==
ctJt: f1.AU..UtAJ,.c,\037cle- 10 r<\" -
\"on ....., \"\"\" \"\" wu we. eMh Yo. \"\"\" MI '\"
Bearded grain 750 June 5,6
\"\" ent> c.6lU!e\037-
r;eRm\302\253 ::e
CfUAL I!ftAIlC\037) J- 11. 'If e If ! 4' iI \037 \037
::e
If\037 Solstice 90 0
June
p Summer 21,22
<IJ

Slight Heat 105 0 July 7,8

(FIGURER3))

B. The Beginning of the Energy Calendar) Great heat 1200 Julv 22.23

Autumn begins 1350 August 7,8

The beginning of the generating phase of the upper'
universal energy system is Jia.
fJ3
The beginning of the Limited heat 1500 August 23,24
phases of the lower universal energy system is -+ Tze. :z 0
on the day ::e dew 165 Sept 7,8
energy hour of
White
Therefore. the tf3 -+ Jia/Tze. p
of Jia/Tze. at the new moon of Jia/Tze 4681years ago Eo 180 0 Sept 23,24
(in 2698 B.C.) marks the moment when the first year of p Autumnal Equinox
-<
the Yellow Emperor's calendar. This system is the Cold dew 195 0 Oct 8,9
accumulation of many years of life experience from 0
the natural cycle. Hoarfrost descends 210 Oct 23,24
countless generations who followed
Thus came the Instinctive. rhythmic response. By 225 0 Nov
Winter begins 7,8
observing the twenty-four climatic periods of solar
energy variation, the lives of Chinese people have been Little snow 240 0 Nov 22,23
=
en-riched.especiallywith regard to agriculture. spiritual '\" 0
activities. and nature in general. Along with Chinese Eo Heavy snow 255 Del' 7,8
Z
integral medicine. this system is one of the remarkable i Winter Solstice 270 0 Del' 21,22
achievements of the natural way of life. The names of
these twenty-four periods and their relation to the
Slight cold 285 0 Jan 5,6
Yellow Route (of the sun) and the Western Calendar are
0
shown in the following chart (Figure 84).) Severe cold 300 Jan 20,21)
In the southern hemisphere. the seasons are opposite.
[P1OURIt841)))
 TI1e Various Eneryy Cyclesoj Nature 71)
70 Chnpfer 6
defines the have a good effect on dissolving the knots and ties. IFor
The Chinese system energy vaJiation
of solar
further Information on IhIs topic. please see Chapter 8.1
Route) as
route which the sun travels (the Yellow . 10 the phases of rotation.
of zero (the Spnng According energy many people
beginning at the fixed point d\037g\037ees in today's cities miss the \"SpIingtime\" of thei:r day
eastward reaches 360 living
Equinoxl and moving un\037d It.
inte.-valls a smg\037e seasonal and struggle with the deep 'Winter\" of the nIght. They
degrees. Each fifteen degree hibemate in the \"SpIing\" or rnoming hours of the daily
equal penods. . Eac.h
peJiod, thus establishing twenty-four describes that clUl1ahc cycle and becomeactive dining the 'Winter\" or midnight
penod has a specialname
which
hours. ThIs Is not in accord with nature.
phase of the yea... Twelve. peJiods ar,\037s.easonal c,\037anges. The failures of many spiritual followerscan be obselVed
and twelve are dividing pomts called Middle ChI.)
and used to benefit your own cultivation. Their
medItation is nothing more than brooding over their
of the Seasonal variations psychologIcal p.-oblems. They may have noble intentions.
C. Applications but they stray too far from the course of nature and thei:r
own personal nature, Thosewho neglect the elements of
The of climatic periods is very useful In
knowledge
festivals with all nature and disregard fundaIIlental truths while searching
agJicuIture, and meanIngful
colorful,
can for high spiritual achievement are blind. Wise
kinds of healthy activities at specific times of the year people
emotional stagnation and refresh the spirit of avoid this error by being sufficiently and methodically
help prevent with correct methods
life.
equipped

eight dark circles in Figure 84

The Indicate the seasonal By careful study of the complete energy cycle, it can be
that are important for splJitual cultivation. detennined which days are suitable or unsuitable for
peJiods
Inasmuch as they represent high energy days. At these certa1n kinds of cultivation. Thus true and effectiVe
to the rest of the universe.
times. highly evolved spirits are much more active. and cultivation is intimately related

these special days are very effective for such puJifications To know the energy cycles and live in hannonYWlth them
to the spiJitual realm of nature, is very Important to someone who wishes to make real
as pJivate confessions
asking forgiveness for mistakes of which yoU are aware spiritual progress.
and unaware, prayers for good wishes and healthy So far we have seen the energy time system as 11was
a spiritual one should the four phases of the bl-hourly
spiritual fasting. During such fast, originally adopted: cycle
abstain from tobacco, alcohol and sex, remain quiet and of a day, the daily cycle of the moon, the lunar cycle of
avoid meeting people or participating in needless activities. the year and the yearly cycle of the sixty-year cycl\037. The
These fundamental procedures are necessary and should W1.Ity of these individual cycles is sixty peI1ods. The cycle
be practiced with sincerity. otherwise one's cultivation will of the current day and year can be determined by tracing
have a negative result. back 10 the flrst year and fust day of the cycle. The
In the body there are twelve big ties connecting the soul traditional Chinese calendar is a continuous record of
to Ihe body. This bondage Is an obstacle to the upliftment these cycles and is available to everyone. To the person
of the soul. thus It is wise to utilize the power of who learns to use It. this calendar can be of great benefit
forgiveness to dissolve these IntJicate ties. One can also in utilizing cycles in the more Important wldertakings of
take advantage of the eight main seasonal periods to general dally life clrcwnstances as well as in one's
dissolve these ties and refonn one's personality. personal cullivalion.)
There are many good spirttual practices which can be
learned. The eight seasonal pertods are very important to
a person who Is sertous about cultivation. If you do a
general spirttual practice, the seasonal pertods can also)))
 11leVarious Energy Cycles of Nature 73
72 Chapter 6
the Twelve Bl1Ulches) E. Utilization of the Sixty Cyclic Universal Energy
D. Seasonalvariations with
Phases)

In ancient China, the sixty phases were used;

a. to mark the twelve bl-hourly dIvIstons of energy in
a day
b. to mark the days within dillerent sixty-day cycles
c. to mark the twelve moons in a year
d. to mark years In different sixty-year cycles
e. to know the daily energy variations)

The main reason for using the ancient energy-time

system Is to \\.U1derstand the nature of life. According to
ancient spiritual \\.U1derstanding, time Is neither the face
of a plane nor a straight line. A unit of time Is a phase of
cyclic universal energy. It varies rrom the modem con-
cept of time, which Is represented by certain marks. mea-
sures or periods. Without different energy phases circu-
lating, there Is no sense of time or reality.
When the sixty-cycle system is applied to the hours
of a day or to the phases of the moon, the lower Ter-
restrial cycle of energy phases Is stationary. Its ex-
pression Is always the same. The upper Celestial
phasesvary with the different hours or moons.
Understanding the daily energy variations Is not only
Interesting but useful as well. Generally. cyclic energy
has different Influences on one's daily life. On Flre-
energy days, for example, one's personal energy Is pri-
marUy \\.U1tamed, Important meetings should not be
scheduled for these days. except for military purposes.
Watery, cool food and slow, quiet music are better for
Fire days.
For any changes that nt'ed to be made, Metal days are
85))
(J\"IGURIt best, especially a day In which the Celestial and Terres-
trial phases are yang Metal. Interacting yang Metal ener-
The inner ecliptic route and the outer tropic route of gy indicates refonllation or revolution. This Is a goodtime
the Twelve Branches. as shown In FIgure 85. illustrate Ihe for refonl1ing bad habits and doing what Is positive
same harmonious relationships between phases that are instead of deslrucUve.
shown in the hortzonlal pairs In Figure 73 and In the The three days of yang Wood/yang Water (JIa/Tze),
squares in Figure 95. yang Wood/yang Wood (JIa/Ein), and yang Metal/yang
One can also note the correspondence of the Branches Metal (Geng/Shen) are all vigorous, energetic days that
to the seasons of the year, as outlined in Figure 72, and are very good for cultivating one's high. creative spirit-
also the complete cycle of twenty-four seasonal variations ual goals.)))
described In Figure 84.)
 TI1e Various Energy CyclesoJNature 75) \\
74) Chapter 6

If one cultivates or wishes to obtain mystical power, may only ascend to the divine immortal realm by following
the Six FIre (Ding) days are especIally suited for the correct methods from a tradition of the natural truth. t
y1n be used as a self-deceptive \\
this Meditation should never
'I
energy to b ecome an excuse or a pacifier.
pLUpOse. a good life. in
If one wishes to cultivate one's escape, Cultivating
(Jla) days can
II
spIrttual energy, the six yang Wood accord with the natural path. Is the way to reach the =1)))
supemaluraL To be supematural
hJgh Is to be in hannony
be used for ihis,
in sex for the purpose ?f
If one wishes to engage with nature and not act against either one's own nature
vllality, the approprlale time Is on ym or universal nature.
strengthening
both individuals are more movement explains the Influence of
Water (Queil days when UnIversal cyclIc
than usuaL nature over human life and foretells no beginning or end
vigorous
When the energy cycles are applied to a year. the
to the universe. It Is futile. therefore, to be anxious about
four major seasons are expressedas follows:) a coming \"doomsday.\" Tu know the cycles and adjust
oneself accordingly ensures the fulfillment of one's life.
Winter (Water) Is from) . Hal to.zL. Chui Using this principle to organize and guide one's life will
\037
provide far greater benefit than blindly and irrationally
Spring (Wood) is from W ,Ein to\037. Ch'en
following artifictal doctrines.)

Summer (FIre) is from e. . Sze to ffl . Wei

F. How to Apply the Stems and Branches System
Autumn (Metal) is from) \302\243f3
. Shen to \037 . Shu) to the Western Calendar)

The Solstice is a time

Winter when yIn finally The Celestial Stems and Terrestrial Branches inter-
reaches of greatest regression and
the point yang is acting on any day can be calculated by means of the
of yang energy and is
generated. This is the begtnntng following fonnula:)
an important time for people to nurture theIr vitality.
The Spring Equinox is when yIn and yang are bal- 5(x-l) + (x-l)f4 + 15 + y q
anced and is the best time for people to harmonIze 60)
theIr energy while undertaking creative activities.
The Summer Solsticeis the time when yang has x = the last two digits of the year
reached its peak and yIn begins to grow. This is the y
= the total number of days in the year. up to and
best time for people to control theIr vitality and not including that date Itself: be sure to checkfor
over-extend themselves. Leap years when February has 29 days
The Autumn is also a time of balance bet-
Equinox
to q = the quotient
ween yIn and yang and is the best time for people r = remainder, which is used to calculate the energy
collect theIr vitality back to its center and strengthen
phases)
theIr health for wintertime.
This is a general outline for spIritual seekers who
In working this equation. drop all fractions. Do not
wish to have some rudimentary knowledge. Knowing round off to the highest number.
the effects of their personal cycle also provides people The number used to calculate the day is not the
with a strong inIIuence over general circumstances. quotient, but the remainder left after the equation
An entire day or year of meditating without knowing the been worked. For example. if the numerator is 91, 91
supportive natural cycle Is a fonn of self-indulgence. This divided by 60 equals 1 with a remainder of 31.
type of meditation can be
negative. sedative and devital- To determIne the Celestial Stem for that day, divide
it may sometimes help to calm the mind, It
izing. Though the remainder by 10 and use the remainder again, not
can be
the cause of losing the way correct
of spIrilualllle. the quotient. For example. if you had a remainder of)
This is not the way to prepare for \"soul evolution.\" One)
 II
II

:\\
I
77te Vwious Energy Cyclesof Nature 77) i
76 Chapter 6)
'\\
31 from the origInal equation. then divIding 31 by 10 October 31. 1955)
86 below. I = Jia.
leaves a remainder of I. Using Figure
x=55 y=304
remainder Is O. then it Is considered a 10. \\
rfthe
To detemline the Terrestrial Branch for the day. divIde (31+28+31+30+31+30+31+31+30+31)) \\
the same procedure
the remainder by 12 and follow
outlined above. If the remainder Is O.it is now considered 5(55-1)+ (55-1)/4+ 15+ 304
a 12. UsIng the same example of 31 as the original
60)
remaInder. 31 divided by 12 leaves a remainder
of 7. \\
I
\"
Using Figure 86 below. the Branch for the day is Wu.
If the remainder of the original equation happens to be 270 + 13 + 15 + 304
Ii

less than 10 or 12. then It is considered the number forof 60)

both the Stem and the Branch. An original remainder II
\037\\
8. therefore. would be Hsin (Stem)/Wei (Branch). I'
If the date being caJculated Is in the twenty-first 602 divIded by 60 = 10with a remainder of 2 d)
century. add 100to the last two digits of the year. If the The Stem Is YI (Z) and the Branch Is Chill
(1L I.)
date Is in the twenty-second century. add 200 and so

forth.)

Sample CaJculations:)

15, 2002)
August 1. 1944) January

x= 102) y = 15)
x= 44) y
= 214 (31+29+31+30+31+30+31+1)) i
I

+ (44-1)/4 + 15 + 214
5(102-11+ (102-11/4+ 15+ 15 \\
5(44-1) 60) \\
60) \\

215 + 10 + 15 + 214 505 + 25 + 15 + 15 \\)

60) 60)

= 7. with a remainder of 34) 560 divIded by 60 = 9, with a remainder of 20

454/60

The Stem Is 20 divided by 10 = 2. with a remainder of o. The

34 divided by 10 = 3. with a remainder of 4.
Stem Is Quel
Ding (J\"\.) (\037I.
20 divIded by 12 = I, with a remainder of 8. The
34 dIvIded by 12 = 2. with a remainder of 10. The Branch Branch Is Wel ( I.)
ffi \\
ISYu(\037).)

\\)))
 \\

6
TI1e Vartous Energy Cycles of Nature) 79) \\
78 Chnpt\302\243r

Use this chart to translate the remainder Into the corres- 1983) \\)

Celestial Stem or Terrestrial Branch.) West em

pondJng Eastem Hemisphere Hemisphere
(China)) (USA))
\037 \037l:JAJ, 5U1n6)
November 28 (Geng/Shen) November 27
:TIA 'n 1316f> b.t><; .....1> November 29) November 28 I

- 1. z:. - 2, \037 - \037, J\" - 4, \037 - S\", (Geng/Shen))

fJI

Re-II (2146' ConfusIon sometimes arises in the mInds of modem

I>6.f>
JI qet><;
students because of the several concurrIng cyclic systems. \\
2 - 6. \037
- 7,
t -8. --i - 9, \037 -10)
one fInds the lunar cycle expressed in
For example. yearly
referred to as \"months,\" -
the tw\037lve periods \0372J (lst). \03727 .::.
\"tl>e \037l:'uA.!.. BRAnCb06 (3rd).
(2nd).;f.l1 \302\243 whereas the solar cycle is expressedby
twenty-four seasonal periods. and the Stems and Branch-
\037 CbaI En> \"\"'\" cne,t>- 5ZE> es are expressed sixty in increments.
- It should be noted that the Stems and Branches can
1, - 2, - 4, ffi- e 6,
f- \037 9i- \037, 9P 5\",
apply
to seconds. mInutes. hours. days. months (including
the tropic and ecliptic cycles. with their respective twelve \\)))
-w... we. 5\"\"\" yu. Sbu, \"hA'
houses) and so on. The Stems and Branches system also
If - 7, . - 8, If!
- 9, 11!1 -10, \037 -11, \037
- n)
expresses the five basIc phases of natural energy
It is a system
rotation
moving In different cyclic currents. which

86J)
1PlGURJ<
developed out of the Integral vision of the ancient sages in
an attempt to explain the multiple cycles of nature. One
This method of natural energy division was developed should be careful. however. to distinguish between the so-
in ancient China to illustrate the vartous universal energy lar. the lunar and the Stems and Branches systems when
SInce the original observations of these cyclic for- making calculations. The Stems and Branches are a
cycles.
ces took place in China. the daily natural energy discem- human metaphysical system and should be accepted as
ment was also determined there. Thus. it seems appro- such.)

priate to use that geographical location as a standard for

determining when these forces come into effect If one Similarities of Yearly Cyclic Phases and Western Terms)
agrees. then the Western Hemisphere is about Branches one day
late according to the corresponding Stems and 7 (\037zeJ \037 f (WIA) le-J
whJch occur on the same calendar day in both the Wes-
JL
tern Hemisphere and China. In other words. if it is No- (chm) (ApRKOIU> m ( WIS' ) c.o.n.: e.,,-
vember 28th in any given year In China. it will be November
(6\\1) ) 5\037lZtAR'\"\" I
27th in the Western Hemisphere, In real time. however. tht\" \037
, (5\037n) qe\",m
natural energy cycle occurs on the same
calendar day In both
\037 (tTJAo) SCoRpJo i!!I ( ,'\" ) \037\"6
hemispheres.
For example. if a person In Los Angeles wished to ob- ( Ch\037t>) .tIBRA.
\037 .\"'ue.s
serve a particular event noted on the Chinese calendar fX ( SI>l\037)

(such as Geng Shen day. when energy renewal

the natural e (Su;.) y\",\037o
\037 (M' ) p\037e6)
cycle beings). the correct day would appear to be a day
late according to the Western calendar:) (P'JOURK81))

See also related chart and Infonnatlon in Internal Alchemy: TIle

Natural Way tn lrnmortaIUy. Eleventh Class.)
 TI1e Vwious Energy Cycles oJ Nature 81
80 Chapter 6)

duct of ancient mInds which took the vantage point of the

and View of the Four North Star. When looking at the earth from that perspec-
VI. The Global Universal
tive, South Is In front and North Is behind.
Directions The universal view is also a basIc system to express
the natural spiritual conception, dlrections
In
Indicate the
the energy of a human body. South represents the head,
The ancients believed that East or mInd, and is at the top. East represents the liver and
variations natural energy.
the nervous system. as the gathering
In
In solar or yang were generally and regulating
and South. abundant energy.
more supportive of life. Thus South is the dominant
direction source. and is seen on the left. West represents the lungs
and skin, functionIng as the respiratory and eliminatory
on Chinese maps. and Is seen on the right. North represents the
One may easIly distinguish the vegetation of the east- systems.
kidneys. bladder and reproductive systems and is at the
em and southem sIdes of a hIll as more luxuriant on the
than
Even bottom of the body. East correspondsto Spring, South to
that on the northem and westem slopes. and North to Winter.
tree one can notice that the sunny side bears more summer, West to Autumn.
same
In the ocean. fish will swim to The responsIveness between the brain and the rest of
leaves, flowers and fruit. is the same as that of the spiritual realm to the
the warmer. southerly currents before releasing their eggs, the body
is acknowledged In the earth, The correspondence and Integration of the left and
of energy quality
rIght sIdes of the brain to the left and right sides of the
TI1is phenomenon
Tao Teh ':All lives embrace yang energy to sustaIn
Ching:
body is very similar to the correspondence between the
yIn energy.\
higher realms and the human sphere.
The \"post-Heaven\" arranJ(ement of the eil!ht trtwams (see
l05b) and the twelve Earthly Branches system also
Two Views of the Four Directions) Fip:ure
directional system. which
utilize the universal has the South

Another aspect of view\" Is that the gener-

the \"universal at the top.
from the East and flows
of life emanates The ancient Integral Way is the way of self-discovery
ating energy
clockwise In a southerly, westerly and northerly cycle. through natural energy centeredness. In the spiritual realm.
South is positioned above, and the cycle begins In the however. there are no such distinctions as left and right. East
East, North is below. and West Is on the right. (See Fig- and West. These serve only as a convenience for the discem-
ure 88 below.)) ment of the \"post-Heaven\" stage of life. Awareness and
discernment of the variations of natural energy grows through
cultivation. It was with such natural knowledge that the
Yellow Emperor constructed the first compass and led his
annyout of a heavy fog to victory. In China, the compass has
traditionally been called \"the needle pointing southward.\"

For those who refine their energy. It Is impor-

wish to
tant to clarify the of natural energy. It ts serious
order If

(\037o -O(\037.7UJ) one violates the natural order of energy In one's life and
spiritual cultivation, especially after one has been awak-
OOIVE'R.&'\\L
YI..\",,\ qJ.,oB4l. YjEW) ened to the secrets of the universe.)
(P'JOURE88))
\\
If you wish to acquaint yourself with the universal I
view, youalter your conventional.
must habitual concepts
In order to adapt to a new understanding It would be a I
I)))
mistake to think that the universal view Is simply the re-
sult of facing South. ThIs metaphysical view Is the pro-)
 Chapter 7) SplrttuallmpUcatlons oJ the Sky 83)

SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS OF TI-fE SKY) The North Star is the center of the star order from the
huIDan point of view of natural life on earth. The word
I Polaris) 'TI\" is derived from the word for the stem of a fruit. The
North Star Is recognized as the 'Ti\" or axis of Heaven and
A. \"The Emperor of the Stars\ Earth as well. In English. its equivalent could be \"God:'
but without the same connotations.
Sincethe SLID. moon and stars were so integrally relal The spiritual potency of the Big Dipper will be explained
ed to their lives. the ancient Inhabitants of Earth learned later. One Important point to know now Is that the shape
many t11ings from the sky. They dIscovered that the most of the Big Dipper Is not always the same. The position of
influential heavenly bodies. besIdes the sun and moon. the North Star alters about every twenty-five thousand
were the Northem Stars. The stars comprising the Big years. Thus It Is the natural tnJth that everything is an
in the year and element of something else to which it is connected.
Dipper and Polaris helped teli variations
one's direction on land or sea. Everything has its own cycle and is also a small part of a
The orderly universe inspired the innocent minds of the larger cycle. A larger cycle is one cycle of yet another
ancients. who organized society accordingly. They larger cycle. In the end. all is changeable. Only the law
thought the North Star (Polaris)was the area from which that all is changeable remains changeless.)
Heavenly order began, so they accordingly named their
emperor 'Ti.\" which in Chinese means \"divine center\" or
\"divine one.\" They named the important ministers to
correspond to the satellites of Polaris.
Human life. whether a society or an individual life. has
to have a cenler. In vast nature. the ancient developed
onesobserved that Polaris always maintains its position
in the sky as the other stars move arOlmd it. This is
visIble as the Earth rotates. Ancient people respected the \"tho-9\037 0'\",,\"- 100,000 ,,\"\037'At;O)
shimmering stars as their natural connection with heav\037
en. They modeled their govemment and way of life after
the stars with their peaceful order. With simplicity and
sincerity. the ancients lived their lives in peace. This type
of natural life continued until some of their descendants
did not lUlderstand the spiritual values of simplicity. sin-
cerity and living in hannony with the nalural order of the
C\"\037t)t: 100,000)
universe. Thesedescendants wanted to put themselves in
the center rather than respecting nature as the center
and adJuslmg themselves accordingly. Such ambition led
them to corrupt the teachings of the old. traditional ways
and destroy the naturally ordered society. So began the
downfall of human nature. Human began Its own
and changes
society
in splrituallnle\037ity
\037)
evoluUon, are reflected
100,000 yer.M hfflce-)
by different eras of human society on earth. lypically.
only when human beings become increasingly aware of
(FIOURE89J)))
dangerous conllicts do they reach new awakenings.)
 Spiritual 'rnplicatwns oJ the Sky 85)
84 Chnpt\302\243r7)

B. The Polaris System Winter the handle always poinls North. in Spring It poinls
Easl. in Summer It points South. and in Fall it poinls
Polarts is traditionally compJised of Po- Wesl.)
The system
larts (the North and the Big DIpper. The first
Star)
star of the Big Dipper is called the \"PIvot\" of the sky
X J!;JI. The second star is called the \"Revolver\" of the
sl<:y .\037 \037 . The thJrd
is called the \"Rotator\" ofjhe sky
.The fourth. the \"Leveler\" of the sky \037 /I1i. The
\037 .,
fifth. the \"Balancer\" of the \037 \037 fltj. The siXth. the
\"Generator\" of the sky (i\"Ef . And the seventh is the
\037
\"HarmonJ.ziI1g Ught\" of the Sky 11 *--.)

-p0.t.o.!\\.1\037 (\037h-\037\037)

,,\"
\" I
,,\" ,!
\",,\" f!J
\037/,/ : i
// I A.
V>e- \037I,,\037b-5\037J5
A 60ulJ,6 \037\037 \"./ ,
/ :J
,,\". ,
\"./
* (FIGURE910J)
be-h_'_' 0 South
A
(P10URE90J) \037 '\037\037e
tt \037)

The first four slars form the container of the \"dipper,\"

while the remaining three form the \"handle.\" A straight
line extended through the first and which second stars.
form the outer edge of the Big Dipper. always points to
Polaris. As the earth revolves on Its around the joumey
sun and spins on its polar axis. the angle at which the \037
\037
Big DIpper is perceivedchangeson a daily, monthly and
yearly basIs. The different directions in which it points. East West
viewed from the earth, correspond to the diJIerent cycles
of the moon as arranged in the circular order of the Ter-
restrial Branches. After completing a 360degree rotation.
\037)
or twelve-moon cycle, they repeat themselves. (See FIg-
ures 83. 84 and 85.)
The Polaris system Is somewhat like the hands of a
clock.with the hands of the Big Dipper revolving counter- \037)
clockwise. from North to East. The ancient inhabitants of
\037)))

the \"Middle Land\" (China) noticed that the handle of the \037 .f)
(FIGURE91b))
Btg Dtpper could be used to detennlne the season. In the) North)
86 Chapter 7 Sptrttuall,nplfcallDns oj the Sky 87)

If you hold Figure 9Ia directly overhead and face the When one meditates facIng the direction In which the
North Star. with the northem horIzon of the figure facing
Dig Dipper poInts (which is the direction of the lunar
the real northem horIzon. you will see Ihe stars and month). one benefits from Its Invigorating energy. Medita-
exactly as they appear here dwing the corre\037-
horIzons tion has many varIeties and plllJ>oses. One who is weU-
pondJng season. developed makes self-cultivation his or her daily
\"energy
The common rotating star chart sold In most book- meal.\"
stores can help with the vartation of seasons and Another way to explain tiils cycle is to divide the earth
hours. In Figure 9Ib, If you make due North the first Into 360 degrees,with the yearly cycle beginnlng at the
degree of the circle. then every thirty degrees will mark which is 0 degreesIn the East. Next
Equinox,
the begInnIng of a new month. making twelve months SprIng
In all. If you have enough traInIng. your meditation comes the SunlDler Solstice at 90 degreesIn the South.
can rotate to correspond with the direction of the Big then the Autumn Equinox at 180 degrees In the West.
Dipper whether you meditate In a room or In the wU- and the WInter Solstice at 270 degrees In the North. As
demess. the cycle again moves to the Spring Equinox, a 360
Figure 92, below, shows theof the Big Dip-
rotation
degree revolution is completedand ready to begin again.
per In relation to the twelve of a yearly
phases cycle. When the four 90 degree quadrants are divided Into six
Notice that the Chinese New starts around Feb-
Year the tw-enty-four seasonal peliods (Figure
equal parts, 841
mary/March and that East Is on the left. Many Wes- are created. As the ancient book says. \"Every five days is
terners are confused when they read In ancient texts seasonal
a small period. Every three small seasonal perI-
that the generating energy of the East comes from the ods becomeone seasonal period. Thus there are twenty-
\"left.\" Because the sun moves In the southem quad-
rant, the ancient Chinese regarded South as being the four seasonal periods in a year, with two seasonal peliods
most vitalizing direction and thus put South at the In every energy month.\
top, From this perspective, East will naturally be on
the left,)
,...\0371I'JCnCh. C. The Earth's Clockwise Orbit Around the Sun: The
t\037)) Sun Moving Counter-Clockwise. on the Ecliptic.)

When the clockwise orbit of the earth is divided Into

twelve parts. Tze is put In the North to begin the cycle of
seasonal peliods. Each Terrestrial Branch represents a
dIfferent energy phase. The sun's route is also divIded
1gep\037) Into twelve equal divisIons expressed by the same symbols
,... but representing
e\"\"\037_) a dillerent energy revolvtng in a counter-
clockwisedirection.
The Yellow Route is also known as the ecliptic. It is
seen as the apparent annual path of the SlID among the
starS. The ecliptic is the plane of the earth.s orbit around
the sun, whieh is at an angle of 23 degrees 27 minutes
from the earth's equator. The Red Route is the earth's
equator and Its plane in the sky which is also known as
(bece\037) the celestial equator. In other words, It Is the plane
11....I,.UIIO.Il1'/JDftCb)
(PJOURE92J) perpendicular to the axis of Ule earth.s dal1y rotation.)))
 Splriluallmplicatwns oj the Sky 89
88 Chnpter 7
The Sun's Path on the Ecliptic hemispheres are equal again. The ancient book says.\"Yin
and yang appear and exit. moving upward and
\"\"\037 downward.\" until the \"Equal Division of Autumn\" when
Is directly In the West .md yIn is In the East.
yang directly
BecauseyIn and yang are equally divided. the heat and
cold of the year are eveniy divided.
-h
The Winter Soistice Is at the southernmost point of the
\037\037\"\037
\037
Yellow Route. When the sun reaches the southern lati-
Q\037 tude of 23 degrees, 26 minutes and 59 seconds at the
IlfUo Tropic of Capricorn. which is around December 22nd. it
is the shortest day In the Northern hemisphere and the
9\037)} longest in the Southern hemisphere.)
({\037O
\037 t
b P. D. The Cyclic the Earth. Sun
Relationship Among
'D J:J 't/j/J and the North Star in Seasonal Expressions
\037&\\
f,;...\037\037\037 \037\302\273 1>OIU:I>)

.W-+A-'r\037h
\037'b W .jt.c
U)
(nGlJRE 93) \037\037\037

The four cardinal seasonal periods can also be ex-

plained as follows. After the Winter Solstice, around
December22nd.the sun moves on Its ecliptic (the Yel-
low Route) from the South northward. Around March I}
21st. the sun crosses the equator (the Red Route); this
time marks the period of the Vernal Equinox when the I\037:)
sun is directly over the Red Route and day and night
are equal in both hemispheres. As the ancient book
says, ''Yin and yang appear and exit, moving upward
and downward.\" When It comes to the \"Equal Division
of Spring,\" yang is directly In the East and yin is di-
rectly in the West. This is more commoniy known as
the Spring Equinox. \037)
After the Spring Equinox, the sun moves northward
until It reaches the Tropic of Cancer around June 21 st. -1\037

At 23 degrees 26 minutes and 59 seconds. the posi-

\037\037
--.
tion of the sun is at the most northern point of the
Yellow Route (ecliptic). This is calledthe Summer Sol-
1\037!1
stice. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the longest .:l)
day and the shortest night of the year. In the South-
ern Hemisphere.the reverse Is true.
After the Summer Solstice,the sun moves south-
ward from the north. It crosses the Red Roule again
around September 23rd. which Is the time of the Au-
tumn EquinOx. On this day the sun shines directly
above the Red Route and the day and night In both) [P'IQURR94))
SOUV>)))
 7)
Spirituat Implications oJ the Sky 91)
90 Chnpter
the sun. It goes through
revolvesaround This process continues until the earth makes a rota-
As the earth thus com-
which Interact with the corres- tion through all twelve seasonal varIations,
twelve seasonal changes one full year.
has two days
ponding sun <-yde. Each seasonal variation pleting
in Figure 95 below. one can see how the ancients
ascr1bed to It (See Figure 84). because the beginning of
made Polaris the center of the earth and sun cycles.
each season varies according to whether It Is a leap year of these two great cycles, all
Through the interm1ngUng
or not. The twelve seasonal per10ds that mark the begin- seasonal changes occur. (111e outer triangles read
ning of each energy month are the seasonal per10ds of the counter-clockwlse. while the inner triangles read clock-
earth. The other twelve. which appear In the latter part of
wise.) Although the North Star Is considered the un-
each month. are the sun moving to Its new position and changing center amongst all this change. It must be
creating a new hannonious relationship with the earth. remembered that even Its position fluctuates.
be replaced by anoth-
(Notice that the energy month is not the same as the The North Star will eventually
er star called the Wolf. which will usher in a new era.
lunar cycle.)
The Stems and Branches are hypothetical symbols The true governing power of life. however. is the subtle
whose subtle power and distinction come from the law which balances all extremes.)
heavenly bodies and natural energy phases which they
represent. These natural symbols have become active Tbe Eartb Cycle and Sun Cycle in Relation to Polaris)
and effective characteristics in the natural and human
:n) 111) .n)
multiple spheres.
94 above expresses the relationship between
Figure
the different energIes symbolized in the sun and earth
cycles as follows. When the earth moves to Tze, the
11)
first spoke (A-B) from Polaris. It Is conjunct with the
sun. The seasonal per10d that Is expressed is the
Winter Solstice. In the earth's cycle the phase Is Tze,
while in the sun's cycle the phase Is Chui.
When the earth moves to Chui, the second spoke of
Polaris, It is conjunct with the sun, and the seasonal
period expressed is Severe Cold. in the earth's cycle r)
the phase is Chui. while in the sun's It is Tze.
When the earth moves to Ein. the third spoke of Po-
laris. It is conjunct with the sun, and the seasonal
period expressed Is Rain Water. In the earth's cycle
the phase is Ein, while in the sun's It Is Hal.
When the earth moves to Mao, the fourth spoke of
Polaris, It Is conjunct with the sun, and the seasonal
per10d expressed Is the Vernal Equinox. The earth.s
cycle is Mao, and the sun's Is Shu.
When the earth moves to Chen, the fifth spoke of
Polaris, It Is conjunct with the sun, and the seasonal
11)
period expressed Is Grain Rain. The earth cycle Is
Chen. and the sun cycle is Yu.
When the earth moves to Sze, the sixth spoke of Po-
laris, It Is conjunct with the sun, and the seasonal II. 1
period expressed is Grain Buds. The earth cycle is
Sze,and the sun cycle is Shen.) enGURE 85))
\037UU;\037 \",'af-
\342\202\254,:
S: 5un dele,)))
 Spiritual Implications oj the Sky 93)
92 Chapter 7
expression. It fonns a new energy picture; at birth,
When the sun moves to the house of Tze I (S2) in the life
its Influence and becomes a symbol
the new life receives
outer in a c01ll1ter-clockwise direction. the earth of the natural at that time. Con-
cycles. of the product energy
moves to the house of Chul II (E2) in the tnner cycle. in a ventional aSlrology interprets that fact in a way which
clockwise direction. Tze, the S1ll1 \"carnage,\" and Chul, ay not
be a perfect or complete expression of the energy
the earth \"carnage,\" meet each other harmoniously in
:rlreeUng
human people which makes them different from
House II of the twelve divisions of the Polaris-centered one may like to use It as a good at-
one another; however,
radlJ. Thls twelve-square method has many useS In Chin- tempt
at self-discovery. More Important and valuable is
ese aslrology. that the original splrttual understanding utilized the sky sys-
II is a precious thing If one can see both stars of U1e tem as a symbol of individual splrttual fonnation.
sixth star of the Big Dipper with the naked eye. It is The general area of the North Star is the center of the
believed that one who can see the \"Star of Help,\" which is circle (See Figure 98). and It is from this center that the
beside the \"Generator\" of the sky. will live a long and fouT directions are identified and located. There are seven
life. Whether or not you can distinguish these cOnstellations
in each direction. making a total of twenty-
healthy
stars. it is beneficJal to learn how to observe the sky with eight in all four directions combined. The eastem seven
bare eyes. are symbolized by a green dragon, the westem seven by a
Anyone who would like to know the stars should first white tiger. the southem seven by a red bird, and the nor-
make himself familiar with the Big DIpper. As mentioned them seven by a black turtle. The four colors distinguish
before, If you extend a line upward from the right side of the di1ferent subtle energy rays.
the a little more than four times the length of the The number of stars in each constellation is not equal.
dipper. there are stars in the eastem
distance between the first star (Heavenly Pilot) and the For example. thirty-two
seven constellations. fifty-one in the westem seven. sixty-
second star (Heavenly Revolver), you will find the most
noble North Star (PolarIs) at the end of the UtUe fouT in the southem seven. and thirty-five in the northem
sitting hLU1dred and eighty-two are set
Dipper which Is a star team of eIght. seven. All one stars
the ecliptic of the sun.
Another very important point of natural truth is that aroLU1d
did the ancient developed ones
divide the fixed
the natural order and its leading energy hannonlze with- Why

out any deliberate competition. The order of the entire

stars along the Yellow Route (the apparent annual path of
universe is supported by harmony. This is the unob-
the SLU1 in the celestial sphere) into twenty-eight constella-
tions? There are two reasons. First. the constellations
structed flow of the natural energy in its own channel.
are connected to the path of moon, which takes twenty-
This is the great path of everything. this is Tao.)
eight days to move from East to West among the fixed
stars. This is called a sidereal month. The twenty-plght
days are divided into twenty-eIght regIons which are couri-
U. The Twenty-Eight Constellations) er stations or travelling houses for the moon. Secondly.
the ancient ones recognized that It takes twenty-elght
In the Integral practice of indIvidual spiritual cultiva-
years for Saturn to make a revolution around the SLU1.
tion, the Big Dipper. twenty-eight constellations. sLU1. Just as the constellations are \"on duty\" for the earth, they
moon and first five planets valued and utilized
are highly are also \"on duty\" for Saturn. The earth enters a new
because of their responsive natural energy and supemat- constellation whereas Saturn enters another
every day.
ural connection with life on earth. These heavenly bodies constellation each year. This Is called\"holding authority
are actually the backgroLU1d for earthly energy. Each of over one constellation.\"
them is In a di1ferent cyclic pattem, and they all have a The shapes of the different constellations were origin-
direct and Indirect influence on human life. drawn by using naked-eye observations. and a few
ally
When the SLU1. moon and stars shine, their splIitual constellations have changed since then. The indIvidual
particles reach the earth. The overflow. insufficiency or constellations are shown below in their ongInal shapes.)))
balance of this energy shower influences a child's fulure)
 t \037 ... \037 \037

\037 \037 .! 95
94 Chapter 7) . <\037
::...., ,/
......
The 28 Constellations) \037
r\\ t.;..-. ....
\\I::
\037c ,..::.,.. Ii )t
fl1 tL 5- % { <I /1'---1/ .-. /
.. .-.\037
\". i\037 \037 ..
. .. \037\"\" . \037-.
I \037
1 .\037
.
f1
.. . ',-, \\.. J1
.
..
.'. + '.--.- \037
.. 5
\037
0- i
. . ,.' -1\037
bii J=Nu; rn,rn w..., J'
chl\"O KArn;
.' :. .-
\037 i II l' .i ILX \037\037 p
\"\"\"\"hi: , .tf
,.\037 .. \037
1>1 \"
I' r;,.:..
. .. \037
.\" .-....
!'--;'..J
,.. ,\"\"1 , ..
...'
,\037,..\037_4f
..: .. :
-.. d . :
.;
,
. f
'\037 \\
.1 t' \\'\\;.
J
S3
boa \".u nu zu wi shih at II-- \037
0
J L
Ie!
... ('
\037 *
, ,i
W\037\037\037. \037 \037 fP f / I-----' ,
Ii
.. .. \037 , I\037V).\\ \\. '0
;
, ,. , \" .. ).,. ,
\"
0. \037-..
.\037\". ... \\..
<--<
...
I t \" '\037 '..' .. \" .. \037i. \037
: .
\\.....1 4---- \037, ..
1i.Wei LOU wei mao J>i ceu shen . \037\037.-'fV \037

J;;J
\\/)
a\037
so<a:h c
# t\" \0371 I \037
'\, . 't L..---A
l\037
)
......
f--...
. ,....!j
--,
I ......-.'--.\". :--\"1t '
/\"
8
'.....1 .- '-'I:;'
,
l' H 1\\
/<=:;::-
.
....-. I...
'--j
.-.'....,:....,...,..,...
...
\": ..
-,' 01\"-1 . I/\"
\037 \037
,... \037
CMrn; v, chen) r- 1\\ N
JIm; \037 1IU hsWq \037 lr-
IV IlJ
. ;.
j) (\037 .\\)
}) I \"- \037 .' \037 \037
... '. tJ
(P1GURE96))
.
. .. ). J
In the Eastem group are Chiao (the Hom). Rang (the \" 11 i .
Q
...
Neeld. Oil (the Fang (the Room), Hsin (the Heart), \037 V
Bottom).
We! (the Tail), and Ji (the Basket). \037 ,1 a }h-'
r,--\\
In the Northem group are Dou (the Pipe), Nlu (the Ox), J - -
Nu (the Damsel's Room), Zu (the Void), Wi (Danger), Shih :,., \\ r V:t----
Q
...
(the House),and Bi (the Wall). ..
;\"\"'-..
In the Westem group are Kwei (the Champion), Lou . .
\\ /' .u\037 '\\ ..1.1'
(the Hump), Wel (the Stomach), Mao (the Rooster's Crown), B
Pi (the Fork), Tsu (the Beak), and Shen (the Interwoven). '\"-r--.
1..1 h
r\037\037r-, 0
In the Southem group are JIng (the Well). Kuel (the (} J .'-\" /
.
.
'\"

Ghost), Uu (the Weeping Willow), Hsing (the Star). Chang !-; -

\037
Ii
(the Drawn Bow), YI (the Wing), and Chen (the Carriage).) \\.
IPIOURE97) I\\.. lAy
\037 1)))
 96 Chnprer 7) Spiritu.allmplications oj the Sky 97
The Four Groups of 28 Constellations In the North, the seven constellations which form the
and Their Different 8ubtle Rays) shape of a turtle are:

411-1. lff)\037. 3t\"f);. ($}'O4-. \037n-\037.1:'06.\037n7.

i
11Ielr energy
is destructive and their subtle rays are dark
-if
\037J) or black.)
-..--
.') .#
!-\ 10) \037 ;S.
. \"..0 a
In the West. the seven constellations which form the
.)
shape of a tip;er are:
D--O..D)
.')

--t-w1, tW.2.. \037w3,<IDW4-, .w\" i'W6, ?t-W7.

11Ielr energy is astringent and their subtle rays are white.)

In the South, the seven constellations which form the

shape of a bird are:

\037) \0375J., \03752, '53. @5+. \03755.156, \03757,

\037) 11Ieir energy is supportive and their subtle rays are red.)
.
\037\037---- .
....- . .)
\",p;t)
..
\037\037)
The developed ones discoveredthat
ancient the main
. .......) \037F ff)
sOul shapes In a flesh body with
itself the endowment of

. . t. natural energy. When a new life is bom, a new company

\". IF)
t\037
of the energy of nature is formed. The ancient astrologers
\037\"k\037.\" that the sun, moon and the first five planets most
. .. thought
...... tnfiuence a person's natural Inclination and personality.
.,.) far beyond the solar system. there are sUll the
However,
four big energy formations on all
28 constellations as
sides which inlluence each life. in ancient times. the in-
of society was much less and the influence
\037. of edu-
II, \037 fluence
$)
It) f\037. p..
cation was zero;' thus the people were looking for explana-
,-...e tions from nature. The people worked by themselves, gov-
erned themselves and developed themselves by special
1;) to natural
spiritual practices according inspiration.)
I
f)
(P'JOl1Rl!:98J)
A. The Seven Day Cycle)
In the East, the seven constellations which form the
shape of a dragon are: The Correlation of Constellations To the Days
1.
of the Week
ffl Jtez.
\342\202\254-1, Ii Q), @\037+. .c' e5, J\302\245Je6) K e7. in the day constellation cycle,
Their twenty-eight
energy is productive and their subtle rays are dee p Sundays and weekdays have fixed dates Their rela-
green.)
tionships to the constellations are as follows:)))
 7
Spiritual Implications oj the Sky 99
98 Chapter
Correlations of Constellations to the Days of the Week) Friday must be the day of

CCIUU<OI'C\302\2736'f>q \":'YE
HY<e-n bA1
\037nlY
cLe\"\",\037Y
PM66S \"\" EASt: jnc.= 1w65t: \037\"\"o
fLE2 Lt-N2 :tW2 :5\\S2
c\037'cu
\037\037 A bAY
Saturday must be the day of)
<1KOW'n<1 \037 f \037 1:j
\037'I' ;JUl'lUA.- MY OF \"\"\",b ;;1 1U 1n 51
\037
E3 \037N3 W3 S3)
\037 \037r

\"\"'1MY V8f)U5
\037<b
OF-=1..
:it.
;;.:t
4-
1>.:t
..
\"W.:t
..
s:t worth noting again Jhat In the seven-day
It Is
MY
cycle.when the day rotates N4, \037 W4
to\037 E4.\037
\037,. 5\037
_p...,.......J.
MY\"\"\037f>-
I! it- . itJI
or!l 54. it wIll always be Sunday. The energy of
I\037\") EJ 1\302\273'W'J 5) is good for self-cultivation and spiritual de-
Sunday
\037Y 5\"\"
81UlliAfJt: $- ,.t pi I velopment.
b...1' OF SUI) ;;+ 1>+ ....4 S4 A week is only one quarter of a twenty-eight

5M1J>m6R.1t>4 ..:,. Jt . day constellation cycle. Sundays have the strongest

IIJDI><.\\a.Y 1I>OM>
c\\a.1' OF \"\"'.\",. ;;5
\037
regenerating energy In the four quarters because
1>5 .....5 55
they are the middle day that points most directly to
wub<LY mARS C<n>$..m..,<;, Ji. 't' t; i all four major directions. The kind of energy a Sun-
b...\"i OF 1'1R\302\243 ;;\"6 1>6 W6 56 is determined by the direction it is fac-
day provides
Ai! The decisIon as to how to use different
\037\"i 1ncYJ1U; .. \037 tt Ing,
\037b4.1'
\037\"iOFW\"\"\"ft. e7 \"1>7 ....., S7) sundays should actually depend on the energy of
the constellation that is \"on duty\" for that
particular
\302\273OU:rI>e uJ.4.c:JCn61>Jp ofO A- wu.J;..- \037 \037 2.B ccn6\037 day.)
is t>Rcm c:be 1ru>m'S c1\"cL\037 In.OYEm<m<:..) Not every Sunday is good for worship or cul-
tivation. For example. an E4 Sunday is good for in-
itiating things. while an N4 Sunday is not a good
(FIGURE99J)
time to start anything new but rather a time to
In the twenty-eight day cycle. Sunday must be the maintain the old. to worship and to cultivate. An
day of N4 Sunday is also an appropriate time to participate
\037
S4 A W4 Sunday Is a good
/1)
E4
Jt.. N4 gp W4
i In larger group activities.
day to remove obstacles and refresh oneself. A Sun-
Monday must be the day of day that is on 54 will be prosperous and good for
celebrations and enjoyment. When Sundays are
Jl.':lE5 Je N5 \" used for cultivating. the spiritual Instn.lctions will be
W5 5-\037 85)
different according to the energy.)
Tuesday must be the day of

\037 E6 i:. N6
; W6
Ji.
86 2. The Dally Constellations)

Wednesday must be the day of

The fourth constellation of each quarter (which
Is always a Sunday) points directly East. SOUU1.West
i E7 \037 N7 $- W7 f\037 87
and North. as shown bt'low.)))

Thursday must be the day of)

EI NI WI
It ..if- .. tt 81)
 100 ChaptEr 7) .......\ SplJituollmpllcations oj the Sky 10I
DaJ1y In terms of energy, the days of the week oc-
Constellations) ..,) cur in a decreasing phase. By Saturday the energy
has ..Q.ecome
weak and ineffective and is expressed
by \037
\037 recovery and revival
The of energy should
be well-controlled at this time and one should not
over-tax the body or mind. Sunday, or \037\037, should
be a day for self-cultivation. In ancientchtnese it
was called *' t. 8 or the \"Day of Reviving,\" which be-
\037) gins
with a yang line at the bottom. The seven-day
(})\037
i@\037 <I)
cycle proceeds from Fu (Return), #24, to Po (Ero-
sIon), #23. Oneportion of yang energy must be re-
tained in order to make:..!he return cycle possible.
The total exhaustion of \037 \037 . #2, should be avoided.
The energy language book that we call The Book
of Changesand the There Unchanging Truth corresponds with
a seven-day cycle. are sixty-four of these cycles.
'.,)
with each expressing a different pattem of natural ener-
, gy movement.
(P'JOVREl00J) @) For example, Hexagram #24, Revival (which
<moo<>
also means return, review, regain, refresh, redis-
Note: This chart reads counter-clockwise and pre- cover, etc.), is expressed in a seven-day period thus:)
sents an idealistic arrangement of the constellations. -
Their locations are depicted approximate to
only o S6Ve-\037b bJo.Y
their true posItion.)
SIKC\"h bA.y
3. The Days of the in Terms
Week of Energy
The seven day is one-fourth of a cycle of FI\037 bAY
cycle
the twenty-eight constellations. It can be applied \037bAY
globally and is expressed in energy language as il-
lustrated below.) t:hJl\037b bAy

IT)Onb\"Y _) \037bN(
\037\037(, 0Ay)
(P1GURE1(2))
\037b<1.v __
In this hexagram, the first line becomes the
weoboesb4Y ==) seventh after its movement through the six stages.
Sunday consIdered as the last day or the
can be
\037ht4K5ba.y __) week when as a day or recovery and energy
used re-
vival. It can also be considered as the first day or
the new week. In a complete twenty-eight day cycle.
flubo.y __
Sundays are the middle days in each or the seven-
day cycles; however. Sunday sUll remains the day to
sacwWo.y \037\037))) be used for the preparation or one's energy. Thus,
Hexagram #24 Illustrates one way to manage human
(P1GURE1011) SuMa.>( -) work in tenns of energy.)
 SpiTltuallmplicatlDns oj lhe Sky 103
102 Clwpter 7
to brlefly review formation of the hexagrams the
At this point It would be helpful
the cyclic \"seven-

how the ancient sages discovered the natural laws be- phased\" cycle.
in the seven the natural energy of
of all universal phenomena. To
day cycle,
hind the complexIty each Is different because the is under the
lives. they organized a day earth
govem the many evenls in their
tnfluence of a constellation as well as the
particular
based on the knowledge they had acquir-
simple system star \"on duty\" for that day. Since the earth is close
ed through observation and insight over countless
of the to that star and that constellation, their energy Is
generations. Because they had used the organs more accessible. Each day a different constellation
human body as instruments of observation. their vision
was becomes more responsive than the other constella-
was very broad in scope. EspecIally Important
tions to life on earth.
their development of insight. wWch enabled them to The ancient
and the
Chinese paid much closer atten-
reach the true profunruty of human lIfe
to the cycles of the moon and to the cycle of
tion
universe. WIth regard to these Important acWeve- the climatic perlods of the year than to
twenty-four
ments. they are still unsurpassed. the seven day cycle. However, here the seven day
We have already mentioned the discovery
of cycle has been especially noted for its significance in
energy and the self-cultivation since the spirit is the root of one's
the oneness of the universal. primal
two main expressions of this energy wWch are yIn being, and the purpose of revival is to strengthen
and yang. From these two expressions come the de- the root.
of the three spheres of yin, yang and Although it has not been traced or recorded
or why those who lived
velopment
of China adopt-
their integration, the four phases of full yang == . how outsIde
lesseryang ==.. full yin = = and lesser yIn =-= . fol- ed the seven day cycle (other than for religious pur-
lowed by the five basic phases of natural energy re- poses), it is interesting to note that Sundays occur
presented by WoOd (generating energy). Fire (expan- on the same day everywhere.)
sIve energy), Metal (revolutionary energy), Water
(convergent energy) and Earth (harmonizing, un1fYlng
energy).
B. The Relationship Between the Sixty Phase
Next we come to the sixty-four hexagrams, Cycle and the Twenty-Eight Constellations)
each representing six stages of a particular energy
situation. These can be used to illustrate the con- There are twenty-eight constellations and six-
ty days in one energy It takes seven
cept of a seven phase cycle since each hexagram is cycle.
to make one complete rotation.
sixty-day
it takes
comprtsed of six individual lines wWch are an inte- cycles thus
of the larger continual cycle. 420 days to accomplish one cycle of the
gral part
The six lines of a hexagram express a parti- constellations.
cular energy condition. Each line presents its own Each sixty cycle has four constellations.
day
situation and expresses a stage of development with- The first, Jia/Tze wWch is yang Wood/yang
If' -+
in the whole. A line can be strong or weak, its posi- Water, starts from the' eleventh constellation, .t N4
tion correct, incorrect or confused, and its lnfluence in due North. The second cycle starts from tfie fif-
on the whole hexagram can be either positive or teenth constellation. -i- WI. The third cycle starts
negative. It is preceded by a situation wWch ITom the nineteenth constellation.'\" W5. The fow:Q1

brought it about and will itself be followed by yet cycle starts ITom the twenty-third constellation, \037
another situation. For example. Hexagram #24 52. The fifth cycle starts from the twenty-seventh
(Revival) follows the situation brought about in Hex- constellation. I: '56. The sixth cycle starts from the
agram #23 (Erosion). Although it usually remains third constellation, if E3. And the seventh cycle
unexpressed. this transition from one hexagram to starts from the seventh constellation.!ff E7. Then
another can be given the sign of zero. Thus we call) the new sixty day cycle begins agMh ITom the)))
 104 ChaptEr 7)
SplrltuallmpUcation of the Sky 105

ThIs descrtbes the complet Qualities and Forces of the First Five Planets
eleventh constellation.
\037b)
energy varying cycle.)

C. Application of the Twenty-Eight Constellation

Cycle
Constellations are the visible energy points of
nature; sImJlarly. there are many energy points In
the human body. The twenty-eight constellation
cycle can be arranged on the human body and used
as the Celestial Stems and Terrestrial Branches.
The main zone is the central line of the back and
front of the body. which corresponds to the ecliptic
path of the sun. There are many important energy
points along one's ''Yellow Route\" which connect
with spirttual health and development. If these
pOints are successfully opened. a person'sspirttual
growth and capability w1ll greatly Increase. c.f>\037) 'WMCo)
-E4e\037)
Of the twenty-eight constellations. or spirttual
energy points. only seven are familiar to some spirtt-
ual traditions where they are known as chalrras.
The opening of the enUre ecliptic path is related to
high spirttual growth. but this cannot be achieved
by means of modem physical conditioning programs,
Tal Chi Chuan and Dao-In are ancient herttages
which can ald in opening these points,)

(FIGURE 103)) f>CR.Ch.)

m. The Five Planets and Their Relation to the Natural

Energy The natural all the stars were distinguished

energy of
and classified ancIent developedonesand put into
by the
Among the first five planets of the solar system. Sa- the system of the Five Elementary Phases. as were the
turn is considered the central force. Jupiter represents planets. It would be Incorrect to make these five planets
the East, Mercury the North. Venus the West, and Mars the only source of the five different energy forces which
the South. influence the Earth. The Earll1 is a combination of all
Applied to a human life as the assemblage of different universal forces.)
natural energies, Jupiter is the liver, Mercury the kidneys,
Venus the lungs, Mars the heart/mind. and Saturn the
stomach. IV. The Unmanlfest and Manifest Spheres)
In relationship to the five phases of cyclic movement.
Jupiter is the planet of Wood. Mercury the planet of Wa- Above the manifest sphere Is the unmanlfest, the ul-
ter, Venus the planet of Metal. Mars the planet of Fire and timate sphere of the Interaction of ytn and yang, TI1is
Saturn the planet of Earth.) ultimate 1s called Wu-ChI, the unlimitedness which
can also be expressedby the Tal Chi symbol. It is)))
 Sptritunllmplrcations oj the Sky 107
106 ChaptJ?r 7)

or by the
- the complimentary elements of yin and yang
commonly expressed, however, by
zero
more _ the four stages of yin and yang
neutral sign of Wu-Chl 1\\1.) - the five elementary phases
- the eight trlgrams
- the ten Celestial Stems
- the twelve Terrestrial Branches
- the twenty-eight constellations
- the sixty cycles
- the sixty-four hexagrams)
(PJOURE1(4))
o) All of these energy phases apply to the manifest realm,
the \"unlimite- In the entire universe. according to the understand-
In the ancient tradition of cultivation,
ones. the phenomenon
is called Wu-Wei. A fundamental practice In Ing of the ancIent developed of
dness\"
a state \"flesh\" life can be explained as the Interaction of two
meditation and In daily life, Wu-Wei expresses which are the energy
of purity, centeredness and neutrality from which all basic energy elements phases of
action comes forth. When one maintains this Fire and Water. Fire energy is less controllable. while
creative Water energy is more stable.
state of mind, one can develop the flexibility which flowing
In the earth.s development. the beginning phase was
leads to spiritual freedom.
In the Tal Chi symbol, yIn and yang are expressed Fire. After some time. the Fire cooled and the energy
condensed Into a shell, thus fonnlng Earth. that
as paired energiesthat assist each other. In each sys- an atmosphere fonned and much Water was
At

tem there is an ongoing Interaction of yIn and yang. stage.

total sphere, the upper or Celestial cycle phases created.
In the
are expressionsof universal yang energy, while the The existenceof earth can be explained
life on In

lower or Terrestrial cyclic phases are expressions of the same way. represents Fire. and Water re-
The sun

earthly yIn energy. Their Interaction Is an Intemal presents the only possibility for life as we know U.
With the Intercourse or Interaction of these two kinds
movement In the manifest sphere.
of yIn and yang of energy. a new life develops. Since different natural
With the Integration comes power, a
received sunshine under condi-
wisely applied, can ensure one's
environments varying
power which. when
tions. the life phenomena that was created differed
spiritual life. Utilizing Ihis principle harmonizes the
relationships between any parts of the whole. either In accordingly,)
a male/female orall the elements
among
of an Individual
relationship
In all. this simple Pre-Heaven Order Post-Heaven Order
body/mind/spirit.
the bountiful harvest of ma- - ---
philosophical
ture human
expression.
insight. contains the secret guldance for /= --.... -
.. .$-!f.
single and dual cultivation which allows one to achieve t! ,\037 \037,

! 4-
,\037 \302\245\037 ,.,\037
the energy harmony and refinement that can lead to \037+

divine \\
immortality.)

Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven) I:ht .

\037II. . ::I\037 \037m
H
The universe is the of prtmal chi.
first expression \\:#- .., I \037.
Because the movement chi has phases, we
of prtmal ,,\037 \"\"' \037 --
);\"\037 \037
have differently expressed phenomena. When we talk
\037 j,;
\037 -=
-- .,/ ---
about prtmal chi as the urunanifest sphere. there is no
way to express it. When we reach the manifest I1'IQURE 106eJ I1'IG1JJ1EI.0I5b))

sphere, the following expressions can be used:)))

108 Chapter 7 Spl11tuallmpllcations oJ the Sky 109
In discussing the eight Irtgrams. we note that leads to the splrItuaJ level. However. a person needs
there are two orders for their
differeni arrangement. to deaJ with the superficial level In order to
One Is Ule order. and Ule other is the post- understand the traceable naturaJ phenomena that
pre-Heaven
Heaven order. Pre-Heaven order is expressed by the can help one control one's self-cultivation.)))
eight trigrams stably positioned In a cyclic order (Figure
I05a). The way to distinguish pre-Heaven order is by
the top and central Irtgram. which Is Heaven or Ught
Opposite Heaven In the pre-Heaven
order Is
energy.
Earth or heavy energy. In the post-Heaven stage (Fig-
ure I05bJ. Ule top centraJlrtgram is Fire. and the lowe
centraJlrtgram is Water.
While these four energies can be used to
identifY the different arrangements. the two orders
are viewed differently according to the Interaction of
the energies. Pre-Heaven (Figure I05a), when
viewed as evolving clockwise, shows the rise and de-
cline of yIn and yang. The top trigram == . shows
yang at its fullest. which gives way to =:. showing

yIn entering from the bottom. In the Image of Wa-

ter, = = . yIn surrounds the yang. and in == it
pushes the yang out at the top, leaving only pure
yIn == == at the base. The cycle continues as yang
enters at the base and surrounds and pushes out
the yIn until there is only pure yang once again.
Post-Heaven order (Figure I05b), however. is
viewed by looking at the oppositely paired Images.
For instance, Ftre == and Water = = , Wood
(Thunder) == and Metal (Lake) ==, Wood (Wind)
== and Metal (Heaven) == . Through their inter-
action and Integration these opposing forces create
all phenomena. Only the Images of Earth
(Mountain) == and Earth (Earth) == == hannonize,
thereby stabilizing all opposing forces.
The pre-Heaven arrangement shows the sell\"-
generating cyclJc movement of the different energy
phases whereas the post-Heaven arrangement shows
the Interaction of opposing energies that actually
brings about creation.
By looking deeply, we can discover that ener-
gy has phases and that after the integration of these
different phases, a new 11fe begins. All 11fe and all
existence is the multiple transfonnation of primary
chi. On a superficial level. one can gather discrim-
inating Infonnation and see differences. but at the
very core of energy there are no differences. This)
 \\
Natural Energy In Human Life 111

Chapter 8) B. Energy Channels of the Human Body According

to Natural Energy Language)

NATURAL ENERGY IN HUMAN LIFE) \\

I)
B4<;K.)

I. The Nature of the Universe and the Human Body

all natu-
The language system wWch expresses
ral
energy
phenomena completely can also
be applied to the \\

human body. Human life is nature's offspring. not a

human of
production, and the phenomena follows living beings
cannot be separated from nature. It that the an- \\
I
therefore. will express phases and I
cient energy language, I
sItuations of human energy.
that the
Most of us are famIliar wIth the statement
human is a microcosm of the universe and that the
body
universe is but a macro-human body, Now let us analyze \\

how the ancient sages used this system in two different

\\
areas)
\\

A. The Meridian Systems

1\"1wn\037)
First. the microcosmic [the main
orbit energy (FIGURE1(8))
channel of the human body) is located on the central
line along the front and back of the body. Thus, the C. Correspondence of the Ten CelestialStems \\)))

two lines form a complete cIrcle around one's body. With the Ten Organs of the Human Body)
The front central merIdJan is often called the \"Steward-
and 1t_is the general yin merIdJan. Its
Bj )
ess\" [ 1\302\243
energy symbol is \037
\037 The back central merIdian is '\" 9\"\"'....\037\037 C sPLeen
often called the \"GOvemor\" ( if 6JR I and it is the .\037c.mes
mertdJan. Its energy symbol is - . z., u-rel\\. \037 \037
general yang
In the upper and lower parts of the body there are \037 sma.J,J. 'f>U5\037'ne-s f J,.unq5
twelve different merI(ljans or energy channels. Start-
ing from the hands, there are three yang merIdJans j \037 -f: \037\"-
and three yin. There are also three yang merIdJans
5\037 \037V'S)
and three yin star11ng from the feet. The yang mert- \037 \037

dtans of the hands and the feet are symbolized by =-=:,

(FIGURE 107))
and == . The yin mertdJans of the hands and
the feet are symbolized by =-= , _ and =-= . The Celestial Stems are symbols
ten of the dJstlnctly
When the \"Stewardess\" and the \"Govemor\" are com- of the unIverse,
different energy phases and forces
bined wIth the twelve mertdJans. there are fourteen en- thus these organs in the human body express the dif-
ergy channels in all.) ferent energies and their functions. and they com-
municate wIth nature in the same channels as shown
above.)
 Natum! Energy In Human Ufe 113)
112 Chnpter 8
energy cIrculation in the human aware of ihis energy. Only humans have ihe opportunity
The natural daily
1081. to realize It.
body is shown in the followingcandiagram
(FIgure
one see that the naiural A natural environment Is of first importance to a natural
By studying tl:1Is dlagram the cIrculaies For exmnple, an avocado tree can be made sterile by
energy connection with begins lungs. life.
throughout
the dillerent organs. and ends with the
all neighboring plants. There are many different trees which
I1ver. breath
Each or absorption of natural energy can cause an avocado tree to be \"white-washed:' and more
makes a complete cIrculation of these energy channels than a thousand different trees which can make the tree
to sustain a normal life. If a meridtan is damaged. fruitless.
or external causes or by the arUflclai
either by lnternal
the natural energy cIrculation Specific natural envirol1l11ents can also cause peopleto
dlsturbance of surgery. differently. People from New York are different
be incomplete. Even in such cases. however. with develop
wIll
of a good mind spiritual energy cIrcula- than those from Texas, although such differences are
the cultivation and of no great Importance.
tion wIll not be lncomplete.) minor Problems only arise
when there is a great energy dissonance between people.
Somespecificnatural and social environments such as
D. Physics] Energy Flowing in the Human Body a family, an office or a society can hinder the normal
According to the Twelve Earthly Branches development of a person.This is like the damage done to
an avocado tree by other trees. Human beings should
The General Spheres of Chi Circulation)
take responsibility for the pollution of their natural and
A free society is surely a better
personal envirol1l11ents.
\037 \037--.\", envlrol1l11ent for positive individual and personal
-
development. The order of the Five Elementary
smAl.l. I\037CII1e> Phases of
\037\"J.een.
Energy clearly expresses this fact.
/ \037Z__1f__\037-'\037 The cycles of natural daily energy circulation explain the
!lcomACh
'\" .,... eLA\037betL strong flow of energy that occurs at a certain hour \\vlthin
\"\"'\" / a certain organ. This helps with diagnosis and treatment
in the traditional Chinese integral healing practices and is
treat-ment. These cycles
,-( r \\ \\ especially useful in acupuncture
also help those of self-cultivation to do internal
,\"\037cme- -- 9J IJ ..... l<J\037ney work in different sessions of daily meditatlon.
hannonlzing
Kung Fu experts utilize these cycles in self-defense for
) overcoming an aggressive enemy at the appropriate

\\ ....\037 ) moment.
1.L4nq \" /' \037\037IUJn
One
medicine
way of using the energy system In Chinese
Is to divide Ihe symptoms into yin and yang
'\\ .1l.___________ __j;
I Yang indicates that the trouble is easily
!I\037) ,,\037 j \037\037 / categories.
diagnosed and shallow. Yin means the opposite. Though
I
I
.l1Ve-K..- \037 C\037 W\037 I
........... yang diseases are easily cured. they can turn into deep yin
I \037Al..lIUAbb\037 diseases If improperly Ireated. The first dl\\1slon of a
enb)
(FIGURK108)) disease Is into categories of yin or yang. Within each
category there are subdivisions according to the width and
Natural energy not only connects with the skin,
depth of yln or yang. Thus three yang and three yin
\\

lungs and other organs of the body, we are totally en-

calegorles have developed with the following symbols:)
veloped tn It like fish tn water. Fish, however, are not)

\\)))
 Nalurat Energy In Hwnan Life 115
114 Chapter 8)

yin-
Accurately applied In the practice of Chinese herbal medi-
yang+
yang++ yin--
cine.these princIples can be used to conquer or generate
a brief
yin ---) a response. TI1.\\s is only Introduction to a vast
yang+++)
field.)

In Chinese medical terminology:)

Practical Matters)
yang+ represents young yang U,
yang++ represents middle yang
yang+++) represents old yang) A. Birth)

represents young yin When a new life is born. it is Important how and where
yin-
middle yin II is born. For exam.ple. a baby is naturally bom on a
yin-- represents
yin
---) represents old yin) particular day at a certain hour. If a drug or
pituitary
extract is taken by the expectant mother. however. the
U one has a cold with a slight headache. a stiff neck new life energy is violated. There are many cases of inter-
and some cWll. the disease Is at the stage ofyang+. Uthe ference with the natural right of birth. For example, on
are not cured or naturally healed and the pat- the human head there are many points which are connec-
symptoms
ient to cough. has side pain and pale eyes. the ted with the development of the mind. U forceps are
begins
dIseaseIs In the second stage of yang++. If stomach pain misused on a baby's tender head, damage is certainly .
and high fever occur and are not controlled. then mental caused. not only physically but spiritually as well.
It Is a beauUful and auspIcious beginning
symptoms appear and the patient becomes delirious. if a child is

This condition may be encephalitis. The diseaseIs at the born during the full moon, on a fine day. and In nom1al

stage of yang+++. This Is the top phase of the yang weather. The place where the new life is welcomed
of a cold and was caused by the same virus. The should be a natural setting. with the ceiling not 100 far
category
of the cold. how- from the sky, the floor not too far from the earth. and the
depth. location, symptoms and severity
ever, are all different. U the high fever is not handled space throughoutlllled with fresh air. A child is fortunate
properly and medicine is used merely to suppress the to be born close to a peaceful natural environment such
fever, it turns from a shallow problem Into the consuming as a mountain or a lake. The baby will be calm and
yin category. The patient may develop an exhaustive low earnest If it is conceived and born on a mountainside. If
fever. perhaps with dysentery. thus becoming a case of it is born by a lake. it will be more Intelligent.)

yin-. U the patient becomes very drowsy or restless and

sleepless and the heart muscle holds heat. the disease B. Death)
has become a case ofyin --, If the disease is not cured at
this stage. a nervous disorder develops and confused We have a friend whose grandfather is dying In a hospi-
symptoms appear. alternating with dilIerent types of fever. tal. The dodors are I.Jying to keep him, a dett\"rioratln!1,
Because of Ineffective control at the beginning phase. old man, alive. My friend. however, does not a!1,rt\"e with
seriousorgan disorders now arise. A common cold or flu the doctors' Ireatment of the old man's symptoms. She
can develop into many serious diseases. feels Ihat medicine Is no good for those who are dying of
This Is one example of using energy language to natural causes. I can understand Ule vision of lhis girl.
descrIbe physical problems. Human physiology Is II is lIke a ripe appleon a tree; it should naturally fall 10
connected wllh Ihe principles of yin and yang and the the growld. but someoIlt\" develops and uses powerful
FIve Elemenlary Phases of cyclic energy phenomena.) lechniques to keep II on Ihe tree longer.)))
 Natural Energy in Human 11 7
116 Chapter B Life

In modern medicine.
death is detennined when the 111 their development. Although some people escapebeIng
In such a way. many become victims.)
heart no beats.
longer Real death. however. does not molded
occur until days after the heart has stopped
seven beat-
ing. During that time. the deep consciousness is still
alive. The invisible \"umbilical cord\" between the soul and D. Mental Illness)

the body has not yet been severed. For the duration of
those seven days. if the corpse is put in a refrigerator. it People who have a mental
spiritual or
illness often
experiences the cold. If It is burned to ashes. it exper:- strive for spiritual but such a searchts
achievement.
ences pain from the heat. Apparently. many people s unrealistiC. Spiritual achi......ement depends on sanity. on
loved and respected ones are persecuted by their closest having a sound mInd In a sound body. Also. sptrttual
relatives. growth does not occur suddenly. If one Is unaware of
Appropriate action should be taken only after seven one's own problems yet tries to follow a religious ritual.
days and not before. Moreover. when a person is passing one is only looking for something to cover up those
there should be no interterence or disturbance. problems. The harder one works. the less will be the
away
Such disturbances a natural death and thereby results. In a case such as this. great nature is a good
prevent
damage the fonnation of the soul. Generally. seven days cure.
are neededfor the soul to grow and leave the body and If one wishes to Improve one's mInd by self-reflection
thus appear as a new ghost.) and Introspection In order to reorganize his life. I
recommend the Tao Teh Ching which guides one to retum
to one's own nature and thus to the nature of the
C. Natural Medicine) univ\037rse.
Drugs and electrotherapy may have an effect on evil
In human life two basic classifications
there are of spirits which menace and attach themselves to the
people: \"heavy\" and \"light.\" Herbal medicine, acupuncture patient. but they also hurt the patient's energy. 111is kind
and other healing arts of the same family are for \"light\" of treatment is Uke usIng chemical Insecticidesto
protect
people who are sensitive enough to react to \"light\" vegetables: the vegetables can alsobecome poisonous.)
medicine. \"Heavy\" medicine. which has developed along
the same level as modern industrial technology. serves
\"heavy\" people. Such plumbing techniques that require E. Confusion for Spiritual Students)
complicated operations and strong medicines are very
popular in treating many human medical symptoms. Spiritual cultivation Is not equivalent to participation In
This principle applies not only to medicine but also to groups. Such practices are only on a social level. Real
religion and politics as well. \"Heavy\" religions and spiritual cultIvation means looking for inner balance.
governments suit the needs of \"heavy\" people. Light wine spiritual Independence and self-mastery. As described In
is not for vodka drinkers. No one can promise that \"light\" the Tao Teh Ching. people of real spiritual Independence
measures can cure all human problems, however. and sell-mastery do not seek attention; thus they do not
I
Especially when the tendency of humanity is to become show off or chase after fame. position or worldly luxuries.
\" .1)
\"heavier. Nor do they ever l'eveal the profolmd nature of their
Because of the evolutionary and of to others. \037n thoufl,h a
devolutionary phases spiritual authority or power
individuals. It Is not easy to say in which
who helongs spiritually achieved person may never reach Spiritual
category. Th(' mass production of today's educational authority. he must neverthdess always follow the
system Lends Lo huild \"heavy\" stud('nts who are restricted) fundamental spiritual paUl without compromise.)))
 Natural Energy In Human 119
118 ChaptEr 8 Life

CW Gong and Dou-in are ancient herttages can

The EJhir which
aid in opening ihese points.)
F.

The \"divIne golden medicine\" is ihe most Important

for ihe cultivation in ihe
metaphor process of splrttual
The Return of and Cultivation
ancient of integral spiritual development. Are
tradition H. Energy

aware of how much gold can be gaihered from

you From ihe in energy lan-
tons of sand? In an ordinary life being ihere may alSo
twelve phases illustrated
ihe process of below, one can see ihe
be \"gold\" - ihe essence of life. Through guage clearly increasing pro-
spiritual cultivation, one refines oneself, disposing of cess of yang energy.)
ihe \"sand\" and retaining ihe \"gold.\" HavIng obtained
ihe \"gold,\" one ihen has ihe necess\037 matertal for re-
-+ --' == == --
ihe \"divIne Immortal medicine. E\037
E\037 \037 -} -----.)
fining
removIng ihe coarse
\037\037\037
Spiritual cultivation involves
and what is truly precious. This process In-
keeping reaches its
volves a great deal of work. Many teachings empha- Once yang fullness, it begins to decrease.
sIze throwing away what is coarse, but too often ihey The following illustration can help you visualize ihe
throwaway ihe essence at ihe same time. for Some decrease of yang energy in a steady. gradual process.)
even use ihat essence in exchange what
teachings
is false. Thesekinds of teachings are very popular In
4- \037\037+- == +- == +- --
much time
today's world. True cultivation \037\037 \037)
requires \037\037+-
and dally practice. whereas conceptual achievement
can be Immediate.)
From ihe illustrated energy language above, one
should be able to recognize which of ihe hexagrams
G. of the Constellation expresses the retum of energy or beginning of a new
Application Twenty-Eight
Cycle) cycle: It is \037 . Revival.
In a daUy cycle. the time of return or revival is just
Constellations are ihe visIble energy points of na- after midnight. In a yearly cycle. it is just after the
ture; there are many energy points in the Winter Solstice when ihe shortest day in ihe Northem
Hemispherehas ended
similarly,
cycle can ihe days begin to lengthen.
human body. The twenty-eIght constellation and
be arranged on ihe human body and used Cele-
as ihe The opposite applies Southem
in ihe
Hemisphere.
stial StemsTerrestrial Branches.
and The main zone Thus, there are two time pert ods which are essentialfor
is ihe of ihe back and front
central line of ihe body,
energy cultivation and during which the energy should
which corresponds to ihe ecliptic paih of ihe sun. not be violated. One is mIdnight in the daily cycle. and
There are many important energy points along one's the other is during the Winter of the yearly cycle. If
\"Yellow Route\" which connect with spiritual health and damage is done to a seedwhen It ts just sprouting. It will
development. If these points are successfully opened, effect the entire life of the plant. On the other hand. this
a person'sspiritual growth and capability will greatly
early stage is a goodtime to nurture the seed. Cultivation
increase. after midnIght. and indoor cultivation at
just begtnning
Of ihe twenty-eIght constellations. or spiritual energy the Winter Solstice. reap the benefit of the time when
seven are familiar some spiritual tradi-
yang energy Is increasing.When this twelve-phased
points. only to
as chalcras. The cycle
tions where they are known opening of energy language is applied to cultivating the human
of the enUre eclJptlc is to high spiritual
related
but this cannot
path
be achieved by means of mo- body. the energy Is used to open the corresponding energy
growth. channels illustrated below.)
dem physical conditioning programs Tal Chi Chuan.)))
 8)
Natural Energy In Human Life 121
120 Chapter
cultivation that is based on the retumlng nature of
energy will not IIlislead you, unless you do not know
how to ulilize It. It is a pity to turn away from what
really supports our Ufe Inwardly by searching for frag-
If)
mented help from the outside. superfIcial world. No
discovery is greater than the dIscovery of that which
supports all Ufe.
In the body there are twelve big ties which connect
the soul to the body. This bondage is an obstacle for
an uplifUng soul. thus It is wise to utilize the power of
forgiveness to dissolve these Intricate ties. One can
also take advantage of the eight main seasonal petiods
to dIssolve these ties and reform one's personality.
In response to questions from the readers of the
first edItion of this book. there is a particular spiritual
practice that dissolves those blockages. This practice
is contained In Volume 1043 of the Taoist Canon
which was edited during the Mtng Dynasty. at the
time of Chen Tun.
You IIlight like me to slmpliJy that practice for you.
Each person is an Individual child of nature. and the
spiritual system In each Individual is naturally built-
In. Each person has his or her own level of spiritual-
ity or spiritual potential. The spiritual levels are con-
ventionally divided Into three: Heaven. Earth and the
Underworld. There are heavenly people. earthly people
and people whose minds reflect the underworld and
whom we will call \"hellish\" people.
(PTGURE109)) The truth of an \"underworld\" does not necessarily
reflect the conventional conception of a place whe\"-e
The natural time of revival for the human body is one Is punished after death. Punishment is decided
Just after
midnight. At this time the sexual member and meted out while you are still alive. Generally
stirs without
naturally. stimulation or temptation. It speaking, this can be more easily understood by talk-
is the approprIate time to cultivate chi rather than Ing about those twelve ties or blockages.
using hormones or other artificial methods of reJuve- People have illnesses because their bodies are
nation. After the bitter coldness of Winter and deep blocked in one place or another. Once there is
before the Spring Equinox comes, a subtle warm cur- blockage, sickness will be expressed. Splriiual
rent starts at your feet and gradually ascends. This is blockage. however, is usually not as easily understood
the retwn of yang energy and is the time to cultivate as physical blockages. Take the example of a hus-
this energy and make it grow. band and wife who have dillerlng attitudes toward a
Although the seasons are opposite in the Southern matter of conflict with somebody. Let us say that one
Hemisphere, this principle is global. It can be applied would like to take a very extreme approach while the
anywhere and is especially beneficial to people of self- other would like 10 take a more humanIstic- W'ay to
cultivation. A developed being knows well that yang solve the problem. The dIITerence in attitude. idea or
energy always maintains and supports life on earth.) approac-h is due to two dIITerent levels of spiritual liv-
The more blockage Inside)))
ing. person with spiritual
 Natura! Energy In Human 123
122 8) Life
Chapter
brutal. Why are they so strongly affected by their desires
will understand a matter very dilferently than the person
or ronbltions that they carmol see another
flows more fluently within the way to achieve
whose energy
sptrttual
them that would be more healthy and acceptable? It Is
body. This ts one way to explain this.
Another way of explaining splrttual blockage is at tile because they are splrttually blocked. the upper part and
Ihe lower part of their being carmot commw1.lcate
level of the semi-splrttual, semi-physical. For example,
they will do whatever they like rather
someUmeswhen you have bad dreams the reason could Therefore, th\037
follow a better way.
be physIcal. Lying in a position that blocks the circu- Anolher illustration mlghl help make this more under-
IaUon of intemal energy will make it difilcult to wake up.
When the waking inside to move from the slandable: a twenty-four rung ladder can be IJkened to the
spirit struggles
lower body to the head. that struggle will itself as human spinal column. A healtilY person's vertebrae are
express but without
well Joined. cultivation, the splIitual energy
a bad expertence in a dream. In this case. practically
cannot go through any section of the bones because each
speaking. the bad dream is a physical blockage. If one Is
slep Is blocked.As the energy rtses up the spinal colUIIU1
not sIck, such dreams could be causedby other siinple
from the bottom. there Is a block in each vertebrae that
things like being overly tired. sleeping under a blanket
that is too heavy. bad air or an odor in the room.
needs to be opened. one at a time. Some people never
Once we expertence worldly IJfe. we have desire and
can open all the blocks. so desire, interest and personal
outreach all originate from the Intemal organs of the life
wish to satisJy it. lf you act on that desIre and you have
a blockage. one portion of your energy becomes over being. The energy of a splIitually achieved person moves
through each section, so he or she naturally looks
extended and weakens another part. Then the blockage easily

becomes stronger because the weakened for a balanced. good approach for their life energy. A
energy does not
support a balanced life being. In our spiritual practice. person whose spIritual energy is blocked. on the other
we do meditation. Tal Chi. Dao-In and Chi Gong to hand. will take an approach or make demands that are

IInprove the energy flow Inside the body. When that based on a partial vision. He or she carmot see the
intemal flow Is very good. then you are not troubled benefits and disadvantages of things. whether a situation
or action is proper or not. or whether what is done is
physically.
Spiritual cultivation follows the same process.but it is accomplishedby good means or bad means.
harder to understand. Dark energy in a person's aura can be caused by two
The practices I mentioned above
are not like athletic exercises which are totally physical; . I) conditions. One Is that the person is physically blocked.
they are semi-physical and semi-spIritual. A person can Is sick. and is going to die. The other condition is that
still develop further to concentrate totally on the spiritual the person Is mean and has done many bad things. We
I
level to make the energy flow. would not necessarily call the person \"bad.\" but the
I
When a person who is not spirttually achieved has - i))) person's spiritual energy is definitely blocked and cannot
sexual desire. the sexual energy in the abdomen is so be seen. it cannot shine. When it Is blocked completely.

strong that the person carmot manage it except by dOing a dark aura appears and you know that person Is
something 10oneselfor to a partner. or by going out 10 do extremely negative in nature.
something improper Just to satisfy thai momentary need. This is why we need to dissolve those ties. those
People with spiritual live at this level. whic . Intemal blockages. PhysIcally Or spiritually. a person
blockages
could be said to be a hellish way of life. always needs. subtly and slowly. to reform and cormect
Another example of spiritual blockage Is when a person the energy flow between each one of the chakras or each
needs money. but does not have a good way to obtain It. one of the blockages. Chakra Is the word used In yoga.
Such a person will start 10 scheme or cheat, play tricks Each (\"hakra is very powerlUl. If energy goes through)
on people. become mischievousor even become violent or)

1)
 Nalural Energy In Human 125
Life
J 24 Chcprer 8)
Some people are very happy when they lake advanta e
each ehakra. a person can achieve someUling. If iI Is
of somebody else. They do not know that their own b\037d
blocked. Ulen there will be some kind of trouble In OUr ads Increase the thickness and strength of a block e
system we call the chakras checkpolnls.
On the physical this reason, Il Is important not to take
For oj-
level. more Ihan a thousand acupuncture poinls have oLher people. Also. do not
advantag\037
be negative or narrow minded
been discovered which are also related to human physical Thosethings will only cause your own spiritual downfall:
problems. In our syslem there are elghl extra meridians People do nol have to fall Into pandemonIum after
that are utili7ed In spirilual cultivation. In each of Lhese
death. Lifetimes of accumulated evil. or even bad acts
energy channels (channel is a better word Ulan meridian) being bom Into this life. build blockages that create
there are specIalpOints that need to be spiritually opened.
one s own hell. When your eyes are splrllually
afte\037
achievement. opened by
Why? Because blockage prevents spIritual own achievement. can see that there are so
Once these blockages are removed. Lhe energy can go your you
many people who are hellish beings. This is why the
just like an urban transportation syslem.
anywhere. ancient sages preferred to stay away from the of
smoothly flowing everywhere wiLh no traITic jams. majority

The physical can help you understand the per- people.

sphere that In an
I am glad open society like America. most
sonal spIritual sphere so that you can achieve yourself In
this world and this lifetime. A person can be a heavenly, people are only nalve. If they make a mistake. Il is
because they do not know. When people in India or
an earthly or a hellish Generally speaking. every-
being.
China do a bad thing. they knowwhat they are doing.
one is bom an earthly being. This is fundamental. Even
They have the knowledge. but they doubt that
if you are a heavenly you sometimes need to take knowledge
an earthly approach to matters.
being.
Never extend yourself to because they are blocked. Thosepeople who vaguely
know suffer much worse than the people who do n';t
the lower realm to becomean infemal being of the under-
Once you become already know better. So I am happy to be working In
world. however. Always reach higher.
such an open socIety like the UnIted States and other
a hellish being it Is very hard to rescue yourself. The young people I see may
We like to have freedom. but let me ask you: do you areas. be scattered or
have freedom wlthin yourself and In your own soul? negative and have no purpose to their lives. but they are
not demonic or hellish. They only need to be spiritually
Many people do not have freedom even in their own body.
awakened: then there will be hopc In their lives.
The soul is a tiny but essential portion of physical life; it
a society declines. It Is because a majority of bad
the tip of a hair.
When
is no larger than When it descends to
souls reincarnate or re-enter life In that society. Likewise.
the lower region of your body while you sleep. there may
when a society Is In a high. good cycle. It Is because many
be some places it cannot pass through. If It Is shut up ht
darkness and is looking for help. It becomes panicked good souls have re-entered or reincarnated as Its Cltlzen\037.
The society that suffers more Is the one that has a
unill you wake up and it enters the head again. It is
10 wake up. spIritua1 background. It has half or Incomplete know-
imporianl
Now about that special practice I was talking about that ledge. but still does worse things than what its ancestors
dissolves the blockages; as long as you do the main taught It. These people are really unhelpful unless they
practices I have recommended.the specific ones like that
find light and change themselves. SpIritual things change
do not maUer. much faster than else. If a person finds the
Many highly achieved spiritual teachers anything
teacher and the right moment. then salvation Is
pay no attention to the mInor practices; they only do the right
there for that person.
main things 10 achieve themselves. But those practices
do exist, for security))) The important correction nt\"eded by worldly religions is
the transformation from extema1 religious teaching to
truthfullntema1 spIritua1 rea1lty. TIle so-calledHeaven Is)
 Natural Energy in Human Life 127
126 Chapter 8)

There are many practices which

the spiritual sphere of each individual life. The so-called good spiritual can b..
man is the mind which we have all educated to serve OUr learned. and the eIght seasonal periods are very impor-
foundation of bod- tant. If do a general spIritual the seasonal
worldly life. Earth means OUT physIcal you practice.

tly life. Hell is assocIated with earth. so it is also called periods can help produce a good effect in dtssolving knots

earthly hell. When the human mind functions correctly. and ties.)
it is a medium that can reach the spiritual sphere of an
indlvidual's being. Il can also communicate with the phy-
sical sphere of each life being. Most people's knowledge.
however. is limited by their life experience. thus creating In. General Energy Arrangements for Self-Cultivation
a strong blockage that keeps them horn communicating
with their own spiritual sphere. The result is a truly The integrity of the cosmos In the pre-Heaven
stage Is
hellish experience and reality. inexpressible.
When It reaches the expressible level of the
In early times many religious leaders externalized UJ.is post-Heaven stage, polarity and duality become its main
Yang (-I and yIn (- -I become the two
truth as an \"underworld;\" thus. religions were created. characteristic.
The continuous
spheres. multiple development of
Human Intellectual development today Is adequate to great
l.IDiverse Is the variation of those two
the three levels of life energy that are con- the perpetual great
comprehend forces.
tained in each individual life and the fact that they should Wherever there Is a phenomenon of yang. there must be
be responsible for their spiritual growth. one of yIn and vice versa. An expression of yang actually
A healthy life being should develop all three spheres.
contains yIn, and yIn contains yang. On a deep level yin
Otherwise, the individual Is incomplete. Many world and yang are IndMsible. This sphere of IndIvisibilitv '
leaders in all fields have only two spheres: the mental and reaches to the core of the cosmos.
the physical. or Man and Earth. With no connection to Ufe Is the offspring of the indivisIble cosmic nature. It
the spiritual sphere. these leaders inllict their own Is like the blossoms on a tree; they come and go, but the
confusion. disorder. turmoil and short-sighted tree always remains. The way to restore oneness with the
leadership
on the world. bringing downfall to all. cosmos Is to dIssolve duality and eliminate or Inlegrate
not only on a conceptual level but also In the real
In ancient times Spiritual teachers used the word polartty,
of inner etemal life.
\"karma\" to describe such an accumulation of bad beha- cultivation
Practically speaking, we cultivate ourselves on the
vior and habits. Parents should not only accumulate of yIn and yang. In expressing the continuous re-
basis
wealth to give thetr children. It is much safer to of yIn and yang In human life. there Is noth-
structurtng
accumulate good deeds in a lifetime. Your children may than using energy language..!!s -- a guide. On the
Ing better
not be able to enjoy your wealth and money. Many subtle level of the pre-Heaven stage and \037 are
\037 the
YOlUlgsters cannot manage their lives because they can- two great complementary forces. On the practicat level of
not manage the spiritual condition of their life being. Lots the post-Heaven stage \037::::and :: :: express the Interac-
of demons live In the YOlUlgsters' bodies because of the tion and Interdependence-of Water and FiTe as the two
parents' bad karma. There is nothing wrong with karma. complementary forces that accomplish each other In the
but the conventional of it may mislead some process of creation. Male and female energy need each
explanation
It gives the Impression of an extemal In order to achieve.Jndependence. After the middle
people.because other
line of each Ingram In :::: is exchanged with the middle
authority that punishes people. They do not realize that line of the Ingrams In . then becomes =:
the splrilual system Is a bullt-In system Inside the body of =-= \037
and \037 \037 becomes \037 \037-Thus, the p uri ty or Integrity of
each individual. Many things you do are against the
each is achieved.
\037

spiritual system or God inside of you, so when God leaves The entirety of the universe Is bul energy arrangement
you In hell. It Is the result of your own actions.) or energy formation self-cultivation without the)))
Practicing
 Nalural Energy In Hwnnn Life 129)
128 Chapter 8

knowledge of energy rearranp;ement causes TIlls arrangement represents dual cultivation

fundamental
of _ - In
To help give a basic understanding
negative results.
which there is no communication between the upper
this truth some examples are given below.) and lower partners. In self-cultivation this Indicates
nO communication between the upper and lower parts
in the body.)
Examples of Poor Energy Arrangements of
A.
Sitting Cultivation)
When In a state of calmness, a person can be di- B. Examples of Appropriate Energy Arrangements
Fol- in Sitting Cultivation)
vided Into six energy regions from top to bottom.
are several ways you can violate your
or help
lowing
==
energy In those regions.) In this arrangement the yIn energy descends
from above and the yang energy rises from below, thus
_ _ TIlls arrangement exemplifies unnecessary' and the integration of the two energies transpIres. In dual
the partners meet and male and female en-
irrelevant thinking In one's sitting cultivation, cauSing cultivation

the energy to rush Into the head. TIlls imbalance can ergy are subtly integrated.)

becomeserious and dangerous. If a person is ill, only

a small amount of yang energy (liveliness) is left, and
far _ In this arrangement there is an Interaction be-
death is not away.)
tween the Water above and the FIre below. thus the
sitting cultivation can be successful.)
_ _ TIlls arrangementexemplifies an abundance of
energy in the middle area and resembles a building -- a correct
with beams but weak pillars. In human terms, This arrangement exempUfies gather-
strong the middle
TIlls imbalance of energy in
it implies a stomach too full of food. ing region.)

can be particularly dangerous In sitting cultivation. If

a person is sick. stuffiness or suffocation can occur In
the middle area and cause death.)
_ TIlls arrangement shows that clarity of mlnd is
attained, as indicated by the fifth line which symbol-
Izes an unpreoccupied and flexible mind.)
- TIlls arrangement exemplifies FIre beneath the
Earth and implies that one's sexual impulses are too - - TIlls is a comfortable in
arrangement sitting
strong.)
cultivation. The energy is kept deeply within.)

_ _ In this arrangement FIre is above and Water is

below. Since they are not Interacting In one's sitting _ _ This arrangement represents the calm image of
cultivation, nothing constructive occurs.) water in a well. The water is a lively fountain but not
a surging tide.)

_ _ In this arrangement the scatteredness of the

Wind below causes the yang energy to disperse.) IV. Appropriate Matches of Natural Energy)

Seeking a match as general male and female.)))

 Natural Energy In Human 131)
130 Chapter 8 Life

1. Full looking for a match.)

yang c. ::.= meeting
a. = = =
meeting
': \037A burnIng love affair. It cannot last long.
\"\" If =' == is In the superior this means
- position.
== A quarrelsome relationship that matures both
great peace. = Individuals.)
_ is position, this means
-
C'= If In the superior
d. =-= meeting
divorce.)
= A
b. = meeting =-=
=
good marriage.

loves her It is a difficult match. == A good fellowship.

_ _ He only.

- -
She also loves him. It is a good match.) 3) Middle yang looking for a match. = .=
c. = meeting =-= a. = = meeting = =)

\037Companionship for a reason.

_ _ A great love, \037 specifically good

-- match. \037Teaming
\037 up for an externally positive
A great ==

d.
- ===
purpose.
meeting
b. = = meeting \037
_ _ Careful conduct brings a happy relationship.
- - ::: ::: A quIetly supportive relationship.)
Gentleness brings total trust.)
- =- A good
=
emotional
relationship
obstacles
willdepend on
or on personal
removing
2. Vigorous yang looking for a match. =-=) improvement.)

a. =-= meeting = = c. =-= meeting \037

\037 A
\037 comfortable match.) :::::: A loving relationship.

A
\037\037 progressing match.) .:.: A difficult relationship.)

b. =-= meeting =-=) d. =-= meeting ===)

If the male has loved wIth constancy. then =::: A good relationship Involving self-restraint 011
it is a good match. has often changed
If he =-= both parts.)
his Interest. then the female needs great tol-
erance to maintain a good relationship.) ::::::
A good relationship that encOlmters diffil ulty
=-= from Us SUITOlmdtngs.)
=-= A beneficial relationship. The male has the
=-= lotal support of the female.) 4. Young or shallow yang looking for a match.)))
 132 Chapter B Nalural EnErgy in Human Life 133

a. = == meeting = = ThIs represents an argumentative partnership .

2.)
Both sides need more relational strength.
energy will be damaged.
\037The
\037 yang
ThIs represents a passive partnership.
Help-
;;;; Rich, motherly love.) fulness comes after the dispersion of doubt.)

b. = = meeting =-=
3.)
ThIs represents a retreating situation. Since
the opposite partner or external situation Is
\037A
\037 corrupt match. not yet reliable, one should take care of one-
self.)

;:::;:::
A gradually bullt friendship.)
The strength of one's partner Is needed. It
c. = = meeting =-= can be obtained wtth tolerance and calmness.)

:::: A the of life.

lodge on JOumey

;;;;;;; Traveling mates.) Yin Partnerships)

d. = = meeting == 1.) Promoting opportunity ') comes wtth this

partnership.
==== The male side is more supportive.
Helpful partnership by watching the high model.
:: A mental correspondence. Reaching out in the rij!)1t direction a
brings
broad perspectiveand personal growth.)
The above situations also apply to a female seeking
male energy.)
2.) The partnership will shift from the bright to
the dark.)

V. Good Partnerships in Terms of Natural Energy)

A progressive partnership.
A partnership in business is not the same as a rela-
male and female. People of 3.) A beautiful partnership that cannot last
tionship between different very
sexes may become partners in business, but business re- long.)
lationships can generally be expressed as yang with yang
or with
A partnership Is gathered. however, it needs
yin yin.) the correct direction.)
Yang Partnerships)
1.) This represents an incidental partnership.
In observing the different kinds of relationships In
The outcome will be a surpriSing result in either category (matches or partnerships). the basic
either a positive or negative direction.) symbols presented above should be flexibly applied and
interpreted In order to discover the significant lnfonnaUon
This a If It is without for the next positive use.)))
represents strong team,
internal d1fficulty)
 17le Natural Truth oj the
Chapter 9) Spirilual Realm 135
Wherever one, Is. there are spirits. An ancient Chinese
THE NATURAL TRlITH says: 'You think your mlnd is as quIet and
d\"ep as
proverb
a bouo\037ess abyss.
but
OF THE SPIRITUALREALM) Nothing
your thoughts
can be hidden from spirits.
are as loud as
Wunder.
One may wo\037der why they do not transfonn themselves
Wto more attractive shapes. such as beautiful girls or hand-
The Spiritual Realm) some boys. Good spIrits do not want to confuse
you. They
know the appropriate occasion and fonn In which to
appero:.
The truth of spirit Is very different Ii-om ordInary descrip- Most people
would be annoyed by spirits that transfonn
\037ot
tions In literature and religion or general imagInation. The as sweet hummlngt}\\rds. like toAn important truth of the spiritual
existence of spIrits is a fact of nature. It does not belong t world is that spIrits ride on bIrds. However. spiritual
the reahn at all. bIrds. like spintual people. are not easily distinguished by
imaginary
The difference betweenspirits and ghosts is an Important undeveloped eyes.
one. The two great spheres in the subtle reaIm are the divi- If they wish. spirits will let you touch them. Their bodies
sions of yin and yang. SpIrits belong to the yang category. are as ethereal as a piece of untouched silk or the web of a
on
They are natural beIngs who are invisible, Inaudible and in-
In a bamboo grove an auitunn
spider morning. They are
to ordinary people. To a spiritually developed human soft but not fragile. One may actually feel a spirit's touch on
tangible
beIng, however, spirits are Visible. audible and touchable. and one's skin. On some occasions high spirits come to hllIllans
In a way are Just another kind of living entity. like wispy strands of clouds. A spirit's appearance may be
are essential beIngs of the unIverse before they white or dark. and It may fly gently In front of people who are
Spirits
take fOnTI. Ghosts, on the other hand. belong to the yin cate- of high spiritual development. All of these fonns serve as a
The hllIllan
gory of the subtle realm and are of a much heavier energy means of communIcation. concept of fonn. how-
that comes from the recent life experience which they have ever, Is invalid In the spiritual realm.
Just left. With distinct communIcation. one can verifv that such an
People like to imagine spirits as beIng like themselves, but occurrence Is not a hallucination. If to see I\037eans to know
In some respects this Is very Inaccurate. For example, Spirits. the truth. then this approach may excite spiritual students to
espedally high spirits. can transform themselves into any attain these opportunities.
size. Durtng the day. and In crowded places. spirits can di'- Spirits can make sounds by borrowing something
al\037o
these sounds resemble noises that
playa much larger size. material. Sometimes
SInce they depend on the absorption of natural energy. human beings make. like walking on a 1100r. for example.
they are very much affected by the energy cycle. Generallv. Spirits can also make noises in the air by themselves. Some
spirits are active at the hour right after midnight (Tze -+ ) of these noIses are signals or warrlings and others are quite
when they are invigorated by the retuming life energy. They pleasant, but most have a specIfic meaning Or message.
disappear at 3:00 a.m. (Ein \037 ) or at 5:00 a.m. (Mao 9P ) or The speech of spirits Is at too high a frequency for the
whenever they have invigoratell themselves with dawn energy. human ear to distinguish. They have a complete language.
The capability of splrils to transfoml themselvesis Incred- like human language. but It is spoken On the level of subUe
ible. To adapt to the earthly environment, they may becoIUe energy waves. which a well-developed receiver may be able to
files. mosquJloes. bugs or ants. When a spirit is in a star. he understand after some training.
can be so enonnous that he can \"break your gall\" and terrify SInce spirit language is a touch of energy waves. any
you tremendously. place on the human body can be a recei'1ng station. Nor-
Spirits may simply appear in one's room. at one's desk. or mally, high spirits communIcatewillI one's head. mtddle level
anywhere one Imagines oneself free from intruders. As hu- spirits with one's trunk. and general spirits with one's feet.
man beIngs we think of privacy as a sacredright. To spiritual Spirits can commun.lcate any time of day or rughl. For exalll-
beings, however. this notion is a great human hallucinaUon.) pie, If a writer makes a mIstake while working In his office, a)))
 The Natural Truth oJ !he Spiritual Realm 137)
136 Chapter 9)
human Ufe and are still contmllinated with their
who Is In another room can make a n\037ise
to let the parted from A SpIrit Is much Ughter than a ghost.
spirit Ufe experience. Ghosts
wrtter know of his error. The fLffiction Is hmlted by the usually sInk Into the ground.
wrtter's ability to catch the mIstake In what he worked on. In takes a new seven to
at astronomical
It generally ghost days completely
reality. spirits can know people's thoughts withdraw Its energy from its deceasedbody. The situation ts
dIstances. dIfferent. however. m the case of accIdent or war. When a
their services by staying wlUI their sptrItually
Spirits offer Is too sudden for a to withdraw Its
They can also disclosethe person-
lrauJDa ghost complete
developed friends.
human
soul energy. varIous parts of the ghost's ethereal body may be
kind and
ality of a new acquaintance and habitually
waITl
can also read lacking In energy. Since these people did not fu1fill their
tolerant people of impending danger. Spirits
such a docu- allotted natural years. they may come back to the human
documents In any language and tell if sIgning sooner than others. often with of their new shape
world parts
ment Is safe. They can foresee
visitors and telephone calls.
weakened. depending on the lniuma they suffered. Since
and can physical and financial
foret\037ll mental. problems
have sometiInes
they energy. they appear in human
Spirits can locate physical ghosts \"heavy\"
that people will have. problems.
medicine as as a form at night and attack people. Actually. this seldom
diagnose illnesses and prescribe
herbal w..ll

trained doctor. They also know whether food is edible or not. happens.
The sudden interference of an ill-intentioned ghost can
to any new situation and can
Actually. spirits respond quickly cause vehicles or machines to completely stop and thus
thus easily find solutions.
What;' very sagacIous person can do. spirits can also do. create land or air accidents. Such a ghost can also attack
do not. however. have the physIcal strength to do hard
women and impregnate them with a \"ghostly\" embryo or dis-
They
work. and they also lack the psychological persistence to ease of the womb, Many diseases. both In men and women
endure certain trivial tasks. A gathering of numerous Spirits. are caused by ghosts. with or without reason. Many of th;
can accompUsh what human beIngs never cowd. troubles of the human world also exist with or without tnJe
though.
can stop an electric cLUTent for as long as they wish. be reason and are tlle work of \"satan.\" This is real whether or
It is in accord with
They
The ghosts in an
mischievous with a mechanical system. or control certain not your knowledge.
inferior negative sphere are more apparent and can easily
pOints of the human nervous system and cause paralysis for

protective reasons or other Intentions. reach a person'slevel of emotion. such as fear. or of feeling.
such as becoming chilly. It Is dJfficwt to be Immune
Generally. spirits are very. very small. They can enter from the

your body as easily as you wowd enter a house without walls. inlluence or encroachmentof the spiritual world on all levels.
One might assume that since a spirit Is so small it can easily When one person persecutes another. he or she can sel-
be controlJed. but lhls Is not completely tnJe. A spirit is the dom escape the rev\037nge of a future ghost. but showd fear of
eSsence of a being. It does not have eyes. ears. nostrils. such revenge prevent one from disciplining people? No.
Is protection for one's sow. When
entrails. hands. feet or wings. yet Its functions are complete. Righteousness truly evil
Spirits may do as they wish. people are restrained or punIshed. they cannot take revenge
One may ask if there Is a \"poUce force\" among spirits. and agalnst you in the spiritual realm. Your own good spiritual
the answer Is yes. but spirits are numerous and unaccount- elements are your positive. protective power. Good spirits
able and calU10t be completely controlJed. Good spirits slay COlU1ect with Heaven. and with Heaven behind you. why
with good people and bad spirits are the tenants of bad should you fear HelJ?
people. Since they know what Is fatal to the human body, If a human being follows the right path and maintains the
they can easily make people Ill. Cancer and other incurable right process of purification. he can return to be a spirit. The
diseases can be actions of revenge from spirits. highest level of ghosts L'an also cultivate themselves. With
The slgnilicant difference between spirits and ghosts Is concentration they can shrink to the size of a gentle peck of a
that spirits are essential. lJght and pure whereas ghosts are mystical bird and conununicate with their spiritual friends on
the opposite. Splrils come from the fonnation of nature; they the soles of their feet. They are smart and can express their
are pure and mIld. Ghosls are souls thaI have recently de-) uplnlons very well. Such ghosts are highly developed Intel-)))
 TIle NaIural Truth oj the Spiritual Reatm 139)
138 Chapter 9
Because spirits have no form. one's mind can imagine
moral standards.
called \"Kwel- form it wishes for them. TIle forms of spirits depend
lecluals with good They.are Is dose to what whatever
which means spiritualized ghost. Uley wish to communicate to a person and also on
This
Shien\" on what
'
they are pure yang energy. reaction. A person with a
human beings can achi..ve when in spiritual rank. on e s own subjective emotional
Other levels of ghosts are far behind them is thus to beautiful heart always meets beautiful spiritual beings.
and
A pure Is a natural
spirit spirit
no connection with vulgar
relate\037
religtons Someonewho is fearful always sees terrli)ring ghosts. mon-
natural truth.
It has
sters. goblins and demons. Actually. the image is created by
which assocIate Ule spiritual world w1Ul death. Thts is a
is similar
one's own feelings. This
to Ule spoken language of
are part of nature even UlOugh they
serious mistake. Spirits a spirit In that it is real. but the way It is received and
do not have physIcal bodies like hLIDlan beings.
depends on the clarity
. or unclarity of the person.
zccom-
Ule Big DIpperare two subtle spois
WhICh Interpreted
Arow,d have a form of their own? Yes. They
itself. This is where Ule Do spirits aclually
pany Ule seven stars
of the Dipper
reside. Next to th:se are the natural aTe subtle beings with (lexible forrns of subUe energy.
highest natural deities constellatIons. Correct pray- It is really marvelous UIat spirits and ghosts are not
deities around tlle twenty-eight
ers can evoke their response.
These prayers. however. are
substance. yet their capabiliti\0373 are so human-like. ThIs ts

onlv revealed to UlOse with a wise

and blessed nature. for
why spiritually developed people cannot help but accept them
from the treasures of nature can be taught to a as important living entities.
nothing
shallow, worldly mind. You may be Interested to know what spirits generally like.
There are rune levels In the high domain of Tal they do not have sensory or-
spirit's dislike and fear. even though
the first of
Ching ( :t:...5! J. the Realm of Great
and and high spirits.
gans. They respect high deities
PurIty At \037ome
the three higl:i pure realms.) levels they dislike strong sunshine. They fear thunder.
although In some cases they create thunder. Thev dislike

1. Supreme Divine Immortals .t 1JlJ

711e Top Shien airplanes. especially jets. They dislike bad odors. They like
the beauty and sweet fragrance of (lowers. They appreciate
2. Di.utne Immortals \037 1tlJ 711e High Shien beauty. truthfulness and goodness of any kind. T!1.ey like
High
music played wiUl natural instruments. They like opera and
3. Great Divtne Immortals -*.1d1 711e Great Shten other delicate. graceful music. especially dramatized hi!'torical
tales of ancient people and the exaltation of virtue in the true
4. Virtuous Divine Immortals \0371t.LJ 711e Virtuous Shien One kind of refined Chinese opera called KLm
humaIlfav.
Shien Chui lIE, a:a) Is hard to Llllderstand. even by highly educated
5. Heauenly Immortals
[)I.11IrI\302\243 \037 1LlJ 711e Heavenly
Llllderstand and enjoy these operas
people. bu'-high spirits
Shten All hi\037h spirils love the pure. ancient cultures. This
6. Nalurol Di.utne Immortals i 1ili 711e Truthful greatly.
Is something which I can verifY.
7. Di.utne Immortals fft$ 1ili 711e Splrttual Shien Music is heavenly language. Some of the most elegant
Spiritual
human minds have been truly inspired by heavenly beings to
8. Di.utne Beings 711e Responsl1Je Shien beaut.iful music. The highest level of music is that of
RRsponsl1Je 11ib create
nature. such a breeze whisUing through the banlboo, or a
9. RRachnble Divine BeI11gs i 1L1J 711e Reachnble Shien)
or birds chirping in a weeptngwillow. All
mLmnurtng stream.
Ule of such subtlety. even than
spirits enjoy beauty Higher

this. however. ts the voiceless. wordiess and SOLUldless

Above realm are two divine realms. Shan
\037s meludy t1lat ts enloyed by spirits and by highly
Ching ( .t ) and Yu Ching (hi/ifl\037
1; ....'\" ),) heavenly
\037
developed spiritual human beings as well.)))
 TIle NaluraI Truth oJ the Splritua! Rea!m 141)
140 Chapter 9
from the \"demons\" he exorcIses Can be dangerous.
to touch blood or anything that Is revenge
SplJits do not like
thai are and natural such as SolDereligious leaders of past epochs were victims of this
hostility toward \"wild\" spirits by treating
alive
decayed. They like th1ngs
are not afraid of fire or when they displayed
a pIeceof stone. Generally. spirits but are subject to tl1ern as \"demons.\"
water or or anything else. they inJonnation is correct. one
polson Even though the preceding
higher splJits. have achieved not wonder whether spirits exist. Evil splJits
truly evil
Do splJits eat food? Yes. High spirits whosometimes
need
do exist and many people suffer hann
not need ordinary food. but they and ghosts actually
do because of them. When people deVi\037
Independence
and go to restaurants just tl1I1essand dtsharmony
may ride on their
human friends
ate from their natural way opportunities develop
of honesty.
food energy through a hlUTIan
for fun. General spirits oblain to come to live with them and generate negatiVity.
the right situation for demons
body. One may wonder If this Is safe. In and ghosts. especially real demons.can incite riots
It Is. because human often waste their energy anyway. SplJits
through morally undeveloped people who come together as a
beings
can be a practice of real piety and
BodJ1y energy oIJelings and who are often used without even knowing It. These
faithfulness to the spirits. On the other hand. young men mob
the evil wishes of such splJits in order to
cany out
and women who sleep in the nude often create opportunities people
one who is righteous and has fulfilled hJs moral
to attack them. Many nightmares are actually persecute
for ghosts
duty and actually protected people from the hann of these
pressing the body and sucking energy.
In most cases. demons and
ghosts demons and evIl spirits. evil
\"Demon\" Is a human name given to evIl spirits. If the
actions themselves. They must
spirits cannot cany
out these
spirit Is really evil. then It deserves tilis name. but in many
is just a natural spirit without be enacted through morally UI\\developed people whos\037 inner
cases the so-called demon any
Is reflected In their ignorance and vicious behavior.
of human life. Such a splJit is \"wild\" UI\\W It darkness
experience
it is no longer The practice of virtue protects one from this level of evil
becomes familiar with the human mind. Then
a \"demon.\" spiritual inlluence or interference. One should neither please

are but when nor offend evIl spirits. According to the teachJng of Lao T7U.
Generally, all natural spirits pure spirits.
all gods and
at the human level, conceptual discrim- ''When one follows the way of natural morality.
are encountered
they
of years follow the sarne natural way and become powerless to
inations of good or bad develop. Through thousands spirits
the potency of all beings in
of artiflcial cultural and religious life. human beings have put hann people. TIlliS one integl\"ates
life was once a a weat harmony, in absolute oneness.\" Another eflectlve
more and more conditions on life. Although
for evil consists of prayers to powerful, natural
matter of natural hannony. there is now much discrimination exol\"clsm

between what is \"good\" or \"bad,\" based on new habits and deities.

modes of acceptance.
Four possible reasons why general spiritual problems
of the natural happen to people involved with real spirits are:)
In the same way that hlUllan knowledge
world is not fully developed. \"wild\" spirits' knowledge
spiritual
of the human world ts not fully developed either. What ordin-
_ Troublesome spirits haUI\\1 troublesome people. The
be the kind of energy a has will attract a spirit of like
perceive as good or bad lIlay not necessarily
pel\"son
ary people can have a
way the natural spirits perceive it. Because these splnts are energy. Thomugh spiritual purification
good effect on these problems.
sUlJ \"wild\" and \"unctvilized\" before contacting the human
create havoc for human beings.
- If a real spiritual pmblem occurs. Improper handling of
realm, they sometimes
In the ancient tradition. the most valuable and useful the problem will make It wOl\"se. ThJs is due to a lack of
and/or corred spiritual education.
gu.idance for subdu.ing such spirits was vlriue. Stable. spiritual experience
virtuous behavior and good naturedness can earTI the frlend- Spiritual naivete and curiosity can invite spll\"ilud1
One may open Ihe pmhiblted \"magic box\)
shJp of the spiritual world. Exorcism only does a small Job. problems.
If the exorcIst is not highly disciplined and viriuous, the)
 71-.e Natural Thlth of the Spiritual Realm 143
142 Chapter 9 The Natural Truth of Spirit)
ThIs Is like mistakenly touching
prematurely.
electricity. What appears in this section of the book is only a frag-
_ Sometimes people who wIsh
to stIengthen their spiri-
(Ilent of the whole picture. Actually. the entirety of the

spiritual world Is as
their splrIiual proiection find vast as the universe. Though there are
tual power and augment
make a bad connection beings are the most rare and pre-
an incorrect spiritual path
and
(Ilany kinds of life. human
wIth an improper spiritual source.
Thesepeoplebring cious species on earth. Earth is also a rare and precious place
own ambItion.)
tIouble on themselves through their within the vast range of the entire universe.
Mankind has been to the moon and may land on other
occur. spirits are part of in the future. but they have been and will continue to
Although problems occasionally no different planets
the natural world and interacting wIth them Is be disappointed in not finding livIng entities like themselves
wIth other beings in the physical realm. Just as ThIs should never be a dlsappointInent. however.
from dealing wIth a there.
reincarnation follows the law of familiarity. people
There are spiritual entities on all the planets. moons and
of a similar A
certain kind of energy attIact spirits energy.
trouble with stars in the universe. These livIng beings are the direct sons
virtuous and kind individual should not have any
and daughters of natural energy. not flesh and blood like the
which Is unique in that It encompasses both
spirits. own beloved human species.
If wIsh to attIact a high spirit as your
you the matetial and spirItual spheres.
cultivate yourself. Such as part of the
one. then you must purIfy and The first natural spirIts took life fonns
takes generations to accomplish. A virtuous (Ilatetializing process of evolution. All lives are actually spirits
preparation
family conceives good seeds.
On the other hand. a baby In different fonns. SpirItual energy has many different levels.
a previous life. but this is
might be payment for a debt from
The shape of a human being Is an expressionof inner adjust-
seldom known until one breathes his last breath. A newly
(Ilent and Is the result of self-cultivation through many life-
can tell her what kind of spirIt she there are illustrations of our
pregnant mother's dreams
her own
tiIIles. In certain ancient books
has attracted. These dreams are messages from ancestors. The first beings had nine heads on a snake-like
energy and are the body language of her inner communi- body. Possibly each head did one job at a Urne. like the intel-
cations. lectual mind does now. The beautiful slmpUfication of the
Do not mistIeat your father or mother
when you are a fonn and mind evolved through millions of years to
human
child or forget to discipline your own children when you are a functions, with one head and two hands and feet
have many
If one Is undutiful. one's debts will not end.
If you
parent.
fundamental
Instead of many invisible feet beneath the belly. This Is like
achieve yourself obligations
wIsh to spirItually.
be fulfilled first. Social and family using many different kinds of knives. forks and spoons to eat
such as these need to a (Ileal which can just as easIly be eatenwIth a pair of chop-
systems have varied greatly since ancient Urnes. but the fund-
sticks or a spoon.
amental patterns of human life have not changed. unless one Thehuman form Is an artistic work of spirIt. If the spirit
Is conceIved in a test tube! Such a personIs
then the sole
or later take the tight shape. This Is
Is correct, It will sooner
beIng of their test-tube lineage. simIlar to a great artist who spends years mastering the skIlls
Modem day man may be proud of his industrial and
of his art. yet the value lies In what Is actually produced with
technological achievements such as taking a once large object the skIlls that were cultivated. SkIll Is not a totally external
and making It compact. like cameras. tape recorders. compu- Inside a Is the was
development. great master spirIt which
ters and so forth. Such machines have highly complex func- there from Infancy. waiting to be correctly shaped.
tions for their small size. but compared to a spirIt human
like these mean nothIng! There will never be a This Is how we attained the human form we have today.
advancements
Correct spiritual Is the seed of the hlilllan form. It Is
that can take the place of a spirIt.)
energy
very Important to have a good seed. The next step
machine
Is cultiva-)))
 The Natural 1Tuth oj the SplrUuaI Realm J 45
144 Chapter 9)
d the Po to the yIn. With the Integration of Hun and Po
the seed. TI1is cultivation, or develop-
aI1
tion In order to develop one receIves l1fe. If one Is bomwith an Incomplete number of \\)))

ment of vIrtue. Is a fundamenlal part

of l1fe Involving servIce, he Is an tdiot. If he Is bom with an Incomplete number
thID.
Intemallmprovement and continuous
evolution.
len souls? You of Po. he wIll never completely develop physically and there Is
Have you ever heard of a person with
nO medicine that can ever help with the growth. One can be
thInk such a person should be In a \"nut house,\" but with the correct number of Hun and Po but some of lose
might born
IS not so. TI1is person Is you. Ordinary spiritual In l1fe's journey. An ordinary person may. through
this them
education teaches \"one person/one soul:' but this Is a fan- years of work on enhancing his Hun and Po. highly
of a person who was a
many
tasy. Have you ever heard jack
of alI
develop his Inner and outer being.
trades or who was highly achieved In several areas? Have you
In my book. The Heavenly Way, one can find nInety-four
ever dreamt of beIng different person? Why are you
examples of what can cause people to lose their souls. TI1is
a totally
from the
never alone In your dreams yet you remaIn Isolated matertalls the standard elucidation of Chapter 71 of the Tao
Have you ever surprtsed when
others In your dream? yourself
Teh Ching. Other examples of what can cauSethe rapId loss
out loud on a subject you were
you were alone by speaking potency and how to remedy this can also be found
aboul? The human mind has the power of rea-
of spiritual
nol thInkIng \\II The Heavenly Way In a treatise calIed 'Tal Shan Kan Yln
son, from which different theortes ortgInate. but thethefollowing Peln\" (Straighten Your Way). Instruction for saving a lost soul
answers come from natural not from mind.
can be found In the same book In the chapter called 'The SI-
spirituality,
A highly achieved person of great versatility, has a well
Way of Blessing,\" which Is the of Chapter 54
lent
elucidation
souls. A person whose mind
organized government of unified
of the Tao Teh Ching, The real and precIous guidance that
among his ten souls. The differ-
enables one to Integrate
ts \"spoiled\" has disharmony Hun and Po (the two spheres of the
ent people In your dreams are active souls taking the form of
of the universe) Is found throughout the Tao Teh
people you have met, imagined or fear. They communicate In
entirety
need to Integrate their Inner being of Hun and
their feelings about your Intemal and extemal environment ChiTIg. People
Po with the outer world of duality,
story form, and they may exert pressure to notiIY you that
this one can better understand the first line of
or decisions. From
they have been mistreated by your \"solo\" desires
A good government does not initiate action but responds Chapter Ten of the Tao Teh Ching which says, \"Embrace your
Hun and Po to be one without divergence.\" (Although 1 have
correctly and approprIately to tts \"people.\"
Sometimes one becomesexctted by mundane matters and translated th1s line differently to avoId confusing my readers.
the matter. the exact meaning is given above.) This explains how one's
mind trtes to maturely express
soul energy may be lost becauseof one's way of life and other
the sophisticated
Your souls. however, are as naive and wild as children and
like to express themselves as well, so they do It prtvately psychological reasons. One'ssoul energy C.all be enriched by
they
a proper life and cultivating one's essence.
when tenstons are few. TI11nking is our Intemal discussIon leading correctly
before this energy reaches the tongue and is expressed by the Why does a human being have three Hun and sev\037n Po?

voice. When a secondthought denies the first, the two Ideas Because human lives are the children of nature.Thus. they

come from different sources. 11 is one soul protesting the are Installed intemally with ytn and yang energy as their

mother In such a proportional difference because they carry

nonsense of another. When you act agaInst your own person-
more physical influences. We know from the nat\037 truth
whether In reality or In your dreams, the action comes
that there are ten main energy beams which are the celestial
ality.
from another source than the one you customartIy act from.
energy of the upper sphere of the \\.uUverse and
twelve main
Of the ten souls of an ordinary person, three are of the
energy rays whIch are the terrestrtal energy of the lower
high sphere of personal splrtt and are deeply related to are constantly inter-
These are called \"Hun.\" Seven are of the low sphere. The upper and lower energies
splritualltfe. of universal
In a rotation which brings forth all phases
sphere of spirit and are strongly related to phystcal life. acting
the universe is an everlasting deep energy. A)
thus
These are called \"Po.\" The Hun belong to the yang category) life,
 TI1e Natural Truth oJ thE Spiritual Realm 147)
146 Chapter 9
Answers to Basic Questions in This Chapter)
Is the of the Interacting patemal
offspring
human beIng
the matemal energy of the
sphere if a sneezecan becaused by a strong smell or by a
of the and
energy upper universe Itself. g:
either
lower sphere; thus, one Is a small model of the wants to enter a person's body, how can one teU
from the len celestial spiJit that
One's life Is composed of three souls ts the real cause oJthe sneeze?)
and seven souls n-om the twelve terrestrial energies. whiCh
energies
That Is. what one receives for life Is three out of twelve from
out of ten from the
Master NI: This Is an elementary spiritual capability or
and seven
upper sphere of universal energy can be an indepen- awareness which Is achieved as the result of a personal
the lower sphere. Thus a human being of the universe. breakthrough. A breakthrough occurs only when one finally
high-level being among
all offspring
dent,
and thus not up or breaks through an obstaclewhich has been hin-
one's cyclic phases are not complete gIVes
However,
as one's life source. the universe.
On the derlng one's forward movement. Serious students of the
as everlasting Way cultivate themselves so that they can achieve
human level, one may be complete. but the
human level itself Integral

Is incomplete. The possIbility of divine immortal life comes these breakthroughs.

and terrestrial energy There are six major spiritual breakthroughs:)
with the completion of all celestial
It Is to achieve this by endeavors that
spheres. impossible Is the I) Generally. people do not understand Or know their
reach only the superficial phases. Behind all phases
destiny, nor do they know the meaning of lie or
e or
unmanllested root, the primal chi. fortw1

cultivation Is self-Integration. On they have taken the form of human life. Once students
On one hand. spIritual
why
the first breakthrough. they know their future and the
the other. It Is unlversaJ integration. On one
level it Is the achieve

On another, it Is the process mandate of their lie. This developed mental capability Is
process of self-transcendence. in the manifest called \"Personal Destiny Breakthrough.\
of transcending the entire universe, not only
the unmanllest as well. Spiritual achievement
sphere but in
life and to develop the flesh; a small Normally, people cannot
far. not to mention see very
Is meant to be a complete
2)
seeing a thousand Nor can they see what Is
miles away.
universe of self-completion. A true way was discovered for

this goal and It has become the central practice of happening insIde a room when they are not In it. With the
achIeving
second breakthrough comes the capability to see thousands
the Integral Way. or anywhere else in the
of the Divine Immortal Way. I used to of miles away. even on the stars
As a student
wonder which among the ten souls was me. Which would universe, like the developedonesof the past whose knowledge
which would be expelled? was based on their cultivated transpiercing vision. These
achieve divine Immortality and
This was a problem of self-integration. The souls of the lower ancient masters could see things that were far away and they

animal souls) can become traltors to one's self- galhered accurate knowledge without the use of equipment.
sphere (the
This Is called the \"Breakthrough of the Heavenly Eye.\
cultivation. especIally in the process of purification and
sublimation. This thought was troubling to my fast mind.
You cannot hear say at a distance,
only comes with beauUful. har-
3) what people
Real achievement. however.
within one's entire being. This comes whether it Is only a block away miles. It Is not
or a thousand
monious cooperation
without even mentioning the expression of total hannonlza- Important what people say behind your back; however. it Is a
known achievement on the that one can hear
tion of the intemal and extemaI as a Tal Crn. The universe Is splr1tuallevel
from thousands of miles away. TI1.is Is called the
a big Tal Chi ofyin and yang. A human being Is a small Tal things
of the Heavenly Ear.\
Chi. complete and Integrated U11 another level.) \"Breakthrough

4) It is not too dJ1Ilcult to lind one who Is capable of

reading others' m1nds, If such a capability is obtained)))
 \"The Natural Truth oj the Spiritual Realm 149
148 Chapter 9
They usually occur as side effects to spiritual develop-
of the
It is called the \"Breakthrough they can be cultivated
gift.
for their own sake
through self-cultivation.
holds tn his mtnd. Even ment. even though
One can know what another methodical and systematic cultivation.)
Mind.\"
not be known. the tntentions
can be through
though the contents may one wIll also
When one has achieved this capabtlity. mentioned that spiJiLs sometimes cause people trouble
known.
WIth a reflecting one Q: You
know what is tn his own mtnd.
mtnd
with or without
reason. Doesthat mean that both good and
they are present
can eastly read the mtnds of others. to stay with the same person?)
whether come
bad spuits
or not.)
has many levels. like the Master Ni: Yes. Most people are a combination of good and
51 The spIritual world just
bad. depending on the level of purtfIcation they have achieved.
materIal sphere with which most people are familiar. The
According to the law of spIritual correspondence, which is
world Is behind an
only difference is any energy wIll attract another of the same fre-
that the spIritual energy
When that
tnvlslble. tnaudible and intangible divider. observing or vibration. the high. pure spirits come to be with
the of spIritual the different levels
students, of quency
whose energy is high, and lower spirits come to be
development someone
themselves An
is not as pure. As a general rule,
the spIritual world present wIth someone whose energy
accordingly.

incomplete spIritual vision

can be obtained by a person with
however. it is not approprIate to discrtmtnate between good
also leave confused. While
spIrits and bad. particular
but him
some cultivation. It can A spIrit may help you develop in a
even partial vision can help
obtaining complete visIon is rare. of and definite connect- goodway on one
level encourage the development of neg-
one achieve a correct understanding
atMty on another. IS more a matter
It \037d of one's own level of
world. Unfortunately, revealing It is
ion with the spIritual development.)
forbtdden. This capability Is called the \"Breakthrough
usually
of the SpIritual Realms.\ Q: Doyou mean that a person invites a negative spiIil. by his
oWn negativity?)
61In the sixth kind of breakthrough. may experIence one

whatever one wishes. Supposesomeonewishes to be wealthy

Master Ni: Yes. This Is certainly so.)
or in an tmportant posttion or to have an unusual experience,
Just by extending one's mind there can be an immediate ex-
Q: if a person fears a disease. will he invite a spirit of this
One does not really need to be the other person tn
perIence. illness?)
order to have their experIence.)
Master Ni: This is a matter.
different A distinction must be
West Lakeof Hanchow Chiang Province of Main-
in Che
of the water made regarding whatbelongs on the psychological level.
land China Is extraordinarily beautiful. The light There is a story about a man who believed that in middle
if one wishes one c.an see
is enchanting. After achievement,
age he would have cancer of the back and die as a result of
or hear the water and be there tmmediately without any
the disease. When he was sUll young and strong he began
separation whatever. telling this story to all his relatives and frIends. It was dear
is knowing something you have never
to him that this would occur. but around him all denied
Another example those
learned before. perhaps how to playa musIcal instnnnent or
It. The disease did occur. however.
the contents of a book. Once It is touched. one will 1nlmed-
One Is that the man's
There are two explanations.
lately know It and do It well. It is one's spiritual development
beliefs were so strong he caused it to happen.
which enables this kind known as the psychological
of breakthrough
The other Is that his intuItion or precognition was correct.
\"Breakthrough of Transferable Capability.\"
Both are possible.)))
These breakthroughs are famous in spiritual cultivation.
Not everyone has thesecapabilities, yet to some It is a natural)
 TIle Nalural Trulh oJ Ole SplTitual Realm J 51
J 50 ChapleT 9
is an important step In acWevtng spiritual
one's cultivation
People like Joseph Stalin and Mao TseTung, when they
freedom. Spiritual freedom depends on Integrating one's
times, \"I don t care their to the
were alive. would tell themselves many successfully and cutting \"umbilical cords\"
What was going to happen,
souls
what after my death.\" body. WIthout this. one sinks to the ground with the
happens physical
however. was worse than they could ever imagine.
corpse. TI-lls Is usually more of On a problem for people whose
good psychologIcalhealth is necessary io strength Is excessive. the other hand. children
MaJntaining
one's spirit- physical
and those who are weak may easIly lose their souls because
a balanced, hannonlous life thai supports
leading
For example, one should try to eliminate
ual development. of the fragile connection between the souls and the body.
Ii IS best to work on
fears or the strong need for secwity. wIll balance, therefore, Is as necessary as spiritual fr\037dom.)
your Intultion so that you naturally connect Good
developing
the many good things In life. If you
dwell only on menta} a disease be retribution a past even
Q: Can from though
with life.
will connect with the negative aspects in this
or emotional fears. you
One should, the person has been very kind IiJetime?)
of life. TI-lls leads to Incomplete development.
therefore, develop the posItive. virtuous aspects of the mind Ni: Yes. It can also be retrtbution for the deeds of
Master
rather than the negative. If negativity is allowed to develop, or ancestors within a seven generation span.
moment.) one's parents
then one actually undermines oneself or lives In wWch the person himself
at every
Often it is from a past life
for Ws own life.
with the souls oj a did not take responsIbility
Q: Do d!fferent spiritS associate d!fferent
Individualism is very popular in the modem world. but
person?) the natural truth cannot be altered. A new generation is the
of the old generation, extemally as well as
continuation
Nt: There are generally two levels of soul energy In a come to
Master In most cases. the souls of the ancestors
human being: three of the ten portions belong to and Intemally.
is called the sours connec-
Heaven
live In the next generation.
TI-lls
seven of the ten belong to Earth. Heavenly energy is spiritual and continuation. lf one does evil, then not only ts one
tion
wWch is heavier and closer to
and lighter than Earthly energy
responsIble oneself.but one's ancestors and even future gen-
the physical sphere. If one does not practice self-cultivation erations suffer for the wrongdoing.
and become well integrated, then at night when the central
people seek riches so that their second or third
system is relaxed, one's souls become Many
never realize that the accum-
generation can enjoy it. but they is a more
nervous individually

active and may invite other soul friends to play in one's being.
wation of subtle virtuous merit important protec-
This has a strong erred on one's dreams. tion and blessing for future generations. When wealth alone
is necessary to keep one'ssoul
energy properly
Cultivation
not regulated, then regardless
it is of whether is passed on, it usually becomes a poison.
channeled. If
The spiritual development of a human being is a good
one is an emperor or a beggar, his souls will start to scatter tnlluence for all of one's connections. Virtuous inheritance is
and he is no longer himself when he closeshis eyes. much more important than material inheritance. When a
human beings are bom, the fetus is connected to
gives a child money or invests In a InlSt for
When
father or mother
mother by the umbilical cord. The souls in people's
the
their children or grandchildren, such actions often reswt in
bodies also have an invisible umbilical cord connected to their or disability.)
the future generation's psychological misery
physical life. When one is asleep, the souls become active.
Since they are confined by the umbilical cord, the souls
Q: Is i1 possible Jor the splIit oJ a parent in a previous
usually Just wander within the body. back several generations later as a child in
The relationship belween one's life and one's souls is generation to come
the swne Ji:m1ily lineage?)))
simIlar to the relationship between a mother and a fetus. In

a negative sense, the invisible umbilical cords become the

bondage of a free soul, and \"untying\" these knots through)
 The Natural Truth oJ the Spiritual Realm 153)
152 Clwpter 9
virtue to remedy Inadequacy. Soul energy can be richly en-
I Introduced the natural fact of reIn-
hanced by accepting pain, taking
Master NI: Earlier trouble honestly, being
the principle of family prIority.
A grandfather. and always taking the unfavored part with ease and
carnation and to collect dutiful,
the same famJly
for example. may come back Inlo without complaint.
whal was owed him or to repay a debt. (Such
debts are
Anotherway to enrtch your soul energy Is to cultivate the
rather than the material leveI.) one becomes spiritually
usually on the emotional Integral Way. When developed. the
Thus. cultivating one's vIrtue family members Is more
among
does not look for harmonious extensIon of one's spiritual being can doubtlessly
than giving gifts. One who Is wise shall then be effortlessly dissolved.
Important
cannot be consumed, help also. Trouble
material wealth. Virtuous realization Without the benefit of cultivation and virtue, some souJ
but It can bless future generations.)
energy Is bOllild to be lost or buried deeper In the physical
the process of life or through doing evil.
does during one's 1({etimE also sphere Just through
g: Does the cultivation one
affect one's ancestors?) g: Is there a dl1Jerence between the revenge oj a spirit and

a person achieves divine immor- the revenge oj a glwst?)

Master NI: Yes, it does. If
of his ancestors wIll also be bene-
tality, seven generations Ni: you are an evil person,
Suppose and have killed
the benefit they receive wIll depend on how Master
fited, although
someone who a ghost. In the spiritual
becomes world. revenge
themselves. If one does
achieved they are Ukewise,
highly
of ancestors and the seven future has validity ghost is allowed
and the to take revenge. There Is
evIl, seven generations and the debt wIll be fulfilled whenever one's per-
will all suffer one's misdeeds. The
only remedy no escape.
high energy cycle Is over.
generations If a person is In a low energy
for this Is to cleanse the contanIination of the bad sonal
even a dog can bite him.
cycle, any ghost at all can bully him;
purtfication
influence.)
A spirit on a high level has the freedom and the authority
one has a or illness to overcome, is it to punish evil people or evil ghosts, but this Is not considered
g: When d!f/kulty
a case oj spiritual retribution or could it also be subtle revenge.
always A more fundalllental way to influence all llves Is by the
guidnnce?) retribution of the subtle energy of the universe. It Is the real
ruler of all. High beings and spirits know that sub-
Master NI: When one has trouble or trials, one needs to unruling
and subtle law are one. It Is what all spiritually
eIther overcomethem or let nature take its course. Generally, tle energy
developed beings respect and hold In great awe. They follow
all highly achieved sptrltual people have many obstacles dur-
If a disease cannot be easily overcome, it Its way without deviation and avoid any emphasis on indivi-
Ing their lifetime. dual spiritual authority.)
means that the root of the disease Is deeply embedded. per-
haps seven \037enerations back.
we teU the actual
In this world there ts no one who is without trouble. Q: How can dl1Jerencebetween the spintua(
oj life and our own idealism Or imaginal ion?)
Whether one is a wInner or a loser all depends on one's level

personal sincerity and virtue In solving the problem.)

Master NI: The mind kInd Is a
of energy with good capabil-

the ities. but most people over emphasize Its conceptual aspect.
g: Is it fJOssibleJor a human being to increase three HWl
level of idealism, and the
souls to ten and the seven Po souls to twelve so tha1 the The conceptuallevel Is the
that people generally to conceptual or
and Earthly cyclic phases are complete?) importance assign
greatly limits the mlnd's other
Heavenly
Idealistic mental activity
Master Nt There is no way to fill the gaps In one's spiritual
natural capabilities. Ordinary Ulinkers and tntellectuals stay
and one can use) on this mental level)))
developmenl except through cultivation, only
 The Nalural1Tulh of 111\302\243
SpIritual Realm 155
154 Chapter 9)
whose energy Is developed can easily locate the points of
level. If one's mInd touching these
points. he can make his
spirItual level Is not the Idealistic
The weakness. By IJghtly
function as a vehicle to ThtS can easily be illustrated
Is purified and sublimated. It can enemy suITer. through
cany one to the deep sphere of the spirItual
reahn.)
acupuncture; however. acupuncture Is only used as a healing
art.)
g: Would you say nwre about ':family pJiDri1y7')
Does one \"eceive the communication oj SpiriLs through
g:
Master NI: This Is dtscussed in detatl In my book, The Taoist
intuition?)
Realm. It Is the
Inner VieW of the Universe and the Immortal
connection. In theIr is the dIrect utilization
result of an emotional or affectional Master NI: Intuition of spIritual
do not theIr affection (or theIr on a general rather than intill-
lifetime. ordinary people extend
Thts deep energy. SpIrits communicate
hatred) beyond a small circle of family and frtends. tive level. You actually feel an Itch or heat or cold or pain. It
is what makes \"family so
emotional Involvement prIorIty\"
Is not an Intuition. Thts feeling Is very accurate. Sometimes
solJd. Family members reincarnate Into the same family over It Is like a IJght
touch or kiss from another person. Other
and over. tilDes It may be like an acupuncture
needle or a beesUng or
Thts natural phenomenon can only be correctedwhen bite. \"Wild\" spIrits may be a IJttle rough in theIr
mosquito
That is they have the opporIunity coIDIDunicationsbecause they are unfamiliar with the human
to
people are alive. when
all bad connections and reach high achievement on behavior.)
dissolve social code of
the spirItual level.
also makes one return to the same How do spirits
The blood connection
g: Can a lower spirit transcend? develop?)
family. but a high spIrit doesnot follow the natural law of the
lower sphere. Is a reality of achievement and Is actually lost theIr flexibility.
Thts
Master Ni: Low spirIts have usually A
supematural.) huIDan beIng usually has more potential than the lower'level

about of Sometimeswe say that there is no separation

ghosts, in
g: You mentioned tha1 a spiTil can teU a human friend
universe. but a separation can be made. For exam-
don't human
the enUre
the of a new acquaintance, but beings distinction between is strong. and a long
ple. the
personality spIrits
have thai capability themselves?) of evolution is necessary In order to go from being a
process
low spirIt to a high one. Posil1vely speaking. all beings move
Master this capability is in a human
Ni: Sometimes equal
and f{nward. thus one cannot say that low spirits
being a spirIt, but the Is often much faster In upward
and spirIt
have completely lost theIr chance. You could say. however.
the true character of a new
that they have not yet found theIr way. A human spirIt Is also
discerning person.)

in the process of evolving from a lower to a higher level.)

g: Can you say rrwre about how spirits can control an

important energy point in the human system and paralyze Does a high spirit ever descendto become a human bemg?)
Q:
peoplefor long or short periods of time?)
NI: Among all beings. htgher and lower. a human
This is new Information to Westemers, but It is
Master
Master Ni: A high
Is an Inter-medium or transportation point.
ancIent knowledge to the Chinese. Some Kung Fu and Chi being
human form probably has either a mlsston or
spIrit who takes
Kung practitioners who are higWy achieved do not need to
a single wish.
defend themselves by force. They Just touch certain poInts of When a low spirlt takes human fonn. It has tht great
the body and one Is paralyzed. In the nelVous system of the
to continue Its soul evolution. Evolving to this)))
human body there are weaknesses. Ordinary people protect opportunity

themselves with muscles. but a good Kung Fu practitioner)

 The Natural Truth oj the Spiritual Realm J 57)
156 Chapter 9)
There is no mass production in the real spiritual wo.-ld.
take many lifetimes. each becomlng
you.
level of profundity would development is not an Industrtal process.)
Spiritual
more essential by condensing one's spiritual being.
who has self-awareness has no time to is the d!fference between deities and spirits?)
A human being Q: What
One should work diligently on one's
losein negative things.
own cultivation. I keep this door widely open to the beautiful Ni: Spirits are extensions of positive unive.-sal natu.-e
Mastel\"
of the Westem world who have Wgh aspirations beings. their
who can t.-ansfonn into positive Without
individuals
and who wish to continue acWevIng themselves. human beings would not be safe f.-om invisible
and virtue
presence
This Is how I follow the example of the ancient
ascended a single second. AlLhough the spiritual
enemIes fo.-
masters who left the door open for future comers.)
development of spirits is neve.-
less than that of humans. it
may vary on
different levels.
a spirit remain with someone many lives?)
In some ways. gods and deities are high and .-emote.
Q: Does throughout

pure spiIits are the medium between high divine

could for some specialreason.Generally
Natural.
Master NI: Yes. it
it
spirits and human beings. They selVe as messenge.-s and

does not but rather rettUTIs when the being

\"remain.\"
takes a
on most occasions. Since these spirits are the
guardtans
new life in order to help awaken the old soul. foIlowe.-s of high divinities. they are the helpe.-s of spiritually
On an energy level. people change every day. This law human beings.
developed
also applies to the spiIitual world. Every minute of every day In describing a good friendship. one thinks of such words
there ts a new organization of human physical life. and one intimate. close. faithful. affectionate. nice.
as friendly. kind.
always has the chance to either stagnate or become revital- sweet. etc.. but the real meaning of
such wo.-ds can only be
ized. Thus one always needs to be well prepared. friendship with spirits. Thev a.-e fa-
known by experiencing
One's good energy naturally invites Wgh splIits. but when husbandly. wifeiv. like a
therly. motherly, sisterly. bmtherly.
one Is bad these spirits surely leave. Daily cultivation Is teacher. a kind nu.-se. or a dutiful son 0'- d;\"ughter.
sense of good
important, Lherefore. not in Lhe general religious Mo.-eover.they are conside.-ate. unde.-standing. tolerant. help-
pleastng an extemal god. but in order to keep oneself Wgh.) ful and virtuous. No other wo.-dscan accu.-atelv describethe
relationship between the spirits and humans. If a
spiritual
say they a.-e the kind-
lives?
oj their distinction were to be made. one might
Q: Does a person carry around the ghosts past

est. sweetestand most faithful of friends. Thev may human need a

Master NI: Yes. All people cany Lhelr old ghosts around. and and fmm thei.- deveioped'
onto them
little training discipline
some peoplenever give them up. They will hold friends. however.
untJ1 old age. Peoplewho do this can thel.- assis-
from Lhelr childhood The significant aspect of spirits is that without
never refresh no one on the
their spirit.) tance as spiritual gua.-dians and \"pilots.\" spiri-
it is an hono.-able and
path could achieve anything
tual .-eal.
Q: Does a person ascendto become a spirit or descend to occasion to have these gua.-dlans and pilols whom
his life?) precious is
he has lived
become a ghost according to how
the high god sends. The sweetness of spiritual achievemenl
lost to those who lack a tnle spiritual connection; empty
a person practices culti- a.-e their onlv .-esulls.
imagination and sou.-philosophies
Maste.- NI: Unless natural. genutne
vation. he usually becomes a ghost. Good religions. at best.
The
Yellow In his stmggles W1U1 th\037 viclous Che-
Empemr.
are for people who a.-e trying to control themselves. of spirits In obtaining tile rtghteous
Huy. .-eceived the
O.-dtnary
help
however. Wnde.-undeveloped humanity. Faith tn an With the Instruction of these spirtls.
religions.
powe.- of the unlve.-se.
imaginary god touches the blind spot of people's mInds. the compass was invented dnd victol)' was assured.)))
There Is no salvation tn their self-deception. Real salvation
can only be accomplished by oneself. No one can do it for)
 \"The Natural Truth oj the Spiritual Realm 159)
158 Chapter 9)

the Great Yu overcame the Master Ni: As I understand It. the development of the mind
Long after the Yellow Emperor.
of the subtle merit of has two main directions which exemplify yIn and yang. There
deluge. and thJs 100 was because IS the analytical. generalIzing mind on which modem science
natural spirtts.
their energy Is based. and there Is the high intuitive. or Integral. mind
Both of these anclenl sages thereafter putwItllthe whJch enables the ITuth to be presented In the right way. The
Into spirtlual methods and further connecting spirtt- from the modem Intellectual
handed iIltegral mind. which differs
Many profound spirtlual practices
were
lDiIld. is the basis for the knowledge sages. It
ual world. of the ancient
The greal accumulation of spirtlual
down al that Ume.
hennlts was made by de- sees the whoie picture at a deep level. thus the discovery of
treasures from the ancient divine the entire truth of the universe
was possible.
voul emperors such as these.This Is the
real strength of the
It undeniably took capable minds to connect wIth thJs
natural spirttual tradItion. of knowledge. From the six breakthroughs men-
can only be passed to a qualified studenl.
good source
Some methods earlier. one can understand that an ordinary mind can
years. Other
tioned
whJch may occur only once In a thousand be cultivated and developed to a level that can respond to the
down to three people In seven
methods can be passed onJy truth of the universe. This ancient c.apability which
Such treasures are not well subtle
hundred years. hJgh spirttual
these methods are also can abstract a very complicated. detailed phenomenon and
known. As for self-cultivation. use a single word or picture or diagram to express it is not
reserved for the appropriate person. usually avaIlable to the ordinary human mInd of today and is
mattera serious thecorruption of human
It is when
thus not easily understood. but we must recognize that the
nature becomesdeeperand Most people cannot be
deeper.
secrets. nor do they have the hulDan mind is capableof such a high achievement.
Many words and books are needed
trusted wIth these invaluable to explain the natural
to give orders to helping spilUs.)
capability sciences of the modem world. and only after specializing can
do not one understand evenpart of the truth. Through the Integral
Q: Would you explain your statement
that \"real spirits
one needs to look at one simple picture
only to achieve
to confuse you. but animal spirits may do so?\ Way.
one can understand that
want
real learning. From this illustration
the ftmction of these mental capabilities are dilIerenl.
One cannot expect a to come if one is
Master Ni: hJgh spirit
I am not saying that one way of knowledge Is greater than
mentally or emotJonally confused or if one has a confusedway
the other. I think that each has different functions and that
of Ufe. In thJs case one can only attract impure ghosts and should be equally Intellectual
If one does not summon such confused the values of each recognized.
knowledge can. of course. help explain integral knowledge of
anlmal spirtts.
ghosts. then one's growth is directed In a more pure way.
truth. Words. language and descriptive methods
the natural
It is not that the anlmal spirits like to confuse a human
that attracts this can all selVe and carry the message of truth: however. they
It Is one's own Ufe and vibration The integral mInd participate-s
person.
and practice. are not the truth itself.
lack of well-organized spiritual self-govelTllIlent is only its messenger.
with the truth; the intellect
The anlmal can then Join the person and become a directly
spirits one who knows the truth can accurately explain It.
part of the spiritual organism of one's life. The entire OnJy
Such knowledge comes from the inside out. as opposed to
needs spiritual guidance to conduct Ufe
individual high comes from the outsIde In.
Intellectual knowledge which
efJecUvely.) This is the divergence between ancient and modern
knowledge. U you agree that knowledge is the harvesl and
Q: How did the ancient sages know so much about the
mind Is the tool. then you must also agreethat the halVest is
universe? Does their knowledge meet sCientific requirements.
Without the guidance of the Integral
is therr way congruent wUh the scientific
limited by Its tools.
and way?)
mind, how can one fuse all other known elements of the
mind?)))
 \"l11e Nalural Truth of the Spiritual Realm 161
160 Chapter 9)
in their teachings is like having a big pot of boiling soup. only
Can Western students whoJoUow the Integral Way achieve to discover that inside is a skeleton with no meat
Q:
themselves as highly as Chinese students?) The shortcoming of most Westem students is that they
touch only what Is superficial without reaching for the deep
Master Ni: The six breakthroughs
are personal developments
trUth. If they wish to achieve any breakthrough they must
The technological to or use machines instead of doing
that are achieved through self-cwtlvatlon. first stop trying invent

the West encourages people to become externally ori- for themselves. Otherwise they will need machines to
of things
way
Personal development has lost Its
ented and spiritually lazy.
to do their self-cultivating!)
and people have been taught develop and
spiritual priOrity Even the
become dependent on machines and technology.
Q: What is the significance q( dreaming about someonebeing
use machines. Originally. an a
new techniques in acupuncture other than pregnant mother?)
and natural pregnant.
ancIent healer had to develop his own sensitivity
energy in order to know the energy points
and meridians.
Master Ni: If a boyfriend or husband dreams of his wife or
Now that machines have been designed to
locate these points being pregnant with a big belly. it means that she is
no longer herself. perhaps a secretplot)
girlfriend
and admlnister the treatnlent. many acupuncturists something inside
have lost hiding
need to use their intuition. The reswt is that they
for their own Inner development. TIlis may be us more about the world?)
an opporiunlty Would you tell spiritual
at some level. but on the fundamental level much
Q:
acceptable
damage will result.
Master NI: We have discussed the general pure spirit. but we
Machines are helpfw practical level. For instance.
at a
have not connectedit to human reUgious conceptions which
with their help we have more time for personal cultivation. that spirit is \"holy\" and human is \"dirty.\" The
proclaim
Modem people have the intelligence to develop many useful human being and the spiritual being can connect on the level
things. TIlis does not mean. however. that we showd take of The spirit is pure and divine. with no evil. If a
more time for play or decay. By taking pride in one's new
purity.
human being is pure. he is a spirit.
inventions. one loses the chance for personal development. What I describe in my work are primarily divine spiritual
Many people in the East are too Introverted. while: those
In the beings. not ordinary ones. Impure or undeveloped spirits
in the West tend to be too extroverted and superficial.
have the will to develop themselvesoncethey are enlightened.
be better organized but in the
West. things may extemally.
Human beings. however. know what is evil and impure and
East. for instance. one can delennine the blood pressure by and profit. failing to
or the still do such things for material gain
feeling the pwse and looking at the color of
the tongue
without a considerthe final result. This is like laking a Uttle polson at a
ears. Yet this cannot be expressed numerically time. One finally poisons oneself. It Is a pity that people who
machine. to their
only for excitement and temporary
look solutions
Ilis nol unusual for a patient to be examIned by modem
trained doctors and also visll a traditionally trained Chinese problems are not more aware of this.
This may be a good In ancient China. the word Heaven had two different
healer for the integral way of healing.
one of which was the complete and integral uni-
cooperative approach and a good prospect for future medical meaningS.
verse. Although people did not make Heaven the final judge.
practices. One way Is more academic and the other is more
did believe the laws of Heaven to be unlversaIIy just.
practical. The same approach appliesto the integration of they
Heaven Is the fatherly energy. the source and authority of life.
Eastem and Westem culture and to the balance of person-
In methodical. natural self-cultivation we speak of thirty-six
alities. In this realm. there are many subtle spots or subtle
the same method of extemal Heavens.
In spiritual development. This Is not a
islands\" where spiritual beings live.
organization can be applied. PeopleIn the West can organize \"energy
of religious faith. but the fruitful result f)f the)))
very strong and wealthy churches. but searching for the truth) matter
 TI1e Natural Truth oj the Splritual Realm 163)
162 Chapter 9)

global being, but he ts not yet a universal being. One

true spirit- be a
exploration and cuJtlvation by many generations of
can be a universal being by eliminating conceptuaJ discrim-
uaJ scientists and pioneers. The possibility for personaJ
but this is only on the menta) level. The truth is
achievement is not to the inations,
that one can be anywhere,
and lost not In the flesh but wtth
spirituaJ cuJtlvation the light
modern student. The method and the way are still here. energy one accumuJates from the world. This light energy is
It is diiDcuJt to describe the subtle energy spots of reaJ sctence
part of spirituaJ methodology.
the of splrttuaJ
Heaven. but one can look at each star, each planet and each cultivation which is not the same thing
as religion. Ordinary
constellation as an energy island. Among these are the earth, need religion to maintain sociaJ moraJ-
the sun and the moon. Sinceenergy forms dIfferently on each people psychologically
The true expressIon of morality, however. comes from
star are aJso different. uy.
natural law. If one wtshes to be supernaturaJ,
star, the beings of each Ordinary one must first
human beings like to use themselves as the standard for all
el1IIl- lnate what Is not natural. To illustrate this. an unpor-
beings. If they do not find a flesh and blood being on a star,
is the question. \"How far is it from Earth to a
This attitude tant example
tile existence of any being there.
they deny
tnfonnatlon which can have a negative influ- divine star such as one of those In the Big Dipper?\" Surely it
Inaccurate
yIelds
is many light years away. With developed splrttuaJ energy,
ence on
hoWever.one can cause a response
the growth of future beings. as quJckly as the snap of
Stars are the source of all creatures, and every star
a finger and the starry being will stand right in front of you.
living
has Practically speaking, heavens are placesto
exactly as summoned. We cannot expect such dMne ways to
starry beings.
go and tour. There are thirty-six specIaJ communicating
or demonstrated to L':1e majority of people. They are
of the first five be taught
places, and bestdes the close connection
In the solar system, sun and moon, there are still trUly holy.
planets
The way of life that can lead one back to Mother Nature
other reachable spirituaJ places such as the twenty-eight Is dearly outlined In the Tao Teh
constellations and the Big DIpper. The Pung La1 immortal and to being supernatural
Ching. There is no better way to restore purity and relations
isles are a spirituaJ place on the Heavenly River (the Milky
Way) where those who have achieved the refinement of the with all natural beings.
Earth is a toy room for starry heavenly beings who watch
InternaJ immortal medicine especIally like to visit.
All heavenly energy spots are reachable by developed human struggles in the same way that a child plays wtth toy
souJs. The fundamental princIple of achievement is the soldIers that fight and destroy each other. The shallowness

and Ignorance of undeveloped human beings create trouble

Integration of Hun and Po Into a completeand transformable
for people who wtsh to use Earth as a place for
self-cultivation
spiritual being. Although such a being does not depend on
the nostrils to receive oxygen, he may depend on something and continual development.
more subtle. With their indescribable forms. spirits can tour Are the beings of other planets as tgnorant as human

all the stars of the heavens. beings? No, starry beings do not have the heavy. inconven-
The well-known Three Realms of Purity are above all ient flesh body of human beings. They have a subtle form

and a higher capability. They are not separated from the

thirty-six Heavens, but they can also happen anywhere as
are natural
one's personal spiritual achievement. By consistently cultiva- prtmal energy. They do not cultivate. they and

ting oneself spiritually, one can develop the capability to be are very developed. That Is why the ancient sages call them
Thetr level Is far higher tl1aJl that of human
on any of the energy islands, whether visIble or invisible. An heavenly beings,
achieved one can even have a star resort for one's own beings.
One may wonder if there are evil beings in the
cultivation. any

A universal go anywhere in the stany Heaven.

can tmlverse. ThIs has been discussed earlier. They are not evU.
being
Someonemay say, \"I can move to England if 1 don't like being they are rough. Natural beings are never the same as human
here,\" and if he does not like England he can moveto France beings who are tricky. greedy and rough. Pain, agony,
and if he does nollike Francehe can move to Spain He ma;) excitement and frustration happen only on Earth.)))
 TI1eNatural Trulll oj the Splr!tual Realm 165)
164 Chapler 9)

For those who have the high understanding and the will
AscensIon to Heaven does not seem very Important to to unite themselves in their
are lmder the pressures and of to achieve themselves spIritually,
modempeoplewho tensions
own short lifespan with the deathless spIritual realm. the
practical life. who demand immediate. visIble pleasures, and methods of the ancient achieved ones are left in
who do not consIder their future but merely preciouS
various sacred and secretbooks.someof which are preserved
spIritual Indulge
in material life. When they become ghosts. they suddenly Taoist Canons. Their great value and worth are
in dIfferent
become aware of the Importance of ascending to Heaven with
for the true aspirant who. by devoting his entire life to
the freedom of a universal being. but by this tlme their poten- only

tial to become light has been lost and they can only sink learnIng one or two of these methods, can remakehimself or
herself.
deeply into the grOlmd with a heary separation from all living
The largest Taoist Canon of 1.487 books was cO'1lpiled
entities. One's heaviness becomes his Umitation and confine-
the Mlng Dynasty (1368-1643 AD.) and completed
ment. and In this sense one builds one's own hell. So here I durIng
the reIgn Chen Tunof (1436-1505 AD.I. It Is known
you. good reader, that it Is important, If you still value
durIng
remind The main part of this work Is the
as the Chen TWl Canon.
your precious soul. to live not only for the short period of your made in the Tang Dynasty (618-906
human life. but to lJve long and free with all those Important remainder of collections
stars and with the whole nature of the universe. AD.I which were unfortunately damaged and widely scattered
I do not wish to see this toy room of high beings destroyed In the political rebellion of Hwang Tzau (880 AD.I. After this.
before some good humans have the opportunity to achieve different collections were ITIade. but many of them were lost

and transform themselves.) and disordered. Although the natural spIritual heritage is
enormous, the easiest and most widely understandable back-
Is contained in the Taoist Canon which was collected
ground
Natural Cultivation and the Taoist Canon) and compiled at the time of Chen Tun. 1 sincerely hope that
some day a translation of these incomparable treasures of
human beings developed human development can be made available and respected in
Throughout of years.
millions
from the constant cycle of nature. By obseIVing hibemating the modem world.
of the Chen Tun Canon
content falls into several
Insects and animals around them and the yearly cycles of The
to all seasons. In Spring different including
categories. the philosophical works of Lao
vegetation, they responded naturally
were lively, In Summer vivacious. in Autumn Tzu, Chuang Tzu and many others. It also inclcdes natural
they they gath-
ered themselves.and in Winter they prepared for return. re1Jglous rituals. ceremonies and practiceswhich were devel-
Thus mankind achieved an existencehere on Earth and which In the course of time incorporated the cus-
that was oped
in hannony with the divine order of the universe. toms of rural Chinese villages. It also became intermingled
Before the stage of separation between Heaven and Earth with Hindu and Buddhist scriptures prior to Chinese Budd-
the natural and supematural were one. Arter life in a fo\037 hism as It was fonnallzed after the Tang Dynasty. New and
became dtstinct from spIrit. the supematural quality of different translations were made by Indian monks. who were
natural life started to diminish. In spiritual cultivation. It Is versed in the teachings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. for the
express purpose of integrating
understood that the highest achievement of a human life Is to the teachings of Taoism and
restore what Is most natural in order to reach the super- Buddhism. This made the translations easily accepted by the
natural Thus the regimen of self-cultivation and all methods Chinese people. because at an Ideological level they super-
of spiritual development are practiced according to the natur- O.clally carried the same basic understanding of life.
al cycle of the season. Seasonalperiods mark signiIlcant Other parts of the CWlOn include traditional Chinese
times which are beneflctal for undertaking special cultivation medical texts and intemal alchemy. which takes up a good
hidden language.
for specific purposes.) part of the Canon and Is written in esoteric.
The names of metals and stones are used as metaphors to)))
 166 Chapter 9)

describe to achieve spiritual Immortality. The key to

the way
understanding these writings was passed down orally from a
that It would
truly achieved one to his students. I still believe
be Improper to fully reveal those methods to who do people
not value their lives and even to those who do value their lives
but are unvirtuous.
The last part of the Cwwn contains the essence of spirit-
ual truth and methods. It is only one part of the whole, but
I truly and deeply respect those Invaluable materials. Only a
very few people can uUllze this Information. It can be of use
only to one who has surpassed his own Intellectual strength Part Two:
after achJevIng the utmost level of Intelligence. The Natural Path of Ufe)))
As descendants of the Integral truth of lJfe. we owe a debt
power to seize and [)
to past emperors who used their political
collect these sacred and secretbooksfor their personal royal
libraries. However. neither political power nor fInancial power
nor Intelligence nor wit can break those anctent rtddles and
make use of them. Their truth can be discovered only by one
whose personal evolution reaches a poInt of spiritual attain-
ment.
TIIis most valuable spiritual treasure of mankind, which
cannot be obtalned anywhere else is avaIlable only as a small
part of the Taoist Canon. It can easily escape the eyes of
prominent scholars and smart students whose Intellectual
pride and confused worldly knowledge hide the truth from
them. To those of spiritual aspiration It is not Just a problem
of a language barrier (either the Chinese language In which It
is written or the esoteric language of the text), but rather the
twistedly educated mind which now and then becomes an ob-
stacle to entering the profound spiritual ocean.
I encourage those who sincerely aspire to spiritual
achievement to learn the Chinese language for the purpose of
studyIng Taoism or Chinese medicIne. You may wish to learn
Chinese iar other purposes, but It never seems to have any
special value other than Its own intrtnsic characteristics.
Language. however, Is a communlcation tool, and It seems
that the picturesqueness of ChinesecharactersselVes better
In learning Integral spIritual development than other
languages do. Thus I limitedly recommend It 10 those seekers
who have reached this level.)
 Chapter 10)

BASIC GUIDELINES
FOR DAILY LIVING IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE NATURAL TRUfH)

/.......\037::::\037)--A\037
The sIxty-four hexagrams of the I Ching offer guidance for
\037
\037;,
jj-A \037 '. ft specific
circumstances. The two classics which follow, 'The

tJ)
1b ;' ;1.;/ -X
- Great Learning for Everyone\" and 'The Fundamental
a Plain Good Ufe,\" offer more general guidance. Both of these
Path of

...
-co
dK
t it \037Y-
JL works were written by Confucius durtng his old age. after his
;AI)) I'
, ..,.\037
\037 audience with Lao Tzu.
to have been put in writing
\037 ,..... 'The Great Leaming,\" believed
, by Cheng Tzu.
an eminent student of Confucius. has provided
-t:... fi
\"\"7.
f1 \037 \037 many generations with a basis for building the foundation of
- \037 This work also provides the proper
J\" -\037] \"1-
4\037
1\" If a balanced personality.
.;.
\"i(j flp)) ll\"' -+ IA -' fO\\.Uldation for further study of the integral Way and for culti-
vating oneself to becomean integral
\"to .J Being. Since spiritual
J\037 \037 f::=
]:... \037'- \\.. \037 cultivation is useful at all times during one's life, it is wise to
'?/7 .A1\"' \037
start when one is young. 1 myself was trained in this way.
? ./
\037 ifJ \037\037 \037
J) 'The Great Learning\" can also be used to Illustrate the
\037 \037
'yr. f\\.Uldamental steps for self-cultivation that are outlined in
11>
ill) Chapter 54 of the Tao Teh Ching:)
\037)
t\037r
1 \037
,)
'\"
.)
'-
\037\037 gi Virlue wtU be genuine
when one cuUivates oneself.
-%
I;- p \037'R Virtue wtU be sufficient
...-?\" when one cultivates oneself
i ,)
with his family.
H] fi' Virlue wtU grow rich
$7.
w -?\037 \037))) when one cuUivates oneself
,\037
l }\037;'o/ 1\037
_) with those of his viUage.
I.)
Virtue wtU abOlmd
when one cuUivales oneself
with those qf his nation.
Virtue wiU JlouTish WIiversally
when one cuUivates oneself
with all people WIder Heaven.)
 BasicGuldeUnes for Daily Uving 17J
170 Chapter 10)
To att.a1n true knowledge. one should look deeply into all
The Great Learning for Everyone)
lI1atters. Thus. the essence and balance of life will be
reached.)
1)
2
The great way of developingone's personality Is lhis: to
The ancIent sage teaches: \"Reveal your oIiginal. pure and
understand one's vIrtue comes from nature; to renew
tbat
virluous nature.\"
from time to time: and to settle one's teaches: \"Purify
one's virtuous beIng The ancient book the pIistine, virtuous
mind on perfectly attainable virtue.)
nature which Heaven has bestowed upon you.\"
The ancient classic great, tbe
where and how to settle the mind, tea?,hes: \"Clearly perceive
of your life.
Knowing virluous nature
one will be calm. All the above saytngs teach people to truly know and
Having attained calmness, restore tbeir oIiginal. untainted. virtuous nature tbat is
one will be undisturbed.
covered by many layers of contamination that have been
Having attained an undisturbed mind, from many lifetimes of expeIiences. Thus. the
accumulated
one will have peace.
clarity of one's nature becomeslost. In the beginning. there
Having attained peace, was no separation between individual and universal nature.
one'smind will respond correctly Oncelhis separation occurred, people began to expeIience the
all situations. from being attached to tbe
In
to aU situations tbousands of palns that result
One who responds correctly of life and deatb.)
will the problems
find way.)
3
has roots as Us main part and branches as Its on an ancient
Everything
an end. The motto engraved fountains reads: \"If
parts. All matters have a beginning and
tbe filth from our bodies,
today we wash ourselves
secondary and clean
One who knows what Is fundamental will not siray far from
tben we should continue to wash tbe filth away daily. We
tbe Integral
should constantly refresh our bodies and our minds.\"
Way.)

The ancient sage teaches: \"Be new people.\"

From ancient times to the present.
The ancient ballad says: \"Although tbe state of Chou is
one who wishes to extend virtue
old. U accepts the will of Heaven. By always renewing itself.
In all people under Heaven
it is always new.\"
should first have a weU-governed nation.
renew themselves.
One who wishes to have a well-governed nation, People of self-cultivation continually
Thus, tbey help tbemselves and otbers.)
should first have a weU-organiZedfamily.
One who wishes to have a well-organiZed family 4
should first cultivate his personality.
The ancient ballad says: 'Thou\037 tbe cenual territory of
One who wishes to cultivate his personality
miles wide. It Is a good place for
should first regulate his mind. Shlan is only a tbousand
to gather and live. Little yellow birds sing tendeI\" songs
One who wishes 10 regulate his mind people
as tiley peI\"ch on tile lUXlllianl bushes of a warm hillside.\"
should first be honest with his consciousness. blI\"ds know where
One who wishes to be honest with his consciousness The ancient sage says: \"Little yellow
tbey should peI\"ch. Are human beings less wise tban birds?\)
should firsl attain true knowledge,)
 Basic Guidelines for DaUy Living 173
172 Chapter 10)
7
says: 'The king wishes
to extend his one's deep consciousness meansto not
The ancient ballad To be honest with
virtue and continue hIs work Justly and openly.
With
cheat oneself. Be truthful
to feelings of disgust at decaying
he holds to the grand task.\" odors or of pleasure in beautiful colors. Keep away from
equanimity
Thus, to be a king. one should be kind.
To be a minister,
To be a son or daughler, one things of decay. Be attracted to lhings of beauty. Thus will
one should work dutifully. happiness be found. One cannot cheat one's own feel-
should be faithful 10 his or her filial duty.
To be a parent, one trUe

To be a friend, one should be ings. Bad odors and sweet aresmells are real. One must keep
should love his or her children. away from lhings that corrupt and accept what is
truthful.
Another ballad says: \"Look at the other shore of the River
beneficial.
One of self-cultivation is aware of Wmself when alone.
the virtuous King
Chi. The green bamboo flourIshes where
who are shallow indulge in all kinds of corruption when
In his studies as if he were
'fh.ose
Wel lives. He is as deliberate alone. When they face a virtuous one. they try to cover their
a piece of Jade. He Is careful and
be
cutting and polishing lack of virtue. but nothing can hidden from those who are
accurate in his actions and firm in principle. He Is a person virtuouS. One who cultivates truthfulness inside
truly
of self-cultivation and a truly unforgettable modeL\"
naturally expresses Ii outside.
Anotl)er ancient ballad says: \"Alas, the virtuous models of Do not be indulgent when you are alone. The ancient
past kings are unforgettable!\"
sage said:
\"Even when you are alone, act as though ten people
From such examples.oneofself-cuJtivation recognizes the
were watching you and poInting their fingers at you. How
virtuous and wise and respects them. One who cuJtivates it is to be sincere!\"
Wmself knows who to be near. He Is content with what is significant
Riches beautilY one's house. Virtue enriches one's life.
sImple and useful in life. Even after the virtuous pass away. When the mind is at peace. the body Is at rest. Therefore. the
their merit continues to flourIsh.) thing in life for one of self-cultivation is to
roost fundamental
be honest with his deep consciousness.)
5
To know whai is fundamental is to possess the greatest 8
knowledge. To cuJtivate virtue means to regulate the mind. When one
To work what is fundamental is to be one of self-
with
Is angry. In conllict or wOnied, the mind loses its original
cuJtivation.)
balance. When one's mind is distracted. things are watched
6
but not seen, listened to but not heard, eaten but not tasted.
to people's argu- Therefore. reguJating the mind is the basIs of self-cultivation.)
The ancient sage says: 'When listen I

ments I considerboth sides. look deeply within their

If they
9
hearts. the straight and the twisted. and the
they forget
Why does harmonizing one's family depend on self-
argument can be naturally resolved.\"
Because without It one would defer to thoseone
One who is not fundamentally truthfuJ does not listen to cultivation?
loves and feels dose to, yet discriminate against those one
his heart but rushes into arguments. Surely. the argument
dislikes and looks down on. One would also be deferential to
couJd be settled through clarity of mInd, yet one is usually
those he respects, fears, ptties or admires.
afraid to acknowledge and recognize this clarity. Never-
theless. the answers lie within. Usually. when one loves another. flaws are overlbokt'd.

to follow the fundamental truth is the key to When one dislikesanother. seldomcan tht' goodness be seen.
says: \"People seldom perceivethe t'vU
LeamIng
all problems.)
The anctent proverb
settlIng
ofthetr alladunent to a favorite possession. Nor from envy do)))
 Basic Guidelines Jor Daily living 175
174 Chapter-10)
What you do not like Jrom the one above you.
own crops grow as compared to
do not do to the one below you.
they know how well their
you do not like from
What the one below you.
their neighbor's.\"
This is why cultivating a centered. balanced mind Is the
do not do to the one above YOIL
strong foundation of an orderly family.) What you do not likeJrom the one mfront.
do not do to the one behilld.
you do not like from the one behilld.
10 What
on well-ordered
Why Is a well-govemed nation based
cannot really
do not do to the one ill front.
families? One who has a disorganized family What you do not like from the one on YOUT left.
help his nation. Thus. one who cultivates hiInself can help
do not do to the one on yOUT right.
his nation without leaving home. What you do not like from the one on YOUT right.
and with this same virtue.
He treats his parents faithfully. do not do to the one on YOUT left.)
serves his nation.
He treats his elders with respect by listening to their This is the fundamental principle of conduct.
and with this same virtue he also treats his is the virtuous one. He
experIences. The ancient ballad says: \"Happy
superIors with respect.
who are close with kindness. and with becomesthe parent of all people.\"
He treats those He likes what all pure people like and rejects what they
this same virtue the majorIty of the people. dislike. This is calledbeing
commands the parent of all people.
says: \"Embracing a nation
Is like
The ancient teaching Another ancient ballad says: \"Look to the South
a new-bom is not necessary in
It resembles \\I)
caring for baby. ExperIence
Mountain. Its rocks are tall and well-founded.
order for a cartng mother io proiect her baby.\" minister of a nation. All people look up to it.\"
mind Is not a the great
Thus. serving one's nation with an honest A leader has to be careful and upright. If one is
diIDcul t task.
prejudiced. the world
will be damaged.
love and is non-
If the family practices impartial The ancient ballad says: 'The first rulers of Er had virtue
combative. the whole nation will be benefited. If one person
matched that of Heaven. but their descendants lost
is selfish and cruel. the whole nation will be In turmoil. The
which
their virtue and thus lost their people. This exampJ.. can be
real to an orderly society is this to maintain constant virtue.\"
key
One wrong word can destroy
simple.
a good relationship: however, used as a reminder
The way that allows one to gather people also enables one
one good person can lay down a good foundation for the
to lead a nation.
safety and order of a society.)
The way that does not enable one to hold people also
11 causes one to lose a nation.
Therefore. one of cultivation must be careful and nurture
Why does the foundation of a hannonlous world depend
his virtue.)
on the orderl1ness of nations?
If the leaders of a country respect the old, then the people
will do the same.
Wilh virtue. people willJollow.
Wilh help. one can have land.
If the leaders of a country pIty the lonely and helpless.
Wilh territory. one can have wealt/l.
then thepeople will do the same. thal have use.)
of Wilh wealth. one CWI provide things
Therefore, one of self-cultivation follows this principle
conduct:)
Virtue Is fundamental: wealth Is last in importance)))
 Basic Guidelines for Dally Uvtng I 77
176 Chapter 10)

who considers wealth the most important of all their talents as if they were his own. U the people have
One
and virtue the least important. robs others of their wisdom. a minister of virtue would treasure It as If he
things
possessed
It himseU. His great tolerance can protect the
wealth. and their descendants. U he embraces the nation.
When wealth is hoarded. people scatter. When wealth Is people
the nation Is benefited. A minister of the opposite
distributed. people cometogether and grow. then
will be Jealous of people's talents, create
The ancIent virtuous kings applied kindness in leading persuasion
their nations. and people followed them willingly. The ancient biI1drances for people of wisdom, and be intolerant. Such a
lDinister will not want others to succeed. Hewill not be able
tyrants applied force in leading their nations, also
and people
to protect the people or their descendants. Such a person
followed them. but when leaders command others In ways
is

that go against their own nature. people should not follow iI1deed a danger!\"
Only one wi!h inlparUallove can drive !he wicked into !he
them.
Virtuous beings cultivate their own virtue before asking wildemess and not allow evil to remain In the midst of

others to follow. If one does something that is not harmon- socIety.

to agree and follow.
one who is inlpartial knows how to be kind to people
ious within. he should not ask others Only

One never gains respect and understanding from others and at the same time firm.
a nation. If a leader holds to what is harmful instead of what is
by being unjust and unkind. In order to govem one
and wise. he Is acting counter to human nature, and
should first put one's fam.ily in order. virtuous
'The beautiful peach tree is destruction occurs. The true way of a good leader is this:
The ancient ballad says:
allows one to gain: pride causes one to lose.
Its leaves and branches are thriving. A very virtue
growing.
beautiful girl will many the light man. A good family has The way of material prosperity is this: production should
be more, consumption should be less: production should be
begun.\" should be slow. This is like a person who
The faithful love of young people is a good thing for an fast, consumption
entire society. makes more than he spends. His wealth will always be
Another ballad says: \"One's example is flawless. With this suIIident.
A virtuous being extends virtue with weal!h. The
example, the neIghbors are influenced.\" sacriHces virtue for wealth.
That which can be applied between fathers and sons, and unvIrtuous
It never happens that if a leader practices impartial
among bro!hers and sisters. can be useful guidance for all love
people. the people will In turn practice
people. With these examples. bringing order to the nation by towards
him. Nor if a leader practices
first bringing order to one's family Is illustrated. unrtghteousness towards
the response is towards the people will the people leave him
Similarly. when absurd words are spoken, helpfulness
absurd as well. Goods and wealth obtained in an absurd way . stranded. The wealth of a nation is building each individual
will depart in the same way. to be the asset of the nation: then the nation is truly
The ancient teaching says: \"BlessIngs do not belong to powerful. Thus, Ule weal!h of the country should be in U{e
everyone.\" Only the virtuous one receIvesthem: the unvir- homes of all people. It is not the govt\"nunent that should
tuous one loses them. control all the wealth: thus, the national wealth can l1t\"ver be
The book of Chu says: \"In exile. we have nothrng to stolen.
treasure but kindness.\" A leader's profit should not be personal or material:
The vow of the counlry of Chien reads: \"If we have only instead. It should be that of support. Virtue is the real profit
one minister for our naUon, and If that person has many of the leader: material profits are not needed.)))
talents but is lacking vlrtue, then he is not dependable. One'\037
heart must be grand and one's recepUvIty ever open. If .he
people have talents, then a minister of vlrtue would treasure)
 BasicGuidelines Jor Daily Uuing 179
178 Chapter 10
wIth what he carmot see or hear. what appears to be hidden.
of a Good Life)
The Fundamental Path Plain
or what seems
to be too small and superficial. All these are
krlOwable and can be known by one with high awareness.
In ancIent China. at the end of the Chou Dynasty When Joy. anger. sorrow and pleaslll\"e are not
(1122-256 B.C.).camean era of confusion. competition and
and
origins exaggerated. this is called harmony or being centered. When
war which marked the decline of the spiritual marmer. this is called
of human nature. All seemed to be lost. but they are expressedin an appropriate
natlll\"alness
a great student named Kon Tzu (Confucius. balance.)
fortunately
551-479 B.C.)responded to the momentous task of preserving 2
the essence of the ancIent He exerted great effort
teachings.
Centeredness in the urunanlfest sphere Is like a seed
and compIling manuscripts and writings of
in collecting II develops; It is the greatest SOlll\"ce of the universe.
ancIent developed human beings whose natlll\"al minds were before
Balance Is the underlying principle of all things. Therefore.
Lillspoiled. This work was the essence of his old age and was of inner centeredness and balance reflects the
Lao Tzu and had studied the the attainment
written after he had interviewed the abLUldance
which bOLUld order of the universe and of all lives.
1 Ching sO diligently that the three leather
The BalancedOnesays:\"One who cultivates hiInseU lives
straps
the book wore out /i-om use. of centeredness and balance. One of inferior
by the principle
The tmportant conclusion of his many years spent cultiva- One of seU-cultivation also
treaSlll\"es was 'The FLUldamental Path of virtue goes against this principle.
the ancient
ting
Life.\" a plain life Is the most fLilldamental spiritual lives by the principle of regulation. One of inferior virtue goes
Living
cultivation a person can do before achieving oneself. and has against this principle by indulging:')
been in the lives of many developed ones in
exemplified 3
Chinese history. The Balanced One says: 'The highest virtue is to be
Lao Tzu. the great of the Simple Natlll\"al Path.
elucidator
spiritual irlwardly centered and balanced. However.peopleareseldom
has become WIdely admired by Olll\"
contemporary
it:')
his stmple message has been misLUl- able to maintain
world. UnJortLillately.
For this reason,
derstood by many new spiritual students. 4
the work that follows is tmportant in assisting those who
a better LUlderstanding of Is the FLUldamental Path of life not widely practiced
follow the Integral Way to cultivate Why
lies in the fact or widely LUlderstood? The wise miss it by being superior; the
human relationships. Its pIimary tmportance
to reach it.
Path of a plain. good life endlll\"es for all miss II by not being high enough EvelV-
that the FLUldamental unwise
few who actually
times and for all of humanity.) one eats and dIinks. but there are tas\"te
their food.)

1
5
What is innate within the unIverse and human life is
natlll\"e. To follow natlll\"e. or to cultivate and regulate oneseU. The Balanced One says: \"Shun was a great wise m;m. He
is the Fundamental Path of life. was not assertive. but he was Inquisitive. paid
He always

to what cannot close attention to the discourse. letting go of what not

was
One of self-cultivation must be attentive
useful and was. He avotded exIIemesand
be seen with outer eyes and humble toward that which absorbing what
the balanced to people. For this. he was a great
cannot be heard with outer ears applied way

There Is nothing clearer than to know things which. to the wise m;m'\
masses. are hidden. There Is nothing more explosIve than to
hi.\03748'YeaT re'9fl in the
ShU1\037 a JorTn..r Emperor oj ChU1G. began
to the ordinary mind. are too small
Noll':
be showri things which. to
2257 B.C.)))
be seen. Therefore. one of cultivation must be very cautious) year
 Basic GufdelJnesJor Daily Uvtng 181
180 Chapter 10)
To sleep on a hard bed. wear metal armor and have no
6 of deaUt Is the strength of the North. This is where
fear
The Balanced One says: \"All people say. 'I know', when people live.
In nets. traps but not one of ordinary
they are caught and pttfalls. Although one of Is a lover of peace. his
self-cultivation
them knows enough to stay away. cI ples still remaln firm. Such a
person is strong. inde-
\"All people say. '1 know.' when the Fundamental Path of prlI1
does not take sides in conllicts. When a nation
life ts shown to them. but not one of them can keep to it for pendent and one of self-cultivation does not need to bend In th
IS In order.
as long as a month.\ face of difficulties. When a nation Is In disorder. his virtu:
even under threat of death. Therefore .) he
7 remains constant.
'Wel was a good human being Is the strongest of the strong.
The Balanced One says:
and followed the Fundamental Path. When he attained a new
10
virtue. he thorougWy It and never lost It.\
obeyed The Balanced One says: \"Obscurity or eccentric behaVior
draw the attention of others and be remembered for gen-
Wei is the abbrevialionJor Yeng Wei who was theJavoriie student may
erations to come. but such ways are not for me.
Note:
because he was a Iruly spiritual Although
oJ D:Jn.fu\302\243ius.ConJUcius adored him
person who jinnly adhered to the way oJ plain
a life. Once ConJucius many people follow the Fundamental Path. they may give up
said. '\"Many people would worry about living in a narrow house with only halfway. Neither Is this way for me.\"
a gourd ladle oJ water and a bamboo basket oJlood. yet Wei never lost One who cultivates himself follows the Fundamental Path
the happiness he altained by living in such a simple way.\" (Yeng Wei of plaln living. avoIds social honors. gives up his name and
was used as an example oJ rnediiative practice in the influential spiritual
book wrill<'r1 by Chuang TZu-)
does not regret being and remaining unknown. This is the
his 10 a third of the highly virtuous.)
Wei was also notedJor never having transJerred anger way

party and Jor never repeating the same mislake twice. He was happy
wflh a very simple way oJ life and did nol deviatefrom the way in order
11
to improve himself materta1ly. Nor did he trade his truthJul being Jor The path
of self-cultivation is broad yet subtle. It can
glanwur or U11deserved glory. To him. being truthJul was nwre valuable even be put Into use in the simple life of a husband and wire.
than pursulny wealth or Jame.)
Yel. at its most profound. it cannot be comprehended by the
intellectual mind. even of a wise person.
8 of the tmiverse
vastness much Is unknowable to
In the
The Balanced One says: 'Theworld may peace- be made
the human mind. The greatest of things on the path cannot
be given up. a sharp kn1fe may be
ful. a noble position may
Path is not easy to follow con-
be found in the manifest sphere; the smallest of things on the
trod on. but the Fundamental are too small to be split by anything in the manifest
This is why we place honest daily path
without and unmanifest spheres of the
sistently deviating. realm. Between the manifest
above momentary miracles.\
unIverse. there are numerous levelsof beings and things. TIle
virtues
Is applicable to all levels.
9 path
An ancient ballad says: \"Birds Ily high in the sky. fish
Tze Low asked which people are stronger. and the
In the water. All stay in accordance with the Integral
do you wish to achieve? jump
Balanced One replied: 'What
Way and Ihus express the Way in their every movement.\"
strength
The strength of the South or the strength of the North?\" starts with Ihe ordlnartness
The path of self-cultivation of
To guIde people with and tolerance and not
gentleness human life. Its extensiveness Is revealedthrough everything
repay evil with evil Is the strength of the South. This is where
In the tmiverse.)))
peopleof self-cultivation live)
 BasIC GufdelinesJor Daily Uvtng 183)

182 Chapter 10)

13
12 One of self-cultivation Is content with himself and does
The Balanced One says: \"Although
the path of fulftllment
not look beyond his own position or capabilities.
Is nol far from people, they
believe It is SO. Thus, they make When one is rich. one adapts to wealth. When one Is
It inaccessIble 10 themselves.\" one adapts to poverty. When one is in a foreign coun-
an ax to cut a
As an anclenl ballad says: 'When
poor,
using
trY. one adapts
to foreign ways. When one Is in trouble, one
Is hand. but by at One Is not ashamed of or troubled
new handle. the model at one's
One IS.It
loo,\037g
the SaJI1e. adapts to dIfficulty. by
this way and that, il can never appear what one Is naturally. One does not pretend to be what one
unaware of his own change. is not; instead, one stays on the FundaJI1ental Path of life.
One of self-cultivation extends his awareness to know When one is in a high posItion. one does not suppress
correct Being honest with oneself and when in a low position. one does not become
people and
himself.
Path Is fulfilled.
subordinates;
of others, the attached to those in power as a means of securing
Fundamental lU1justified
considerate
is not acceptable to One corrects oneself with-
As the ancient teaching says: 'What promotions or
unearned benefits.
me, I wtII not do to others.\" out complaining or making any demands on others. One does
This should be the fundamental self-discipline of all
not blame others for not being supportive, nor accuseHeaven
of not providing help. Oneof keeps to what Is.
self-cultivation
people.
and Is thus at ease all the time. He knows the appropriate
This is rwt the same as in!erJerir1g ;n the lives oj others by \"do;ng
Note'
tiIDe for change. He is not like those of inJerior virtue who
which can actually
unto' others as you would have them do wtlo you.\" to take chances.
like
create a negative ,..esult.)
The BalancedOnesays: 'The way of self-cultivation is
for following the the art of shooting: if the target is missed.first check to
There are four general guidelines like

Fundamental Path of self-cultivation. Most people have) see what is wrong with yourself.\
dIfficulty achieving even one of them:
14
sons Self-cultivation resembles beguming a long joumey or
I) Oneshould not expect from his what he
cannot do for his parents. climbing a mountain. In either case. the trip begins from
2) One should not expect from his subordinate home or from the base of the mOlU1tain.
what he cannot do for his superior or leader. The ancient ballad says: \"In the hannonious life of a

3) One should nol demand from hIs yOlU1ger family. all members are gathered. Thisis like the hannonyof
brother or sister what he cannot do for his older musIcal instruments. They get along well together and create
brother or sIster. a happy union.\"
4) One should not ask from his friends what he The Balanced One says: 'The parents of this family must
cannot do for them first.) Indeed feel content!\
Thus, one of self-cultivation honesUy watches one's own 15
speech and behavior. If inadequacies are discovered in The Balanced One says: \"How great Is the power and vir-
meeting the FundaJI1ental Path, self-dIscipline is applied. The tue of divine beings? One looks but cannot see them. One
behavior of the cultivated one matches his speech, and his listens but cannot hear them. They are everywhere. above
speech matcheshis behavior, but this person is not proud of you and at your left and right. Nothing is excluded from
being virtuous. Virtue is Just how a person of self-cultivatiun them. They are the true som'C'e and reservoir of all that
lives.
fulfills lJje.) In a subUe'way, they allow sensitive people to reC'ognize them.

People may a\037lulO\";ledge Ulem by making olIertngs,\)

 Basic GuidelinesJor Daily tiving 185)

184 Chapter 10
18
of spiritS is unpre- is aware of
The ancient ballad says: '\"The comIng
Only the most sincere person under Heaven
.. nature. is hannonized
His with his innate
dictable. ceremonies thai his innate bein\037
of all people: thus.
One must be careful when performing nature. H.. can know the nature he can be
How powerfuJ is the sln-
lead to reconnecting wtth spirits. harmOnious wtth the nature of all people. Knowing the na-
mInd which causes the subtle realm to can their growth by livIng
cerltv of the human ture of all thIngs. furthe\037
o\037e
smcere IS one with Heaven and
co\037unicate wtth the manifest!)
selilessly. Thus. a person
There is no separation between his nature and that of
\"shen\" were used. Earth.
Chinese text. the terms \"qui\" and
Note; In the ancient
two char'lcters when usedtogether means the universe.)
71t.e llleral tTW1Slation oj these
indicates the subtle essence oj aU Ihings lhat
\"ghnst\" and \"spiril.\" ''Spilil\"
exlslence. Everything has Us own spiTiL Even
19
lives on aJler their earthly
lacks this subtle essence. It who has dilIlcuJty in spiritually breaking
a seed. beJ01\"e it grows. has spirit. Nothing A person
real source and reservoir oj aU lives. between his own nature and that of
Is the first stage oj aU beings. the through the separation
retums to it. universe by working on particular
Since there is no real death. aU life naturaUy the shouJd begin things.
Cheng Tzu. an eminent
sclwlor oJ the Sung Dynasty (960.1279A.D.) or idea can be pursued if done with
oj the universe. a trace oj the processoj Any simple motive. plan
\"Spirits ore the po!ency it can blossom and shine. This
saUL
and frCULSJormafior\\.\"
sincerity. Once fonnalized.
creation
and growth \037enerate movement and are very use-
Chnng Tzu. anolher eminent
sclwlor oj the SW1g Dynasty. said: brtghtness
if we divided the pnmol chi inlD spirits and ghosts. fuJ. Only one who is sincerecan effect change. intemally or
\"1deaUy speaking,
spirits are the posUive potency oj YlU19 and ghosts
are the inertial polency
!here Is only one extemally, In the matertal or social world.)
oj yin. ActuaUy. in the preliminary, unmanifest sphere.
chi Something's virlue expresses Us junction and nalure. Spirits are
20
and end oj aU mn.tter and all
JormlesS and silent. They are the beginning and dispersion Ultimate sincerity can brtng foreknowledge of future
lives. oj mailer and UJe Is the convergence
The ern\302\243T\"gence can foretell even the future of the
ojchi as either yin or YlU19. Yin and YlU19 manifest as the subtle essence events. Auspicious signs
will be
oj maI1er and life. Nothing in rw.ture can exist witlwut
them\ nation. When a nation Is to become extinct. there

ominous signs. These signs can be observed by using the I

The Developed One says: 'When chi generates upward, it Ching, and also by one's own intuitive responses.
The coming
becomes Heaven. From this. all things dertve their lives. All
of both fortune and misfortune can be foreseen. When one
life gives evidence of spirits; nO life can exist without them.\"
reaches ultimate sincerity. he is equal to a divine being.)
The world is a placewhere souls have come for the
processof purification and refinement.) 21
To be sincere is to be self-realizing and self-
16 accomplishing. The Fundamental Path is the path of growth
8lrtcertty or genuineness Is the way of Heaven. To be for all things. With sincerity, things are started and
is also Nothing can be done without
slrtcere or genuine the way of humanity. With slrt- it.
accomplished.
cerliy. one can find the Way.) Therefore. it is inlportant and valuable for one of self-
cultivation to be sincere. To be sincerenot only completes
17 oneself. but also completes others. To complete oneself Is to
To becenteredon the Way wtthout struggle is to be highly be wtse. To complete others Is to be kind. Being kind and
achieved. virtuous and wtse. wise Is the virtue of our nature.
To be slrtcere meansio choose the right way and siay with This is the way to unite tlle Irttemal and extemal aspects
II persisiently. When one is slrtcere, one's mind is clear .) Klrtdness and wtsdom are applied to every-)))
of our being.
one's mInd is clear, one is naiurally
by one of self-cultivation.
When slrtcere.
moment and every circumstance
 Basic GuldeUnesJor Daily living 187
10)
186 Chapter After returning from captivity lIDder the tyrant Jou. King
22 Wen became even more prosperous. Two-thirds of the enor-
cease; thus. they
never
are
w ous empire gave
him their support. King Wen's son took
Those who are sincere one's virtue can be and succeeded Immediately.
action agatnst the tyrant
Jou
Being long-enduring.
long-enduring. Is to become far-reaching. The son was then enthroned
and became responsible for one
expressed. To be self-expressing
one becomes broad and a new. virtuous
large. unified nation. Thus.
deep. Being and long-lived
far-reaching.
high and era. the Chou Dynasty. was beglID.)
Being brilliant.
deep. one becomes
broad and

With broadness and depth. one can carry others. 25

one can guide others. The King of asked the Balanced One: \"How does one
With highness and briUiallce.
Lu
others.
With endurance. one canJulfill oneself and properly manage public
affairs?\"

With broadness and depth.

one can match Earth. The Balanced One replied: 'Taking good Care of public
one can match Heaven. Such a person
affairs depends on the proper
must
With highness and brilliance. person.
With endurance. one can be limitless.) cultivate the FlIDdamental Path. Impartial love is the most
This virtue Is
iJIlPorlant virtue public affairs.
in handling

can accomplish this. one becomes worthy

without
If one developed Ii-om two important bases: first. one should take
one may effect kind of service to all
being known. Without actually moving.
care of his parents and extend this same
with the movement of nature. the virtuous and wise. (or
by being in accord people. Second.one
should respect
change stratn.)
without
are indeed the nation's true and the only - ones
Thus. one's work is accomplished
leaders
they
who actually know the Heavenly Way.
23 There are five essential (orms of Human relations:)
a senSe
One says: \"ShlID was a person
with
The Balanced
He made Heaven and Earth his parents. His
the relationship o( leaderand (ollower
of great duty. I)
virtue made him sacred. He becamethe Heavenly son who 2) the relationship of parents and children
had sovereIgnty over human beings. He consideredall the 3) the relationship of husband and wife
all the seas as his own and equally
cared of siblings
wealth held within 4) the relationship
with a majestic temple and
for It all. His spirit Is worshipped 5) the relationship of friends)
Is protected by all his descendants.
Therefore, any such great
must enjoy and rewards. a in order to fulfill these
and virtuous being high position
There are three virtues to cultivate
All lives and all things of heavenly are: understanding. love aud tile
good name, and longevity. The one who cultivates will five relationships. They
birth must develop accordingly.
courage to recognize one's inadequacies. These three virtues
be reinIorced. The lIDvirtuous will be destroyed.
can be simplified into one word: sincerity. With It. all
The ancient says: \"One of self-cultivation
is uptight
relationships can be fulftlled
ballad and maintained.
His virtue Is brtIliant. People make him their
and happy. It furthers one to leam through experience and reflection.
Heaven sends rewards to the one of self-cultivation
leader. But If Ulere Is sincerity. it enables one to have the highest
and he Is protected by the Heavenly Emperor.
Therefore. the
lmderstanding that tile Way of Heaven and Man is one.
and virtuous one will be blessed.\
will have a deeper
greal One who studies diligentiy
One who practices diligently will have more
24 lmderstandlng.
kindness. One who knows the Inadequacy of his own betnl!,
The carefreeKing Wen had the support of his virtue even three Is the basis of
will develop more courage. Having these
dwing times of great adversIty. HIs grandfather and father
established thetr nation not by aggression but by being kind self-cultivation.)))

and yielding.)
 Basic Guidelines Jor Daily Uving I B9)

1BB Chapter 10 28
to cultivate oneself, one will then The Way of the universe can be stunmartzed in a word:
When one knows how others. one
one can direct oneness. Oneness or sincerity with oneself. Oneness or
to direct others.
When
know how
the world.) with both Heaven and Nature.
will be able 10 dlrecl the nations of sI.ncerIty
Look at the universe. Although It straightforwardly gives
26 bIrth to all lives. Its creativity Is unfathomable. From its
Wlthoul
A goal can be reached with proper preparation. development. broadness. profundity. highness. brIghtness.
attainable. and endurance, It gives birth to time and
ihis. no goal Is expansiveness
A speech studied beforehand has no flaws.
space. Time and space are indivisible as reality in the
A job planned beforehand has no obstacles.
development of the universe.)
Behavior considered beforehand
will give no cause for
The sky can be small
remorse. will not be misled.)
A way of life del ermined beforehand but us development is inJinue.
The earth can be smaIL
27 bill us development is incalculable.
for learning has five steps: learn broadly; The mountain can be small.
A good plan
exam1ne completely; ponder carefully;
discern clearly; practice but us storage is immeasurable.
exactly.
The willer can be small.
it does not malter, bul
but us use is unlimued.)
II one has not learned anything.
once one begins to learn something,
he should be thorough in

his studies. The ancient ballad says: \"Heaven is called Heaven

If one has not seen anything,
it does not malter. but onCe makes
because incessant sincerIty, or oneness. it so.\
one looks at something, he should not stop before knowing it

completely. 29
Ifone has not thought about anything.
it does not malter. The Great Ones liInitlessly continue the development of
but once something is pondered, one should not stop before
the universe. Their height can reach Heaven. They are broad
understanding it. enough to receive all people and things. Thousands of good
it does not malter. but
If one has not recognizedanything,
be clear in his things await the coming of the virtuous and wise. It is said.
once something is distinguIshed. one should
\"If there exists no high virtuous being, the highest goodness
discernment. cannot be manifested in the human realm.\"
II one has not developed a skill, it does not matter, but
Therefore. ont\" of self-cultivation respects his iImate virtue
once something Is practiced. one should be exact.
and develops it through continuous learning and cultivation.
If there Is something that can bedone by someone \"smart\"
a being achieves the greatest. the subtlest, the highest
Such
with one portion of his strength, then let me, an honest on the Fundamental Path.
and most brilliant state. yet stays
person, achieve It with tenfold strength if I am less than he. He reviews the past and thus knows what is to be. Although
is someihing that can be done by someone with
to social manners.
If there
his natureis deep. he Is willing to adapt
ten portions of his strength, let me achieve it with a
If I am less than he.
Therefore.when one is in a high position. he is not proud.
hundredfold of my strength When one is in a low position. he is not rebellious. When the
The fooUsh who follow this earnest principle can be
When the nation
nation Is in good order. he helps it prosper.
enlightened and [he weak can become strengthened.) is in disorder, his silence and toleranee preservehim.
The ancient ballad says: \"With crystal clarity and wisdom.
one's lift\" is protected.\)
 190 Chapter 10) Chapter I I)
30
\"If one is foolish and self- INTRODUCTION TO THE GUIDANCE OF
The Balanced One says:
infelior and stubborn. he goes against the
THE SIXTY-FOURHEXAGRAMS)
assertJve.
Calamity will surely
Fundamental Path of all generations.
befall such a person.\" io know the
true sincelity is wise enough
Only one of
to the Implications The Value of Using the Sixty-Four Hexagrams)
the wrong and W1derstand
rIght way from and spIrttual capabilities
discernment. Such mental
of such
and everybody and to The 1 Ching ts an ancient book that teaches us about the
are sufficIent to be open to everything
proe vid h eIp . One's g
and
entleness
daW1tless
and
in
softness
maintaining
express toler-
one s pnn-
,. changes and the W1changtng
and individual
truth
life. It was initiated
of nature. human society
by a quest of the mind to
One is firlIl
ance
balanced and of One find the rules of how to behave and respond to life situations
is solemn.
in order to bring about good results.
respec\037.
ciple\037. One worthJ:'
WIth these virtues,
is deliberate and accurate
in Judgment.
life situations today, we do not know in advance
fOW1ta1n which W1ceasingly gives
In Illany
one is like an unfathomable what ts rIght and what is wrong. or which movements will
of itself in order to support all life.) lead us to good fortW1e and which will bring misfortW1e.
Sometimes we cause trouble by nlaking a wrong move. Some-
32
constitution times, when we do not act but respond passively to a situa-
Only the most sincere can organize a good
tion, we also cause trouble. Thus. we need to know when it
order to
and when not to act. Tohelp
cooperation in
for hannonious
and the fOW1dations
One relies is rIght to do something guide
the natural development of
the universe.
cope with people in such
circumstances, all kinds of divination were
One's kindness is pure, one's pro-
on nothing but sincelity.
with Heaven. developed.such as channeling. oracles and automatic writing.
fW1dity tnfinite. and one's greatness cOlUlected
However. these things do not usually help one obtaln an
One develops the insight to see that Heaven's
is one's a real or good
They do not produce
nature
objective view of a matter.
one is able to give to all
own nature. Therefore. the cultivated solution, because their accuracy dependson the person doing
things and all beings.) the channeling or interpretation. SpirItual channeling and
oracles have resulted in the development religions. spirItual of
33 misunderstandings and many human delusions.
The ancient ballad says: \"Let shining silk
and satin be the For a long stage of history. ancient spiritually developed
be the outer ones used the 1 Ching as the maln spirItual consultant
W1dergannents and let plain cotton clothing.\" for

Being conspicuous and shining

ts not in accordance with na-
their lIves. By doing so. they slowly produced general
ture. Therefore. the way of one who cultivates himself
is not
guidelines that have proven useful and effective in the general

to be outwardly showy. but to work inwardly. True brIlliance cirnnnstances of hwnan W'e. because the 1 Ching was based
fTom sincere cultivation. the prInciple of the responsiveness of spirItual nature.
comes long and on

The way of the inferIor person is to be outwardly beauti- both inlemally and extemally.
ful. but without any real value inside. Make-up that Is used The 1 Ching does not give subjective answers to your
Nor does it make decisions for you. Rather. it
eachday loses Us effect. questions.
and make your own
Although one of plain, he Is never
self-cultivation appears inspires you to view a maller differently
HJs and gentle,
character with
Is sImple natural decision. Thus it assIsts your development rather than your
ignorant.
upon It. Unlike religion. which tile cart
depth and the fullness of truth. One of self-cultivation knows dependcnce puts
within and how the before the horse, it shows you how to drive.
great expansIveness from apparent
we cannot consult the 1 Ching on each move we
from the subtle. Following the way. one enters the Although
in life. the principles of the 1 Ching are interwoven in
develops
make
realrn of virtue.)
unfailing
every moment of our lives. Aller Ihe 1 Ching had been used)))
 Introduction to the Guidance Hexagrams
ofth\302\243 193

Chapler 11 the I Ching deals with both the

192
the the situation. Therefore. to use this
began to use gen.eral of foreknowledge and the capacity
for many years. people development
for divination from the readmgs correctly.
.dance 0 f th e book that they remembered se eds or co ns. . foreknowledge of most people are
sticks.
I
Unfortunately. the spirttual capabilities
gm
\\v1thout having
to use yarrOW
to carry around
and use each t.\\\\11e sufficiently developed to make use of the I Ching's wise
is too most metlcu- not
how much their own attitudes
to a change. The
big
The 1 Ching
to make or respond make good counsel. nor do they realize of their lives, Lacking this awareness.
we need cannot help \037pe\037son. determine the outcome
lous fortune telling system situation m hfe. but an are not receptive to the teachings
of the I Ching and never
to each
and correct responses has to re\037er to an they
to the subtle levels It makes accessible. A true I
or mechanic n\037 ne\037d He progress
experienced driver to operate or repaIr hIS \037achme.. Ching practitioner. on the subtle
other hand. develops high spirttual
instruction bookletit smoothly from his expenence such as seeing beings and even being able
keep capabilities also have visions. but
knows how to operating
comes from practice sItuatIOns a.nd \037ore them. Ordinary people
\\v1th it. Skill to to live among
and familiaIity to respond
they are frequently
the result of psychological disturbances
Thus. one's ability The use and study
practice.
is a matter of personal
growth. and have no real value, live a spiritual life if he
effectively
that growth. A true I Ching practitioner must
of the I assists are almost and spirttual develop-
levels of the I Ching
Ching
such a hopes to use the I Ching for personal
The subtle spirttual
the study of the I Ching presents The subtle energy of the universe only responds to an
This is why to as the mind vibrates. so
ment.
dless
Though the words are not difficult
achieved being who is aware that
c'halleng e . them is matter. When thus producing a responsefrom the I
\037\037eat
understand. what lies
between
another
not on\037y the doesthe subtle energy. most modem people have such over-
how to use the I Ching. Ching. for them to get a clear
Unfortunately.
one really understands of the UUlverse that it is difficult
problems.
but the entirety
developed intellects
nature of personal . Since the is only a partial
can be perceived. .. of and accurate response. intellect
as it
is a compact
VISIon uUlv\037r.sal of the mind. an imbalanced or \"twisted mind:'
Book oj Changes seen as function
sages. arises. An imbalanced mind
The
simultaneously be
an
enla\037ed YlSIO\037 was called by the ancient
reality and can is so vast and encompassmg
that It to allow the overall picture to be
of human life, Its scope is not \"straight\" enough
the very small
or the very large. d\037pending or When the intellect goes
can be applied to accurately reflected perceived.
it
life and mind. By
contmuously before
on the breadth of one'S
its externally programmed thought patterns
of truth unfold. through
it can never trulv reflect what it is
studying the I Ching.
many levels gradually
roomsof one's responds to a situation.
the inner but can only reflect how it has already been
The I Ching serves as a to unlock
of
to all the inner rooms
key expertencing.
As the ancients said. \"One who
seeS tltiTIgs in a
which are in turn connected consciousness at a programmed,
psyche.
The truth buried in one's
twisted way lives a twisted life.\"
the universe.
is not always easy to perceive. the mind is no longer complete and natural.
stage of development more. When
particular all of this and Nothing
also become unnatural. Even if one
the I Ching can reveal and solutions
However. Insight. questions
he will doubt it and insist on
can be hidden from
its subtle and penetrating stumbles onto a natural solution.
by its very nature.
has the potential to response, Emptiness. iso-
The human mind.
this can be developed. going ahead with a programmed the result.
know future events. Although
ability
lation and confusion are
do know how. studying the I Ching not only mind will respond to trnth. and an unnatural
mind
most people not
but also counsels one on A true
are more
enables one to develop this ability. events, If a problem is will to what is unnatural. Modem people
by means of
respond
or redirect future to understand and control the future
how to respond to it occurs. willing
sensed corrected in a positive way before educations trusting a simple. \\vhole mind.
not and
and one sufk expensive than by
must
allow tune for thelr
then it is. in effect. predestined If they would concentrate deeply and
dmYll. the essential mind would function
unnecessarily.
has very little
minds to quiet
have
The value of foreknowledge alone signifi-
modern need to things
what but naturally. but people always
cance. A true prophet not only sees will happen.
Overexplaining everything solidifies the mind. and)))
to)
also has the wisdom and ability
to respond appropriately
exvlained.
 Introduction to the Guidance of the Hexagrams 195)
194 Chapter II
and misfortune are
a bird higher and higher. Actually,
fortune
mind degrades and enslavesitself. the mind responds. A whole. natural
a rigid intellectual
books have also created great only vibrations to which to external stimuli. The
Artiticial. authoritative mind always responds appropriately
conflict in people's lives. Most educators only know how to fill to cultivate a whole mind is to work with the 1
way
They do not realize that
simplest
their students with more infonnation. Ching. Through it,
one seesthe reflection of one's mind as a
true education is the cultivation
of a flexible and responsive soon that what is regarded as good or ill
whole and learns
is not just a matter of accwnulating infonnation. on how a situation is approached
mind. Learning thirst for fortune depends completely
infonnation only leads to an unquenchable and what actions are
taken to deal with it.
When this attitude is applied to spiritual
Gathering
more infonnation.
The intellect Is sitting around worrying about what will happen bene-
it actually prevents high achievement. see beyond an emotionallevcl
cultivation.
or intuitive knowledge of ficial? The I Ching can help one
will or ignore direct experience Life is not detennined by the future, but by
deny
a \"twisted\" kind of thinking to a deeper reality. a person, it
the inexplicable
and thus develops
this very moment. Although past actions still affect
under a microscope. This
that values only what can be observed is moment which is decisive,
most modem thinkers from appreciating the
the present From
tendency prevents
of their forefathers,
Is it possible to control one's fortune and destiny?
spiritual achievements the I Ching we learn that fortune depends entirely upon
when things such as T'ai Chi Ch'uan, studying
and dealt with. People usually
how changes are approached
Even today.
the of have been proven to
and practice Chi Kung
and hope that all will go as they
acupuncture, want their lives to improve
that which is visible and shallow receives
be of definite value.
wish, However. if they did not insist on things always
recognition while the deeper, unseen level of human endeavor, as wish, good would naturally occur. The
and Earthly remains happening they things
teller, but it can
I Ching is not intended to make one a fortune
the integration of Heavenly energies,
urmoticed. Modempeople are almost totally ignorant of the real of one's mind, which will allow better
of these energies in Iheir lives and thus do not help restore the wholeness
significance
the need to improve their lives spiritually as well as control of one'slife,
realize think. their minds are clear.but their actions
materially. The result is that the world appears to be rapidly Many people
no divergence between
indicate otherwise. There should be
for the worse.
changing know and what they do. People of awareness
of the I Ching, a person can see that over- what people
and that
Through practice
the order of a natural, wholesome understand that intellectual development is only partial
intellectualization has violated takes years. To develop
or restoring an integral mind
mind. The I Ching is actually a tool to prove the truth of life. cultivating
is one thing; applying that knowledge skillfully
When mind reaches as far as it can, things are seen foreknowledge
I
\037n\037tural
is another matter. Both can be de\"eloped by stud) ing the
from wllhm and reflect what comes from with-out. This is not
this is its true value.)
the ego, but the response of the whole mind as it connects with Ching. Indeed.

the totalily of the internal and external universe.

Continued I Ching praclice can enable one to know one-self. Fundamental Benefits of llsing the 64 Hexagrams)

Howe:ver: self cannot

exist without something Ihat is not-self.
almost 6.000 years
the mind when il is motivated and reacts. Self Although the I Ching was formulated
slgmfies its true dcpth.
understood
S\037lf
few scholars have
when the mind is at peace. Only al the moment of
actually
ago, its response
dlsap\037e.ars the categori7ing
does Ihc \"self' emerge as a function oflhe mind. People generally misuse I Ching by
reinforce their
of good or bad fortune or consulting it to
opp?sJtI\037n
fhe Inner part of onc's being and Ihe so-called ouler world in tenns
own viewpoints instead of recognizing its broader applications.
actually go han.d-in-.hand. exist indepcndcnlly of the I
\037hc\037\037ann.ol
If one wishes to becomean illusionist.
a poet or a novelist,
Ihe mtegral, responsive mind
ano.ther. !ntUltlve, room for imagination.
Ching is a poor teacher. allowing
\037nc Llkewl\037e, little
an.d the.mtellectu\0371
mmd are Intcrdependent aspects ofthc whole
mind. lIke two wmgs that harmoniously work togclhcr to carry) The I Ching tells the lruth through the medium of a \".ery special)))
 Introduclion 10 Ihe Guidance oJ !he Hexagrams 197)

196 Chapter /I
When one becomes spiritually developed, it is no longer
one will
accurate language. If one is re\037eptive to its a\037vice: necessary lo sluff the mind with infonnation. Al such time.
and occur In a tew days. will be able lo
be able to respondto a situation whIch may neither religious nor political propaganda
will have been answered and, with
a or even generationsto come.
months,
. . confuse you. All questions
this new Inner knowledge. one
tew will be able to detennine the
on a tifndament\0371 prIncIple
Each line of the 1 Ching is b\037d entlre of the I Ching can not only be one's best
contaIns besl way to live. Thus.
of natural law. Therefore.
each sIgn \037he t\037th
its entire system of 384 lines, \037here IS on\037y friend. but one's most reliable consultant.)
the universe. Behind
wIll happen In
training can show people
what
one truth. I Ching are Important for the correct
the and what the truth was in the past. . The following five guidelines
future
of achIeved of the principles of the I Ching. Always adhere to
are manv historical examples people
who
application
There
the of the I Ching. Tho\037s\037ds them carefully.)
themselves by following guid3l!\037e
en-graved predIctIOns
of years ago. ancient I Ching practitioners.
As a of life. always follow the fundamental principles
in specIal pla\037es. When they I. way
on stone tablets and buried them
events that and guidance in the I Ching. For specific problems.you
were discovered.these tablets accurately descr!bed oftlme. should refer to the hexagrams and lines.)
had taken place within the prophesied \037pan
should look very
In practicing the 1 Ching, a begInner
In the use the I Ching for practical.
oCthe \037exagram and be. aware that, 2. beglnI1in.g, only
closely at the interpreta\037ion
can stlll be down-to-earth matters. Do not ask questions about
even with the interpretatIon, spiritual achievement. virtuous or artistic
that the I Chmg s
.wrongJudgments m.ad\037. aspirations
one does not the fact
Sometimes easIly accept
one interprets the accomplislunents. Responses to such questions may
instead,
guidance responds to one's true needs;
The I actually weaken one's good motives by fostering
hexagrams as a response to one's desir\037s. C\037ing !lev\037r self-doubt.)
tries to please, The vibrations of one's mInd and the sJt\037atlOn In

question always come together

and are represented un\037mn!?ly by
3. Do not use the I Ching lo support your own self-
Ihe hexagram. Indeed, what we are gIVen IS the
righteousness. Using the I Chinq correctly can promote
appropriate
lruth. growth. bul using It incorrectly will create great obstacles.)
In the early stages of working
with the I Ching, do not

become discouraged by unfavorable

Correct guidance is
signs. 4. Do not use the I Ching after something has already be\037n

beneficial. Even if a clearinterpretation cannot be made, undertaken to find out if it was correct. It should be used
always
the I Ching still gives valuable guidance by preventing one from before an evenl rather Ulan afler it. This guideline
being considered. If this applies to all matters. including relationships.)
rushing thoughtlessly into the situation
can be and apprecialed, then true progress has been
recognized
5. Always renu'mber that good fortune is not contained with-
made.
one is cautious in the seeds. coIns,sticksor any other Instrument. \\I is
Taking time to use the 1 Ching indicates that within one's refined essence.)))
and objective. It also allows one to recognize which elements of contained own

a situation are favorable. Another benefit of studying the

of 1 is that of self-education. Many
principles the Ching
situations are difficulllO understand. However, by practicing the
I Ching, one will be able to abandon narrow-nesS and adopt
correcl attitudes as one develops spiritually. The day will
evenlually come when no artificial means of fore-knowledge
will be necessary, One will reach a level where the truth of life
is clearly revealed. just as it was 10 the enlighlened sages of
antiquity.)
 Introduction to !he Guidance oJ !he Hexagrams 199
198 Chapter I1)
ts the tnteractions of these eight trigrams. representing
It
Principles of the Sixty-Four Hexagrams the ellif1tstages of unlversa1 energy. that produce any given
The Underlying ts distinct. on its compos-
called situation. . Each trigram depending
of sixty-four images of ym and yang. Their tnteraction yields slXt Y -four
The 1 Ching is composed
oftransfonnation
Ition
different stages permutations
of enerJ!;Y.
hexagrams, which represent
tn the unlverse goes through these
Each Uigram has many distinct attributes and a1
or change. Everything
a particular member of a family, as shown belo:)
changIng states. unfolds into six represents
WIthin each hexagram. a situation
by one of the lines: six
different stages, each represented different states of trans-
thus are 64 x 6 or 384 yang Chyan, Heaven,futher)
there
There are a1so Complete
formation. each with a particular slgnlficance.
further tr\"ll1sfonnations which continue unceasingly. following Complete yIn) Kun, Earth, mother)
However. for most practical
many dIfferent cyclic pattems.
384 situations are sufficient.
plUposes, these
to legend, the hexagrams of the 1 Ching were
Strong yang
-- Chen. Thunder. eldest son
According
third or fourth edition
created by Fu Shi tn early times. The1143 B.C.by King Wen, - eldest
of the 1 Ching was compiled around daughter
Strong yIn Seen, Wind,

who systematically organIzed the sixty-four hexagrams as we

to the
know them today. Extensivecommentaries
were added
being MJddle yang Water, Illlddle son
basic text over the next 1.500 years, the most important B.C.). Mv
Kan,
'Ten Wings\" ascribed to Confucius (551-479
the
-- U, Fire. Illlddle
commentaries at the end of each hexagram incorporate
th-\" MJddle daughter
yIn
essence of the 'Ten Wtngs.\"
The 1 O1ing system as a whole originated fTom careful
wWch
observations of natura1 unlversa1 development Lesser Ken. Mountain. son
begIns wIth yIn -
- and yang - . These polarized en- yang youngest

each other. As they -

ergies contain and complement begin
four basic manIfesta-
Lesser yIn Tul, Lake. youngest daughter)
to multiply and Interact. however,
tions result: full yang ==, lesser yang =-=, full yIn = =
further Interaction and multiplica-
and lesser yIn =-=. By
Each hexagram is an lmage. and each line represents and
tion, the fundamental eIght trtgrams develop. These sym- of the universe. Although
can all events in the unlverse in a simple reveals a dillerent aspect absolute
bols express truth CaJlliot be expressed in words, it can become visible
and concIse manner.)
the symbolic language of the I Ching. One must be
- = = Complete yIn
through
careful, however. not to become attached to the literal trans-
yang
lation of Ihe symbols. such as Lakeor TIlunder.
Complete the
otherwise
= = Strong or deep yang _ _ Strong or deep yIn true meaning will be missed.
Is a sense
By studying the I Ching one can see that there
MJddle and space which Is produeed by movement. As the
= = MJddle yang yIn of time

stages of movement are divided into sections. sequences of

= Shallow Shallow However, In realIty there Is no
= yang) yIn) space and time appear.
definite divisIon of space and time. In othe\037 words. such
divisions are relative. By studylnl!. the I Chmg one can leam
thai our perception of space ..md time Is. III fact, merely a
product uf movement or chaJlge.)))
 Introduclion 10 !.he Guidance 01 !.he Hexagrwns 201
200 Chapter 11)
The purpose of studying the 1 Ching is not to exe..ctse the
of space are only tools of but to unde.-stand wholeness on a much deepe..level
Systems of time and diVIsions II1tellect.
..elative sphe..e. Insisting on than would o..dinarily be possible. By studying the I Ch'mg .
measUrement to descrihe the
measu..ement damagps ou.. is called ..straight
.-tandaros of physIcal the function of Intuition, 0\" what awal\"e _
....lative The mechanistic
fo.. Oexible spirItual discenuuent. e eve ope. d
\" the direct pe..ception of
ness. can bdl ThIs is
capacity
vtew of natu..e in modem times has c.-eatedthe same kind of ..eality without thought 0\" judgment.)
dogma. The
da..kness that ts caused bv socIal 0\" ..eligious ..elative
to the sphe..e.
basIs of all modem knowledge is limited Illis supe.-ficial dimen-
In o..de.. to nol become entrapped
by
and numbe..s.
sion of life. the I Ching uses a series signs Evaluate
of a Hexagram
How to and interpret
etc.. to exp..ess the
such as one. two. four. eIght. sixty-four.
Dux of natural phenomena. How can the I Ching be used as a p..edictive tool with
which to enhance one's ille? To begin
of the eight
The..e are two principal configurations with. the 1 Chin
to as \"p..e-Heaven\" and \"post-
..eferred of human ille into sixtv-fou\037
-
trig..ams. commonly
..efe..sto the unmanjfest (Heavenly) synthesizes all possibilities
Heaven.\" he-Heaven essential paUems. WitlJln these b..oad categories m ore
..efe..s to the manifest (Earthly) ..ealm
..ealm.and post-Heaven defined specific stages are ..ep..esented by th\037 lin
105a The p..e-Heaven ..ealm is subtly
of evolution and ..esponseer0
(see FIgures and 105b). which illustrate varying deg.-ees
invariable. but in the post-Heaven stage everything-Heaven
changes.
..ealm the whole situation.
All manifestations of nature occu..in the post To establish a basis fOI\" evaluating specific situations.
of yIn and come into play and whe..e used.
whe..e the fo..ces yang wo..ds are f..equently Four are blessings. 01\"
and the phystcal wo.-Id manifest as ei\037t
concepts. thoughts of the Inte..action developments:)
development as a result
pOSItive
pattems of ..elative
between yIn and yang.
Yuan) ft) Natural and ortginal; no deviation)
the co..e of one's spirit and in the ..eality of
Deep wIlllin of and
the wJlve..se. is the primo..dial integrity \"p..e-Heaven\"
which is beyond all time. Hung) Smooth and enjoyable; full g.-owth.)
\"p..e-Earth\" J
UnJve..sal Integ.-aI Being contains both the variable and
a clear PmfItable and
Ihe Invariable. In o..de.. fo.. one to be able to make
u) pmmislng; benefit.)
mil
disUnetion between the two. one must maintain a balanced
and firm; peI\"Sevenmce.
ille. ThIs is why balance ts the key to all spirttual cultivation. Tslng Upright
The unmanifest. natu..al sublle law of the unive..se \037

its ope..ation In the wo.-Id. With The four wOl\"ds expl\"esslng the consequences of deviat-
becomesmaniIest through
the right path are:)
the of the 1 Ching. the unmanifest becomes known. By Ing n-om
help
following Ihe I Ching's guidance, one can ..eunlte one's Ijj\037
the physical \037 Dangel\"
with the urunaniIest suhlle o..lgin. Although Shung
being of a spiritually developed one exists in the post -Heaven
Jye Fault 01\" Blame
0\" manifest ..ealm. their spIrit can extend to the p..e-Heaven \037
..ealm. Hwei RemoI\"Se
Studyinj!; the I Clung enables one to ..estol\"e the natul\"al I\037
wholeness of one's mind so thai It can serve as an
Humiliation)))
bclwet'n Ille splriluaI and physical realms. By Ung :g.
Intenlledlary
and Ihe 01 lh.. I
continuously sludyInj!; applylnj!; pl\"inciples
Ching In one's lile, one can harmonIze unlve..sall\"ealily wHh
one's true being.)
 Introduction to the Guidance oj the Hexagrams 203)
202 Chapter 11 Furthennore. line of the lower trigram has a special
each

support that these eight words as they relationshIp with a line In the upper trigram. For example.
Twomore words with line 4, line 2 corresponds with line 5.
to varIous situations are:
line 1 corresponds
apply and line 3 corresponds with line 6. These relationships are
essential In detennlning the harmony and appropriateness of
Wang JI it. f5 Proper
the indIvidual lines.
Another Important relationship anlOng the lines is the one
Wang Ung 4i. -!- Improper
between neighboring lines: 1 and 2. 3 and 4.5 and 6. To be
How accurate Is a response
from the I Ching? say I would correctly related. a yin line should always be paired with a

yang. either as Its direct neighbor

is the posstbility of mis- or through its correspon-
How great
one hundred percent. dence with another line. For exaJDple. when a yang line In
I would say one \037undred percent.
interpretation? the first position matches a yin line In the fourth, mutual
Again. a
or mIsinterpreting the I Chlllg Is always
Misjudging
novices do not really understand Its support and correct conduct Is usually Indicated. When this
for who
possibility
but sImply create interpretations
to satisfY theIr is reversed.that is. If the first liue is yin and tlle fourth line is
guidance. be something of a correspondence be-
yang. there may still
superficial desires. be used with one hundred percent tween the two. However. tlleIr Inappropliate posItions may be
can the I Ching
It cultivates the mind.
How
familiarIty. the cause of an existing problem. This also applies to the
effectiveness? With
the second and fIfth lines and the
fostering development and achievement. correspondence between
of two tIigrams which. In tum, third and sixth lines. If this principle of yin paired with yang
A hexagram is composed
The two Inner trlgrams then
does not apply to these lines (l and 4. 2 and 5. 3 and 61.then
contain two Inner trlgrams. between lines 1 and 2. 3
to fonn the Inner hexagram.) one should look at the relationship
Integrate to decIde the appropriateness
and 4, and 5 and 6 in order
of the situation.
--) --- and harmony

. -----
Upper
Trigram
Upper
Inner Lower _ Inner
Since the hexagrams are composed of two trlgrams.
upper one and a lower one. similarities exist between
an
the

positiOns of the three lines

For example. the
. _)---
[ of each tIigram.
Inner HexagraDI
first and fourth lines are often
Tri\037r8m)
cautloned against premature
Lower
TrlgrBm
[
[\037])
-)
TrigrBm) ==
--) ] action. The second and fifth are the leaders of their
respective trlgrams, the fifth usually beIng the leader of the
entire hexagram. The third and sixth lInes. located at the top
of each trigram. usually express excess. It is Important to
(f1GURE 110)) remember. however. that tllese characterizations are only

lines of tendencies and not absolute characlelistics.

The Individual express different stages
Each hexagram expressesthe l.uuque interaction between
development within a given situation. Just as infancy.
Heaven == . Earth
and adulthood are stagesof h\\.UDan two of the eight natural energies: == ==.
childhood. adolescence = = . Thunder =-= . _ .
of a situation FIre === . Water Wind _
growth. The lines indicate the transformation
==. and .
Lake =-= Each of these energies has
The first or Mountain
in an upward progression through the hexagram. but by understanding them and how they
line expresses the beginning stage, while the top line many attributes.
bottom
Each line also has a spednc interact wltll each other. one can learn the truth of any - situ-
or excess.
expresses completion action to take.
the bottom up. lines I. 3 ation and detenlune the proper
and a correct position. From
energy
be yang -. Unes2. In the I Ching there ts no moral distinction between \"light\"
and 5 are odd-numbered and should 4

and 6 are even-numbered and should be yin - In other -. and \"wrong,\" tllere is only that whIch is appropliale and In-
and yin lines Is rejected. Instead. one Is shown how
words. yang lines are normally odd-munbered appropliate. Nolhinlo\\
any situation can be transformed into an approprtate one.)))
are normally even-numbered.)
 Introduction to the Guidance of the Hexagrams 205)
204 Chapter 11
should gather energy and prepare for change. On the other
. no su<;'h thing as an unchanging situation.
hand. there are times when \"crossingthe great water:' or
There IS
an d the y are continually
Circumstancesexist as one shapes t h em. partaking In a new theventure. Is necessary; to be still wou1d
There are other times
nature cause one to lose opportunity.
cr\037-::;:\037sare created by going against one's true when everything progresses smoothly. In these circum-
subj\037\037:\037 the natural course stances. the I Ching cautions not to become smug but to
of the circumstance. By following
or the fac\037
toward calm and centered.
there is a continuous
movement F\037r remain
of nature is to If there IS an 0 s ru<;-
\037armon6't There Is always a hint of warnIng In prosperous times. for
example: the nature of water fl?w.. become When something reaches full-
It will up,
they too will inevitably change.
tion and the water continues to flow, d.ammed.
The basIc premise of all
. ac cumulation which may result m floodmg. ness. decline will surely follow.
creatmg an u nnatural era t es IS
't the \"middle way\" and thereby avoid
route an d mo d Is to maintain
H 'fthe water finds an alternate a an
guIdance
and excesses.
ceases to be hindrance. Actu\037lly. all extremes
obstruction
co\037\037:eve;h\037
for change and provides an Each of the trigrams exemplifies a natural virtue. Accord-
can be used a.s a catalyst
obstru\037tion
an obstacle. . II1gly. one will be advised to remain adaptable and flow like
Water. to keep still like a Mountain. to be receptive
o pp ortunity for overcommg the like the
When one consults the I Ching. t\037e hex\037gr\037 mdlcate g\037ves
Earth. to be creative and forward like Heaven. to be
the
lI1110cently JOyful like a Lake. to be clearand bright like Fire.
eneral background of situation, whlle.the h!les t\037e
to It.
and the correct way m which like the Wind. or to be awakened by
\037pecific
circumstance
be made after careful analysts 0
\037an1leboth to be gently Influencing
A good decisioncan only the call of Thunder to break through obstruction. A hexa-
and the lines. . . to be emulated. such as
the hexagram
gUidance pre\037ented m gram can also symbolize a virtue
One'smain focus should be on the and on the Ching (the Well). or Ting (the Cauldron).
quotes at the beginning
of the hexag\037am, sec?ndartly When trying to understand a sItuation. look at the rela-
of each lme. The gUidance
of
guidance at the beginning e\037ch
tionsWp between the upper and lower trigrams to see whether
below each \037oplcal
line is further explained and expanded up\037m they conflict or harmonize wIth one another. This relation-
quote. Ultimately, the ability to correctly mterpr\037t t\037e gUidan.ce
and hfe ship depends upon several things. such as the degree and
text depends on one's personal
cultivatIOn
of the original posItion of yin and yang energy. For Instance. in Tal (Har-
experiences. . . . of the mony! Prosperity). the yang energy below ascends and the yln
When interpretmg the gUIdance, ex:unmethe elements above descends. thus coming together peacefully and har-
the relationship of the hnes to one anoth\037r. .You Conversely. In Pi (Misfortune! Disharmony!. the
hexagram and moniously.
comes from the pnnclpl\037s while the yIn energy
will find that the guidance you need this IS yang energy above continues to ascend

by the arrange'!lentoft\037e li!l\037s,

Furthennore, below continues Its downward movement. They can have no
expressed
for developmg your mtultlon. The subtle,.nat\037ral communication because they are movIng apart.
good training Is how the trigrams
laws expressed in the hexagra'!l c\037 truly s\037ow the sltu\037tton Another consideration or energies

indicate what action IS appropnate. If one reJec\037s Interact In the natural world. For example. the reIationsWp
between Water and Fire can be either
objeclivelyand that there IS destructive or creative.
fruslrated the response. this indicates
or becomes by
one should contempla\037e not All life Is the result of the harmonious of Water
a barrier to be overcome.Therefore, Integration
the answer obtained from Ching, b\037t
one's reactIOn to and Fire. yet wIthout the proper balance. Fire will be
only the.I
it. rhis method is very useful m developmg both personal extinguished or the Water wIll evaporate.
U a hexagram Is composed of fIve yang lines and one yin
insight and the abilily 10 solve problems. , . of the
is a fundamental principle of the I Ching.
TIllS IS line. one should look to the ytn line for the significance
Balance
10 remember whenever you are interpreti\037g
the hexagram. UkewIse.If all of the lines are vin excepl for one
important then look to Ule yang line for partIcular sIp;niIkdIll'e. If
one is impeded by obstacles or yang.
hexagrams. When adve\037\037IIY, t\037e
these energies are equally Ule judgment wIll)
I Ching always otters hope and a reminder thaI the conditIOn will proportioned.
is ditliculI, one)
surely change. During times when movement

\\)))
 \\)

Introduction to the Guidance oJ the Hexagrams 207

206 Chapter II)
II Find a quIet place for making the divination. It should be
If you practice
the I Ching with clean. with no bad odors or sweet smellJng incense. Be
on their arrangemenl. cleanse your body as well.)
depend
olher seeds. it Is possible that all will be mindful to
a melhod than
there Is one still line. or If only one
moving lines bul one. If line. Look at the entire process In Do not consult the I Ching when you are in a hurry or
line moves. look at that 21 \\
Another important inlluence just after a meal when your energy is congested in your
order to know the full meaning.
Is the Inner trigrams which
are fonned by stomach. Early morning is also not a good time. because
in the hexagram
the Inner inlluence of the may not be suffici.enily attlUled yet to what
lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5. These show you
the day
meaning to the lines. has to offer. The I Chmg responds to the primary 1m
hexagram and lend adilIerent wilh another person or in your mind. so if your mind is still asleep or if you h\037\037
Generally. in relationship
the lower or interior trigram represents you particular expectations. the response will not necessaril
material thing. the other.
and the upper or exterior trigramto represents reflect what Is actually Important for that day. If th\037
However. this changes according your respective roles. For primary Image in your mind Is unknown to your con- \\)

If you are purchasing something. you would assume sc\001ousness. you will get a response that does not seem to
you being the
instance.
the exterior. outside or upper lrtgram position. relate to your question. It is llierefore best to wait lUltil
lower Or
one to enler situation. while the seller Is in the
the you become more sensitive
to llie energies of the day and

interior positiOn. to your own consciousness. The best time to ask

trigram of time in llie
Additionally. there is often a suggestion is between meals Or late at night when th: \\
instance. If a question is formulated arolUld ques!l0n of the has subsided and you are alon e)
guidance. For
if actiVIty day
the period of a year. then each
line represents two months; williout distractions.
102); if a
a week. then each line represents a day (see Figure
four hours. In other cases, \\
day. then each line represents a special your questions
31 Keep notebook for recording
time may be more vaguely expressed. such when as the
Each time you make a divination. write down llie dat\037 ,

of \"three days.\" In reality. this may mean llie question. Make your question as simple and
guIdance speaks or it may simply mean a long
and
three months or three years, direct as you can. If It is not clear. lliere can be no \\)))
time. Often a hexagram represents a time period preceding or correct response. Since your objective mind is lli
an lUlderiaking or event. None of the times medium to which llie I Ching responds. how yOU fo\037
following
mentioned can be held to because of llie many facets
If you ask in a positive
rigidly your question is very Important.
of each hexa/1:ranl. your positive energy will be reflected in llie answer.
From siudying the I Ching one comesto learn lliat every- w\037y.
SnnIlarly, your doubt or confusion will also inlluence the
Is relative and that with form Is static. One
thing nothing
assertive. I Ching response. So. before you make a divination. be sure to
also learns not to be overly rigid or practice
cahn yourself. Your breathing and energy must be even
enables one to discern good fortlUle from
bad fortune in any if your mind is scatteredor full of llioughts. Or
quJet.
and to respond with a good positive \037d
situation appropriately if you have jusl completedphysical activities. VOU will not
attitude. You. yourself, become llie main factor for changing
receive an accurate response.Your mind Is uke a pond of
your foriune and desUny.) water; when the water is quJet, the image is clearly
reflected. if you throw a stone into llie pond. llie
reflection becomes dtstorted. The I Ching ts a mirror of
for Consulting the Hexagrams) It be still
your mind. llius It is of great tmportance that
Guidance Sixty-Four

llie I Ching. llie and lucid s.o Ulat llie light image wIll appear because your
For maximum effectiveness tn consulting outer and U1nt\"r energies wIll be In accord.
following steps should be followed:) When fonuulating d question. It Is wise to constder your
approach. The flmction of Ule I Ching is to guldt\" us In
hannonlzing our dualistic nature. Therelore. qut\"slions)
 Introduction to the GuIdance oj the Hexagrwns 209
208 Chapter 11 Is placed so as to form a series of
cluster six. starting
appropriate. To
small
a yes or no answer are not from the bottom upward. Each clusler represents one line of
which require or the
ask of an action or undertaking
the hexagram.
the consequence
a particular situation. are Next. translate each cluster
Into the language of yin and
appropriate condud wIthin
I Ching.
examples of the corred way to approach the
yang to form
the hexagram. This Is done by counting the
seeds In each cluster: if there is an even number of seeds. it
are ready to ask your question you can focus Is a yin line. (00) or an -
odd -:
number is a line (0) or
4) When you
and upper mind. and enhance
yang
on your lower
mind your
your concentration by using one of the following prayers: The following exaD1ple Illustrates tltis process. Remember
that the order Is always from the bottom upward.)
I. Invarinble. kind virtue oj the universe.
to the variable questiDn seeds:
pleaserespond If the sixth (top) group has 8 Yin
oj my human life. if the fifth group has 7 seeds: Yang
Show me the consequence oj if the fourth group has 6 seeds: Yin
a hexagram and line.) third has 5 seeds:
through if the group Yang
if the second group has 4 seeds: Yin
if the first (bottom)) group has 3 seeds: Yang)
II. Heaven and Earth,
Divine Spirits and Ancient Masters. Now. to the hexagram you have received. you
son (daughter) seeks guidance
about) delennine.
Your can consult the chart listed on page 213. Since the hexagram
is read from the bottom up. the lower three lines in the
the I
Please respond to me through Ching.
example given above composethe lower trtgram or
= . Ftre;
trigram or =
I will accept this response.
or misJortune.) and the lOp three lines composethe upper
whether it shows goodJortune Water. By looking down the left column and locating fu\037
for making lower trigram U. Ftre. and then moving across until you are
5) I do not recommend using sticks
Water, you will find number 63. the hexagram
complicated. takes
initially. below Kan,
divinations since their use is more the Water.\"
In the Chi Chi, \"After Crossing
more time and requires prolonged concentration. You now have an overall response to your question. In
method which Is simple and fast is
beginning. order to know where your specific circumstance lies wIthin
I recommend using seedssuch as cassIatora.
any
preferred. that overall view. you must find the line which most
have a beneficial effect on visIon and are thus
which
medicine. How- specifically reflects your situation. To do tltis. ask your
\"wIse decision\" seeds in Chinese
called
question again and pick up one more cluster of seeds. If you
ever. any type of small seed or short grain rtce will do. - 6.5.4. etc.- Is the
I
because they have six or less. then whatever you have
generally do not recommend using coins.
number of your line. If you have more than six. then subtract
tran-
roll about and make noise. which can disturb one's
six from the total number. and the remainder Indicates Ule
qullily during divination. But. if you do not feel troubled
feel free to number of your line. For example. if you have nine seeds,
by coinS or stick.s (or any other method). then Is your line: if you have six or twelve seeds. the top line
Ihree
use them.)
Is your line; if you have elevenseeds.five Is your line. and so
forth.

to Use the Seeds) This not the sanle as a changing line obtained if
line Is
How
you Ule coin or stick method of divination.
used When using
the seed method. only one hexagranl and one line are
PIck. up a few seeds between your middle finger and
thumb. and respectfully place them on a sheet of
obtained. providing the general b\037U\"kgr01md and specific
Carefully
Each) gltldance for YOllr question. A more complex system Is not)))
clean paper. This Is done six Urnes in successIon.
 Introducllon to the GuldWlCe of the Hexagrams 211
210 Chapter 11)

by too' tJUnking will only keep your mind narrow and your life devoid
necessarilv more effective. One can becomeconlused of greater posslbl1ities.
much mfonnation. It ts Is overwhelm' g d
many ch.mging lines.
With 100 There are times when a situation
thus one loses the remain detached and objective.
difficuIt to make a good interpretation; cannot Some\037e's \037e
the simpler method of using
one
benefit of the I Ching. Therefore.
very process of making a
divination has a centertng effect that
seeds Is lecommended to ensure greater accuracy.
centered- can calm you: If not. It Is wise to seek
the help of a pro-
If you approach the I Ching with composure and It is fesslonall ChUlg consultant or an adept practitioner.
ness. you wIll receive a clear answer.
In general. The methods and Infonnation contained in this book are
once. When one is anxious
are more complex and specific
approprIate to ask a question only
a or line which does
There uses of
something and receives hexagram to ask
fUJldam\037ntal.
aboul the I Chmg. but they should be learned only after you have a
the tendency is again. To ask of the basics.)))
nol affirm one's wish. {lrro grasp
or third time will not necessarIly
the same question a second
worse. you may even get a
brtng a proper response; for
even

\"scolding\" from the I Ching your lack of faIth or disrespect.

you
However.If you really do not Lillderstand
the response.
and ask again. but never ask a
can rephrase the question
third time.
with an answer that
Occasionally. the I Ching will respond ThIs indi-
what you asked.
refers to somethlng other than
a response to your deepest and most urgent problem
cates
Do not be so
rather than to your more superficial question.
a
focused on your question that yoU fail to recognize
rIgidly
concerning a much more serIous circumstance.The
warnIng most
I Ching responds to your total being, all but unforh.mately
that goes on In their
are not conscIously aware of
people of a response to
lives. Always be open to the possibility
wlthln being. I practice does not
somethlng deep your Ching

involve the conscious mind alone. The practice of true divina-

and the
tion involves the depth of your spIrItual cultivation
Often people do not know
response of the Divine Realm to It.
what Is going to happen. but the I Ching knows.
You may hesitate to consult the I Ching for fear that It will
ThIs Is unfor-
discourage you from acting upon your wishes.
lunate, because even If the guIdance is contrary to your
desires, It will always be constJuctive advice. There is no
reason to distJust or fear the 1 Ching. It is always a faIthful.
that
tJustworIhy fiiend. It Lillderstands us with
a depth
exceeds our own limited vision, and It always speaks
greatly
the truth. The problem Is that we sometimes fear the truth,
but in the I Ching tJuth and safety are twins.
It is often difficult to accept Irironnation about something
that is troubling you. If you ask the I Ching for guIdance, you
must be willing to hear the response. Be honest with yourself
and try to not fool yourself by asking a question when you are
attached to the anticipated answer. To hold fast to one way of)
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t .\"'\"\"
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cnu)
== 1ft 5o,LGfll)=.C,.
6C!;..:\037'e)
6\037 'SUI)) GUIDANCE: \"Be creative with these basic YWlg virtues:
9 ==t \037wn ,....) Wld persistence,\
\"\"i'1- \"Y.) initiative. progressiveness. supportiveness
J.iA) 41 == Ii ..no6f\"\037.I-\037.)
10 == 41 \"\"\"\"\"'\" J.14)
K\302\243seJ,.u.C\"on. \",,\"I qUA.)
u C\",\"1) ....) \" _ \"*
The Oneness expresses itself through the
==. \037\037 c.....aJ::\".
e\037,,\"
great
I-
p. 1\ .. == jtij \037eLI\"'\"t\"\037c:heR
\"\"\"\" q\"\
perpetually interacting and integrating energies of yin and
J.l \037 rmI.\037
yang. Of the two. yang is the pIiInary
__ COrl4k6.1..\"c.....,. mover and initiator.
rw'\" .:;..u\037IU\037Che CSUI \037)
_ _ \037 L'lIKlrJ4 \037 peopJ,.e .....
\037) 45 ;;;; , e\037:Jenc\037) time and space and transforms
l' When it moves. it creates all
6A 5Mnq 5'-'1)
things in the manifest universe while. at the same time.
Q\037CpR..,..,.t-blliK.. \037 % Jt.1S1nq
ho.1A..Y\037'C- ......)
\037f\\,ALC ...\"'\ :\037\037
\037 \037--\037
\037\037C-y_ 'h_) QUUI 41) :: 111) H\037\037,) .....n) \"\"\ remaining beyond time and space. Being self-generating and
S';.\0376)
IS :=u. \037o.t..H,nHdI) self-motivating. it has no creator and is therefore sometimes
.,...) .8-t!\" weLl.) 3'\"'1) )'\"'1)
.. ;=
ft. .,....,,\037\"-\"
.,...)
confused with a personalized concept of God. Universal yang
positive perfonner and endless
'le-n,J,.u..t'lon
c.omp.l,..\037
'7 ;; 1\\1 t=c1.L\037\",q ....) ....) 49 -\" \037\037mA.CI-\"tJ.
q',,-) qe)
energy is the true creator.
cc-..\037lnq Cbe C''''I) 6'\"'1) generator
of all that exists. It is beyond conceptualization.
I' \"\ q..) '\" A S\037\037\037\"
==. \037..m) =--=
\037b6\037.gI-n4 When yang moves. yin becomes apparent. Uke an
,hen) ''''n)
\037=I!J, Ab,\",,\",,'nq 1.'\ un) it \037\037\"! t:\037R.
51 \037\037
object and its shadow. these two energies cannot exist
\037
c.m.c..e-mp.1,A..UOJ\"I. \"\"\"\" 'I\"\"\"
\037ep'n4 \037c..u..
5\037== \037 Jm.p.ebl-1J)t!.I'K:)
!WI) olen)
separately. Although yang is the initiator. it Is not correct
po.f1-t \"f y\037W\"
yin. for at their deepest levels the
'lD \037tt
to think that it precedes
1I.e.I-\"'I cftI:\\PU4h QJtA6C4AJ..M\037) ;len )I-M
21 ==1 tw:r.If.MhlP '\037h :: \037);:;= Itf
creative and receptive beget one another. the dynamic and
I-\037- ... .AbDl\\.tul1\037nc. . 5\037=j
\037I ....,
_.) one another. the progressive and
2-l == N\" \037IFlcAC\"OJ1.) u) '\\1<) \037
\"\"\"\"'-'M<>) .....,) responsive sustain
-- . \037AA:JC.Y) recessive exist In one another. Whereas yang is expan-
2' \037\037 _U...
\037J \037\"\"\"\"\"'.
pc) 110) 55 :: I OY\037R. 1'0\"'1) \"'\"'I)
completes.
sive. stimulating and transfonnlng. yin
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;;;; \037\037)
.....) 1\ structures and accomplishes what has been initiated by
It \037

1 h-'P- \"\" \037 ==

\037
tf'en<Lob \"YYin6 5\"en) ....n) yang. Yln perfectly complementsyang by being responsive.
:., \" I\037no;;\037\037u
In. ......, WoIU'IQ 51 ::;:;.___ \037IS:S'I \037 and conserving.
1-------
= consolidating. sustaining
U =-= 1 qIWAC ............\"\"
c\"
,....) ,\":.. S8 :: ft 3<rf......... 66)
C\",) m..)
It must also be remembered that there ts always yin
no.....'h- .,. 6.........\"\"'. 11\"\"\ \"\"\"\ within yang and yang within yin. ll1eir relationship ts
17 i . <9 :::: i\037
by the Tal Chi symbol
\037I8i =-'\"'1
- best symbolized (\037 . which repre-
1:<1 M ,,\037L'. tWCflAJ f}C- ':h'\037h) these two
.l8
j .1'VHtI
4K&.\302\253. ,....,) \"....)
\037\037
\037\" a1r ,\" sents both their duality and unity. When
1---
If == t'I: \037 \"''''6 k.an) \"\"\ fa.'t.t'lfu1.\0375S
t:f,unq
...
x\"\"\",,
p\" energies interact. all things manifest and evolve. However.
1- == f_
\037-\037
,hl&'\\'o \"\"'\" the ultimate truth is that they have never separated. and
mllJa.\"1l eM:CSiJ - of every kInd are only
-,. :: the result of a fragmentary
kAD'\037) 11) 1.) t>l \"\"\
\037 -;; i.t dualities
== i1 \",\",UK cKott'\"4 &:h'
3,: and Incomplete view of the \037t Oneness.
\" \037)\037 ACCKAl'CI#n tv.Jlen) \037J4\ b \037 )(. \037hl
- := \037. \037_w\037
-. \037, The hexagram Chyan _ is comprtsed of all yang
:: .ti =1 Yang energy Is symbol17ed by the image of a dragon)))
1.l CC1'V3CM.n':'f) !.on.;) \037....) \037 = I \037\037\037\037'IP4) \037hl) ..\".) lInes.

\037112})
 [l} - Chyan (Positiveness/The Creative] 219)

218 Hexagram 11}

force. A In ancIent times. sages did not need external devices
natural them. They were guided by their own Integral
which usually represents any powerful or a powerful to help
Through sIncerity and purity.
fire
swIft violent electrical stonn. a ragIng These natural forces natures.
the door of univer-

wind'all represent \"dragon\" energy.

achieved ones sal natural truth was opened to them. By followIng the
were understood and utilized by ancient
.,xamples of nature, they fulfilled their lives and provided
whose minds. spirits, lives and betngs never separated
uS with pure examples of how to live
In accord with the
natural and supernatural Influences. he must unIversal Integral path.
For a human to express \"dragon\"this
energy. True Is the Integration of our beIng
sIncerity and Is
Once Is accomplished. virtue that one can have. With
have all four yang vIrtues. the highest and power
blessed with plainness,
one's life ts natural and nonnal. Thus. teaches sIncerity, one becomes pure and egoless. Thus, one can
smoothness and Joyfulness.
this hexagram. reach the Heavenly Realm and alter destinies of IndMd-
creative. progressIve and One's sIncere mind
the vIrtues of beIng posItive. uals. families or even entire nations.
buIld a strong foundation
for a
perseverIng.
all of which Is as powerful as \"dragon.\" a
It Is the highest universal
universal life.
on pleasIng some energy and can even things make
manifest and become
value Is dependent not
substantial. What once was subtle and hidden becomes
the result of the way we harmonIze
Our spiritual
God. It ts human visible and powerful.)
conceptual The truth ts that
our yIn and yang energies. ts
Is Heavenly nature. and Heavenly
nature
nature already Even our low- LINE 1: \"When the potency oj a dragon has not yet
Is nature.
human nature. There no other
We do not create emerged. it is not time to try to use if.\
est impulses are part of this nature. What is
for them.
them, nor Is anyone else responsIble
how we In the first stage, one's positive. or yang energy. Is still
our energies and
important Is how we Integrate
have the choIce to Indulge our hidden. The I Ching advises self-cultivation because It Is
express our
We
nature.
lImer and outer not yet time to take action.)
or to spend our time cultivating
impulses
harmony.
nature the ofhuman mInd to see LlNE 2: \"The powerjUI dragon appears on a vast field.
Because Is the the Great One,\
It
recognize only one It is time to meet
people generally
things sIngle-mIndedly,
and tend that side over
side of an Issue to emphasize
or bUndly TIlls Une responds to the fifth Une. One needs to set
are either bUndly religious and
another. They one's sights on a great and offer one's
materialistic. They tend to over-react or under-react
to Just goal
lives. TIlls and the energy to a great leader.)
different situations In their hexagram

entire text of the I Ching helps us learn

how to respond
as well as when LINE 3: \"The dragon is cautious and uses its power
circumstances.
approprlalely In different our wisely, One oj self-awarenesscultivates In the daytime
and when not to extend 'dragon' energy. Only then and is alert at night. This is d!lficult but correct,\
will we fulfill our natural virtue.
the fact that all things have both
Most people neglect made The positive the lower trigram now develops
a yIn and a yang aspect and that true progress Is energy of
like to the spheres. 1111s Is a pre-
when they are In harmony. YIn and yang are and pushes upward higher
only
own natural movement. can carious situation and one must be very cautious; the
two wings that. through their
us rise above our worldly problems. Because our result could go either way.
help
uS to seek fulfillment outside TIlls Une is an especially important one for the IndM-
artillcial cultures encourage one to
who self-cultivation. It advises
ourselves. most people never take the time to look within dual practices
be cautious
and harmonIze their yang and yin aspects. They never beware of temptation and throughout the

learn that their simple. natural beIng is already whole. entire day. One should also avoId anything that causes
and If they would only maintain their own naturalness deviation n-om the path.)))
and there would be no need to do anything else
normalcy
to make them great or holy.)
 11[. Chyan (PosUlveness /'The Creative) 221
220 Hexagram III
It is not peaceful. but do not move to
HOUSING/FAMILY:
Into the water and disap- country.
LINE 4: \"The dragon Jumps another
TRADE/BUSINESS: It is profitable to buy goods.
pears. No fault.\"
is strong enough sEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They will come late. maybe
the dragon has matured
and
In this line. after ten days.
as he However. he is wise enough to know that LOST: It can be found. Go
to do wishes.
of the leader In the fIfth LOOKING FOR SOMETHING
he cannot compete with the strength role. In order not to to the Southwest or someplace where there are trees
Thus. he remainS in a supportive
does and stones. Look among them. It is there.
place. and others. he
cause disorder and confusion for himself IlUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are diID.cult to find. They
not push forcefully
ahead. are hiding In the woods or mountains.
The fourth line shows the Importance of harmoniously LAWSUIT: Peace can be made.
to whatever situation one mIght be in. CLIMATE: There will be a great drought until autumn
adapting
is the right
when there will be raln. With this sign. there is also
LINE 5: \"TI1e dragon flies in the sky. It
the possibility that the weather during the day will be
time for the Great One to make full use of his energy
fine. but It will raln at night.
and presence.\" TRAVEL: Not good to travel alone. It will be a happy
occasion If you travel with company. (The reason is
Anything
be accomplished at this time
can
because
that. In this hexagram. six yang energies are connect-
Do not miss this gol-
one is at the height of one's energy. ed together as a team.)
den opportunity to extend your energy and make full use DISEASE: The is exhaustion or edema. The
this, the wise one does
malady
of your cultivation. Understanding is not flowing In the proper channels; there is
take action, knows when to stop. energy
creates discom-
not hesitate to yet disorder. The energy flowing upward
Power can endure when one uses
only It correctly.) fort. It may be a vel)' serious disease. If you are
Extremes asking about a serious disease, this sign could
LINE 6: 'The dragon extends too far. bring
Indicate death.
\
remorse. PERSONAL WISH: Nothing can be achieved In a hony.
aware the Movement brings remorse. To retreat brings no
DurIng these Urnes, one should be of
trouble. action loses the opportunity. If a
law that reaches Its fullest It must Untimely
gets this hexagram. It means she may be too
natural when anything woman
decline. Here power has begun to weaken,
strong, and she should
the dragon's be careful of that.)
to Its extreme. extreme action
for ithas been pushed Any
should be avoided.)

COMMENTARY
The Primal Chi)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
How can the universe be alive? It is the Because

and continual transformation of primal chi.

energythe pivotal
PERSONAL FORTUNE: You should be diligent culti-
universe. Primal
of the chi functions as
virtue.
and living soul
vate
the subtle of the universe In the same way
connection
MARRIAGE: It will be a good marriage. The woman is
beautiful and upright. However, beware of a trouble- that the nervous system functions In the human body It
else who might extends itself primordially as the self-nature of the uni-
some \"matchmaker\" or someone cause
verse. It then extends itself further as the main spheres
some miscommunication.)
of reality, the manlfest and the unmanlfest.)))

-)
 -
/11 Chyan IPosUivenesslTI1e CrealiveJ 223
222 Hexagram III
who can walk on glowing coal s. It Is
Look at the

nothing
the unmanIfest sphere. called
In
describable
pre-Heaven,
nor dlscemlble: there is only
manifest sphere of post-Heaven
tllere is
absolute.
chi which enables
person
..
hIm so Lookat a psychic wh 0 moves
to do
a chair from one slde of a room to the other b y elth erganng
undivided oneness. In the at It or thinkin go f It. It Is chi which makes this possible. Or
developments are revealed as spirit. matter
the woman who gives birth to a dozen children and still looks
three-dimensional
chi becomes the multi- Again. it is chi which
and life. The diversification of primal
young and healthy. makes this possible.
and beings. look at the We of a developedone who
plicity of individual things chi are many. the And
exceptio\037y long
the manifestations of primal
it is lives in mountallls. It is chi which makes this possible.
Although
oneness of the lmiverse. the. life. the word \"chi\" has many
reality is one. Expressing
the In an mtegt\"al or holistic
flexible and transformable
giventhe name 'Tao.\" Expressing usages. Thel\"e is chi in spiritual cultivation. chi in inte al
It Is given the name \"ChI.\"
reality. it is natural medicine. chi in philosophical discussions and c\037 \037
and untransformed.
When primal chi is unexpressed everyday use. as in the atInosphere and one's general condi-
of the universe with Inexhaustible polential. The of the word corresponds to its particular
the essence
of a mother giving birth tion.. usag\037
When It Is expressed. it takes the fonn application. Similarly. the discovery and understanding of chi
to her child. corresponds to the level of one's personal development.
understanding that all things in the universe are just Spiritual cultivati?n Is pl\"Ofoundly involved with the
chi. one can see why the sages have
By
different expressions of knowledge and technique of nurtunng and managing chi.
said. \"All things are one, and the one is all things.\" After thol\"Oughly understanding chi. one's pel\"ception of unI-
always
the giving and retum-
Wlthoul the outreach and withdrawal. be vel\"sal I\"eality becomes deepened. and with It comes the
ing of chi. the transfonnation of all things would possibility of high spiritual achievement. The summOning of
impossible. a spirit becomes as sure and trustworthy as extendin g an
According to spiritual thought. Heaven is not separate invitation to a good friend.
material sphere as It is in most Westem relgions.
from the
all Ordinal)' religions believe that God can do things that are
The natural heaven has many energy levels that include beings to accomplish. This Is not com-
words. everythlng in the impossible fOI\" human
spheres of manifestation. In other and everyone is pletely accUl\"ate, unless one thol\"Oughly undel\"stands that God
universe is a manifestation of Heaven.
is chi and. at \037e s\037e \037e. spirit. By undel\"standing chi It
potentially a heavenly being. becomes clear m one s mmd that all things are possibleby
The four great realms of Heaven include: chi as the first, managing chi. What you beseech God to do for you does in-
as the third and life as the fourth.
spirit as the second.mailer deed happen. but what actually makes it happen? It is chi.
The pure and light chi develops into spirits. The Impure and
of both
How does chi make It happen? Since one's personal cultiva-
heavy chi develops into matter. From the mtegration
tion corresponds the chi. It I\"esponds. TIlis activity goes on.
Is life. Chi
comes life. thus chi Is spIrit, chi is mailer. and chi not
t?
only on the Spiritual level.but at the everyday level of life
is the basic essence of the universe. Nothing Ulat exists can as well.
be without It, though it is not everything Itself. When re-
To become \"pUl\"e chi\" is the goal of th.Is llnmOl\"lal tradition.
as the invisible. untouchable. inaudible. insubstantial
garded When one's chi becomes purified. one's spirit becomes com-
substance of the universe. primal chi Is the Universal Way
plete. Then a new immortal is bom in the Immortal Realm.
itself. All things manifest or develop from It. In th.Is same Is this not an inIportant and serious mattel\" fOI\" everyone?')
way. chi as life can also be differentiated.
A well-trained Kung Fu expert can break stones wIth his
hands as easIly as one can cut through a watennelon. and In
numerous other ways he can demonstrate his truly unusual
which
powers. It is the chi he has gaUIel\"ed and cultivated l(Sec lhc author\"s work .,.0.0. rhe Subtle l1nh't!'rsal Lau', for mon 11-
IUBlraUol1s of l'hl.l)))
enables him to do these things.)
 . Kun
12/ (Recepttveness/ 225

Every truthful Individual life is like the Earth, low and

--
-- receptive. motherly and gentle. giving support to everyone

--
-- and everything selflessly without
is to be like Heaven.
discrimination. To be

2)
t1'
Kun) --) like the Earth
Kun
complement
and Chyan exemplify yln and yang In that they
each other.
and yang are expressions
Developed beIngs
of oneness;
know that yln
on1y the one whose
view Is partial thinks theIr energies are In conflict. In the
one can clearly see theIr
\037c.IVe.ne-.6S)
iIDage of Tal Chi. () . however.
hannonlous relationship.
TItrough the Interaction of yln and yang. wholeness is
\"Receptiveness. like a
mare foll\037wing its mate. expressed and all life is produced and nourished. All
GUIDANCE:
one of nghteousness to movement and matter In the universe Is an expression of
.
bnngs 9 ood resu.Us It is benellcialfor
oJ' .
b ill and Male and female. 1nhaIation and exhala-
in the begUlnUlg. yang.
ursue his goal 711eremay be confusion yIn
tion. sound and silence. and object: nothing ex-
Due to the energy subject
\037ne eventually finds the rigfr1 way. and ists that is not an Integration of these energies. In spirtt-
one support in the
con-espondence. fUlds Sout\037west
enhance ual cultivation, every person can experience yIn and yang
will
unfriendliness
in the Northeast. Being peru;,eful
energy within himself. SInce a person is a microcosm of
your receptivity W1d will bTi11g good fortune. the universe. by balanCIng these natural energies. one will
Kun represents the virtues of Earth. Chyan repre- be able to realize a complete \"universe\" within oneself.
of Heaven. Heavenly or yang energy is The movement of natural energy is constant. cyclic
sents the virtues
is creative. levels at the same time.
active, initiating force of the universe and and takes place on many different
the
Earthly or yIn energy
allows
Some cycles are easy to recognize on this planet. such as
productive and progressIve. and Is cooperative. obedient, of seasons. The earth on Its axis
all things to becomemanifest the change spinning
and receptive. It is symbolized by a mare or a and traveling around the sun helps illustrate the varia-
submissive
is a stallion or a dragon. tionS of earthly which in turn are lnfiuenced by all
cow. wh1le Chyan symbolized by
for theIr submissIve-
cycles.
In keepIng with the spIrit of Kun. the
The cow and ox. animals renowned the heaven1y cycles,
ness, supply the patient labor that has powered agrt\037ul- abundance of Earth is derived from Its receptiveness to all
ture and life for generations. Therefore. Chyan and K un, beneficial Heavenly lnfiuences.
stallion and mare, are naturally paired. The guidance suggests that one is able to find friends
Kun needs the creative Chyan to be Its leader. Each In the southwest but not In the northeast. This refers to
tJne of this hexagram encourages one to follow a great the location where King Wen's virtuous leadership resided
person. a greai goal or a great prtnclple. This hexagram and offers the clue to follow the virtuous and wise one.
also expresses the essential process of self-development. In the search for truth. people often lose themselvesIn
Becoming a good follower requires practicIng the highest
the beginning because they do not know exactly what
virtues of Kun. as expressed In the teaching of the Tao
truth Is. Though initially there may be some difficulty
Teh Ching where the great sage Lao Tzu emphasizes and misfortune, clartty gradually develops with experience.
virtues
gentle. compliant and One may discover that It Is the quest for truth that pro-
humble. These
beIng soft.
are the essence of Kun and also of the Earth. Too many vides the real security and unfailing guIdepost In one's
to be above, and this has led to all the life. The result of this search Is a continuous expansion
people struggle
disturbances and wars In the world. People never realize of Inner vision. This is the only correcl understandIng to
true sIgnificance and worth In the very of your life is
you discover that the direction
that their reside have unti1
beIng of theIr Individual lives. and that mother Earth and
the Integrity of life Itself.
the entire universe embrace all beIngs equally. Is there One should also be cautious on the pathway because
else? lf that the point
any true advantage In being \"above\" someone It is easy to become lost when one Insists
people stopped this useless vanity. there would be no
Ulat has been reached Is a final or complete truth. lf)))

more contention In the world.)

 [2[ - Run (Receptiveness} 227)
226 Hexagram [2/
LINE 3: humble is Work Jor the
and attached to things on general. a \"Being
Proceed wUh
beneJicfnL
one's mind is active in the publoc good. care.\"
level. the truth can never be reached.
discemIble As the
to proceed
It is important with caution. in Chyan. good fortune is brought about through
beginning, that which was not formalized or for extemal things
is accomplished.
sup-
unconcem and through practicing self-
in early life wIll become solid
jotU11ey and correctly
stabilized cultivation. in this hexagram. the third line Is benefited
fortune wIll result. When the light
by being unconcemed with personal matters and by being
ported. Thus. good
one must continue
inner and outer goals have been found, The result Is devoted to the work of the Great One. Thus one's
to work on them until they merge into one. achievement asststs the leader's accomplishment. This
true integration of one's being. line seLl1essly contributes energy in order for things to
develop beautifully and does not seek credIt for Its good
LINE 1: \"When walking onJmsl. be careJul; oceis surely work. Its Is without or attachment. There
offering vanny
One slwuld be circumspect in the beginning.\" As the Tao
ahead. Is great good fortune for this kind of follower.
Teh Ching teaches: \"When a great task Is accomplished
the first line represents an unexpressed po-
in Chyan. cautious in leave the honor behind and go fOlWard.\" The third Iin\037
tential. Here, the first line remains gentle and one to follow this guidance in order to
dIfficulties when beginning new tasks.
encourages
order to not create into Ice. A complete his true being.)
in Autumn. dew turns into frost and water
may have tce under It,
thus danger
harmless-looking frost
LINE 4: \"Be selfcontained. No Jwne. no Jw.tU:'
may be just underfoot.
The early stages of an always require tact
undertaking In both Chyan and K'un. the fourth lines stay safe
Just as one should walk carefully on tee, by
and caution. self-contained. This is a of strength in
one should cautiously in beginning the joumey remaining position
proceed
one frequently expelien- both hexagrams, but here humility is recommended in order
toward one's goal in life. Initially
not to encourage one's enemies. This wise and brave follower
ces confusion as to the best approach to take. Lacking
carries out his or her responsibilities and, at the same time,
one may meet with unnecessary danger. what is inside. At this
clartty,
is like a closed sack; nobody knows
One who pretends to have complete knowledge for the oneself should be restrained
trapped by foolish plide. time. one's eagemess to express
sake of saving face becomes
in order to avoid unnecessary disturbance.
There should be no shame connected with being careful in a follower or student should be receptive to
the beginning. Generally.
advice and put it into the closed \"sack\" of one's mind without
It on to others. It should become part of one's being
LINE 2: \"By being upright and natural things natural- passing
before it is given to someoneelse.)
ly go weU.\

of the second line LINE 5: \"Great good Jortune will be brought Jorth by
In Chyan and Run.
both the virtue
correctly center-ed. like yeUow among all the
Is to eamestly seek guidance from a great advisor or being light
teacher. like the colors oJ the spectTum.\
simply suggests: \"Be honest
This line
Earth.\" Is nothing more honest
There than the Earth.
In Chyan the fifth line represents great power. In K'un
Just be as plain and honest as you are by nature. Surely
The greatness of each
this is a blesslngl With Lao Tzu's deep vision of nature, this line represents the great light.
his p1imaIy guidance for practical life is to be honest like is perfectly complemented by the other.
According to ancient knowledge of the colors of all
the Earth.
This line is guided by the balanced l1ght of the fifth heavenly bodies. yellow is the light of the earth. It is a

line. Because this is a valuable guide. the second line rIch, conspicuous color, signifying broadness and

obeys it with total compliance. Therefore. a great harvest kindness. This leader has a subtle. natural
tactful and
Js reapedfrom has been approach. It is compelling without controlling: yielding,
what planted.) It Is beautiful, natural and)))
yet surrendering nothing.
 - Kun (Receptiveness)
/2[ 229
228 Hexagram [21

were to follow TRAVEL: Westward travel Is good. Il ts not good to g o

vIrtuous. If world leaders wIlling
North or East.
selflessly
vIrtue, there would be nothing wrong
this natural earthly DISEASE: Serious.
In the world. pERSONAL WISH: Il can be achieved. hut there are
wlldemess. Thetr blood obstacles. TIlereforeachievement will be late.)
flghl In the
LINE 6: \"Dragons
blends together.\"
of Chyan and Kun there Is
the top positions
In COMMENTARY
for being excessIve, Here the y1n princIple
remorse with Its The Balance of Life:Integrating T'ai
reaches Its ultimate, but Instead of Integrating the Chi)

tension artses. By being overly strong,

yang complement, which eventually leads to In the previous hexagram. Chyan. the universal first na-
y1n competes with yang.
ture Is discusst'd. The recognizable trace of the universal
destruction.
Competitive energies bring destruction. Cooperative nature can be sensedas the qualities of initiative. persistence.
when two and
bring harmony. thus Integration
results forwardness. creativity. productivity positivity. Il sym-
energies
energies meet.) boli7..es masculinity and fatherhood.
harmonIzIng
The hexagran1 Kun means to accomplish. continue.
receIve. follow. realize. fonnalize. shape and slabill7e. Il
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
symbolizes femininity and nlOtherhoud. and expresses the self-
balancing nature of L'1e universe. Self-balancing means har-
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Gradually things becomesmooth. monizing with all beings and things that are brought forth.
work for someone. there be some hard
If you may Hands are a goodexample of how Chyan and Kun express
work. themselves in the human body. GenUeness is expressed by
MARRIAGE: The marrtage will be good. but things should
the soft lell hand. while strength is expressed by the strong
hurned. the left hand; lmdevel-
not be
The location Is a good one. Good right hand. Developedpeoplevalue
HOUSING/FAMILY:
oped peoplevalue the light hand. Actually. bOUl hands assist
fortune.
The delivery will be a safe one: the each other in the practical sphere of daily We.
This example alsorelatesto tile yin/yoin g plinciple and the
baby
CHILDBmTH:
will be a A changing first line indicates danger)
boy.
natural physiololZY of the left and right sides of the brain and
for the mother.
Do not hurry or you will lose their different functions. Generally. the left side of the brain
WOKING FOR WORK:
controls the sequt'nlial processes of logic. analysis. rational
some money.
to and scientific behavior, the right side of the body and the
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It Is possible and dreaming. A
earn a good position and become famous. special processes of intuItion. nealivity
Good. dominanee of eiUler side of the braln is apparent by observing
TRADE/BUSINESS:
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: Although they will not come, the behavior and actions of an indi...idual or nation. \"MtUtary
will leave a message. can be associated with an overly dominant left
they aggression\"
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: It is difficult to find, side of the brain and \"the strong rtght.\" Since consideration
but may be found In the Northwest. and sensItivity are associated \"itI1 the right side of the brain.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They have nm to the North- It is easy to s'ee how \"genUe people value the solt len hand.\"
west and can be caught. The Universal Way leads to the bal.lnce and cooperaUon of
LAWSUIT: There Is conllict over rent. One should at- both of the brain: \"Use upright measures to
hemispheres
tempt to make peace; otherwise, the suIt may be lost. govern the l'Olll1try. use a surprising approadl to win the
CLIMATE: It will rain. However, within a twelve-day
batUe. To It'ad the world. do not Interfere with or otherwise
cycle. the fifth and sixth days will be fine.) dIsturb pt'ople
\)
 /21 - Kun /Receptiveness) 231
230 Hexagram 121)

utilized in Is a life. When people abuse the Earth. thts behavior becomes
These ancIent discoveries
have been accurately
slnce the Stone
sulcldal for the enUre human race.
natural diagnosis and acupLU1clure practice Damage to one's lntegrtty may also be causedby speciali-
stde brain controls are of tmpor-
utmost takes a long time to excel at his
Right and left zation. A well-trained athlete
Age.
treatment. For example. in the case of or her spectal \037vent. One may be good at javelin throwing.
tance In acupLU1clure or twisted. acupLU1clure
someone who has become paralyzed of the
hammer throwmg. discus throwing. and so forth; however. the
needles would be applied to the side opposite
that
result of this type of special training generally makes th
side. and leg of one side thicker than the ann and leg on the eo\037
healing uses the different
paralYJ:ed
Pulse diagnosis In natural side. In som\037 sltu\037tions, the same imbalance can seriously
of the left and right sides of
the brain which tnfluence one s organs. personality and total health.
fLU1cUons br\037n,
the secrets of the body. who train WIth devices and use machines for
1nf]uence puJsation. thereby yielding
tilDe for reading tile pulse is early momlng.
Pe'.'ple tro\302\243o1-made
The most accurate building their muscles will probably experience a mechanical
has had a chance to In their personalities. due to the lack of naturaln ess
before any mental or physical activity reaction
or change the pulse rate. and flexibility of their bodies and mlnds.
disturb
In ancient times, some achieved ones also used pulse Not only do physical training and sports produce wmatur-
a person's fortune and
reading as the basis al res\037ts. but much learning. specific training some
for telling and
what would happen in the near or
distant future. also effects. These effects often
predicting
of both sides of a person's professlO\037s \037\037oduce a\037verse
They knew that the development of one's life.
limit one s capabilities and mteracUons with others. Special-
brain divulged the secrets and decisive factors ists often see only the trees without seeing the forest.
This same principle is also applied In palm reading. where the order to achieve hannony. It is necessary to balance
of the braln and thus the \037
lines of the palm tell the secrets and mtegrate yin. \037nd yang as one unit. This balance is the
iniluences In one's life. When one's customary patterns ofW\"e subtle yet sustaining power of the universe. Every positive
change. the lines of the palm change accordingly. manifestation In the universe comes forth as the result of the
cultural development was based on a of yin. and yang
Ancient lntegral
of the human
creative. hannonious \037on energies. and
natural balance between the right and left sides
each manifestation has ltS own unique energy arrangement
brain. that balance has obviously been lost. The of movement.
Today and pattern
modern \"right-hand\" culture of logic is accepted. while the
order of the universe
the inherent results in
cultural achievement is mistak-
Following
ancient \"left-hand\" lntultive
hannony and balance. Opposing this principle of natural
enly rejected. order causes destruction. Anything that is one-sided is
On a more mystical level. evolution of the
the natural
hemIspheres can
and western
incomplete.
human race in both the eastern Balancecan also be illustrated by the operation of the Tai
be observed. Their tendencies are lnteresUngly
and habits Tai Chi is universal movement. a continual
like the Chi principle.
with each other. Slnce Earth is shaped
contrasted
the different developments of ti\037eeast and west sides of
sequenceof yin. and yang movements. That Is how Tai Chi
brain. Chuan originated as a form of spiritual cultivation. Thus. all
the globe should also serve each other in beneficial ways. should be bal-
movement. as an expression of yin. and yang.
However.it appears that the left side of the braln is oveTIl\037ed anced. Nothing should be excessive. If there is upward
in today's society. The Tai Chi symbol Qexpresses complete movement. there be downward movement. If there is
must
balance of both sides. It resembles the brain. with even light movement to the light. there must also be movement to the
and left halves, and the globe of the earth, with balanced left. Inhalation and exhalation should also be coordinated to
eastern and western hem.ispheres. This symbol of balance. ofTai
malntain balance. One should Integrate the principles
and integration can be applied to all things and
development Chi into one's own life. By understanding aU movement, one
all events.
wUl be able to lead a balanced. Integrated life.)))
Spiritually. the left hand expresses harmony in the world
as weU as in human cultures. Earth is not only a mixture of
soil. rocks and mmerals.but Is also a vast living organism. 1\\)
 {3}
- Clum (To Be StallDnedlTo Assemble} 233
LINE 2: \"Difficulty In proceeding. like ridmg a horse
and moVUlg W1Stead;1y on the way. TIle man is not ac-
cepted and is thought to be an invader. After many
years have passed. an understanding is reached and
--) virtuous woman accepts his advances,\
--
--
the

3)
chun
iL
--) The second line is like a weak person who is liding
strong horse (the first yang line) and is having dilIlculty
a

controlling It. The fifth yang line is the correct match for
. C-O \037L\037) the second, but because of obstructions (represented by
co \037 5C(\\D0ne6 the third and fourth yin lines), their marriage is pre-
vented. However. their union will eventually be achieved.
The dIIDculty can also be illustrated by the yang line
In the first position. He is very close to this line and
and fum; do not It is
wishes to marry her; however. he is not light for her. lf
\"Be stationary \037\037.
GUIDANCE:
establish in a new community. she hastens to marry the first line, remorse will follow.
helpful to leadership
she is so close to the first line, the fifth line
Because
Is above Thunder
seems like an Intruder. As she has not yet
In this hexagram, Water
Thunder. understood
forward and Is that he Is her real mate, it will take ten years for her to
Indicates strong yang energy that pushes The upper tri-
capable of breakIng through obstructions. accept him,
Kan. Water, symbolizes
an abyss. Any premature
gram is blocked, and the Image of 3: wUhout a gulde. one is certain to be
by the yang energy
LINE \"Hunting
or an assemblage of people is
movement
a stockpiling of energy lost One of balanced virtue
In the forest. would give up
is unable rather than follow his desirefor adventure.\
created. ThIs is like water in a dam that
to

move and therefore accumulates. Since

movement in this

sItuation will bring trouble. one can benefit for by remaining

the sItuation
The third line faces the abyss. which is represented by
stationary. gathering energy and waiting the upper trigram. Water. It has no correspondence with

to change. Thus, there will be no ne gatJ. v e response. the second and fourth lines, because they too are yin en-
ThIs hexagram is similar to K'an. =-= (#29, the Abyss), ergy. Thus. It is isolated and in a dangerous position.
in which the trigram Water Is doubled:- -l11e obstruction in
Although the goal of this line is to reach the fifth line,
K'an is more selious. however. since It is already present a dangerous abyss lies ahead. 1hisis
like going into a
and wIll not go away. In Chun, the blockage is ahead. It dark forest to look for a deer. The goal cannot be suc-
is a temporary situation and wIll change by Itself. The cessfully achieved and will end in trouble. Do not be
only problem could come from an untimely move brought
tempted or stirred by illusions of possible victory.)
about by Impatience. For this reason. the hexagram
advises one to be still while gathertng energy and frtends LINE 4: \"One rides a horse hesitantly on the way to
for a later move.
is present one should
When danger propose marriage. Go ahead; nothing will go against
maintain balance and adhere to correct prtnciples. you. Good fortune is awaiting,\

LINE 1: \"He lingers for a while, It is suitable to stay The first line Is
the correct match for the fourth, and a
and settle doum.\ good partnership is possible. The first line is yang, whose
ascends;
naturally the fourth line ts ytn, whose en-
The
first line is the key line and illustrates the situa- energy
descends. The opportunity for union and
ergy naturally
tion of the entire hexagram. \"He\" is the strong thunder. harmony exists, but these two lines are separated by two
of hindrance and Impediment. he finds who come between them
During a time
In a ytn lines, which are two women
himself unable to move, thus he stays to W1lte others
and make their W1lon a btt unsteady.)))
similar sItuation.)
 [3] - Chun /To Be StalfDnedlTo Assemble} 235
234 Hexngram [3]
line represents a SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Hurry. Even if you cannot
perspective.
another the fourth meet them, you can still find where they live.
From
The relationship between the fourth
FOR SOMEONE:
mlnIster to the fifth.
mIn1ster solidting a trusted
WAITING They will come.
and first lines is one of a good line. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be found
the leader In the fifth where trees and grass grow However. af-
aide to help luxuriantly.
ter three days, It cannot be found.
5: \"Energy Is Impeded.
One cannot achieve FOR THIEVES: Search for them In the North
LINE HUNTING
greal things. only smaU things.\" or the West.
Be careful of trouble from a woman. By being
fifth yang line has creative energy.
is In the posI- LAWSUIT:
The patient and taking your time. peace can result.
tion of leadership and wishes to help those below him.
It will be cloudy. and It appears as if a storm
is blocked the yIn energy of the CLIMATE:
However, his energy by is approaching.
fourth and sixth lines. TRAVEL: It is best to travel North and West.
In this posItion, misfortune
can be changed Into good
DISEASE: The disease is sertous and due to somethIng
fortune by cultivating and improvIng oneself. By impro-
Inside, such as an obstacle In the chest lf the
will also Improve, Instead of stagnating
ving oneself, the sItuation of the abyss. one can be- third line is received.extreme danger Is indicated.
having the qualities of the water PERSONAL WISH: Difficult to achieve In a short time. It
come substantial like the earth. is best to remain calm.)
6: on a stumbling horse. blood and tears
LINE \"Riding
j/Dw. This cannot continue.\"

The top line does not respond to the third line of and is
COMMENTARY
isolated. The fifth line is limited and carmot thus be continu-
any Self-Cultivation - The Golden Key
help The difficulty seems Insurmountable.
Ing only leads to misfortune.
The one way to survive this The hexagram Chun == to assemble, station.
== means
oneself.
bad time is by cautiously and prudently changing
or stockpile. The yang energy is blocked In both the
Change does not come by sitting
around crying.) In the lower trigram,
upper and lower trtgrams. ==, the
first yang lin\037!! stopped by the two yIn lines. In the up-
per trigram, =, the yang line is limited by the yIn lines
on both sides of it. In this sItuation, the growth of yang

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) energy is needed more than immediate movement. There-

fore, cultivation should be appLIed In order to accumulate
the :vanl!;, ortginal energy.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: ThIs is a good time for personal It can be said that cultivating chi. practiCing subtle
virtue and attaining enlightenment are one and the same.
enjoyment. When we do also leam them. we
MARRIAGE: ThIs is not a good match; hunytng makes it things, we When

practice things, we also nurture The process Is

ourselves.
difficult to achieve.
is needed in the northem or almost Indivisible. However, It is necessary to keep a bal-
HOUSING/FAMILY: Repair
ance among the three. On the one hand. we should
eastern part of the house.
will be a boy. always be diligent about the cultivation of bodily fitness,
CHILDBIRTH: There is difficulty. The chtld
WOKING FOR HELP: Only with repeated begging can healthy attitudes and the correct practice of virtue and
be received. capability In our work. At the same time. we should put
help
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Difficult to achieve. our cultivation to good use. Both sIdes of one's outlook
TRADE/BUSINESS: DlfIlcult to achieve.) and nature need to be balanced:this is the principle of
oneself or tra1n1ng spirttual students in the Way.)))
cultivating
 -
/3/ Chun (To Be StuhonedlToAssemble) 237
236 Hexagram 131
Equal to the importance of enlightenment In spiritual cul-
The development of our capability, integrity. uprightness and tivatIon is Ule accumulation of chi. You may think
comes from the e-onstant work of cultivation. have chi. you
effie-teney already and surely you do. but poison oak has chi
Without cultivation. one never has the chance to renecl on too. All life has chI, but different people accumulate different
what one's life has been. kinds of chi. What is valuable is to accumulate and refine
Th ..ffee! of vour self-cullivation shows who you reoall y vo ur personal energy to gain divine Immortal chi. whie-h Is the
;; you do not take the chance to corree! or tmprove \037nost refined. supreme chi of all. If you had only a litUe of that
you will stay at Ule same undeveloped
level. For .-hi. your whole personality would b.. dlfferenl.
;:;::;\"self. Having divine
example. in the practice ofTai Chi Chuan. you can learn UJe e-hl is like being a person who has a piece of
jade in his bosom
fornJ in three to four monlhs. But
\\)))
complete over rnanyyears.
vet
. wears coarseclothing.
and with daily practice. you learn Ihe details. the breathing What kind of e-hi do you have? TIu-ough
enlightenment.
and Ihe correspondinginternal energy movements. peo- the prae!ice of virtue and
but it
\037any through Ihrough practical and
ple spend a lifetime practicing, n\",:er \037\037nefJts .th\037m. tedmicaJ e-uItivation. you can gain the highest chi. Without
What mailers most is the intemal work. TaJ Chi ISnotlilluted this. you are Ilk..a donkey wearing a golden saddle. Vou may
to superficial movement.
. think you are enlightened. but you are sUll a donkey. A splri-
Self-e-ultival1on Is also one way to deepen your capaclly for luallyachieved person is a flying horse; no one can even catch
appreciation. The highest Is the appreciation of
appreciation of his shadow.
sIght
nature's simplicity and plainness. II you have not developed Practie-ally speaking. supreme chi can be gained through
Ihe capability of deep appreciation, then your life nms do\037 e-orrect cultivation and the consislent practice of virtue; these
wrong alleys. and everything loses its real meaning, one's
To lose the meaning of your
includl\037g
life
surely change being. As one's sensitivity to the natural
your personal life. personal flow of life Increases. one's personal UJOught pallenJs and
Is very dangerous. It can cause great self-indulgence or even mner awarenessbegins to hanllonize wiUJlruUJ, and enlight-
deaUJ.
enment naturally follows. TIrrough the practice of virtue and
In Ihe Universal Way of life, work Is very inlportant. one can gain supreme chi.
should use all your
correct cultivatIon.
Before you reach enlightenment, you TIle Universal Way is so simple. \\Vork on your enlight-
energy to break through UJe darkness. This is the pursuit of
enment in order to change your darkness. This does not
enlightenment. Because you are not enlightened. you live in mean Ihal enlighte'\"1ment itself has such a high value; UJe
darkness. Beginners often think they are enlightened, but the value lies in removing your darkness.
teachings of all great masters and spiritual books are usually How (\"an yOU lake away darkness formed by many life-
completely beyond UJe ones who claim to understand them. to become spiritual? This is like
times? Bv worl\037in/1, hard
This Is like taking UJe tusks of an ancient elephant, so rare, uie cart bei'ore the horse and can even increase the
putting
valuable and beautiful. and putting them on a dog's mouUJ. darkness. Rath..r. work toward UU' purilicaUon. refmement
The dog is sUll a dog. You can read all UJe great works of UJe
and culllvalion of your being. As you work to eliminate your
ancient masters, but without enlightenment you are sWI darkness. vour spiritual eyes will naturally open.
the same.
exactly
Equal\037v Important is the consistent practice ofvirlue and
People sometImes think that by slaying In their present Ihe d..velopment of your personal conduct in accord wiill what
positions. without self-improvement, UJey can become Immor- Is posItive and good, vital and ..nlivenin/1,. Virtu.. is the ..ner/tV
tal. What kind of Immortal do you wish to become? Perhaps
and fragrance of your life and your golden key to crystal clear
can become an immortal bug! Improve yourself frrst.
you
visIon. Ifyo\037rr personalily has become contaminated. work on
Some of the ilLings you are taught can motivate you to change
cleansing It. Be assured lllat when you change yourself in-
yourself. side, It is nalurally outside. Theft' is no n..ed to
What Is enlightenment? What Is lrulll? Whal makes It so expressed
buy and wear a golden saddle - a
Interesting? In UJe latter part of his life Confucius saId. \"If In justl1\"CUl\037I\"
'nle Universal Way Is not a mailer ollaiUI.
spec\037al donk\037y.
faith
the morning I know UJe I am enlightened. Then. If that Religious
trulll,
Is based on what and how you bellev... II is like being taught)
very evening I am dying. I am satisfied.\" Are you satisfied?)
 -
14} Meng (The Undeveloped One) 239)
238 Hexagram {3{
TItls is also the way to consult the I Ching. The cor-
believe that fire. is cold. even
when
that fire is cold. If you rectness of the answer receIved depends upon the sIncer-
still think it is cold: If you have s\037lVlved. of the request. If the same question is asked many
burned by it, you will ity
The Universal Way does
not promote rigid or blind faIth that urnes. the mInd will become scattered and the energy vio-
induces psychological or hypnotic
effects. The. Unlver\037al
Way lated. Thus. a correct response cannot be reached.
and doing. It InspIres. enhghtens In this hexagram. Water Is at the foot of the Moun-
is a matter of understanding so that you can be- i
and opens you up
to higher integration tain. creating the Image of fog coveting a mountain range.
It teaches
an authority of earthly and eternal life. Such a condition represents one who lacks clarity. At the
come
reach the essence by base of the mo\037mtaIn there are many SIllall streams that
openness. and through openness It is a path of open-ended
you
in various directions. This represents a condition of
you can developyour being.
flow
which
. . . bewIlderment and confusion because of too much diver-
gence. On a human level It symbolizes a person who
It IS
growth.
The secret of eternal life Is beyond conceptuahzatiOn. and is
the highest scientific secret, expressed
in riddles, puzzles undeveloped. unguided or uncivilized.
all the == . represents an uneducated youth.
metaphors. Not even ahewise
\\)
per\037on \037an deco\037e.or \037t Mo\037\037.
or she is gUIded by dlvme Immortal Water, = . representsan experienced. middle-aged man.
pieces together unless extremely dIfficult for a The young man has presumed and put himself above the
selection. At this level. it is not only for an achieved one developed one instead of him. Such actions
pupil to find a teacher,
it is also difficult following
whom he or she can pass the know- mean that one follows Impulse Instead of wisdom. When
to fmd the right person to
as a
It is not of as the Chinese word \"meng\" is used verb. it means to
ledge of divine immortality. son. It
a.matter
IS a matter
c1osen\037ss.
of bemg the cover in darkness.
the relationship of father and
. . Scatteredenergy and people with no direction are \\
\"right one.\" . . .'
TaD Teh Ching says that Tao IS mVlslble. maudlble basically useless. In order to be fully used, one's energy
The
is appropriate for the must be properly channeled or stored. TIlls is the mean-
and untouchable. This description
are spiritually ing of cultivating oneself and one's character.
undeveloped, but to those who
this
refining
the previous one, Chun,
spiritually It Both hexagram and
developed the truth is visible. audible
and touchable.
the begtnning of the process of development. \\)))
as all forms are the form no
ofTao, represent
always exists. However,
This is the time of a new begtnning for an uncivilized
form can be insIsted on as being Tao.) and is like the of a seed, newly
particular society early stage
sprouted and still covered with earth.
The yin lines of this hexagram represent the student.
and the yang lines represent the teacher. Their inter-
action on various levels is expressed by the explanation of
each line. The first line represents the undeveloped. un-
--
-- one who has many difficulties due to Ignor-

4)
\037 --) enlightened
ance. Every-one
of how old one is or how
has gone through this stage. Regardless
much one already knows. there
menq) always remains much to be learned. The second line is
responsible for enlightening and educating others. He is a
teacher.not a ruler. so he must have patience and be tol-
\037h6- \0376VeLOpOO one-) erant of the uneducated when instntcting them. The third
line represents one who is ambitious. Ignorant and unre-
GUIDANCE: \"Go ahead to ertlighten undeveloped ones. but it The fourth
ceptive to proper guidance. line exhibits
should be the urtdevelopedone who makes the request, rtot the another type of foolishness - pride. Since he does not
teacher He should approach with sincerity.\ listen to the teacher. he becomes trapped in difficulty and
bitterness. The fifth line represents the wise one who
wnstantly seeks self-correction and self-cultivation. He is)
 -
{4/ Meng /The Undeveloped One} 241)
24Q Hexagram {4/)

to take the good advice of One may wonder why the relationship between the
and wIllin
second and fifth lines, so similar to that of the thIrd and
pure,
eert !..se will be blessed with good have such different
others, recepUv\037
help. At this point, sIxth lines, can consequences.
fortune Th e 1.%p o:e s\037s beyond Is also needed Though they are complementary. none of the lines are in
education al one wIll not suffice'' discipline their correct positions. The second and the fifth lines
as a protection and a correction, however, are centered in their own trigrams and ar\037
\"When enlightening the undeveloped.
restraint
responsIble for what they do.
I:
Each hexagram has a certain
LINE are
if the unde\037eloped and within
discipline should be applied.
balance. that
and the second and fifth
will be trouble Imer on. the
there structure, positions are usually
left WlTegula1ed. lines responsible for harmonl7.ing the other poslUons.
and regulation should be estab\\l.she\037 and Although their energies are inverted in this hexagram,
Punisllll1ent
one's wildness. This kind of they fulfill their duty with the highest virtue, On the
imposed in order to restrain
other hand, the third and sixth lines also a yin/yang
to regulate one's energy so that
have
res traint selVes as a channel correspondence and the same inverted
have
relationship.
come useful. line symbolizes the early stages
one may be This
In thetr positions of excessiveness. however. It Is difficult
when one needsstrict guidelines as a framewor k wi thin w hi c h for them to achieve true harmony.)
to develop.
LINE 4: \"Stubborn and ignorant, one is helpless:')
\"Having tolerance toward undeveloped
the
LINE 2:
also applies to
brings good fortune. This simple v\037
if one's chad knows tlus. he will become a By holding onto an
unreceptive. stubborn attitude or being
family life. advice of a teacher, one brings about
to seek the
unwllling
responsible person,\" One who is ignorant musl be
misfortune and humiliation.
the only teacher in the hexa- to leam and accept correction. If one is satisfied with
The second yang line, willing

by four yin lines

which the ignorant. then one is a helplessfool! Isolation and
gram, Is surrounded
represent being
He must have the tolerance necessary to ignorance will become a trap. and one will be unable to find
uneducated.
them according to thetr individual levels and one's way back.)
educate
needs. Thus, good fortune results for all.
This line can also apply to marriage. Because It has LINE 5: \"Enlightening Ihe undeveloped and I1lnocent.
the yin line in the fifth Good fortune.\
the proper correspondence with
position, a harmonious marrIage may be achieved.
The second line Is responsible for giving the hexagram The child Is willing to receive an education. (He can follow
a poslUve overall perspective. Within the context of a fam-
the second as a teacher or the
line top line as an ad'isor.)
son who has a
ily, It represents a mature, responsible
and
Good fortune comes naturally by being receptive and flexible.
with everyone. In fulfilling duties
advice
good relationship
one's energy Is positively
Accepting teachings and with an open and humble
responsibilities to the family, mind, one Is assured of positive growth and high achievement)
channeled.

LINE 3: \"Do not many a woman who only seeks a LINE 6: \"Punishing the undeveloped is a good.protec-
wealthy man, TI1ere is no benefit in this /71Q.1TiQge.\" tive measure. Thus, the pupil will not be tempted to
repeat the same mistakes.\"
The line represents an ambItious
third woman (a yin
line in a position)
yang who Is seeking marriage to some- The third line is the \"pupil\" of the top line. The pupil
one in a high position. The top line, a yang line in a yin Is incorrect In behavior, the teacher is justifiably stern
position, Is also in an incorrect posItion. He has wealth, and punishment is appUed. Thus. correction produces co-
but no virtue. Because they do not come together out of operation,)))
true love, the marrIage is of no benefit.)
 /4] - Meng (The Undeveloped One] 243)
242 Hexngram [4J

Is the correct attitude when defendIng Maintaming one's innate virtue

Also symbolized defend oneself, but not is ihe trueJoU1ldation qfhappmess.
oneself. One should rightfully of robbers to
One should not use the ways J11rough practicing great virtue,
does not use war to
attack others.
deal with robbers. A true peace lover one can change one's personality
war.) and alter one's I(fe.
I(fe will then be peaceful
stop
One's and long.
Persevere in doing things
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) of a giving and constructive nature
\037nd your heart will becomepure \037dfree of
work. negativity.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: One will have lots of hard Extend the care you bestow on your own family
MARRIAGE: Difficult to achieve. to all thmgs and creatures surroUIlding
If located close your house.
HOUSING/FAMILY: HousIng will be good such as plants and animals.
to a mountain with water. When you make an erTOr. cOlTee! it as best you can,
CHILDBIRTH: It will be safe, and do not harbor guilt within.
WOKING FOR HELP: In the begInnIng. there Is no coop-
Be earnest in all you do.
eration. Later on. with the help of a negotiator. the
SoJten your disposition.
goal can be achieved. If It Is a promo- anti be thorough in your good conduct.
POSITION:
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
Do not do anything that cannot be exposed to daylight;
tion. good fortune will follow.
It will be achieved later. it will be seen in the subtle realm of Heaven
TRADE/BUSINESS: to find
FOR SOMEONE: They are difficult as ajIash of lightning.
SEARCHING
because they do not have a stable place
to live. See virtue as your main goal in life.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come late because and enjoy helping others.
somethIng has happened on the way. Never let an
opportunity to help pass by.
WOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It is In a house. To be honest. jaitliful. trustworthy and sincere
grave or garden. is to be carefree.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are clifficult to find.
If your virtue and your talents are equally good
LAWSUIT: TIre trouble may have been started by other you are a superior person.
people. but It can be settled as you If you want your good deeds to be seen by others.
wish.
CLIMATE: It will rain. their goodness is lost.
You will lose money. or It will be a
TRAVEL: Dangerous. Do goodJor the sake oj doing good.
teITIbly expensive trip. and do not \037pect anything in return,
DISEASE: There is an Internal spasm Or clifficulty. per- Take careoIlittle things;
diarrhea. It will be clifficult to cure In a
haps with
be diligent in caring Jor liJe,
short time. the right
there Is Educate others by setting \037wnple,
PERSONAL WISH: In the beginning. clifficulty.
not by preaching.
bul laler 11 can be achieved.)
Do not promise lightly;
and when you promise. keep it.
Never tire oI pursuing
COMMENTARY the actualization oj your inherent virtue.
The Light in One's Personality Turn your attention to what is deep.
abandon the shallow.
FoUowtng what Is right Develop a strong heart with the virtues <iI
Isltke a strewn }lowing toward the ocean.))) benevolence, humanitarianism justice wid kindness.)
 - ShJu
{51 (WalliI1g/Stagnaljon/HesUntion) 245
244 Hexagram /41)
In this hexagram. Water is above Heaven. suggesting
Care lor atl impartially; the Image of clouds In the sky. Although rain is expected.
be siIlcere and guileless. It has not yet come. and anticipation is created by the
MaiIltaiII right co\";duct. control passion. delay.
As one's virtues iIlcrease. so will one's heaWl. Heaven expresses the energy of In1tiatlve.
Do not express any negative energy and strength. Water symbolizes an obstruction creativIty to this
iIlthough.!.. word or action. heavenly energy and Indicates that danger lies ahead
Hwnilily is the root Q( virlue. Though one wIshes to fulfill one's needs. nothing should
but beiIlg overly humble
is artful alldlalse. be done In a hony. There is difficulty In moving forward
Excessive pride briIlgs about decrease. at this time. If one advances recklessly. one wIll plung
hwnilily results iII iIlcrease. directly Into the \"abyss.\" However. by gradually movIn;
better to your Jaults the goal can be achieved.
It is acknowledge forward.
than to teU a lie. Crossing dangerous waters is not an easy task.
RlfJhteousnessiII thought. word and act\037o,? . Therefore. one should prepare for the undertakIng as one
is how an person
upright preserves Ius tnlegnty. walts for the water to calm down or recede.
O( aU vices. lewdness is the worst Q{fender. The possibility \037hievIng the goal is hinted at by the
Do not deceive others iII word. action or thought; Inner trtgrams. Lt = and Till =-= ' which symbolize
know the subtle energy responds accordingly.
that warmth and excitement or enjoyment. A feast or celebra-
the law Q( attraction; tion is implied due to overcoming the obstacles. In the
Remember
what you are. thiIlk and express.
meantime. one should focus clearly on the direction that
attracts correspondiIlg energy. has been set and maintain a strong convIction of success.
One can easily become entrapped by Ran = = . the
Wilhoutjail. you will meet the results which Is ahead. Therefore.
top
Q(your positive or negative tlwughts and actions. trigram. it is important to
remain well balanced and maintain control. Do not give
Do not separate spiritual practices
In to impulses that can lead to radical behavIor.
from your conduct in daily life;
they slwu/d move in concert wilh each other. Anxiety. expectation. need or desirecan cause people to
Burning incense and silting in mediiation act recklessly. This is a time when either virtue or self-
without correcting your behavior destruction may be achieved. The 1 Ching dot's not dtsparage
is perilous and leads nowhere. the present difficulty, but emphasizes what one should do
remember that your true nature is virtuous. and accomplish what is needed. All things of great value are
Always
tlte virtues Q( life, difficult to attain; nothing truly worthwhile can be attained
By diligently practif:ing
The most valuable achievements and the
wIthout
you will reach purify Wld clarily oj being.) difficulty.
highest goals are fraught wIth difficulties. The process of
overcoming these obstacles is what enables one to develop
Inner strength. Mter the difficulty is overcmne. one can enjoy
oneself and begin to prepare for the next challenge.
',t -) The image of \"Shiu\" shows clouds In the sky. but only
when yin and yang hannonlze can the rains come. To rush
5) ShHA) around or complaining will not make the rains corne
worrying
any sooner. The virtue of sincerity is the only power that can

Wa..1C-lnq. s\037naQon.. he51c&..lon) cause a response frolll nature

culUes disappear.
or Heaven and make all dilll-
This is the most meaningful thing to be
learned In life.)))
GUIDANCE: \"Stagnation. To overcome U, one needs JaUh,
patience, Wld sincerity. Proceed with Iwpe as if embarking
on a new adventure.\
 - Sh1u (WaHlr1g/StagnatlDn/HesltallDn)
{51 247
246 Hexagram {51

from the danger. LINE 4: \"Hesitating In blood. Follow the strong one
line Indicates time or distance
The
Each
draws progressively nearer as one moves for- out of the danger.\"
danger
ward on the way. The fourth line of the hexagram Is the first line of the
if one Is patiEnt. upper trigram. K'an or danger. Because of the anxiety
LINE 1: 'Waltlng In the countryside, caused by the danger. there Is the ten-
and anticIpation
Is no problem\"
dency to run into trouble.
there
or Because the fourth and fifth lines are in their natural
is not yet dangerous. The abyss. danger.
The situation
The allusIon to rural place far 1T0m a
Ule cIty order, with a yin line in the fourth position and a yang
Is still far away. Al- line In the fifth. a good possibility exists for cooperation
attitude.
means that one shouJd keep a calm and peaceful mto between them. If the fourth line takes advantage of this
one feels anxious or needy. one should not rush
though a disturbance.) opportunity and agrees to obey and cooperate with the
anything that might create f}ftb line. it will receive the support needed to get out of
danger.
In the sand. A little diffICUlty. but
LINE 2: \"Hesitating
Is LINE 5: 'Waiting with wine and food. stay centered.
the final outcome hopeJilL\"
Good fortune.\
The distance 1T0m theor abyss has lessened
danger
can be compared to at the edge of the wa-
the sand DurIng this time of waiting. make yourself comfortable
and
food and drink. Since this
ter. Though one may be implicated in scandalous gossip by enjoying line is a strong
it ts not a serious matter. The idea of which is in the correct
line position and has the
or a disagreement. is as-
yang
to overcome any existing trouble, there Is no reason
scandal comes 1T0m Tui. the inner trigram.
It
power
socIated with the mouth and represents one who speaks not to enjoy oneself. However. one should remain cen-
of another. It may also mean that one creates tered and not be restless or over-Indulge. Otherwise. one
insultingly
tension for oneself with careless gossip. may Invite danger.
If one has patience and self-control in this situation.
no real problem will manifest. and good fortune will even- LINE 6: \"Finally. one enters the abyss. TI1ree unex-
in the midst of rumors, pected guests arrive. Be nice to them because
tually result. MaIntaining calm they
the best policy. Do
insults, agitation and gossip is always bring good fortune.\
not be discouraged or distracted by such worldly actions.
on one's own goal. the disturbance will pass. The top line completes the cycle of danger. There Is
By focusing
no more need for hesitation. TIrree unexpected guests,
LINE 3: \"Hesitating In the swamp creates an oppor- who are all strong yang lines (as represented by the first.
tunity for robbers to attack. Be cautious.\" second and third lines) come to help. It Is the third yang
line that corresponds to this line. who brings the others.
The third
line is very near the danger. It is also the The top line responds with gentleness and caution. which
middle of the inner trigram. Tui _
line . which repre- can change the situation to one of peace.)
sents a lake or swamp where movement is difficult. Since
one is In so vulnerable a position, it is not a good place to
stay. One got Into this position by recklessly moving for-
ward. However. by being extremely careful, this self-cre- SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
ated trouble may not cause much difficulty. On the other
hand. further recklessness will cause one to sink even
deeper Into the mud.) PERSONAL FORTUNE: Good fortune and good times
have not yet come. lf you push ahead. there will be)))
trouble.)
 /51 - Shiu /WaUing/StagnaUon/HeSi1aJ.lDnJ 249
248 Hexagram /5/)

if the first or Two: Release all concepts

MARRIAGE: Dtmcull to achieve. However.
that come into your mind.
lines change. It can
fourth be aehieved. Do not cling to any oj them)
Now Is a dtIJlcull time to be peacefully
HOUSING/FAMILY:
settled. will be no Three: There is nothing that is necessary.
CHILDBIRTH: baby will be a girl.
The There Nothing.

problem in delivery. Four: The souereignty oj Nature is just that.

LOOKING FOR HELP: It can be profitable. Do not on il or try to replaceils authorily.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: You spend a lot of impose

money but do not achieve any posItion. Flue: Do rebel and chatlenge the
will hinder achievement. . n\037t
law oj Nature.
TRADE/BUSINESS:Quarrels This ISJoollSh and destructwe.)
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are now slaying
somewhere near you. You will meet them soon. Six: Remember. your mind is not your own.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will either be late or not It is a g!/I oj life from Nature.
come at all. Use il posiliuely and constructiuely.
HUNTING THIEVES: They are with acquain
FOR
North and can be caught.
hiding
To use il.lor worry. anger or negativily
tances In the
is to abuse the mighty gift)
CLIMATE: There will be rain for a long time (5-7 days)
will come.
without stopping. then good weather A mind that is one with TaD.
TRAVEL: Good fortune. You will meel helpers and ex
the wlwleness q{ uniuersal subtle realily.
perience some happy times. is deuoid oj tlwughts
or alcohol poisoning. that constantly ramble.
DISEASE: Headache. vomiting It does not euen ponder the utmost wonders and mysteries.
PERSONAL WISH: DIllkult to achieve in a short penod of
time.)
Sincerecultivation is natural and easy.
in the here and now.

Only in calmness can one see in}mily.

COMMENTARY)
{{you are a beginner.
As you walk euer mare firmly on the path of TaD. close your eyes and search within your soul.
head and body upright. the heart at peace.
you willieaue impurily and lust behmd. calm.
Needs that once were. sunply are
no longer. the mind
Discontinue showmg afalsefront
if at first the six sense orgQ1\\S
to others and to yourself.
seem to be enemies and obstructions.
whether in your way of liuing or thinking.
in time they will proue the wealth
It is not you and is thus dishonest
of your cultiuation.
Be sincere infoUowing the Universal Way. to your true nature.
and there will be a change in your body and hearl.) Keep your integrity;
nO need to search outside yourse!ffor your soul
Obserue these six dangers closely:) Again and again you will see.
it the pure mind only
is with
One: Do nol CO'1/usewhat Is that you can becomeone wilh TaD
with what you want it to be. It is with the pure mind onl!/
Your will cannot preside that you can bask in the radiance
(Besides, it is not yours.) Q{the true spiritual sun.
You cannot change the direction oj thmgs
In Ihis way. you will become
To try is to intrude.))) the seed Qf a whole being)
 161 - Sung (DIspute I LtttgatlDn) 251
The first to engage in conllict.
line seeks
However,
sInce It is a ytn line. It Is too weak to hold Its position
and gets no results. One should now console oneself,
...J. avoIding dispute and possIble litigation. Event ually ' g)ood
fortune will result.
\037\037)
--)
6) 5W)(f --) LINE 2:
retreats.
\"He recognizes
Thus, he
that
creates
he cannot win the dispute
and no sulfe..-ingfor hlms e)!f
or his people.\"

\03715pure (LlclqA-C:IOn)) Thesecond line represents a lesser leader. (The fifth

lIne represents a great leader.) The second line fights for
htIDself or his community; the fifth line fights for the
GUIDANCE: \"Keep to the fads. One slwuld restrain emotion entire nation. When one Is Involved In conllict with a per-
and not over-react to the
silualion in order to not aggravale the
son of superior strength or posItion, he should retreat
It is beneficial to meet
trouble. Endless dispute is harmfuL The second line is in dispute wIth the fifth. Since th\037
with the WiseOnefor advice in settling the dispute. It is not fifth line is in a superior position, there Is no way for the
benefICial to go ahead adventw\"ously.\" strong-willed second line to win; it has more than met Its
match In the fifth line, Thus, It is time for it to retreat In
hexagram, Heaven is above Water.
Because
In this order to avoid a dispute wIth one of higher prtnciples and
ascends and water naturally
heavenly energy naturally of diverging purpose. By developing patience and tolerance. the dis-
this hexagram is an expression
pute can be avoided.)
descends,
energies. Furthermore, there is conflict in the relationship
between the unyielding strength of Chyan. =, and the
3: \"One Is with what one
strong energy of K'an, _ = . Since
LINE satisfIed has,
there is no beneficial aI..-eady
and lower trtgrams, Although th.e..-e Is some dilTrcul1y, things will turn out
communication between the upper
right in the end.\
disharmony and dispute are Indicated. On a personal
level, this situation an uneasiness between body
implies
is indicated.
The counsel of this line is to persevere wIth what Is
and mind. Among people. conflict old instead of In anything new and challenging.
Sung descrtbes a situation In which each sIde has engaging
This line Is
Be conservative. between two yang lines
great difficulty earning the trust of the other, even though
is a place of but there will rn;
both might be sincere and rtghteous. One should,
which dIfflculty, eventually
there-
In such circumstances, If one good fortune if one is cautious. If one Initiates new un-
fore, be especially truthful at this time in order to trouble will
can uphold this virtue. the misunderstanding may be dertakings expand,

an opportunity that benefits each sIde

arise.)
transformed Into
wIthout recourse to litigation. Moreover, one should be
prefer peace to
LINE 4: \"It Is not prope..- to take advantage oj a
egoless In this sItuation. The wise
high
always to win a
position dispute. Discontinue the dispute.
self-Justification.
others wIth one's strength Is fool1sh
to convince
Peace brings goodJortune.\"
Trying
and destructive; actions only provoke more dIfflculty.
such
The fourth line is a yang line in a ytn position. 1l
111.Is is not the time to take risks. unnecessary ag-
Any
wishes to use force to win its dispute wIth the weak first
gression will only cause the conllict to deepen. One
line. However, one should not insist on being victortous
should seek the support of a Just person in authority who
Just because of one's righteousness or supertortty. At this
will speak objectively and thus dissolve the difficulty.
time, one should discontinue the dIspute and try to make
LINE I: 'Vo not contrnue a smaU dispute. Things will peace. The other party will therefore recognize the true)))
eventually turn out right.\
 /61 - Sung (Dispu1eILlligal/onJ) 253)
252 Hexagram /6}

results from HOUSING/FAMILY: A move ts favorable because the

righteousness of one's heart. Good fortune
house Is not peaceful, and there are obstacles
exercIsing vIrtue Instead of strength. The baby will be a boy.
CHILDBIRTH:
Good LOOKING FOR HELP: If the help ts for other I
LINE 5: \"It is appropriD.te to cOTTee!the dispute.
can be If It Is
the one of true righteousness.\"
achieved; however. for .
yoursiJ\302\260ft e\037
fortune belongs to not occur.

1bJs line
Is the princIpal leader of the hexagram. One SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
In a
POSITION: It cann 0t be
achieved hurry.
In this posItion should hold firmly to righteousness and It can InitialIy
It In all actions. In this hexagram, the fifth line Is TRADE/BUSINESS: Although be Success-
extend
to express right- ful, later there will be problems.
the only one In an appropriate posItion one will sEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: You shouldnot look \037
eousness. With correct princIples and Judgment. them: there will be a quarreL
or
be able to channel different
In a positive dIrection
energies
within oneself and among WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
and thus dissolve all disputes LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be found cI ose
others.) to where you live.
is cer- BUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding In the West.
LINE 6: \"Receiving Iwnors by wlTming disputes If someone wishes to tell you where they are ' th
no greal accomplishment. Such superfICial ey can
tainly
be time after time.\ be caught.
Iwnors will surely taken away. The suit be
LAWSUIT: should not started.
One have a for winning disputes. CLIMATE: There will be rain, but within three days ' th e
may reputation weather will be fine again.
be challenged
However, such a meaningless reputation will
Beware of
may be won, there TRAVEL: quarreling with your traveling com-
again and again. Though the dispute will panions. Travel Is not good.
is no real glory In doing so and one eventually lose
one's peace of mlnd.
DISEASE: Difficult to cure. There may be some pain In
was bestowed on a the heart, stomach or abdomen.
In ancIent times. a leather belt
But under WISH: Difficult to achieve.)
good warrIor as an honor from the emperor. PERSONAL

these conditions, even If a \"leather belt\" is bestowed, it

will be snatched away many times.
In order to maintain the \"best\" reputation, one must
continuously str1ve to win. In this way, one's harmony COMMENTARY
and peace of mlnd are exchanged for brief moments of
emotional gratification. Is this a good use of one's The Paradoxof Truth

strength?) OpposItes are in reality A view

united. that integrates all
balanced and can therefore help reach
one the
opposite\037 \037s
truth. Llvmg with a balanced spirtl allows one to avoid life's
many diversions.

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
All polartties become the elemenls of life. This is
Illustraled by our pairs of hands and feet. Each becomes the
other's source of support with every new step or movement.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: There is some dlscomfort and WIth Ule inlegration of polartties. one's life can regain Its
ortglnal balance.
worry.
MARRIAGE: The
marrIage be an unhappy one with
will One cannot expect
beauty to lasl forever, goodness to
much quarrelling. However, with a strong go-between, remain constanl. or Ule high to never fall. Every day Is a \"fair
It might be settled.) weather\" day. Exdtenlt'\"nt occurs In every mou;ent.- A climax
is bulIl by low lones. Success Is bom from every common)))
 /6/ - Sung (DispuLe / LiHgUlfon)
254 /6/ 255
Hexagram

o.-dlna.-iness My fathe.- said. 'Tell me how can you embody all truth III.
minute. The .-ecognition of.-egularily, plairuless.
your being and.
at the same time. make all such truth
elt'ment fo.- lIT ele-
and usualness is the fundamental achievmg
vant?\"
balance. . . - this question carefully
oneness and d 1880I.VIIl\037t h e dl s\037rt
I ponde.-ed and
By enlbra('in\037 universal .-esponded \"All
one such truth Imentioned is the use 0.-function
of the truth
nlfnation between opposiles. 011t\" can keep \037Ilalun\037l ne\037- It
one's own splrtt. Tins p.-acbce wIll is not the body 0.- the All uses of truth
entity of truth.
bility and livt' dt'ep1v
within 'are
ont' to t.-anscend all wo.-Idly attachments
and the specIfic exp.-essions of it. Every and activity may be
moment
allow
duallstic sphe.-e 01 the hwn3n an e\037resstonof truth. The.-efo.-e,as the ancient achieved one
contradictory.
unhealUIV.
Thus. ont' may achieve inlmo.-lalIty. said. One cannot depart from the truth fo.- a Single second'
wo.-Id.
The following All uses of truth are the truth. At the same time,
truth is sometimes pa.-adoxical. since all
SpIritual of enllght- uses of the tru\037 are merely exp.-essions of truth. they are
story is my own personal experience In Ihe pursuit tITelevant to the mdependenceand wholeness of th e b0 dyo f
enIDent. When I was young and engaged in the activities of
me of the importance of truth.\"
youth. mv father always .-emlnded
the of truth
be separated as different
use\"and body
\"I am \"Can
achieving enlightenment. I told my fathe.-, bright
should I look for?\" existing entities? my fathe.- asked.
already. What enlightenment . \"No.\" I replied. 'The use of truth and the
My fathe.- said, 'The enlightenment you should have fl.-st body of truth
of cannot be separated. When one of them Is perceived.the
is to know that you are behind
\"
Ule darkness your
other also appears. When one of them is dis.-egard e.d th e
brightness. other also disappears.\"
I had not yet discovered that I was \"behind the darkness
I was smart. my father said, \"in this way. the existence of truth
of my brightness,\" as illY fathe.- put it. I thought '-.well.\"
in smartness was my darkness. I
reqw:es a.cknowled5IDent, othelWiseit carmot be indepe71dent.
Taking pride my pmbably
Is this what you meant? Furthermo.-e. is It not possible fo.-
finally realized my own darkness
and began working on It to
truth to be disregarded or unnoticed. my beloved one?\"
discover real enlightenment.
hard life and dillicult \"No, sir. If It Is the truth. It must always be independent.
Alle.- many years of cultivation,
times, I eventually felt very enlightened. I went to my father Iranscendental and absolute. OthelWise. how can I.t be
and told him, \"I don't need to look for the truth anymo.-e. All truth?\"
in your p.-evious statement.
truth is here. now! For people of starvation, the truth is to \"My son. you said that fo.-
eat. Fo.- people of over-consumption. to eal less is the truth. people who are
starving. the truth is to eat; fo.- people of
Fo.- people of poveriy, to be .-ich is the truth. Fo.-peopleof thirst. the truth is to drink and so forth. Now.
may I ask vou.
to be well is the truth. For people of leisure, to work If to eat and to drink are the truth. then are and thirst
illness. hunger
is the trulh. For people who labor constantly. 10 relax is Ihe the mother of truth? If hunger and thirst are the molhe.- or
truth. For people of a rigidly o.-ganized life. flexibility is the substance of truth. they should be higher than truth Itself.
trulh. For people of sloppiness. to becomewell-disciplined is The substance of truth is immutable and unchangeable.
the truth. For peopleof spiritual underdevelopment. to pur- What, then, is above your truth?\"
sue enlighterunent is the trulh. For peopleof deepspiritual After this illuminating discussion I continued to wo.-kon
development. helping to Improve the confused world Is the the amazing topic of truth. I was up and down with the truth.
truth. I was shaken by the pursuit of the lruth. At the same time
is always
'The truth in Ihe polar opposite. We call Polaris I was also strongly enchanted by the of truth:
enlighterunenl
the star, because we are south of it. If we change
'Northern' I was at work day and nJghl with this puzzle. Finallv. I
our position, we see and name things differently. This shows developed two theories. First. thai enlighterunenl Is s';me
the relativily ofyin and yang. An achleved one can embody all place you can reach alone. without anyone's help. I calledthis
trulh within his own being. At the same time. all such Iruth Ihe \"theory of seU'-reaching.\" The secondtheory was lhis: You
Is Irrelevant to hlm.\ have been there. but you cannol share il with anyone 0'- go
Ihere again. and only a like-minded person can wldersland)))
 /6/ - SWlg (Dispute/LlttgalinnJ 257
256 Hexagram /6/
. I a toothache. At Utis lime I also discovered
had
diScovered
what say. I calJed thJs the \"theory ofnon-transmIsslbIlJty
you
my shoelace was loose and needed to be tied.
of enlightenment.\" Suddenly I awoke and wondered what the
these Iwo polnlS to defme the enli\037htenment of meanin\037 of thi
truth.
I used
As for myself. I thou\037ht Ulat I was aheady at a certain
dream could be. II seemed 10me that lhe problem of spintu\037
achlevemenl Is not enlighlenment ttsetf but th t
level of enlightenment. Before my next meeting with my
of enli\037htenment. The matters of \037nlighte\037len:\037d
father. however. I hoped to do some further
lnlsslon\"
preparation. Just are on
\"truth.\" Interest- darkness two different shores. II IS easy for a
person
In case he gave me more trouble with Ule
the night before our meeting. I received an on the high side t\037 desce\037d to the low side. but it is very
Ingly enough.
important dream.
dtIDcult to commulUcate
f'
the low sld eo a steepravrne.
WIllI people On the low si de AI so. On
the darkness
.
In dream. I was walking
the In a place where there were inl1uences people
between them. I was on the diITerently. This had just been illustrated In my dreanl.
two cliffs with a deep ravine
higher side of the ravine. On the other side. I could hear a Ilhoughi. very car..fully about whi..h parI of my dr..am was
woman of late middle age talking to a young man about her connected WlUl the ultimate lruUI. '!lle next morning. when
adoration of a religious \"star\" thai had been shIning for mOre I faced my fatller. he said In a clear voice. 'When your 1-
than a thousand years. She was saying that this star's life lace is loos.e. tie it. When you have a toothache.
keep :\037\037
was the only living truth. and it would enlighten all followers Irom dlinking. In Ule freshne3\037; of th.. early mon1ing.gath\037r
with the truth. chi. During the blightness of the day practice subtle '\037rtue.
SInce I was on the opposite dilL I hWTIed over to her In the darkness of midnight maintain enlightenment. People
becauseI wished to correct the false belief she had. I wanted of deviation seem to have many chances to expound the truth
to tell her that every person Is the life of truth. and at the but truth never gives the achieved one a chance to express It.:')
same time. no one is the truth itseU. Truth Is not presentable
by. or as, anybody or anything. To do so would damage the
truth. Truth ts Truth; it cannot change hands.
her. but before I could correct her. I
As I approached
--
--
noticed
talking
that In another place on the same cWf. a man was
to some other people about the truth.
had a better way of presenting it. Again I thought I must go
He fell that he tf --
--)
there qutckly and stop him with my \"theory of non-transmls- 7) srut),)
stbility.\" thai the real truth cannot be passed. When one
wishes to describe truth. it is no longer the moment one
expelienced as the truth. I went over to him to convey my mll1roJtY t\037C1t5htp)
thought; \"If you hold this way of talking about the truth. the
truth will no longer be the truth. but words.\" However. when
I was close enough GUIDANCE; \"Military leadership. if WI leader Is
to him, I discovered by the smell of his upright
breath that he was drunk. I decided that what selected. there will be no mistakes.\
Immediately.
he had achieved must be alcohol trulh. Before I could begin In this
hexagram. Earth ts above Water. Five yIn lines are
my explanation he \037eeted me and tnvlted me to his cellar 10 united one yang line. Although
by the yang line Is in a yIn
enJoy some good wine with him. This friendly gesture made
position. it is still central and correct. thus It can assume the
tt awkward for me to immediately and straightforwardly pass posItion of leadership.
message to him. I also began to feel some difficulty
my The lower trtgram represents a person or group
because he seemed beyond my help. By tills time. he was s\037 charged with the responsibility of carrying out a great
busy with hIs wine that he had no time for anything else. and worldly mission. Water In the Earth expresses a bOl.U1d-
when he offered me the wine. I could nol drink It since I) less source of power that springs forth and flows over)))
 [7[ - Shih (MUUary Leadership) 259
258 Hexagram [7}

In Its Is very much like an Because of Its inability to lead the group and Its lack of
evety!hJng path. This Image
strength In carrying out Its Intentions, there will be a
arID-the Inner hexagram of Thunder beneath the Earth great defeat.
sItuation, like a volcano.
depicts a potentially explosive
sprIng. It awakens all life
LINE 4: \"7'11\302\243
army retreats. No blame. Such actions
When thunder comes In the not contradict
rain thai nurtures do principles of good
with Its power. With It also comes the miIilury strategy.\"
This potential power needs a wise
and virtuous
life. The fourth line contains guidance on how to
leader 10 control It.
because one'sestimation retreat.

Normally the fifth line Is the leader of a hexagram. There is no blame or the enem .s
correct. One should
but here It is too weak and therefore delegates
Its duties is never feel humiliated
position \037
to Its subordinate. the strong second line. It is Imperative retreat. Only the stupid and headstrong continue in the faZe
and capable of diJIiculty.)
that the second line be responsible Is
of wmecessaI}'
handling the challenges that come to It. If this posItion
to an Infertor leader. all will be endangered. LINE 5: \"Like come to eat your seeds.
birds who have
the leader In the second place is obedient
gIven
Fortunately, invaders a:\037
the field. This is the right time to
all
ov,:
are encount-
and cooperative. Though some obstructions resort to actton.
mililury No blame. However. if one who is
ered from the upper trigram. he responds capably to the young and is sent to lead the army, defeat
him. Thus, \037experienced
situation and all people follow and support and loss of life will result. Possiblemisfortune:')
there is an opportunity for victory.

LINE 1: \"Strict discipline Is neededfrom the beginning A good leader must know how to
delegate responsi-
A good helper or general be appointed and
should
or there will be great misfortune,\" bility.
gIven complete authorization out to cany
the mission. To
Since the firsl line is a yin line In a yang position. it is gIve
two generals equal power for the same assignment
weak and creates problems. This line needs good discipline to would create internal conllict and weaken one's strength.
itself In order to cany out orders from the second Internal conflict is often worSe than external conllict
strengthen
line. If one in this low position tries to evade its duty for because It can prevent the task from being fully accom-
selfish reasons. faUure of the entire army will result.) plished. Thus. assignments should be clearly gIven. and
the leader must carefully match the rtght person with the
appropriate duty.
LINE 2: \"Con-ectly balanced. one Is assigned to be the

generaL 7'11\302\243
king empowers him. Good fortune. No LINE 6: \"When the war is fmished. there should be Just
problem.
\" rewards. 7'11\302\243
deserving should be given high posUions
in order to care for the nation. Those who are inferior
The second line Is appointed and empowered by the should be rewarded with material goods but never
king. the fifth line, to the be
leader in this situation. The trusted with high positions.\
cooperation between them is expressed by the harmonious
interaction of yln and yang. WIth such mutual trust and Even though many people helped in accompUshing the
confidence, the second
line carries out its assignment with mission, they may not be capableof effective administra-
ease.) tion in a high position. U so. negative forces would
Interfere with constructive plans for achieving peace.
LINE 3: \"The army will be defeated. Misfortune,\ Be mindful to give rewards that are appropriate to a
person's merit.)))
The thirdline is a yln line in a yang position: It is the
image of a defeated army canying its dead and wounded.
Although Its intentions are good, Its actions are weak.)
 {7{ . Shih
260 Hexagram {7/) (MIlitmy Leadership} 261
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) II1telleciual pretense. .contempt for stupidity.
finding fault Wltb
others. excesstve desrre. corrupting tbe morals of otbers . an d
Conllict beIng overly ambItious.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: ThIs Is a difficult time.
The negativity of most people can be
and changed and refined
may ar1se between husband wIfe.
through cultivation as self-awareness tmfolds and self-
MARRIAGE: Although It can be successful for a while,
evolves. One
afterward there will not be such good fortW1e. completion should neither be inert nor frivolous
If the Is large, many might be- but should follow a nonnal balance. To follow tbe waves of
HOUSING/FAMILY: family ts
come sIck. negative energy dangerous. Return to the right way before
will not be very smooth. The yOU go
out too far out to sea. Return to tbe shore of positive
CHILDBIRTH: The delivery
baby will be a girl. If the fifth tine Is receIved.tbe motber and constructive creativity. ThIs safe shore ts found in the
will be In danger. Iftbe top tine Is received,
tbe baby will transfonllation of your own energy elements and tbrough tbe
be In danger. spiritual evolution. that comes from following tbe Unlversal
WOKING FOR HELP: Even If you receive help, tbere Is Way In which physIcal and mental well-being are tbe founda-
somedoubt about motives.
tbe
tion of high spiritual attainment.)
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: If you have
help of powerful people. tbere will be good fortW1e.
TRADE/BUSINESS: It can be achieved and can be
profitable. obstacles to
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: There are
meeting tbem.
WAITING FOR They will return.
SOMEONE:
SOMETHING WST: It Is difficult to find.
WOKING FOR \037 --
--
HUNTING
LAWSUIT:
THIEVES:
FOR They can be caught.
The dispute can be clearedup by helpful people.
All arguments and disputes should be avoIded unless B) B\342\202\254h)
--
--)
necessary.
CLIMATE: The weatber will be fine,
TRAVEL: It is good to travel alone. f-e-lLowshlp)
DISEASE: There may be complications that will be
dangerous.
PERSONAL WISH: It can be achieved.) GUIDANCE: \"Fellowship. Good fortune. Be cautious, con-
tent and upright. The undecided will join and foUow. TIle
lofty will lose the opportunity and thus be isolated,\
COMMENTARY
The Restoration of Normalcy) In thIs hexagram, Water Is above Earth. All the yin
tines are gathered by the unifYing force of a leader.the
Mter ages of departing from the right way mankind has yang line In the fifth position. The unifying strength of
lost lis natural balance through InsIsting on Its own will. The tbe previous hexagram, Shih, depends on discipline. In
human mInd has becomedIstorted and one's very life untrue. Beh, however. the position of leadership relies on prestige
Instead of one's energy beIng centered and focused. It often and kindness.
floats upward and scallers, stimulating one or another of the Water and Earth support each otber.
hannontously
sensory organs. This tmbalance manifests as self-centered- Water flows freely earth and. In the process.
throughout
ness. boasting. earth absorbs water. Here, Dve yin lines asstst the yang
envy. Jealousy. quarrelsomeness, gossip.
about tbe opposlle sex, laking too easily.) line, Illustrating a situation In which the leader Is at peace
raving Ulings
with his followers. Thus. there is a spirit of fellowship)))
 {B/ - Beh (FeUowshlp) 263
262 Hexagram {B{

the leader. The and capability. TWs kind of cooperation will

amon followers as well as wtth
the
vIrtUe
achieve greatness.)
un-
endeavor depends on the strength \037d-
of
doubtedly
succe\037s any
of the group. TWs Is developed by
cooperation and e ess
open-mIn m::'m LINE 5: \"Glorious fellowship. TIte kind ruler leads the
a strong sense of receptivIty
Ing and one anO th er. hunt. taking only the prey thnt runs in his direction .
toward new members, new advIsors
a goal that He does not go after those thnt run away.\"
harmony. peace and friendship,
Through
benefits the entire group can be altained. The image of a hunt Is used to described the leader-
LINE 1: \"Be as faithful as a full Jug in friends. ship qualities of this line. It was customary for a
group of
come
\037king
to you. hunters to go Into the woods and form a circle. While
Unexpected good fortune will a noise,
making great they would gradually close the circle
the early stages of fellowship; and trap all the animals within. However, a v1rtuous
The first line represents
it Is In a weak posItion. The fourth line can be a helpful leader In this position leaves an Opening In the circle In
the support to give the prey a chance to escape. The leader ex-
friend to the first line, especially since it has order
to be obedient and behave
of the fifth line. Thus, there will be good fortune. peetshis followers
accordingly'
those who hesitate or have doubts are free to leave, Thi\037
2: out of innemwst sincerity. Is an attribute of a virtuous leader. He welcomes those
LINE \"Make.friEnds
wtsh to help but holds those who
Perseverance brings good fortune.\" who
otherwise.)
nothing agamst
choose to do
deeply wtthin. It Is
Choose your friends by looking
or
not to reach out socially or to let superficial LINE 6: \"No fellowship can be made. Misfortune.\
necessmy
exlemal motives Influence your decision. By cultivating
virtue and sincerity, good friends will naturally respond to Isolation makes one useless, Without extending one-
you.
self to others, one can neither seIVe nor be seIVed. Al-
The second line is
harmonIousnaturally
wtth th e fifith . though isolation may be tolerable for a while, It eventually
It does not need to special effort to earn Its friend-
make a leads to danger.)
self-cultivation It automatically attracts
ship. Through
recognition from the wtse one. One who Is Sincere and
virtuous can be a true friend at any time and under any
circumstances.)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
LINE 3: \"Fellowship with the wrong person.\
This line tries to respond to the top line, but It is a PERSONAL FORTUNE: Dl.fficulty arises In the begInnIng,
ytn line In a yang posItion. This implies that one but afterwards there Is good fortune. If you move
attempts to become friendly wtth an unvIrtuous person.) things will
quickly, be profitable. If you hesitate or
procrastinate, trouble will arise and failure will result.
LINE 4: \"Extend feUowship to good people. Perse- MARRIAGE: It can be successful.
verance brings goodfortune.\" HOUSING/FAMILY: The district and neighborhood are
good,
and there will be good fortune,
This is In the right position and
line Is close to the CHILDBIRTH: The delivery will be safe. If the Is
ytn baby
wtse leader, It should completely support
thus the fifth bom In the spring, It will be a girl. If bom In the au-
line without restraint. This is a golden opportunity to tumn, It willbe a boy. If the second and fourth lines
deal with human relationships. The wise friend and vir- change, the baby will be a girl.
tuous leader In the fifth posItion will appreciate your) WOKING FOR HELP: It will be given to you.)))
 18/ - Beh (FellDwsh!p/ 265
264 Hexagram 18/
The is Judge yourself well and others maderat .
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
POSITION: position
Be forgiving, and forgive Iy

go forward at this
time brIngs fully and fran':: y.
not a high one. To There is a good reason
always
.) good fortune. Do not retreat. to forget another's faults.
TRADE/BUSINESS: A partnership will be profitable. Remember. even were not faultle
They are In a temple
or the sages ss.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Keep your quiet
tangu\302\243
with a woman.
will leave a message.
so as to provoke arguments.
not
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They Look In the North- Leave room for your own repentance
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: and
of II can be found. part remains compensation
east. Though part In every affair.
lost. Be jlexible and and do not quarreL
FOR TIlIEVES: There are more than two yielding,
HUNTING If Bear an insult and keep your
thieves and they live In the East or the South. can you be To repress a moment of anger
dignity.

search tmmedJately after the robbery, they can save you much regret.
caught. Strive to be se!f!ess. not selfcentered.
LAWSUIT: You should make peace.
RaIn will soon change to faIr weather or fair A self-centered person expects favors from 0 ther s,
CLIMATE: while a se!f!ess person gives to others
weather to rain. and asks In reiwn.
good fortune
do not go too never anything
TRAVEL: Travel brtngs If you
far.
heat In the chest Win people's hearts, and do not unpose
DISEASE: There is diffIculty with and

If II It will be dt.fficult to cure, upon their wills.

stomach. persists, With affinity. people will meet each other
WISH: It will take a little time to achieve.) from
PERSONAL a great distance.
WWwut affindy, even when face to face '
they might never truly meet.
When people are of the same mind .
COMMENTARY
their integrity will cut metal
Do not have intimate dealings with unvirtuous
Natural Light in Relationships) wlwse words mean little
people

and whose actions are Indecisive.

Do not nourish an wifaithji.J.1
The inner essence of the universe is benevolent. person.
within their true natures. if one associates with unviTtuous people
People. one will be negatively utjluenced by them
as mocrocosms of the universe.
functioning Be fraternal and friendly to everyone.
are alsobenevolent and should. therefore.
but keep your own balanced nature
cherish humanity in their hearts.
toward others. wlwle and untouched.
Use tolerance and patience
Do not speak of another's at an y time .
Be loyal and forgiving. wann and sincere. shortCOmings
energy to others. if you respect others.
Extend your harmonious wUl in turn respect
Do not they yOIL
complain, Be humble and willutg to serve people
so us not to pass on your negalivity. whenever you can.
Approach everyone with an open mind Thus is the nature and the absolute virtue
and without pushing yourselfjorward.
of the universe.)
bul do not bare your heart
when meetingjor the first time.)))
 -
{9{ Shuu Chu (Small Accumulation) 267
By tending to its own bUSiness, it avoids conllict and dilfi-
culty, and its position is a very comfortable one.
'The literal translation of this line is: \"Come back to
'\" own way. How can there be any problem In this?
,J --) your
Good fortune.\" Therefore. good
\037
fortune lies In keeping to
one's way. The yang line In the first position is not strong
9) Sha.u chu to go Its
enough beyond capability. Since it is not strong
enough to act aggressively, there will be no problem. The
strnlU A(.C.(AfnU,1.A\037O\037) fourth line has power and is In the correct posItion. It
neither attacks nor harms the first line. so the whole
sit-
uation is harmonious and there Is no trouble.)
\"SmaU accumulation. Proceed. This is like
GUIDANCE:
the sky. but there is not 2: \"Together. to the original
thick clouds that have gathered in LINE retWTI
right path.
Good fortune.\
yet any rain.\"

In this hexagram. Wind is above Heaven. One yin line The second line has the same energy and V1rtue as the
holds five yang lines together. The literal Chinese transla-
first. Since both are In low positions, they come together
tion of Shau Chu means a small herd of cattle, a small
and mutually adhere to the right path. They do not un-
gathertng or an accumulation. dertake anything too hastily or engage In reckless actions.)
the sky sug-
The hnage of the wInd blowIng through
Thus. this hexagram 3: \"The wheelfaUs off the wagon.
gests clouds that are accumulating.
This
LINE Husband and
Indicates a time to prepare for a large enterprise. wife quarreL\
is also beneficIal for planning and exchanging Ideas
time
removing psychological obstacles
and smooth- This line can a marriage
with others. represent or a vehicle. Both
the work.
Ing any rough edges
before initiating are temporarily progress as Indicated
hindered In their
by
Because the fourth line is In the yin posItion next toof the wheel fallIng wagon. This line illustrates
off the the
the fifth line. which is the leader. its duties are those
iJIlportance of cooperation. SInce the third line does not
an assistant or a minister. Since the yin line Is the only accept control from the top line, and the fourth line does
one among all the yang lines. it represents a minister with not have enough to restrain the third
energy line, confron-
a high level of responsibility. Thus, its energy is concen- tation and disharmony and
result nothing at all is
trated on a special assignment for the leader. Guiding a accomplished.)
small group of people In this special work is appropriate
for the fourth line. but beIng overly ambItious and usurp- LINE 4: \"Be the blood
confident. Wipe away and
Ing power will create problems. avoid the danger. No more trouble.\
This hexagram also implies that the demand\037 of the

time may be fur greater than resources available,

there-
Here, \"blood\" represents the worry and tensions which
fore caution should be exercised. In its negative aspect arise when the small trtes to restrain the powerful. Since
this' hexagram represents a wIfe who degrades her this rests on the shoulders of the fourth
to control his master.
responsibility
husband or a servant who trtes
line, anxiety arises. The real problem In this
be position,
However, In a positive sense, small undertakings can
however, is to avoid too much pressure and worry. U one
accomplished which can later lead to larger events.
Is sincere and scrutinizes all will be well.
everything,
Though the fourth line is not Innately strong, It does
LINE 1: to the original path. No blame.\
\"Return have the necessary qualities of understanding and sincer-
ity. Such qualities make It an excellent worker In this sit-
first line cooperates with
The and responds to the uation. Furthennore,
it acts correctly, out Its
it is supported by and In hannony
fourth Furthennore,
line. carryIng with the leader, the fifth line. Thus. by having a)))
strong
duties without goIng beyond its sphere of responsibility.)
 -
/9/ Shau Chu (Small Accumulatton) 269
268 Hexagram [9/

attitude and not being too

aggressIve. everyone CHILDBIRTH: The baby willa be a boy. is If
moderate With coopera- made the autumn or winter. the baby willdivination
equally Involved and strengthened.
In
feel be a girl
will
will be Improved and danger LOOKING FOR WORK: It can be achieved.
tion. the task at hand greatly but there will
will disappear.
be quarrelling afterward. To rely on a woman will
brIng good fortune.
5: \"Be faithful and cooperate wilh neighbors In order soCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Achievement
LINE
wealth.\" comes late. maybe In the 6th or II th calendar
to successjilil y c\037lIect and distribute th
TRADE/BUSINESS: Difficult to achieve; much r:;;:;;.ag'e
Because the fifth line has the same energy the work
as the and loss.

other four yang lines. it needs someone to gather SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE:
In the valley
They live outsIde the city
and make connections. Thus. it relies on the fourth line or the wlldemess.

to fulfil] this responsIbility. When the fourth line receives WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
the fifth line's support. they can then share the profits. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Send a woman to
look for it In the East.
One cannot be rich alone. FOR THIEVES:
IlUNTING They live in the Northeast and
LINE 6: \"The rain has comel One's kindness benefits are difficult to find.
all people. 17le woman's power becomes dominant like LAWSUIT: There may be danger and harm from a
/he jitll moon. Exercise self-restraint. if one wishes to woman.

do something independently. problems will wise.\" CLIMATE: It will rain. If there Is wind. the weather will
be fine.
RaIn depends onaccumulation
the of clouds. The ac- TRAVEL: This Is not a good time for travel.
cumulation has now been fully achieved. as represented DISEASE: Good fortune for a child.
Danger for an adult.
by the yang energy coming to the top posItion. Thus. rain PERSONAL WISH: DifD.cult to achieve in a short time.)
comes.
The uppertrigram. Seen == . also symbolizes an el-
derly The Image of a domineerIng
woman. wife expresses
she may be correct
yin energy restraining yang. Although
things. the sItuation is still an uncomfortable
In some one. COMMENTARY
The moon also represents the fullness of the yin energy. Taming the WildHorse Within Yourself)
The negative atmosphere is still strongly influencing the
situation. and this is not the time for creative yang energy Bridle themind. for it is like a wild horse. It needs to be
to be active. Otherwise. Impediments will be encountered.) tamed. First one has to know it Is there,
running on the
plain. Then try to catch it. ride it. lead It by the reins and be
watchful of Its movements all the time. With llnnness.
gentle-
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
ness and patience. the horse will be lamed and the master
known.

FORTUNE: Some people will create obstacles One has to practice the healthy way daily and uncondi-
PERSONAL
and cause trouble for you. tionally. Without daily practice. the little progress one makes
MARRIAGE: One may marry a divorced woman. If the will quickly wither away. Be conslantly aware of the move-
question concems a break-up. a reunion is possible ment of the mind. If it is negative.
lazy or inconsiderate.
after differences are settled. subtly but firmly change the channel on the mind's screen in
HOUSING/FAMILY: Housing is spacious and it is good a more positive and giving direction. At first \\I may seem
for two people to live together; however. living with wmatural not to follow the impulse of the mind. since one Is
young women is not good because there will be Llsed to following the self-willed mind wiUlOut question. But
quarrels.) beln\037 1n')Julslve Is not Ule same as being sponlaneolls. Spon-)))
 {lO/ - Lu (Conduct) 271
270 Hexagram {9{

with life In its united glory

or high social posItion to add to one's natural
taneIt Y Is a relined state of
allunement neither honor nor disgrace is 1m posed well-
. d u all one's errort brtngs on.. to a higher state of beIng. When
on a
G ra y. . one has good fortune.
form
becomes pur... little b y liII I e. an d ones plain good life.
enerw. One's mind
.
actions become spontaneously virtuous. LINE 1: \"Conduct in accordance
the mind. Have courage yourself w Uh
It wtlltake many years to pwify true, plain. natural being. No blame.\"
YOUT)

and trust the poslti\037e nature of the universe and the poSlttve
never skip a day.)
nature of one's own being. Practice daily: .Thenatural
line represents the
first
Inner--centeredness of
one s and simple way of
beIng which results
In forward movement In accordance wIth ltving
what is
has no correspondence rIght
and
trUe. SInce this line
wIth the
fourth yang line. It should be self-contaIned.
Independent
and only do what is wIthIn Its means. Because the first
(L --) lIne leads a plain. simple. normal
It passes safely
life wIthout seekin g
10) LU) fame DC fortune.
one
through the danger. By
keepIng to what already has, happIness Is attaIned.

co\037\037) LINE 2: \"Conduct yourself according to the simple

path. Simplicity brtngs goodforturte.\

\"Conduct should follow the correct order so as The second line represents one who remains centered
GUIDANCE:
not to cause When
trouble. treadlTlg on the tail of a tiger, and undisturbed by external circumstances. Although he
its power. Proceed with caution WId cannot respond to the fifth line. his conduct is correct.
avoid chaUenging
awareness.
\ He is content ltving simply and alone, expecting neither a
high position nor favors from above; thus. he is protected.
1bis hexagram shows how a weak person con\037s
Chyan. Heaven =, 'With poor vision
3:
himself at the side of a strong one. LINE WId poor nwvement one
is the moving power above Tui. Lake =-= . which is soft, treads on the tail of a tiger. Danger. The a!Tog(.l1\\t sol-
the powerful force of Chyan could dier offends the king by being too rigid.\
gentle and still. SInce
is necessary to
easIly overcome Tui. thoughtful conduct
maintain a harmonious relationship between them. The line presents the image of a one-eyed person
third or
The third line is the only yIn energy among five yang someone with partial vision. Becausethis person cannot see
lines and is In a yang position. Though the situation ap- the entire clearly, danger is presenl. Oneis incap-
the yIn line remaIns safe. harmonizIng
situ.ation
pears dangerous, The I Ching describes
able of handling the situation with only one \"eye.\"
Being
the yang lines with her gentleness. aggressIve or ambitious at this Ume will cause danger. One is
this situation as \"treading on the tail of a tiger.\" By re- on a
ireading the tail of tiger and. if not careful, will be bitten.)
maInIng true to one's nature. a weak person can achieve
much more than he otherwise could. When encountering
the strong. one accompltshes much through humility. LINE 4: 'With hesUatlon WId prudence one approaches
moderation and centeredness. Meekness can hannonize the tail of the tiger. Be careful of q[Jensive, challenging
great powers and thus avoid any confrontation and behavior. Eventually. one Is successful in accomplish-
antagonism. ing the task.\
The first and lines represent the way of na-
second
turalness, of simply beIng and they provide a good
oneseU, Though the fourth line is In an Incorrect position. it
example of the fundamental guidance for conduct. This is still has the power to complete its mission. By beIng very)))
the way of Lao Tzu's teachIngs. One needs no glamour,)
 {lOl - Lu (Conduct) 273)
272 Hexagram {lOl
misfortune to Good fortune.
careful can change danger to safety and LAWSUIT:
It
Thus, one's Intentions can be achieved. CLIMATE: It will be fine.
good fortune. TRAVEL: A long journey Is better than a short j oumey.
\"ResoWte conduct. It Is dilficult but proper:' DISEASE: Dangerous.
LINE 5:
pERSONAL WISH: It can be achieved later.)

Is In the correct position and has the

The fifth line
Through caution, good for-
capacity for strong leadership.
tune can be achieved. one should be re- COMMENTARY
When the time comes to take action, The Natural Light in
solute but cautious. Although the problem Is recognized, Everyday Life
there Is sUll some danger. Heed past mistakes and be re-
things. The whole if you are about to do
something.
ceptive to new ways of accomplishing or the chance consider i1s disadvantages first
of life Is continual self-cultivation, and see if you can do without
meanIng basis. Good fortlUle it.
to positively refonn oneself on a daily Use caution before taking action.
comes from the wtsdom developed through understanding
Restrain yourself from moving too fast
one's past. and from dissipating your energy
\"Check the results of your conduct and make in too many directions.
LINE 6:
correctiOns. Great good fortune, You will celebrate Do not meddle in someone else's affairs;
achievement:' it will only complkate your
your high life
and' bring confusion.
In a high posItion, can objectively Preservethe serenity of your nature
The top line, beIng on
he remains
review Its actions. Though sophisticated, by observing the multiple activities of life
the right path and thereby achieves greatness and good and not partkipating.
fortune.) As a spectator,you can see clearly
that the partkipants are often lost in the maze

Stay withthe oneness of all things.

Do not talk more than is necessary.
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
Do let your mind runJrom this subject
not to that.
Peaceful and prosperous. Walk on the balanced path of tlle Universal Way
FAMILY FORTUNE:
and you will be preserved.
MARRIAGE: to achieve.
D1fficult
HOUSING/FAMILY: The place is not a comfortable one. Take.moderation as your guide;

CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a girl. lf bom In autumn even happiness should not be enjoyed 10 excess
baby is healthy, the mother will Cherish se!fconlml
it will be a boy. lf the
have some trouble. and holdJast to the subtle law of nature.)
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It cannot be
achieved. Do not be a servwlt to material things.
TRADE/BUSINESS: Difficult to achieve. Simpl!!y your l!le by domg away with thmgs.
SEARCHINGFOR SOMEONE: They are difficult to find. do not accwnulate them
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will have a message for Give away what you cherish most.
you. and your desire Jor material things will dimmlsh)
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: It is difficult to find.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are in the West and are Be prepared.lOr the.lidure.
easy to catch.) lj !IOU are prepared for d!t1iculties.
they become easy to overcomc.)))
 11O[ - Lu (Conduct) 275)
274 Hexagram [1O[

actton. be far thlJlking. When somethiTlg reaches Its limit

In taking
the consequences at all levels. it has to retl1TT1 to Its opposite.
Consider
if your rrwtwe Is se!fish or will hann others. This is the rai Chi of events.
restrain from taking actton. Avoid involvement with people who are
. suspicious.
When you have attaiTled your ofyective. easily pleased or angered.
use caution and do not overdo U. . Listen only to proposals a
oj balanced view.
Be heedjUl iTl the begiTlniTlg to ensure
a good end mg.
Walk away Jrom idle talk.
Unite with people of outstanding character.
Always try to help yourself CoUective purpose Jarms aJortress.
before you ask help from others; In uniting hannonized energies. we gather strength_)
But never feel too proud .
to ask for assistance if you need it,

be able
Keep your mind clear and you
will

to manage your qJfairs iTl good order. --

A clear miTld Is an uncluttered mind; --
--)
make it one-poiTlted and direct. \037

with selfless Judgment 11) c: (\\,

Manage public affairs
and fairness.
One must displny twnesty. generosity and earnestness.
p\037
-
\037ny - '1000
Do not deceive people; oppOtttUhI\"CY)

the heart knows and cannot be decewed.

Be gentle iTl doi1lg right; do not be violent, GUIDANCE: \"Good opportunity. In a time of prosperity
Be sure that your conduct Is iTl harmony something smaU is given and somethi1lg large is returned.
with your understanding, Little effort brings a big reward. Good fortune. Proceed.\"
even in small matters.)
In this hexagram. Heaven is below Earth. The natural
TI1e essence of work is diligence. movement of light. Heavenly yang energy is ascending
A successjUl life depends on while that of heavy. Earthly yin energy is descending. As
doing the right thing at the right time they meet and commune with one another. peace and har-
and obeying the cosmiclaw. mony are achieved and great accomplishments are
Blessings come in many ways. possible.
Do not Wokfor happiness, and you will be content.
This hexagram is associated with February/March. the
first month of Spring. The harmonizing nah.u-al energy 01
Continuously remove negativity within yourself.
Heaven and Earth is the highest fOlmdation for all living
One's good life Is decuied by one's virtue a
and a clean mind. things and Indicates time when all things grow and prosper.
To endure One who follows this principle will be able to arrange one's
difficulty, quit complaining.
To endure vexation and annoyance, energy harmoniously. thus maintaining good mental and phy-
WJoid bitter comment. sical health and managing busIness and stale alIatrs well.
if your mind is always occupied by distress, The hexagram Tal represents a time of peace. har-
is sure to evade
good fortune you. mony and prosperity. The literal translation of the word
When things get to their worst, Tal means \"best order\" or \"perfect condition.\" DurIng
they can only get better.) such times the wise take the reins and correctly utilize the)))
 {1 II . Tal (PeocelHWTTIDnylGood
276 Hexagram {HI OpPortunity) 277
to support one.
resources that benefit all. Achieving a such
harmon- wtII emerge TI1.Is ts the ri gh t
peaceful, time to
ious order is not easy, and maintaining
a situation Is proceed toward
a goal.

even more difficult. Thus. even In these times one must

fruit that has LINE 2: \"HarmonizlTlg all Opposites with greal COUl' age
remain cautious and protect the peaceful Is like crossmg a river. Do not neglect the
been harvested. of Heaven puts Itself elements that ore distant. good
When the strong, posItive energy bad Egolessly rejus
of Earth, a posItive jluence qr the elements that ore close by\037 \037 t:;
beneath the receptive. negative energy Such way, a balanced path can be maiTltained a nd
and time of creativity are symbolized. great
relationship
of a good relation- achievement can be accomplished.\"
an arrangement is especIally indIcative
comes
ship between a man and
a woman. True love froIll
In
Is not oruy the TIlls line Is
harmony with
a deep level of the mind; such harmony
the fifth and ts the
character
result of the present situation. but the resonance which
time and
central
heart of Heavenly
In. making peace. One should
kindness with the great.
have the
the Chi of the two beings has developed beyond
to include all encompassing
circumstances. probably throughout many lifetimes. capacity differing energies. With flus
The affinity between people capable of selfless love Heaveruy-splrtted purpose. and by firmly follOWing the
of balance. one can achieve
from a remote splrttual background. Most prInciple the task of brln\"'n
,-,&-\"g
originates
have experienced such a state at various moments harmony to all people.
people
In their life. 1\\\\'0 essences that harmoniously merge are
of Tal. This perfect harmony of energy Is LINE 3: \"\037op\037eau
is without a slopeand no forward
an expression
at the right IS a twning back. One needs
also what causes one to be \"In the right placesubtle mov\037t
one
,without
s
goal without
to
time,\" which ts not Just accidental. but the attrac-
\037lTlta\037 being discOllTaged by
to one another, d!lTu::ulties, Have no worries and be faitJifuI;
tion of Individual energies responding thus
enjoyment WId blessings follow,\"
This is a time of renewed personal growth which
brings success In self-cultivation. As positive energy
third is between the ascending yang
becomes active. negative energy recedes. Physical, mental The
\037e energy
and splrttual energies are In balance and a perfect state of and the descending ytn energy. It represents a position of
results. transition. One must maintain control and be firm In
well-being
The Tao Teh Ching teaches us not to seek full approach1n\037
one's goal. Though this situation may appear
expansIon. An overly extended spring loses Its resilience beyond one s capabilities, with fumness good results can
and cannot be renewed. In order to harmonize the forces be achieved,)
of ytn and yang, one should follow a moderate. balanced
path and avoid all extremes. This teaching is the LINE 4: \"Cooperate with one's neighbors. With good
fundamental guidance of the I Ching as well as the Too ITltentlons, share one's belTlg with others.\"
Teh Ching. This hexagram gives a clear image of that
harmonious state and instructs one how to make that This ytn line a ytn position.
is in therefore It finds
condition useful and endurtng.) response from line In the first posItion.
the yang Relation-
ships of this kindgood because they
are are based on
LINE 1: \"When puUing couch grass, many pieces are sincerity. If money or power is used to attract followers
puUed up together because their roots are intercon- the bond will not last long, but here one's purpose i\037
nected. Now Is the time to undertake somethlTlg. One correct and honest, so there can be success.
finds correspondence from more than one person.\" The first line is connected with the other two yang
lines; thus, there Is a tendency to push forward. The
Couch grass is a soft, slender grass with a sharp tip fourth line nonnally corresponds to the first, but in its
and edges. used to make huts in China. Its roots are attempt to balance and harmonize the two groups of
Interconnected, which signifies that a \"good connection\ opposing energies, difficulties arise unless it can get the)))
 [111- Tat (Peace/Harmony/Good OpPOrtW1J1y) 279
278 Hexagram (11)
line. Harmony must begIn
with one's TRADE/BUSINESS: The buyer P rofit s more than the
help of the third
can develop. seller.
so that a peaceful Influence
close neighbors SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: There will be success
the fifth line Is received.
If
oneself wUh the lower. Gre,
LINE 5: \"One connects FOR PEOPLE: They will
WAITING
blessing.\"
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST\037\\come. . t Is not stolen and
descends. The fifth and second lines can be found nearby.
The high energy himself with people FOR THIEVES: There ar
representing a leader who
allies IIUNTING thr or four per-
unite, makes the nation sons hiding In the East near a bo\037y 0 feewater.
rank. Such an action strong they are
of lower
dtfficult to catch.
and prosperous. the achieved with the Now ts a good e
The good fortune of Tat unites
must not be
LAWSUIT: time to mak peace. Profits are
Good fortune on a grand scale not gained by going to trial.
unachieved. The tnJe
alone; it must be shared with everyone. CLIMATE: There will be no rain
enjoyed
of Tat ts good fortune for everyone on all levels. TRAVEL: This is not a good time to tr avel alone. One
meantng
full of success and joy.) should travel with two companions.
Such a situation is beautlful,
DiSEASE: It is dangerous If the condtti on h as
lasted a
LINE 6: \"ThepmtectiDn IS weakened. The defending long time.
is not yet a need for the WISH: There will be SUccess
wall of the city falls. There alert In order to
PERSONAL
be fulfilled In the
If you hurry.)
however. the people rrwst stay It can long \037,
army:
prevent trouble from happening.\

After good fortune comes misfortune. This line warns

now control and restrain oneself COMMENTARY
In order
that one should the The
to maIntaIn the situation and help mInimize Inevitable Natural Light in General Life)

decline. One must be careful at the peak of prospertty not

to rejoice to the extent that one's duties and responsibil-

ities are neglected. Otherwise, humiliation may result. The}We blessings of life are:
Good times should always be valued and correctly used.) health. longevity. virtuous behavwr .
prosperity and a natural death.
The }We constant virtues are:
propriety, benevolence. righteousness .
wisdom and faith.
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) Those who live In accord with
the universal subtle law are preserued
PERSONAL FORTUNE: There ts much wony connected
with the gossip of women. Aim human and spiritual nobility.
at
MARRIAGE: Although the marrtage can occur, divorce There is one word that we can use as a mott 0
will follow In the future, for our enttre life: reciprocity,
HOUSING/FAMILY: The house ts not a good one for a What we do not want to be done to ourselves .
female. we must not do to others.
CHILDBIRTH: The delivery will be safe. and the child will The more we give to others.
be a good son. the nwre abundant our lives become
WOKING FOR HELP: The help will be greater than one In helping people and caring Jor life.
had expected. our own lives will be very rewarding,)))
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: One can obtain a

promotion with the help of an Influential person.)

 [11/ - Tal (Pew:eIHWTnDnyIGood
280 Hexagram /11/ OpPortunity} 281)

Is forbidden; NeVel\" tire of studying W1d

On entering a country. do not do what
the right way of life.
pracfu:tn.g
the customs.
if you do not practice
. W1d study.
follow
customs
a house. respect the of t1\037efam,ly;
On entering yOU will not grow to completeness
in this way will be nO improper behavwr.
there the Job Is
Although simple.
A wise Is free of perplexitiEs.
man one can never- complete it without
because he understands what Is right and wrong. workin g.
Although the distance is short.
A virtuous man is free of anxietiEs. one can never- \037each the goal without .
because he triEs his best in all undertakings Is no deJUlite roule to success or
walking

and regards failure as a means

There
as they are very intricate; faw e.
to strengthen his character. The reason some succeed W1d others
fall
A man of courage Is free from fear. Is that those who perSist in a positive d' ctio n
because he strongly beliEves in his goals. succeed. while those who do not will
fa\037e
regardless of the d!1TlCuUiES.
When Heaven is going to carifer- an
important task
Do not desire to have things done quickly on someone. first it makes his mind sulJoer-
If they cannot be
done thoroughly; and labors his body with heavy tasks.
Success in work is founded on thoroughness, It will present hardships.
Do not be greedy for small advantages. and defeat all his undertakings.
and great prqjects can be accomplished. TIu-ough all these trials.
Be eagerto inquire when in doubt; it strengthens his mind and will
one who does not learnfrom others so that he may over-come all d!tJlcu1ties.
will remain ignorant.
The learned man may not be wise. if you want to enjoy a long andjulfU1ing life
and the wise man may not be learned. supported by the energy of Heaven,
Be aware of the d!1ference between wisdom you should diligently cultivale virtuous action.
and learned knowledge.) There Is a right way and a wrong way to live .
The virtuous way may lead to disadvantage .
derived from hardship
in life is but victory Is assw-ed,
Tn1efu!fiUment
One can only the joy offulfilled
appreciale
The unvirtuous way may lead to prosperity.
but failure Is inevitable,
responsibility after shouldering the burden.
Take care to proceed on the right palh.
The best strategists are not impulsive;
the best winners are not quarrelsome; if yOU stray. know thal there Is aIwWJs a safe shore
the best nor alTogant.
n.Uet\"s are
to which you can return.)
Things have and their endings;
their
beginnings
if one's heart Is wrongly evil.
events have their causes and their oulcome. then even though
pw-suing
it has not been accomplished.
To know which should be first bad fortune will foUow.
and which should be last
Consider the success and failure of others as own;
bring one nearer to the truth of life.)
yow-
will
share in their fortune and misfortune.
Do not aggresstvely or unrighteously
Live with virtue and abllle with the laws of nature.
expose the faults of others.
Do not shallowly care for your own comfon nor boast q.f yow- own excellence.
and indulgences. Do not hold a grudge toward anyone.
A man of leisure will never find success. Uve with humility.)))
Be effICiEnt in work and careful in speech.
Correct yow- fauUs and be humble.)
 112f - PI (Misfortune] 283
all Interconnected. This is a tUne to remain calm and
\
upright.

This first
line is almost the same as the first line of
the previous hexagram, Tal. 'When one pulls a blade of
couch grass. the whole bunch comes with it.\" However
-- thJs is a yIn line in a yang which resembles \037
\037

pi)
--
--) person of Inferior vIrtue.
position.
Furthennore. it has a strong
connection with others of Inferior vIrtue. Therefore this
12)
line cautions that to undertake something at this \037e will
trn5F\"\037e)
result in a chain reaction of ominous events. One is not
encouraged to go forward with an undertaking or relation-
wish to start.)
ship that one might
In times oj adversily.
GUIDANCE: \"Unfavorable situalions.
power. Goud people carmot er!ioy LINE 2: \"In times oj adversity. U is all Tight Jor ordi-
evil ones are in p\"ositiOnS oj
is given. Wile is received.\" nary people to be obedient. But one oj self-cultivation
a nonnallife. Much
with the \"
should not compromise evil mqjority
In thJs hexagram. Heaven is above Earth. They
io be in theIr proper order. but
as expressIons
of
The second line follows the leadership of the fifth line
appear directions. H line Is tolerant and cooperative.
natural energy. they are going
in opposite by offering to help. This
the strong. heavenly yang energy could move downward Although a great person should keep to himseH without
toward Earth. and If the earthly yIn energy could move becoming involved in the evil that surrounds him. toler-
there would be harmony. as illus-
upward toward Heaven.
Tal. However. here
ance toward his environment will help him endure. If he
trated in the previous hexagram. does get involved, his awareness will be distorted and his
of these two
there is no intercourse or integration will deeltne.)
yang energy ascends and moves virtue
energIes. Heavenly
ytn energy, which. turn.
in
further away n-om the earthly
The LINE 3: \"In times oj adversity, one is humiliated by in-
and moves away n-om Heaven. Is incorrect.\
descends further
ever Jerior injWences. This
distance between them increases. precluding thetr

coming together. and The third line disgraces itself by tIytng to please those
when the great motherly energy of Earth the
inclination. As a consequence.it fails to maintain
Only of evil
fatherly energy of Heaven come together
can any-
great
clear n-om an
its vIrtue and takes thetr evil unto itself. Therefore. hum-
thing be created or accomplished.
It is
iliation results. Though flattery can sometimeshelp one
examination of both PI and Tal that the arrangement of
attain good position. this is not the way of a far-sighted
natural forces is very important in detennintng whether
individual.)
there will be union or separation of yIn and yang.
adverse times or bad luck. Durtng these
PI indicates
thus LINE 4: \"In times oj adversity, those who have Jaith in
times, a blockage is created and energy stagnates. a virtuous delwerance will receive blessing.\"
thJs hexagram represents an unfortunate or desperate
However, in the natural energy cycle, good comes a
cycle there
situation. is cyclical. and in
Accord- every
fortune Is forthcoming after a time of misfortune. Everything
where turn around. Great was once
thIngs adversity
Ing to the top line: \"When one is experiencing the bitter- point

ness of winter, the warmth of spring cannot be far 01I.\" overwhelIning; however. it now starts to wane. Those who
remain centered will go through bad times and eventually
in receive good fortune. The fourth line has departed n-om
LINE 1: \"In times oj adversity, evil beings congregate
the darkness and Is headed Into the light. Now one must
large numbers. if one pulls a single blade oj couch
rebuild oneself cahnly and finnly.)))
grass, one gets the entire bunch because the roots are)
 {l2J- PI. (Misfortune] 285
284 Hexagram {l2J
A great But how does refusing corrupt gUts relate to this line?
LINE 5: \"At the end oJ adversity,
stay a}ert' Misfortune Is what builds a strong personality. Do not let
will plant his root deeply
and.firmly, comforts and superficIal glory
one matertal destroy you. The
vIrtuous strength of your personalIty should not be traded for
A great one Is
The
fifth line can stop the mIsfortune. Is care- such unworthy things. Misfortune has built ali the great
cautious at the end of a crisis. If one as sages. It was through great dilJlculties
always very
crisIs be prolonged Just peace that they were
less at the end, the may
constant attention to preser- enlightened. Do not depend on good fortune. Depend on
is to be reached. Give
about
then and the certainty of being your own virtuous personality and normal life to make
you
vIn g the pe ace: safety
as leaves that the winner. This ts the key to reaching Tao. the great
be as sure \"the thick final.
prosperous again will tree and the new shoots th at sprout path of life.)
on a mulbeny
grow
the bamboo roots.\" Real safety comes from being
from
prudent.

reaching Us extreme, adversity i.s

LINE 6: \"After
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
foUowed by felicity.\"

It Is a simple truth that when misfortune reaches an

extreme. good fortune will certainly follow. PERSONAL FORTUNE: Presently It is not good. but later
desti-
Master Ueh Tzu was poor and always wise man, his
seemed there will be good fortune. Be cautious and do not act
tute. However, because he was a very
recklessly.
of his difficulty
name became !mown to many. Word
MARRIAGE: It can be achieved, but there will be difficulty .
to help him
reached the PremIer of the state who decIded It Is suitable 10marry late.
a large of rtce. When Lleh
unoffiCIally by offering him gIft
HOUSING/FAMILY: Nothing is ever smooth; trouble never
fumly refused this offer,
his wife
Tzu gracIously but
and seems to end. There also may be some disease or pain.
became very angry with him for being
unrealistic
CHll-DBIRTH: Not safe or peaceful. If it is the first birth
the PremIer's kindness. Ueh Tzu laughed, saying
refusing The the baby will be a girl; if the second or third child ' it wU.i.
that neither she nor the PremIer understood him.
be a boy.
PremIer's gIft was only in response to someone's good
FOR HELP: In the beginning,
words about him. In this same way, the Premier could LOOKING one has difficulty;
him for a bad report which afterward It Is easy.
Just as easIly persecute
someone might give of him. The Premier's offering of the SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Not successful at
rtce was not from his true understanding of Ueh Tzu. this time.
Therefore, the Master refused the rtce. TRADE/BUSINESS: It will be prolltable for the buyer but
In ancient times, if someone accepted another's not for the seller. It is good to wait before you sell.
it was the custom that the favor must be retum- SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Look in the Northwest to
support.
ed, even at the cost of one's life. If one were unwilling to find them.
die for such a person, then the favor should not be WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
accepted. A rtghteous person would only give his life for a LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be fOlilld in
good cause. ThIs ts why Ueh Tzu refused help. the East or the South.
After some time, the country had a rebellion, and the
with all who had him.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: There are two who live In the
PremIer was killed along supported woods, on rnountain or near tlle water In the East.
Ueh Tzu's foresight and wisdom were correct to put rtghl- I\037e
LAWSUIT: Not
lavorable; you may have wronged someone.
eousness above the satisfaction of his family. One should
CLIMATE: It will be fine.
be cautious in accepting help. even In trying
of others, they TRA \\TEL: If you huny tilere will be some quarrel; if
circumstances. if one accepls the favors you
must be wait, there will be good fortune.)))
repaid.)
 - Pi (MlsfortWleJ
/12/ 287)
286 He.xogram /12/
the 1 never allow myself to daydream
DISEASE: There is some dangerous problem around or wish to be a saint or other exaUed being,
is difficulty In the be- only a being oj wfwleness,
PER':\037\037t\037;\037o\037\037':f\037\037\037re 1 walk the Way,
afterwards there is success.) wttlwut concern Jor my future, past or present,
giI1I1Ing,
My emotlDns are softened, my desires Jew.
1 keep my spirit Wltouched,
my mind clear and detached.
my body still and upright.
COMMENTARY AU my actions have a deep
respect
The Sacred Light of Natural Life)
Jor the original stillness oj
the Wliverse.
1 use non-actlDn or non-deviation
The Wllverse never dies as a gateway to true work.
becausei1 mainlainS eternal constancy.
Though peacefully engaged in life,
All creatures die I abide in the infmite simplicity oj Tao.
because they allow theu- external envu-onment
is the way to perpetual
This peace,
to conUnuaUy change their natures
true beauty. happiness and joy.
and. their vm-ues. This is the secret oj a natural life,)
the oulsme world
People are attracted by
and do not Jeel content or suj)rdent
wilhin their own natures.
711eyJoUow what is attractive to them.
or someone else
They always want to be something
and. so doing. deparlJrom their own good.natures.
One dies every minute one deparls 16JA-
Jrom one's tTlle nature. 1ZB1)
Every minule is a rtew life to a tme being. 13) cunq
As I awakened In Tao, I came to know:
with Tao we receive life; urnCIn<:j Wlch people--)
Tao Is the eternal way;
Tao is the constancy oj the universe;
GUIDANCE: \"Proceed to Wlite with people, Now is a
Tao Is the origin oj our vitality;
Tao is the endurtng spirit oj life. suitable time to 'cross the great water' or Wldertuke an
adventure, It is correct Jor people oj se!fawarenessto
In the spiritual
aboul world, pursue their goals.\
Moving
/ abide wUh the eternal spirit.
1 am content wUh my own nature. In this hexagram, Heaven Isabove Fire. The energy of
1he harmonized energy oj the Wliverse supports me both Heaven and Fire ascends and spreads. Fire. or
and I live.ftnnly with the eternal Tao. sunshine, symboUzes illumination and strength. Heaven,

I can alter confuslDn and dangerous situatwns or the sky, symbolizes righteousness and openness. Their
by abiding In the true power oj the natures are not something one can possess. They exist
subtle virtue oj the universe. for the benefit of all things.
I Jollow a regular, normal way oj life. All l1fe needs sunlight. Those who receive thIs light
avoiding aU extremes. excesses can attain health and strength. The image of this hexa-
and extravagances. gram Indicates a fellowship or coming together In order to)))
I am plain, sin1pleand true.)
 [13} - T1mgRen (Uniting with People] 289
288 Hexagram {13})
united with people
is LINE 1: \"BefIlg outside your door;
Th e Im p artialit y of sunlight
accomplish a common go.al no blame.\

also five yang lines with one

is a come and go. The first
em\037as:,,\037 there are
Since this is the rIght
A door placewhere people
\037 \037e seco\037d posUion. center line represents someone standing at a door. Here one
ytn r::ne of
posItion
\037 th
.or e. ytn line it becomes the receptive
to th e fifth Iin e. w W c h leaves the prIvacy of one's room, closes the door behind
the lower trigram: thus. it responds
or a great leader. When the him and Is seen by others. HidIng or staying beWnd a
closed door implies no public splrIt and no sharing.
re resenis the will of Heaven of energy harmon- This
m\037culine and femtnlne charactertstiCs
in order to line encourages you to leave your room, letting people get
is united and the group gathers to know you and understand your public splrIt and good
Ize. everyone
achieve a goal. Thus. there is no blame.)
common
LeadersWp), is the oppos- intentions.
Hexagram #7, shih (Military line in
ite of this one. It has five ytn lines and one yang 2: \"Being united only with members of one's clan.
The yang line in Shih represents a LINE
the second position. There one cannot achieve a big goal\
leader who helps brIng the group together.
strong
unites under the direction of the strong The second line implies that gatherIngs should not be
the weaker energy
line in order to accomplish great things.
and hannonlous energy of the limited to small groups. especially ones in which those
in 1\\mg Ren, the gentle This line wIthin the group are already close to each other. If fellow-
the strong among people becomes a clique.
all lines together.
weak line brIngs humiliation will
because it is in the correct sWp
accomplishes its goal, not only it has the ability to see things result.
but also because The needs the balanced of the
Therefore, a person can gather
posItion, entire group energy
in a larger perspective. second line to keep It together. Since the second line only
in order to accomplish great tasks. fifth. there Is a tendency
of the hexagram can be seenas the
the people responds to the towards an
A further meanIng
endeavors. most exclusive relationsWp. Such a situation cannot produce a
of people's minds. In public
hannony
cannot accomplish things single-handedly. good leader. a trustworthy helper or an effective organizer.
people generally easIly and effectively
A great task can be completed more
LINE 3: united with rebels who hide in a
as a group. \"Being
when different energies combine to work of the entire moU11lain wilderness. For three years. one dares not
is essential for the completion
Each position others. Through begin a big undertaking because he IS already overly
person depends upon
the
task. and each
or servIce to the world. wnbitiollS,\
unity, one accomplishes one's goals alone in the mountains
Because people no longer live io mod- The third line symbolizes an ambush. Its target Is the
or wIlderness. this hexagram is especIally relevant
most top line situated on a
place. Since the third
ern life. In spite of the fact that we all live together. line is the upper line
Wgh. open
of the lower trtgram and Is also
people are t.mable to cooperaie wIthobstruct others or interact in a in

When people's egos their potential. an exposed position, its ambush cannot succeed. There-
positive way.
Even when they fore. it must walt three years before attempting anything.
their minds become rIgid and narrow.
are unlikely to The third line cannot be a great it Is a warrior leader;
have great abilities and intelligence, they who cannot tolerance
acWeve anything. as they do not know how to share their accomplish
anything that requires
with others. and an expansive view. It can only lead bandits. It lacks
or participate
potentJaJ
a a sense of cooperation and Is weak In public splrIt. Its
pursuit is the accomplishment of great
If your
collec-
Is most beneficial to the is also to become a leader is greater than its sense of
tive goal. then what group ambition

most important to you. Likewise. whatever is important to obligation to accomplish its work.)
to the rest of the
you as leader Is also important group
In this way, all obstacles can be overcomeand all things LINE 4: \"One rotacles the strong cUy walt if he
accomplished.) becomes aware oj his impropriety and corrects his
actions, good Jortune wUl result.\)
 - Ren with 291
[l31 Thng (Uniting People)
290 Hexagram [l3/
The maniage will be An
and the first tines are strong.
MARRIAGE: accoIDplished.
Although both the fourth older woman Is nothelpful to the husband.
If II Wes to subdue
the first
the fourth Is the superior. HarmonIous conditions.
a HOUSING/FAMILY:
tine II meets wtth resistance. one symbolized by attacking CHILDBIRTH: Peaceful delivery. The child will be a
However. when understands that this
noble son.
city' wall. corrects It. there will be
action Is wrong and immediately LOOKING FOR HELP: Asking two people for help will
Good foriune is the result of valuable
no bad fortune. prove successful.
introspection. SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
POSITION: be accom-
It will
Two people will help you achieve success.
meeting. In the beginning strong plished.
LINE 5: ':A greal Successful.
at last. obstacles cue TRADE/BUSINESS:
errwtions are expressed. But. SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be found.
overcome. Laughter is expressed and aU rejoice.\" FOR SOMETHING LOST: It is in the South-
LOOKING
the and the west. It was taken by some people and is hard to
There are two groups in conflict: first
find.
fourth lines. and the third and the
sIxth. The hostility
the power and vIrtue of IlUNTING FOR TWEVES: They can be caught soon.
and confrontation Is overcome by There are people who you. There will
tine. In the there Is resentment and LAWSUIT: protect
the fifth begInnIng. soon be hannony.
but through the cooperation of the second and fifth is then the weather is good.
anger. CLIMATE: FIrst there
all emotional obstacles are dissolved
and great
tines. As the fifth line says:r\037.In the begInnIng. there are
harmony is attained.
a sense of tears, then comes joy.\"
must be accompanied by
Leadership
The leader of this hexagram, TRAVEL: Good fortune.
cooperation and fellowship. Fever. The whole is in pain. It is
the fifth tine. attains cooperation from the vIrtuous second DISEASE: body
difficult to cure.
tine. PERSONAL WISH: If wish is upright. It will be
any great goal. one
have the your
to achieve
In order must
all difficulties. There is accomplished late In life.)
courage and strength to withstand
goal that can be achieved
no
without dIfficulty.
great
Sometimes one feels that a goal is too dIfficult to accom-
when one finally looks
plish. but true joy is experienced COMMENTARY)
back and seeS how beautIful and necessary the entire
process was.)
Create positive influences
LINE 6: 'To be united with people in a rural place. for needs
the of our fellow people.
nor achievement can be From this we must not walk away.
Neiil1er trouble any big
Have compasslDn for the infer-wr world.
expected:')
Becoming one qf the spiritual healing lights,
Here peopleare united for the purpose of achieving a you provide a model and spiritual injluence
far-reaching goal. Though this is correct behavior. It is for all spiritual beings.
less Influential In uniting people than one might hope.) The radiance of your smUe, your speech.
your conduct and your way of lIfe
weaves a cohesive and beneficial medicine
for all sick minds and bodies.)

SPECIFIC GlliDANCE) MaiTUaining kindness. generosily and grace

is the heriJuf{e of our heavenly kinship.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Your fortune Increases by fhe virtue oj Heaven and Earth
gathering help frOID friends.) gives birth to all things.)))
 /14[ - Ta-Yuo IGreat Provfder/Greal Haruest) 293)
292 Hexagram (131
and Earth hexagram. energy togelher to accomplish
comes a great
The nature of Heaven In this hexagram Ihe goal Is accomplished. resulting
us to our heavenly home. goal.
leads
nol enJoy eternity. In much productivity and a great harvest. For this rea-
Through compassion we only
of aU life. son, \"Great Harvest\" follows \"Uniting wIlh People.\"
we W1ite with the positive energy
Ta-Yuo has several meanings. First. It represents sun-
and fear dealh. which provides for all life. On a human level. Ihe
people desire life
light
Worldly Is certain. one yIn line In Ihe tmportant fifth position Is like a radiant
Bul. fear it or not. physical death
who unites all olher forces. The fifth line Is able to
can only be achieved leader
Imrrwrtallty
strength through cooperation and gentleness. which
many deaths. galher
through Is Ihe Innate power of harmony; Ihus this hexagram Is
As the impulsive mind dies, be seen called 'The Provider\" and Is symbolized by Ihe sun.
the shadow of life and death can
Great
non-conscious awareness, It Is also called 'The Great Harvest\" because an auspiCIous
as the surface activity of born or destroyed. of great productivity Is Indicated.
is ever really time
for
The /wnmoslty
nothing
of pure mind
The upper trtgram. U (or light). tmplies clarity and
COmES only with the death of desire. wisdom. This means Ihat one is clear-minded. The three
the mind dies. your spirl1 COmES alive. yang lines In Ihe lower trtgram represent heallhy and
As
light. To have heallh. strenglh and clarity of
realIZing an W1usual rruyestlc creative energy.
Ihat one can be a leader
mind indicate of all people.
The sons and daughters of impurity However, sInce this Is an abundant time, Ihe I Ching cau-
count worldly enjoYmEnt as blessings. tions against over-extending oneself.
In doing so. they block the channels of super energy. Fullness tmplies decline. The full moon wIll soon
They cannot see dealh hiding begin to wane, In order to maintain this positive condi-
tion. everyone within Ihe group must cooperate. Even a
in the pleasures they seek.
Though death mny not be immediale. sIngle deviation from Ihe spirit of cooperation wIll cause
these pursuitS sap their vital essences an tmmedlate change In this success. If each person wIll
carry the odors of a corpse.
and cany out his duty mindfully. wilhout creating obstacles
the true sons and daughters for olhers. Ihe situation can be safely maintained.
Only
One who seeks high achievement or a position of great
of heavenly. whole beings must have Ihe same radiance
responsibility as Ihe sun.
know the wonderful principle
dealh.) One who drowns himself In selfishness wIll never achieve
of receiving life through
greatness.)
LINE 1: \"Because one is isolaled.one has some minor
diffICUlties but invUes no real trouble from the oulside
A-1f world.\
14) ill Y(A()) The first line has no correspondencewilh Ihe fow1h.
It can only correspond to Ihe fiflh line, which Is too far
- away. Therefore. Ihe first line Is In an Isolated position.
q\037 prwvlberz. (j\037 \037\342\202\2545\037)
There Is no blame. however. because lhis Is a natural sit-
uation. position. one should
In this stay away from Ihose
GUIDANCE: \"Greal provision. Greal good fortune.\ things which may be damaging and especially do nothing
to draw attention to oneself.)
In this hexagram, Fire Is above Heaven. The order of
Ihe sixty-four hexagrams, from Chyan to Wet Chi, Is a \"Proceed
LINE 2: with a big cWTiDge, No problem.\)
natural progressIon. Bul In Tung Ren, Ihe preceding)
 {14/ - Ta-Yuo (Great Provider/Great Harvest) 295)
294 Hexagram (l4/
of a large wagon
LINE 6: \"Heavenly blessing, Good Jorfwle, No)
the second line Is that
\
Th Image of
line. It is large problem.
\037 loyalty
and devotion to the fifth lines with It.
canytn
the first . third and fourth the
because it carrIes an d s h 0uld be used most
In most hexagrams
top line represents excessive-
H ere. the ener is
gy \" very strong
toward a noble ness and here It is a wonderful line
extremes, but
wisely. Be like a great carrI -
\037\"e\"moving
representing high achievements. The top line is a great
destination. supporter of the fiftl:1 line, or leader. It teaches that it is
can be not always necessary- to put the person with the most
':An public undertaking
LINE 3: impOrtant not be wisdom in the position of leadership, nor should everyone
smaU personal matter \037hould
benejif:tnL A
trouble. striVe to be a leader. One can achieve greatness in a
undertaken because it will cause supporting role such as a teacher, advisor or through
and Impartial assisting another.
The third line needs an unselfish
public praCtically
The sixth a wise person who
it wIll enjoy the great harvest. line represents seeks
spirit With these qualJties,
the result will neither favor any special benefit
nor from the world. Help
If on\037 is selfish and desIres personal profit.
from Heaven are bestowed
not be as one wishes. This line is in the powerful and and blessings naturally upon
the lower trigram to the one who is like thts line, humble and virtuous. This is
tnfluential position of change from Tzu as 1
for the great harvest of the teaching Lao as the
of well Ching.)
upper and should work unselfisWy
the whole. some-
In 1 Ching numerology, odd numbers
Indicate
and even numbers Indicate something station-
thing active a time of transition.
Thus, the thIrd line Indicates
al)'. wIll become gains. In SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
Gains wIll become losses and losses
cIrcumstances one carmot think too much about
unstable
or loss. Only with a great heart and mind PERSONAL FORTUNE: Beautiful, blessed and healthy
personal gain The marriage will be successful. The
can thts sItuation be properly handled. MARRIAGE:
woman wIll be beautiful but short.
does not wdl be no HOUSING/FAMILY: Cklod fortune results from a
LINE 4: \"if one over-expand. there sharing
\" dwelling.
problem CHILDBIRTH: The delivery may be unsafe. Be cautious

The fourth line Indicates that one is nearing fullness, of a miscarrIage.

like a balloon that is ready to burst If any more air is WOKING FOR HELP: In the begtnnlng people will doubt
Into it. If one continues to \"puff' oneself up, one you, but eventually you can succeed.
blown
inevitably invites trouble and danger. should Oneuse SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTALPOSITION: WIth the help of

one's energy to be peaceful and cooperate during these anImportant person, the sItuation will be prosperous.
times.) TRADE/BUSINESS: It can be successful, but be careful
of losing money.
LINE 5: \"Being receptive WId sincere while maintaining SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be found In the
power brings goodfortune,\ South or the East.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: Thev will come.
ThIs fifth line is a gentle line and is the energy that WOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be fOlU1d.
holds the five yang lines in thts hexagram together. The HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are difficult to
tnJe power of an able leader does not lie In being a hero, apprehend.
but rather In being able to organize people to do the right LAWSUIT: The judgment will cause you some anxiety In
job for the betterment of the whole. He does not need to t'le begInnIng, but eventually there wIll be good
be superior In every detaJ).) hrtune.)))
 [14/- Ta-Yuo (Great ProviL1\302\243r/Great Harvest) 297)
296 Hexagram {14/
will follow. If For people who lack splrttual integration. their lopsided.
weather Is rainy. sunshine
If the becomes an obstacle to achieving or
there will be rain.
CLIMATE: duallstic-mlndedness
there Is sunshine, then walt for several days. maintaining wholeness of mind and splrtt. Thus. batties and
TRAVEL: Do not leave immediately, wars never end. within and without. It is impossible to attain
West will be profitable. or without the achievement of
Traveling to cure. lI1Iler peace outer
Headache or eye trouble. difficult
harmony
DISEASE:
to achieve. In regards to mental and spIrttual This Is to say that
self-integration.
PERSONAL WISH: Dtfficult can be success.) whole-mlndedness must be put above all the philosophical
or literature. there
money
and religious conceptions that have been tile source of strife
among people and have led to mental and spIrttual separation
from the absolute u-uth.)

COMMENTARY
After Achieving the Great
Stay With the Fundamental
than to follow . 11 --
--
Then> Is nothing more worthwhile
Universal Wav. Wealth. fanle. positIon.
wisdom. bea';tv. etc..do not really mailer.
in We
power. Intelligence.
The m.ostmag rtl -
the
:s\037
-,1J') --)
--
ficenl of all things is Tao. the sublle truth of
lmlve\037sal
it can be embo(hed.
Iile.
As 15) chien) --)
Thoul(h Tao cannot he possessed.
staled in Chapler 25 of the TaD Tell Clung: .
mo\037e-s\037y e-qOL\03755J).\342\202\254-55)
\"HllT/WI!ity the example oj Earth
takes
to stabUize itself. TI1e developed one reaches his
GUIDANCE: \"Egolessness.
Earth takes the example oj Heaven
to mtale goaL Benefit goes to the humble while Jaili.Jre awaits the
itself.
Heaven takes the example ojTaD arrogant.\"
to purify itself. In nature. a mountain stands above the eXJXlI1se of the
TaD takes the example oj itself Earth. but in this hexagram the mountain is below. Its high
to integrale and disintegrale
and all lives:'
peak Is hWllbled. In the human realm. this signifies someone
all things who does not exaggerate his emotions or self-importance. but
modestly maintains equanimity. In addition to modesty.
do the luxurtes of life. ornamental knowledge.
What
vanities all mean to Chien can alsobe translated as egolessness. moderation \037r
psychologIcal toys, socialand religIous
human life? Value your plain life. Do not do things that hwnility.
cause you to lose your original perfect balance. TIlis Is Here, the mountain willingly takes a position lower
called \"wu wei\" (non-doing). than the Earth, thus it is self-effacing. The I Ching guides
Although it does not matter If you do something, it us to follow this example in our daily lives. One shou1d
does matter If you overdo it. This is called \"wei wu wei\" be moderate at all times and not over-extend oneself.
(do the non-doing). These are two important guidelines Moderation and modesty are the means for being durable
from the TaDTeh Ching. and ever-lasting. A person of self-cultivation does not
Mind. desires, entrails and bones compose the main flaunt his achievements or bemoan his dilllcu1ties. By
constitution of human life. Do not let the mind exhaust cu1tivating the virtues of modesty and egolessness, one
that whJch supports the body. If the mind ts overused. does not presume to be more special than others. The
the entrails become weakened. If one has too many de- ego is overcome by practiCing modesty in difficu1t
sires, the bones becomehardened and the marrow dried.) circu .nstances.)))
 (151 - Chien (ModestylEgolessnessl 299)
298 Hexagram (15}
Ch'ien follows Ta-Yuo. Great Provider. Therefore.
the
TIle mounlain symbolizeseamestness.honesty.force recep- one of great possession. whether It be wisdom, wealth,
without resort to The or anyIh1ng else that is abundant, must
tivity. modesty. and yielding when condItions are unfa- social position.
can one apply
virtue of Chien is mosi apparent have modesty. Only with modesty wisdom
and do things and non-threatenIng way.
vorable. One must, at times. accept hardship or power In a beneficial For
are not In accordance willi one's hopes
or \037Ians. When example, one with a strong voice who uses It to its fullest
that
can is likely to disturb others.
superficial pride dissolves.
the real of mtegrtty
treasw:e capacity
shine forth. By moderating
ambttion. one s virtue becomes
Regulartty and normalcy usually make things endure.
brighter. When one's mind is humble one becomes m\037re However, most people prefer the excitement and Intensity
and natural. and this Is sure to brtng a positive of things that are of a transitory nature. One of modesty
honest
is achieved by remaIning low
response /Tom the subtle realm. that the understands that greatness
The Tao Teh Chillg teaches way of Heaven is to and humble. This Is tru1y a wise way to live.
increase the insufficient and decrease tiiat which ts
overextended. Thus. one of cultNation allows some latitude In LINE 1: \"The egoless one who crosses the great water
In most situations, and engages in adventures obtainS good fortune.\
his life In order to avoId ex1remes.
is the most important virtue because it allows a
modesty
recognize the shortcomings and Inadequacies that One of seeks
self-cultivation steady progress with
person'to and modesty. These attributes allow him to
are obstacles to growth. In the long run, over-confidence determination
move from his lowly position and to make progress with-
breeds failure. too hasty or aggressive.)
In each line of the lower trigram. modesty gives rtse to out being
good fortune. Therefore. the upper trigram is benefited
because modesty is used to hannonize people through UNE 2: \"Expressing oneself without ego. By keeping
In the same way. one can to this pmctke. one has good fort:un\302\243.\
cooperation and organization.
and improve oneseU. Each line of Chien illustrates
organize
make one a victor. DIscussIons and disagreements are unavoidable. What
how modesty and egolessness
The first line represents a realistic person. When in a low is most important is how one expresses oneself In these
situations. One of self-cultivation wIll be modest.
he is interested only In steady progress and doesnot
position.
The secondline is a gentle person Remember not to overdo modesty. People who are too
seek hasty achievement. are usually just t1yIng to manipulate others. Look
modest
who is honest and yIelding. His virtue is recognized and his
influence is far-reaching. The third line, the only yang line of
closely to see whether you bring peace to others or create
disturbance. Further, excessive modesty can be inter-
the hexagram. is responsible for pulling together the energy of as weakness, which can create problems, That
preted
all the yin lines and he works hard wIthout complaint. This is illustrated by the top line.)
situation
line represents one who is modest and willing to accept
assIgnments that are distasteful to others. Such a person LINE 3: \"Be egoless and take the hard jobs. Those
eventually earns the cooperation of all. The fourth line is in who are dedkated succeedin life.\
a high position; because of his modesty. those above trust
him. while those beiow are not jealous. Since he creates no The third line teaches one to selflessly accept unpleas-
obstacles.he is able to achIeve great things. The fifth line is ant tasks and put forth his best effort. Such actions
a gentle leader who does not take advantage of his powerful represent the divine way to deal with things and eventual-
position. This line is yIelding and benevolent and thus keeps ly lead to benefit and good fortune.
order among his followers. The top line Is self-discIplining. On the other hand. those who believe they are over-
Here modesty also means not overextending oneself. but worked lose this opportunity by withdrawing from the
rather workJng on ways to better organize responslblliUes. rhance to learn more. practice more and develop further.
Even In military actions, he is able to recognize and overcome They never stop to reali7.e that the benefits of work far
his shortcomings) outweigh the difficulties. In the long run, one wIll solidify)))
 - Chien
[J5] (ModestyfEgolessr1\302\243ssJ 301)
300 Hexayram[15]
Those with this virtue are HOUSING/FAMILY: The house is close to a mountain '
achJevements and gather merit. whole structure. but it is not good for children.
the true pillars that support the CHILDBIRTH: The delivery wIll be safe.
FOR HELP: In the begInnJng there is no suc-
LINE 4: \"if one remains se!fless, there ts nothing un- LOOKING
cess. If you ask again, you wIll succeed.
In this positlnn.\"
bentificial SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Difficult to achieve
close to a position an important position. In the spIrIt of modesty, do not
the fourth line is usually
Although even speak about a high position.
of Is still someone in the fifth place who
there
authority,
line is only a secondary lead- TRADE/BUSINESS: Later, It will be profitable.
supervises him. The fourth from those below SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They will retum by
er but with modesty he gains support
There is nothing themselves.
and the trust of those
above him.
him SOMEONE:
for a person in the fourth position If WAITING FOR They wIll come later or they
wrong or unfavorable wIll not come at all.
he is modest. SOMETHING LOST: Look in
LOOKING FOR the East or
LINE 5: \"Do not depend on personal wealth or strength. South, some place with bamboo, pliant bushes or
Instead. be a source of help in cO/Tecting dtsorders. trees.
IS beneficial\" HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are nearby. in the South-
Everything
east, and can be caught.
The fifth line is a weak line, but fortunately everyone LAWSUIT: Make peace; a lawsuit in this situation is not

in his community Is virtuous and wise. This line is not good. Righteousness is on your side.
people it. Thus CLIMATE: It wIll be rainy.
specIal. but because of its modesty,
follow

it can overcome any problem that arises inside or outside TRAVEL: There may be obstacles but no harm. If you
of its territoI)'. It obtains help to accomplish whatever it are with a crowd there is good fortune.
wishes to do. Opposition can be dissolved smoothly. DISEASE: Depression and congestion; difficult to cure.
PERSONAL WISH: You wIll obtain the help of others, but
LINE 6: \"He uses nwdesty instead of aggression with It wIll take a long time to achieve the objective.)
oulsiders to correct the confusion within his terTilory,\

The top line represents self-regulation within one's

\"territory.\" When dissatisfaction arises, one should over- COMMENTARY)
come one's own shortcomings and not interact aggresstvely
with the outsIde world. This is the true meaning of The wise person avoids taking interest
The top line is not in a central posItion. but it in that whi\302\243hIs extreme.
modesty.
is in a good posItion for self-cultivation and self-discipline. When he knows something,
Thus, one is strengthened through the virtue of modesty.) he knows that he knows it.
When he does not know something.
he Is also awareof that.
In this way he preserves true knowledge.
When he experiences trouble,
SPECIFICGUIDANCE) he uses it to develop his wisdom
He uses roundness in thinking,
PERSONAL FORTUNE: For a while things go smoothly. and squareness in conduct.
but gradually they become difficult. He does not rnurrru.u- agamst Heaven
MARRIAGE: It can be accomplished. but for the woman or blwne other people.
it may be a confused sexual relationship.) In knowing the first movement of things.
he developsthe brightness qf his mind)))
 [J6J - Yu (Comfort) 303)
302 Hexagram [15J
danger. However. the sound of thunder can awaken peo-
Cordial and grallfiEd Jeelings
ple they become completely lost In their pleasures.
before
are the assets oj his life. People who are wise find pleasure In virtuous ways.
appearance.
He Is oj a rrwst natural and pleasing ease and peace. Good food and musIc become offerings to the Heavenly
and his mind has a high d\302\243gree oj
Realm. and joyful occasIons are great times of unity and
He can be thus because are good times to organize responsibilities. delegate duties
he keepshis mlnd dispassionate and assign new tasks. If all energy was dissIpated In
by the cares oj
the world.
and unaffected movemeni and frivolity. there would be no preparation or
Jor the high spirits
if you have respect defense against the time of decline that must Inevitably
oj the ancieni sages
as
follow.
and think oj them if The fourth line is not In a natural postuon of leader-
they were In front oj you.
to you sWp. However. In this hexagram. It is In the position of
They will then respond stIength and Influence because it is the only yang line.
and gUIdes.
as.friends Further. during times of order and peace the leader or
In this way. you can
connect with
fifth line can relinqulsh authority to the fourth line with-
the highest realm oj the unIverse,) out major concerns. On the human level. this is a time to
be careful and well-disciplined and not succumb to
excessIveIndulgences.)
LINE 1: \"One Is greatly pleased with his achieve-
--
-- ments, Danger.\
-Pi
--
--
--
The first line expresses
self-complacency. One is
J6 yu
endangered

corresponds
by
yang posItion and is thereby
an attitude. TIlls is a yin line In a
such

with the strong fourth

weakened. But since It
line, its excessIve self-
comp'\037) assuredness can be curbed and disciplined by the fourth
line's posItive energy. The fourth line is the moving force
Establish a of thunder. which restrains the sloppiness, self-Indulgence
GUIDANCE: \"A Javorable tim\302\243
Jar expansion.
a Send out an anny and smugness of this line.)
new branch and set up new state. Jar
\"
protection. LINE 2: \"One Is as solid as a rock and unshaken by
the corriforts oj life.
hexagram. Thunder is above the Earth. The Good Jortw1e:')
In this
first sound of thunder signIfies the coming of Spring and
is a time when all animals In hibernation become active The second line represents one who remains aware

again. TIlls is a significant time when all things blossom while enjoying prosperous times. Appropriate to this
lTom a period of Inactivity Into a time of liveliness and position, It maintains a firm and disciplined attitude and
never Indulges In excessive meniment. The virtue of the
prosperity.
The Chinese name for this hexagram is 'Yu.\" Its an- second line Is Its ability to maintain self-control In all
dent meaning Implies feeling relaxed, comfortable and situations. whether joyous or sad. Following this example
without disturbance. Because of good preparation. this brings great good fortune.)
seems to be a time to enjoy life and have a good time.
However. the I Ching cautions that a time of ease and LINE 3: \"Out oj envy Jor the powerful one resorts to
smoothness is alsoa time to be careful of too much loose- jlattery lIyirlg to please him. Such actions must be
ness. carelessness and overindulgence. Comfort often corrected
\)
wUhout delay; othenvlse. there will be
brings a sense of smugness which. In tum. can Invite) rerrwrse.
 I

,I)

{J6} - Yu (Comfort) 305

304 Hexagram{Jm
to the SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
The makes a constructive contribution line should
third line
C. urth too hard to please. The
b t tries
third
This ts a y1n line In PERSONAL FORTUNE: Good fortune.
o':rer the fourth support.
not flattery.
an improper attitude. MARRIAGE: The woman's nature Is damaging to the hus-
a yang position and thus slgnilles chance to band; she wIll need to be remanied.
However. situation, there ts still a
In this HOUSING/FAMILY: The house wIll be badly damaged.
correct oneself before It Is too late. CHILDBIRTH: Unsafe. If the delivery Is In the summer,
and harmony, one the baby wIll be a boy.
LINE 4: \"Being a source of comfort a LOOKING FOR HELP: It wIll come.
Without suspi\302\243iDn, jri\302\243nds fonn
attainS greatness. SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It can be achieved
feUowshlp.\" at a later time.
focal line of this hexagram and TRADE/BUSINESS: The prtce of merchandIse wIll rise
The fourth line Is the and joyfulness. sharply and one wIll be able to make substantial
is a position
In of harmony, organization
their hair tightly profits.
In ancIent times, spIritual people wore WAITING FOR SOMEONE: After overcomIng some obstac-
held In place by a clasp.
bound on the top of their heads, together. les. they wIll come.
line is like a clasp that holds people
LOST: It is dIfficult
one's goals and wIshes can be
This LOOKING FOR SOMETHING to
Through their support, recover.
easily realized. HUNTING FOR THIEVES: The thief is a female who has
escaped to the West. She cannot be caught
LINE 5: has an Illness but does not die. Over- quickly.
\"One
incurable disease;however. with LAWSUIT: At first It is a big matter. Later It becomes
indulgence is like an
be small and In the end there is peace.
dear-mindedness and self-respect. it can
effort. CLIMATE: It wIll be fine.
overcome.\ TRAVEL: Do not travel wIth a person who Is weak.
one who enjoys his comforts DISEASE: Difficult to cure.
The fifth line represents
PERSONAL WISH: It is possIble to fulfill.)
to such an extent his responsibilities, loses
that he forgets
himself and must then rely on the fourth line for protec-

tion. Such over-Indulgence is like being sick. Lacking

self-control, the fifth line becomes useless.

his
Here. the leader neglects his duty and relinquishes
power to his subordinate. the fourth line. He loses both COMMENTARY)

himself and the importance of his position to these happy

times. In such a situation, a leader must be especially
alert. When the whole nation is celebrating. It is very In times of ease.
vulnerable and must be protected.) one with a deep visiDn of life
follows the way of immortality.
LINE 6: \"Enjoyment based on self-delusiDn cannot last Love not the world of colored dust.

long. However. there is hope if one corrects oneself.\ One hundred years pass in an instant.
In the time it takes to snap your f1Ilgers.
The top line IndJcates that one's happiness Is a result we live and die.
of self-delusion. If one changes and corrects oneself, Our existence
temporary
trouble can be avoIded.) is as as a dew drop.
significant
Yesterday a man rode his horse through the streets;
today he lies sleeping in his coff1Il.
This is the glamour of life.)))
306 Hexagram {16/

Like so many aulwnn leaves.

all the stories of a man's IiJe one day JalL
the spring tree.
and become a dream resting
under

f&.. --
Start your cultivatiDn early.
Lewn to balance your life.
Make your mind and body flTTfL 17) SUI) --)
This is important.

First weed your mental field, compLl\037. J:OLLOWI\037)

allowing not one particle oj dust
tJJ remam In the lens oj your mental eye.
When the mind is transparent and subtle, GUIDANCE: \"Compliance. Everything should go smoothly
the soul becomes supreme. if one is JaithjUl tJJ one's highest principles,\"
Then you can use your power as you will.
But do not use it carelessly. In this hexagram. Lake is above Thunder. The energy
it is not a plaything. of the lake is gentle. while that of thunder is strong and
Accumulate too much wealth active. The powerful force of thunder subordinates itself
and it will prove not only burdensome, to the gentleness of the lake; therefore, positive things can
but disastrous. be accomplishedand good fortune will result.
Gain too high a position, . One who Is strong-willed usually does not like to obey
and you will}ind it both dangerous
and degradUlg or listen to those of lesser stature; thus, he is seldom able
to your true self to accomplish anything that requires the cooperation of
Keep tJJ the roots oj your IiJe; other people. However, if one is able to adapt to gentle
do not !we unconsciously as In a vague dream)
people by virtue of self-discipline and an open mind. there
will be great harmony and real achievement. Compliance
The approach to true happiness Is only possible when aggressIon, stubbonmess and rigid-
should not be like a Jire
Ity are put aside.
that dies as quickly as it flares up. Compliance also means following one's highest princi-
Truly happy people do not clutch a1 worldly things, The marmer in which one complies with his princi-
comes to them. ples,
but apprecinte all that
ples determines the kind of response one will evoke from
living contentedly with their Invisible. the high realms. LIke attracts like; following
spiritual
subtle and imnWrtal natures. and maintaining will attract a be-
good principles integrity
Do not look Jor happiness neficial response. ComplyIng with negative forces will
In the excitement oj the sensory world. bring about disaster through the negativity that one
Rather, gain an understanding attractS.
oj the subtle laws oj the universe, It Is not difficult for the truthseeker to follow the good.
and it shall be yours. The Is knowing what is good. lf an inexperienced
problem
True wisdom can save you.
person follows one who knows as little as he. the outcome
Move rapidly to board the steady
can be disastrous. There are two extreme types of people
splrttunl ship oj safety.) In this regard: one readily gIves consent to whatever
other people think is right: the other stubbomly defends
his opinions no matter what others think. Neither view Is
correct or balanced. What or whom one follows represents
one's level of growth. This hexagram gives advice on how
to choose and follow someone or something.)))
 - Sut (Cornpliance/FbUowing)
(17] 309)
308 Hexngram (17}

and circumstances. It rightfully chooses the fourth yang line.

LINE 1: \"Going out the door \037g fri\037ds
one s
,:\"Uh
virtue n gIves up the lesser second yIn line In order to follow the
individuals without Iosmg
greater fourth yang
highly-achieved line.
brings success:' The third line is a yIn line In a yang position and
line of Thunder. It tends to use craftiness or clevemess In its pursuits.
line is the strOng When one makes a chotce, one should not do so for self-
The moving
first
the time Is right, we should use our
tells us that when In a Ish reasons only. One who seeks only personal benefit
to change ourselves. Do not shut yourself
this situation may suffer. Good fortune can only re-
energy
out and make friends wtth virtuous from
room. Instead, go
accept sult when the action ts not for personal. narrow-minded or
should not unquestioningly
people; however, you Instead, and broaden your selfish gain.
of others. develop
the words
This Is a good time to
views your life experiences. era or a revolution
through be- LINE 4: \"The follDwer attempts to surpass his leader.
reach out to others. When a new
on a group of strong people.
Even though this line may be correct, there will be trou-
gins, one should depend ble if it Insists on Its own way. Thus, it should remain
small Io\037es the In compliance with the leader. The clouds of suspicion
2: \"One who stays with what is
LINE
what is great. In thIS case, will eventually disperse and brightness will reappear,\"
opportunity to connect
with

you have a clear choice.\" The fourth is a yang line

line In a yIn position and is

line has a relationship wtth both the first next to the leader.
strong the fifth yang line. Although
The second a him to dominate the lower
The first line represents a closeneigh- such posttion enables tri-
and the fifth lines. do so. If he does not use self-re-
while the fifth line
represents a remote friend or rela- gram. he should not
bor
follow the fifth line, who is straint, the sItuation could become dangerous and the
tive'. The second line should If he recognizes and remains In
worthier than the first. If she takes the easytowayfollow the
out by good order destroyed.
the first line, the opportunity this correct posItion, there wIll be no blame or trouble.)
simply following
she wIll lose her chance to
great one wIll be missed, and we 5: \"Being faithful to is brings good
be more useful. By being too greedy Infor a small profits, LINE what good
often lose the real chance to succeed great undertak- fortune.\

ing. This is the lesson of the second

line.
Both the top line, as an
advisor, and the second line,
3: with the great overcomes the at- as the leader of the lower trigram, offer faithfulness to the
LINE \"Compliance
traction of the smalL This choice brings positive resuUs. fifth line. The fIfth line ts a trustworthy leader and enjoys
One should befirm with one's decision.\ the loyalty of its followers.)

There are ways that lines can be Integrated In a hexa- LINE 6: 'The wise one is ooWld with an assrgnment
One Is first line corresponding to the fourth; at the holy mDWltain. He offers the highest compliance
gram. the
In this to the
the second to the fifth; and the third to the sixth. Heavenly wIlL\

relationship of I and 4, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6,number. each pair

has both an odd yang number and an even yIn A mountain symbolizes a high but Inactive posttion.
The other kind of Integration is that of the first and such as that of advisor. Some peopleare very
a special
secondlines; the third and fourth; and the fifth and sixth. valuable but may suited to being
not be followers. The
The number correspondence of I and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 top line is a wise and virtuous person, but the leader in
and 6 can be Integrated as hannonizIng energy If the lines the fifth position does not insIst that he be one of his fol-
are In their correct natural order. lowers. Instead, the leader \"btnds\" the top line with re-
The third line In this hexagram has two choices for as- spect and love and makes him a special helper. His sptrt-
socIation; either the second or fourth line. But the second tual assignment ts to serve the leader and the world.)))
line cannot be a good leader for the third. Under these)
 11 71 - Sui (Compliance/Following) 311
310 Hexayraml17/
What you try to touch
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE
but evades !lour hand
One shou1d tem- you say: HuU\
FORTUNE: Very ordinary.
PERSONAL
still. at least until next year. which will
porarily keep The invisible. the inau,hble and the fonnless are
be a good time for distant
travel.
The maniage can succeed.especIally
if It is expressed as a triune. but they form an undivided oneness.
MARRIAGE:
a gentle woman. Because Ihey are of the spiritual realm where Intelligence fails
a strong man manyIng will cause you to /(0. Ihey evade all further inquuy. In spirilual tenninology
HOUSING/FAMILY: Something strange
tlus Is called \"one chi transformed into three Pure Realms.\"
shock.
The delivery
_,
will be s....e. an d th e chJld will Yu Ching. or Immacu1ate Purily. is the name for the
CHILDBIRTH: will have
bea boy. !fthe fifth line Is receIved.the mother UJlIlanleable. \"l11is is Ihe realm of original immorlals such as
ShIh.
some trouble. Yuan

WOKING FOR HELP: It can be obtained. Shang Chin/(. or UnbleInished Purity. is the name for the
POSITION: Wait. This Is not
iInageless. ThIs Is the reaim of responsive supematural
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
such as Un-Pau.
the right time. but next
beings
TRADE/BUSINESS:Presently there is difflcu1ty. Tai Ching. or Greal Purily. is the name for the fonllless.
will be more profitable. ThJs is the realm of integral beings such as Lan-Chwl.
spring can be found.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They These three Pure Realms maintain the universe totallv
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come immediately, and are interconnected and integrated in Ule Subtle Realm.
WST: It is not far away. Tills Sublle Realm of the TrilUle is higher
WOKING FOR SOMETHING and more
are hiding in a field to
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They li.mdamental than the ordinary Spiritual Realm. It has been
the East. the wUderness or in a house close
to water. of all developed ones that the Triwle is the
the testimony
LAWSUIT: There will be a Jail sentence. fOWldation of Ule most SubUe Realm. To enter the High
CLIMATE: There will be heavy rains wIth
th\\IDder.
is good. One Realm is a great achievement.
TRAVEL: Following others or going together The highest spirilual realm is the Greal Pure One. the
shou1d not travel alone at this time. Universal Way. Ihe SubUe Law. This is where all spiritual
There are headaches and dill1cu1ty in eating
life. Tao is most subUe
DISEASE:
The problem is dtfllcu1t to cure. and immortal beings receive and
and drinking. spiritual or godly realm. Here. there is no
PERSONAL WISH: It can be accomplished.) original
individuality. only various responses to dill\"erent functions.
Tlus is Ule secret of the great spiritual truth. A god can
eiUler be an ordinary human being or one who ts highly devel-
COMMENTARY oped. The latter is achieved and able to dwell in th.. Divine
The Triune of the Spiritual World) Immortal Reaim. The fonner is an llnsuccessfu1 or degraded
god who devialed from the Way and ther..fore dwells in Ule
Follow what is indescribable. Ally wIth what Is inex- mortal realm. Surely. tlllS is not th.. end for people who are
What is describable is only in the relative 1ll1successfulin maintaining their spiritual integrity.
pressIble.
sphere of language. What is not expressIbleis the abso- In our tradition. only the one who is able to break throll\037h
lute truth as stated in Chapter 14 of the Tao Teh Chmg:) the \"tllree-in-one-divided\" (the invisibl... the inaudible and the
lmtouchablel can eonjoln wItll tlle real. wondnful. spiritual
\"What you try to see, world)))
but evades your vislDn
you say: YU
What you try to hear
but evades your heartng
you say: ShU)
 UBI
- Ku (Correcting the Corruptwn) 313)

LINE 1: \"To correct the father's cOmJPtiDn, the son is

called upon to help, No blame. Though there is some
d!fTrculty fust. good resuUs will be brought forth
\037
eventually.)

\302\253

.:L
--
--) of
\"father's corruption\" represents the negative
The
actions toward oneself or one's Camily.
past
effects
Correction
must be handled with care, tolerance and gentleness. If
--) force is used, there will only be resistance to change and
18) KU)
nothing will be accomplished.)

che LINE 2: 'When correcting the nwther's corruptiDn. be-

COAAUpClOn)
of being too rigid and stop before going too far.\
CORRfCcmq
ware

'Work conuptiDn. is a beneficial

'17tis Whereas the \"Cather's corruption\" is social, the
GUIDANCE: against
time to engage in an adventuroUS task. Prepare carejiLUy \"mother's corruption\" signifies a personal matter. Since
in advance and make a thorough inspectiDn aftenvard,\" emotions are involved, this problem must be handled with
the utmost understanding and tact. Finding the correct
In this hexagram, Is below the Mountain. However,
WInd balance in this situation Is also necessary. If one's
the gentle wind cannot penelrate
the dense area at its base. approach is too strong. hurt feelings will result. On the
A place that does not receiveair becomes decayed and rotten, other hand. If one is not firm enough, the problem will not
thus we have the image of corruption. Furthermore. the be corrected. Thus. one must proceed with great care.)
Chinese character for this hexagram represents a container In
which wonns thrive. Although the I Ching's guidance enables LINE 3: \"Correcting the father's comJPtiDn with too
one to recognize a particular situation, its main value lies in much strength will result in some renwrse: however, no
how to correct the situation, if possible. big problem will arise.\
Here. corruption has already manifested and can no
be Ignored. At this time, thorough a examination of One's intentions and approach are appropriate;
longer
the situation is of utmost before deciding the however. since too much strength is used, one meets
importance
action to take. The I Ching advises the use of resistance in correcting the social problem. If this y\037
appropriate
extreme caution at the outset. If this advice is not followed. line changes to a yin line, the result wIll be Meng = ,
one may easily misjudge the situation and fall under the Hexagram #4, or a situation which is not yet very civiliZed
or well-developed. Misunderstandings and resistance from
influence of the corruption.
attitude toward corruption. others may arise. One must be careful in one's approach
With a compromising nothing
is accomplished and one loses the opportW1..lty to correct the because assertiveness wIll certainly hinder any progress
of the past is not an easy task. that might be made.
problem. Correcting mistakes
especially if one Is in a position of responsibility and does not
LINE 4: \"Increasing the father's corruption. With an
recognize the gravity of the situation. However. if one has
indecisive attitude. one cannot reetiJiJ the sUuation.
sincere intentions and acts decisIvely, success wIll eventually Humiliation.
\
come.
Patience, gentleness tact are essential when
position to apply the correct
and
One is not in an appropriate
correcting mistakes, especially when loved ones are Therefore. one's
past
otherwise disturbance and destruction will ensue. energy and illunlinate the corruption.
involved:
Involvement will reinforce the problem and humiliation wIll be
Since the present contains posItive as well as negative
the result.)))
accumulations of the past, one must be very careful when
correcting past errors not to deslroy the positive aspects.)
 {1BI - Ku (Correcting the Corruption] 315
314 Hexagram {1BI

one enjoys SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: In the beginning

5: the father's corruption. further attempt is
LINE \"O:Jrrecting
continUes the positive aspect of the there is no success; however. If a
high honors and
creatiOn.\
made. successis possible.
father's TRADE/BUSINESS: The Inventory will be damaged. Try
of cooperation from ihe to sell It fast.
Correction is possIble because
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Hurry. Use three people
the strong second line. Correcting
people. represented by II can further In your search.
what is spoiled Is not a negative lmdertaking.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come.
of the past and stop the
and refresh the positive aspects LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be found but
of the present. Thus. the condition Is corrected.)
confusion is damaged.
IlUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are In the Southeast and
6: \"He does not wishto seroe nobility, bul with- can be caught.
you may win: but In the
LINE
to cultivate his own virtue.\ LAWSUIT: If you are dishonest.
draws in order
end you will The best way to settle the matter is
lose.
will eventually without court action.
When there is corruption. correction
this not always
Has been a fact repeated In his- CLIMATE: There will be more rain and less clearweath-
follow.
foolish inVolvement er. If the third line is received. the weather will be fine.
tory? Therefore. the wise ones give up
In human affairs. Instead. they prefer a simple life of TRAVEL: Misfortune.
cultivation and self-Improvement. If everyone would DISEASE: Although It is curable. be very careful. Some-
world would naturally one has used a curseor black magic to make trouble.
accept and follow this example. the WISH: Difficult to accomplish; do not indulge
be corrected. PERSONAL
Developed people work on correcting themselves.
ThIs is In the matter.)
the fundamental way to correct the corruption of humanity as
a whole. If one changes one's own life. then there is hope for
all life. A developed indIvidual does not try to please the
world with grandiose promises. nor does he try to entice those
In positions of influence so that he might profit. By under-
COMMENTARY
standing his own goal and by working on himself. he corrects Divergence)
the corruption of humanity for all times.)

The achieved spirit. unobstructed by worldly triviality. is

SPECIFICGUIDANCE) easily mIsinterpreted as beIng passive. irresponsible. escapist.

lazy. impractical or nonsensical. Such a negative miscon-

but ception is prevalent among new students. For this reason.

PERSONAL FORTUNE: There will be good fortune.
the old way needs to be changed and a new way
readersof Chuang Tzu mistakenly believe that they have
learned everything from this great elucidator of the Way.
embarked upon.
MARRIAGE: Not The couple diseases to However. the result of their studies indicate otherwise.
good. may pass
one another An ancient Chinese proverb says. \"One assumes he
HOUSING/FAMILY: By taking care of family administra- has drawn a tiger. but the tiger turns out to be a dog.\"
tion. one will be freed from temptation. damage or Finding such examples Is not dIffIcult; understanding the
loss. real spirit of an achieved one is not a simple task. TIle
CHILDBIRTH: There Is the possibility of an abnormal achieved spirit has no certain form. TIllis. how can one hope
fetus If the third line is received. there will be danger to make It visible?
for both the new baby and the mother A few years ago. a party was given In order to intro-
WOKING FOR HELP: No success.) duce me to some people. I brought a rose with me from)))
 (lB} - Ku (Correcttng the Corruptton) 317)
316 Hexagram lIB})
However. since it was wintertime. there were no ro&es for
hostess who was a regular patient of mine. She paId
for the thousands of miles. and these were obstructed by snow and
complJments to this rose of Chinese golden redness. ice.
The guest speaker, who was introduced as an expert on ori-
many
\"Becausetheir Interest was first and foremost to restor
ental philosophy. then told the following story:
the Emperor's health. they devIsed a speCial plan to bring. th:
\"Chuang Tzu. one of the great spIritually
achieved ones. of the South by way of fast
best roses from the warm lands
had a beauUful rose garden of great renown. and every year
horses. People livIng along this route thought there must be
he would open the garden to the public. Many highly on their southem bor-
something very important happening
educated people would brtng good wine to stp when they came
der. No one realized that these fast horses were carrying just
to see the beautiful roses. Reports of this beautiful garden
of the Emperor, owned rOses.
eventually attracted the curtosity 'TheEmperor's
who
health did not improve. however. and in
the largest rose garden with the loveliest roses in the king- order for him to rest peacefully. he needed to hold a rose In
dom. In order to know whether the acclaimedbeauty of
his hand at all times. But when he would awaken. he would
Chuang Tzu's garden was true or just a rumor. the Emperor rose scattered in petals and become even
when he would discover the lovely
sent a notice to Chuang Tzu annoW1ctng
more IllI
arrive to see the specially-cultivated roses. After receivIng the
\"Since the trouble had developed from Chuang Tzu's rose.
kIng's notice. Chuang Tzu cleared the crowds. closed the
the helpless high ministers and generals finally decided to
and prepared for the important vIsit. Tzu was a clever master. sohe agreed
garden. seek his help. Chuang
'When the special day arrived. Chuang Tzu humbly to help. It took a short time for him to take a beautiful
The Emperor was in high only
greeted the Emperor at the gate. rose to the royal court and let the old Emperor - who had not
his promenade along the garden path.
spIrits. anticipating
but not one of left his ivory sick bed since his illness began - hold it in his
rose bushes filled the garden.
Everywhere. hands. No one and nothing had been able to help him feel
them had a single rose! The Emperor's constemation grew
better until finally he was able to hold one of Chuang Tzu's
and grew W1til it reached a peak. Then suddenly. in the cen-
ter of the garden. to the Emperor's great surprtse. a single roses. Now. every time he awoke from his rest. he would see
blossomed. His Majesty's the beautiful rose in all its splendor. safely in his hands
rose proudly and brilliantly heart
'The Emperor recovered from his very unusual
was Immediately seized by an irresistible fascination with this gradually
illness and could once again attend to affairs of state. The
rose. For a long, long time he stood there. lost in reverte.
When his consciousnessreturned, he declared this rose the people of the entire nation, after leanting of his recovery. were
of all roses. thankful and happy.
queen
\"Dear friends,\" the speaker said seriously as he went on. \"Dear frtends. are you interested In knO\\\\1ng the secret of
\"do you know why the Emperor made this rose the 'queen?' the flower that Chuang Tzu took to the Emperor? Let me
I wt1I tell you. This was actually an ordinary rose. no more share It with you. It was an artificial rose, since there were
beautiful or extraordinary than any other, but before the no true roses in the kingdom.
vIsit Chuang Tzu had cut and removed all the \"Confucius. who knew the story of the secret rose. once
Emperor's
other roses from the garden. leavIng only this one In an sIghed and sincerely said. When worldly people are Ill.
artillclal roses make them feel refreshed. However. Il Is not
W1expected place. For that reason, the Emperor believed It to
the artificial rose that Is to blame for the lack of truthfulness.
be a truly special rose.\"
When the It ts the intellectual mind that makes people lose themselves
speakerhad his story. I was asked to
finished
attachment to artificial values!\" Is thts not true?\)
comment. HavIng no other choIce, I continued the story: through
\"Ladles and gentlemen, do you know what happened to
the Emperor after seeIng this wonderful rose? He missed the
rose. so terrIbly that he became seriously ill! All hi\" h..lgh
mInisters and generals knew the Emperor's illness was
caused by his longIng for thts specIal rose, and In desper-
ation, thPy hastily began to search for a rose of equal beauty.)
 [J 9} . LIn (Advanctng) 319

Encountering Reflection
(5th month)
- - Cancer - - 18th month)
Ubra

--
-- Retreating Erosion
\037!-
/4'a --
--) - - 16th month)
Leo
- - 19th
Scorpio
month)

Disharmony Complete Yin

19) un)
- - (7th month) _ _ (IOth month)
virgo Sagittarius
AbV(U)C1 t1-G) Though all thingschange, we should never be
must

discouraged. face whatever happens and

One must learn
not to push or wif!1 the natural process of
Interfere

GUIDANCE' \"Advance. It is benefrcial to go Jonvard with

growth.
If one handles oneself well In the early stages of
:'\037h .A\037 but
,..,..\037 .....ULL...\"\".
a posu.= be mindful oj the cyc!iJ::a1 nature oj growth, one's cycle will naturally be lengthened. Other-
\"
wIse. things will happen too quickly and the cycle will
things.
and In this dImInish. Everyone should understand the guidance of
energy moves forward upward.
Yang
lines, the growing force, are this hexagram and take heed of both Its encouragement
hexa am the two bottom yang
This expresses the and wamlng.)
In th\037 pr\037cess of development. n\037tural
of the UIUverse
tendency of yang energy, the primary ener\037 LINE 1: \"Advance impartially. One should start in
It Is very
and the great motivator of human behaVloL this manner and continue in this direction. Good
and guide this yang energy In
important to properly control
occur Jortune.\
its early stages of growth. Otherwise. change will. t\037
and difficulty will artse. Such Is the warrung of this
quickly The first and the second lines, advancing yang energy.
hexagram. should practice broad-mIndedness and Impartiality toward
Change is the reality of all phenomena, and all change
all four yin lines without being attached to any of them.
and altemation
comes about through the Interaction
of yin
This will Insure correct action.)
and yang. Each of the sixty-four hexagrams reflects a
The altemation of yin and yang
different stage of Interaction. LINE 2: \"Impartial advance wi/hout prtjudice con-
In the twelve which GoodJortune.\
can be most clearly seen hexagrams tinues. Everything is pmfuable.
Six of these
correspond to the twelve months of the year. while the
hexagrams express the Increaseof yang energy. This line is the closest to the four yin lines, which
other six express its retreat. The first part of the cycle. In could create obstacles. If the yang energy becomes at-
which the yang energy Increases. comes after the winter
tached to any of the yin lines, progress will be stopped.)
solstice:)
Revival _ _ Strength LINE 3: \"Easy advancement. If one abuses one'spos-
(lIth
CapJicorn
month) - (2nd month)
Aries
ition,there wUl be trouble
dency is corrected immedln1ely,
in the long run.
there
\037(this
wUl be no blame.\
ten-

--
-- Advancing Resolution
-) (12th month)
AquarIus
- (3rd month)
Taurus
When

temptation
one's
to
power
mistreat
ts yotmg and growing.
people by throwing
there
one's wetght
is a

around. There may also be a tendency to abuse one's

=
_
= Harmony
(1st month)
-- Complete
(4th month)
Yang health through Indulgence. At this time, caution and
= Ptsces GemInJ restraint are needed If one wishes to continue advancing
smoothly.)))
At this point, the secondhalf of the cycle, In which yang ener-
gy decreases, begIns after the summer solstice:)
 {J9J - Un (Advancing) 321
320 Hexagram {19J
LOOKING FOR SOMETHINGLOST: Hurry to look for
it.
Nofauli.\"
LINE 4: \"COfTect advancement. If you walt too long. It wIll be difficult to find.
the HUNTING FOR THIEVES: There are three or four people
is harmonious and cooperates smooth
with
The fourth line
This makes a at the base of the Southeast mounlaln and they are
first line. which Is approprtate. difficult to catch.
advance possible for both.
LAWSUIT: If you sue someone. you wIll hurt yourself. If
will be benefited.
This is how the great you remain peaceful. all
LINE 5: 'Wise advancement. CLIMATE: It wIll rain for a long time without stopping.
Good fortune:'
should proceed. TRAVEL: Good fortune for travel.
firsl and second lines the DISEASE: It Is curable but very slowly.
This is the besl posItion for
PERSONAL WISH: It can be achieved.)
as they advance. gained the wide accep-
This line has
of the people. It knows how 10 practice the princi-
and its moves are therefore
tance
ples of balance and harmony.
suitable and benefidal.
COMMENTARY)
Goodfortune, No blame:'
LINE 6: \"Sincere advancing.
To become one wilh Tao. the universal eternal life.
When the advancing energy has reached the top line.
yang depends wholly on oneself
it has Its fullness In width and depth. Its To achievethe level of a shien. a heavenly bemg.
accomplished
and mellowness are expressedby a kind
heart. Ex- depends solely on your will.
maturtty
ternal growth matches Internal growth. This line emphasizes it is possible.
which should not be neglected by Indulging in True achievement is obtainable by all
Inner growth.
external activities. In this way. one advances toward good when they stop clinging selfIShly to their desires
fortune.) Detach yourself from the irrelevance
of worldly affairs.
Allow not one pieceof dust to stain your true nature.
and il will cleurly and freely shine throl19h.
Then il will be impossible
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) Jor the world's evils and poisons aired you;
to
evils that create untold d(1ficuUies and problems.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Now Is the best time. The When action is the resuU oj the desires oj the mind
Chinese word \"Un\" means occurrIng immediately. you perpetuate the painJul rounds
MARRIAGE: It can be accomplished. but since the third oj life, death and rebirth.
line does a lot of talking there will be some quarreling. You remain wlconscious.
HOUSING/FAMILY: HavIng a good house to the close Avoid su..oer-ingthe consequences oj your actions
water and living with someone Is beneficial. by ridding your mind oj all desire
CHILDBffiTH: If the divInation Is made in spring or sum- Jor or against anything.
mer. It will be a gIrl: If in autumn or winter, It will be if your desire to achieveis too strong.
a boy. The delivery will be safe at either time. you wU/ disturb your true nature.
LOOKING FOR HELP: It is difficult to achieve one's Instead oj ascending to shiendom.
purposes. you will spiral downward into chaos.
POSITION: Successful. your subtle nature no !unger intact.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
TRADE/BUSINESS: Profitable. Even one impure motive will spawn
SEARCHINGFOR SOMEONE: Mter a long time, you can a disturbance in the mind.
meet them. causing you to lose the humdtty and
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come very soon.) clarily that is nurtured by Tao,)))
 (20/ - Kuan (Con1empla1lon/PoInt of View} 323)
322 Hexngram (19/
the practice of deep contemplation ts the pathway to etemal
What you already achieved.
have
unIty. This kind of spiritual cultivation Is necessary for one's
you no /Dnger enJoy,
can complete growth.
Alas. YOUT previDUS efforts shall aU One's mind reflects one's practices and vice-versa.
have been In vain. Therefore. maintaining spiritual practice within one's \"in-
Dissolve th.e poisons of greed and hatred. ner altar.\" or \"kuan,\" nurtures one's divine nature in order
remove yOUTse!f .from th.e passiDns of /Dve, to attain unity with all things.
and they shaU transform Into sweet dew,
This hexagram is also concemed with one's overall
cooling and purifying you.)
vIew of life, which may be determined by how broad and
encompassing one's understanding Is. Even if one has
traveled in many countries and lived among many differ-
ent people, one's view may still be very narrow.
The lines in this hexagram represent various levels of
\037l;kl
--
-- The first line represents a shallow viston and

20)
\037J'I.J

KL.K\\O)
--
--)
awareness.
Is called the ''view of children.\" The second line repre-
sents the awareness one has from behind a door or
screen. or from an Inner room. One's view from such a
. place ts not very expansive. nor does It allow a face-to-face
conrempL\037IOf1. pOint: OJ:: vIew) encounter. thus It Is called the ''view of ancient, overly-
protected ladles.\" The third line, the highest posItion in
the lower trigram. has a clearer, more expansive view.
GUIDANCE: \"ContemplaliDn. After washing the hands and
The fourth line represents close contact and direct exper-
beginning the cerenwny. wilh deep sincerily the offiJ::iD.nt Ience, thereby allowing a clear, objective point of view.
centers the mind. The hearts and minds q( all paIiiJ::ipants are The fifth line represents one of self-reflection. in an
Being
drawn to this good example. Likewise. the way of the highly Influential position, he Is aware of his responsibility to set
evolved inspires
\ people to revere the divine order of the a good example for everyone. The sixth line represents re-
universe. flection in one's spiritual life. With a sense of moral re-
one can only enjoy complete Inner
In this hexagram,
Wind is above Earth. Just as a sponstbility,
when the whole world ts no longer in a state of confusion.)
peace

penetrating pervades everywhere. a good way of llle and

wind
influence everyone they touch.
good teachings LINE 1: \"A child's vlsiDn. TIwugh not a problem for
The two yang lines at the top of the hexagram represent the can be disastrous for a developed
models of virtue in times when negative forces are pushing undeveloped, it

or individual.\
fOJWard. The image of the hexagram suggests an altar
temple where an opportunity Is provided to witness spiritual
ThIs line has the viewpoint of a child. There Is no
actMty and to adore dJvine beings. This
blame because one has not yet reached a level of sound
Is the reason a spiritual temple was tradJtionally called a
judgment and developed visIon. However. for an adult's
Kuan.
viston to remain like a child's Is shameful. Such a person
The greater significance of Kuan, however, extends
be humiliated.)
beyond the physIcal structure of a temple or shrine. It will eventually
represents a way of life that Is cu1tivated and guJded by
behind a screen,like a YOLl119 girl
constant self-contt:mplation. Through such introspection, LINE 2: \"Vision from
one remains unaffected by the pressures of worldly llle and who hides behind a screenand timidly peeps out. TIlls
stays attuned to the deepest level of nature, which Is the does not deserve encouragement.\
orIgin of the universal life force. By following worldly trends,
one becomes lost In the temptations of the superflctal. lnere- One's visIon Is limited from a dark posItion. symbol-
fore, Kuan Is more than a temple. It symbolizes a way of life:) Ized by a young girl who shyly peers out from behind a)))
 [201 - Kuan [Con1emplatlDnl POW of View} 325)
324 Hexagram [20[

of Innocence; how- model of lighteousness and continually work on self-

screen. For her. this Is an expressIon
to observe things. development.
ever. this Is nol generally a good way

broad vision obtained by contem- LINE 6: 'With prudence, one contemplates one's life.\
LINE 3: 'With the
one's life. one can decide whether to go Jorward
plating In this position. one no longer has strong or direct in-
or to withdraw.\" fluence over others. However, one can sUll offer a good
not discontinue constant
by throwing the question spIrItual example and should
Here the I Ching responds This line describes one of high virtue who
and indecisIve- self-cultivation.
back. One Is now In a posItion of change The divine nature of the uni-
ness. Going forward or retreating are both correct at follows the depths of Tao.

times. One should now be observant and gather verse and unIversal love are what he adores. As a spIrIt-
specIDc to know ual model. he serves others by quietly livIng according to
knowledge from all sources In order
this line has the
relevant not by preaching
the principle of Kuan, eloquently.)
which action Is appropliate. Fortunately.
clear vision and understanding that comes from contem-
Since one wishes to remain disciplined, one does
plation. to become
push forward or allow
oneself
not Imptudently
trapped by temptations or trouble.
when one feels SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
When reflecting upon life. especIally
In some manner, remember that there Is
Insufficient
someone In a worse position. However. when PERSONAL FORTUNE: Good fortune for one talented In
always This is a profitable
trying to cultivate virtue and maintain high standards. art or literature. time to get out
always look up to someone more developed. An ancient and make things happen; one should not stay at
proverb states. \"Look above for the standard of virtue; look home.
below for the standard of life.\" MARRIAGE: Conflicts and opposition will arise.
HOUSING/FAMILY: If the house is located close to a
LINE 4: \"It furthers one to go Jorward to see the shrIne or temple. ctrcumstances will be all light.
countIy and to be the honored guest oj the king.\ CHILDBIRTH: It will be safe. The first baby will be a
gIrl; the second will be a boy.
This Is an encouraging opportunity. Since one Is now WOKING FOR HELP: One should rely on the help of a
In a high posItion. one has the chance to observe all that person In a high position or on an Influential religious
Is below. This Is signIDed by \"seeing the country as a figure.
guest of the royal court\" or by seeing value and glory In POSITION:It
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL can be achieved
one's surroundings. as you wish.
One who Is In a low position should look above for an TRADE/BUSINESS: Successful.
example; one who is In a high position should not only SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: One should look In the
look within. but should also survey his surroundIngs In West.
order to better understand the situation. A good oppor- WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
tunity now appears for one's vision to expand through LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: One should look to-
great experiences.) ward the Southwest.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding In a church.
LINE 5: \"Rejl\302\243ctmg on way oj life,
one's the greal one If one moves fast, they can be found.
knows how people are positively influenced.\ LAWSUIT: One's actions are Justified. and a peaceful set-
tlement comes In the end.
In this posItion. one's actions are being observed by CLIMATE: Although It will not raIn. conditions are uncer-
all. BeIng In a position to Influence others, one must be a) tain as to whether It will be cloudy or sunny.)))
 [20} - Kuan (Con1empl.ationl POW of View] 327
326 Hexagram [20}
Is
With the clarity of an lUwnined mind.
It Is dangerous 10 travel a1one: II
TRAVEL- h\037ever. penetrate the illusion of color andfolTlL
safe io lravello a remote place with companIOns. Embrace the substance of Nature
DISEASE' It Is dlfficull to cure. and merge with the Origin.
PERSONAL WISH: There wIll be no achievemen I If you
Obstacles will suddenly coUapse.
are In a hurry.) allowing your inner light to be seenand felt
In this way. your spiritual }lower will surely blossom.
and you will bear the sweet frui1 of immortality.
It Is aU wi1hin your reach.
but flTst must come the culti.vation.
COMMENTARY)
the practice. the self-discipline,
This Is the true and tradi1ional way
of becoming one wi1h the subtle truth
Tan. the unwersal subtle potency.
is without color or fonn. . Unstain and empty the mind;
yet from il emerges aU wonders of the unwerse.
thus i1 will become the fine tool that will unite
Subtly}lows the Tao. the scattered fragments of yourself into one whole.
the universal subtle potency and the Way.
so that what is may become clear.
deep wi1hin the fertile stilln\037ss. As the earth gives forth }lowers and trees.
hushed within profound quretude, all cultures. civilizations and religwns
It is indeed the Greal Reali1;).) are born of the mind.
Listen to the silence! Magical mind. even rrwre magical when perfectly stilU
As a clear and silent pond.
Religions. rich in color andf,?1TIL so should be the mind.
arebut creations of the rrund of man. Empty. relaxed..firm. undisturbed.
Follow only mental crealions thus. and only thus.
and you will not even scralch the swface.) able to !mow the truth.
Draw your mind inward to your calm center.
Walch the invisible!
and aU diverse and scattered thoughts will cease.
Trace back to the root of your soul. To foUow theimpulse of passion and desires
found deep wilhin your quiet reJlections. Is to stay trapped in bondage.
and the ultunale truth unfolds i1selfnaturaUy.) Only when you empty the mind
can you verj/Y and experience
Feel what you cannot touch! the wonders of the eternal realms.
will bring you safely
But if ever you attach yourself to this empty mmd.
Self-cultivalion will remain outside the Way.
you
from the shore of beingness
to the vast ocean ofnon-beingness. Cling to emptiness nor to concepts;
neither
A system. the ferry boal. this is the way to mind
proper your mind.
is discarded when the destinalion has been reached. Guard and cleanse the gates of the six senses
All man-made religions share the same limilations; so that you will not be decewedby them.
but through cultivating the root of I!(e. The calculating mind cannot be trusted.
one may achieve the great awareness.) because hidden in Us roots
are the distorted thoughts and feelings
Strive Jor it!)))
of pain. bi1terness and sadness.)
 {21}- ShJh Ho (BIttng \"Through Hardship) 329)
328 Hexagram {20}
FIre and Thunder an Opportunity for one In
present
Boldly swing the sword of wtsdom. .
illusion darkness to see himself clearly.
lightning Is created by
and cut yourself free from the sheU of !be InteracUon of these elements. It lights the way, allow-
binds and confines you, to overcome tgnorance and to move freely
Ing one
that In the
Beware of being tri\302\243kedby vanily. dIrecUon of righteousness.
Love. fame. profl1 and high positfon ThIs hexagram advIses one to be declstve In overcom-
are the golden harvest moon lies before him. Since there
on the surfar:eof a lake, Ing the difficu1ty whIch Is no
bobbing
suggesUon of escape. avoIdance. compromise or any other
evasIon, one must face one's destiny and determinedly
Do not let the world diSturb you. \"bite through\" the darkness.
Maintain unshakable quiEscence
and enjoy exquiSile pe=e. LINE 1: \"The toes diSappear when fetters are put upon
thiS aspect of tn.te freedom.
When you experience t1lefeet. No movement is possible:')
understand that the real Void is not vou:l
at alU
you
TI1rough unrelenting self-diScipline, The first line represents the restrained. aggressive yang
the hidden truths of the universe will unfold.) force of Thunder. the punishment and confinement. whIch
may actually be of benefit. Aggressiveness and stubbonmess
toward oneself and one's enVironment must be restrained. as
,.1- 1-_ symbolized by the lffiage of a common criminal with shackles
on hIs feet. Such punishment and confinement Is just and
\"'\037 .,\037 --
--) proper when negative tendencies arise. Good teachers and
21) ShIh he) parents shou1d know this in order to help the growth of their
students or children. Discipline and punishment should be
skillfully applied with decisiveness and directness. Why?
Because too much shallow love spoils a child.
slam; \037hROtM1t), \037smp) ThIs line also applies to the limitations and obstructions
In one's environment. whIch can serve as \"fetters\" on one's
GUIDANCE: \"Biting through d!fJ'tcuUy brings success, It is
progress.)
for\ one negattve influences
to cut through with
necesswy
deciSiveness. LINE 2: \"One biles so deeply into t1IeJlesh thaI t1IC nose
The disappears,\
In this hexagram. Fire Is above Thunder. lInes

form the Image of a mouth, whIch 'bites through\" dlfficu1-

The top and bottom yang lInes are like the upper and ThIs lIne represents the kind mother who, because of
ty.
lower lips. The yang lIne within Is what must be cut the deep love In her heart. needs decisiveness and correct-
through and chewed. ness In punishing her children. To form good habits and
The Image of 'bIting through\" represents the process of a proper way of life. disciplIne and punishment should not
cutting away an evil force. Thunder Is the force of awak- be spared. If plmishment Is applied only lightly to the
ening; fire ts the force of clarity and illumination. Wtth skin. It will have little effect as a restraining measure. It
Inner strength and light one can 'bite through\" the must be strong enough to be effecuve.
darkness For this kind of effective punishment, the I Ching uses
The first and top lines receive the pressure and do the the Image of biting Into the skin so deeply that the nose
hard work. The second.third. fourth and fifth lInes do the disappears. Such a vIvId illustration portrays a mother's
punishIng. Although punishment Is an extemal thing, it love for her children as well as her understanding of the
affects what Is insIde. The Inner lInes represenl the power need for punishment as an educational measure.)))
that can overcome darkness.)
 [21J - Shih Ho (BIttng Through Hardship] 331
330 Hexagram [21J
One has unexpected good fortune. The hard, drIed
The and kind often appear to be soft and
vIrtuous meat tums out to be a pIece of gold, which means that
weak; however, courage can transform gentleness
moral one transforms difficulty into great fortune.
into the Wghest form of power and dectstveness. Since The fifth line Is in a position of rIghteousness and Its
the second line ts a yIn line in the correct position. It
strength and power are applied in a balanced and just
naturally does what Is rIght. Therefore. there Is no marmer. The 1 Ching encourages one to confront the dtfil-
problem.) culty as requJred. It can be totally dissolved If the correct
energy Is applied without intimidation until victory Is
LINE 3: \"One biles through preserved meat and achieved.
encounters poison. There is a little trouble, but things will
LINE 6: \"The ears also have shackles on t.hem. One
be aU right.\"
no longer hears good advice.\
This faces the darkness
weak line of the top line and
this the shackles covering ears are
chewing meat which is no longer fresh, becoming
In position, the
symbolizes
by It. The individual in this situation, aware that probably the result of one's own doing. One Ignores the
poisoned
good advice avat1able and rushes into trouble.
the \"meat\" Is not good. continues to eat II anyway. The following Is approprIate to this situation:
This third line uses the ''wrong'' method to correel the saying
\"You have ears but cannot hear; you have eyes but cannot
stubborn evil al the top and therefore tasles the \"polson.\" see.\" One imprIsons oneself by Ignoring
or crIticism to good advice and
This means that one tJies to give admonitions while there
someone whose darkness Is already very deeply rooted. To
discipline. Stop this foolishness Immediately
Is sUll a chance.)
continue this will only lead to trouble for everyone involved.
Surely the wise would throw the \"poison\" away without
hesltationl

LINE 4: \"One biles on bone a

wilh little meat andfl11ds a SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
metal arrow. Although this IS certainly a difficult task, to
\
f=e the challenge will bring good fortune. PERSONAL FORTUNE: Good luck; your tnfluence rIses
MARRIAGE: It can be achieved.but there will be many
The fourth line represents a dJillcult task or time, This Is quarrels.
like enjoying meat that Is next
to the bone until one finally
HOUSING/FAMll..Y: Danger. There ts the posstbility of fire,
meets the hardness of the bone. In this situation, problems CHll.DBIRTH: lf the baby Is bom in the autumn or win-
cannot be avoided and must be dealt with by \"biting through.\" ter. It will be a boy; If in the spring or summer, It will
Such action Is lIke 'biting the bullet.\" Keep a positive attitude be a gIrl.
toward overcoming the difficulty. To continue \"chewing\" Is WOKING FOR HELP: You need to ask two people. In
the necessaJ)' processof breaking through. the begInnlI1g, you are not successful. but finally you
\"Hardness\" is represented by a yang line in a yin position succeed.
or a positive person in a negative environment. Thus, one SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It can be achieved,
must face the problem directly and work through It complete- and the position will be
high one. a
ly. Overcoming the obstruction In this way will brIng good SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be found.
fortune.) WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come.
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST:
It was stolen; you
LINE 5: \"Biting dry meat, one fl11d.s When one need two people to look for It in the Southeast.
gold.
deals wilh In a balanced there Is no HUNTING FOR THIEVES: You can catch them in the
problems way.
faull.
\
busy streets of the city.
LAWSUIT: It ts justified.)))
 - Shih Ho 333)
[21[ (Bittng Through Hardship}
332 Hexagrwn [21[
Never. from beginning to end.
CLIMATE: There will be thunder and rain.
lose sighl oj this goal
TRAVEL: Good fortune. When your cuUivation is Jinally complete
Is a chance of fever and
DISEASE: Danger. There high
your merits and virtues will be many.
even madness.
PERSONAL WISH: If you hurry. you can
succeed. If you Always remember that
or dlsas- in the nothingness oj mind
desire only profil. you will meet with calamIty
teaches using the brightness the seed oj a whole being can be Jound)
ler. The entire hexagram
of the light and proceeding In a righteous manner.)

t --
--)
COMMENTARY)
Ll) Be)
When cuUivaling the Way.
rid yourse!( of illusion. Ab\037 . \037t\037IC(\\,qO\037)
Cast off the limitations
of the body and mind. GUIDANCE: \"BeautificatiDn. Proceeding wUh small matters
Do not get caught up in conjlids
between yourself and the world.
is profitable.\"

Only in this way In this hexagram. Fire Is at the foot of the Mountain.
can wOOIe and complelefreedombefound.)
The mountain Is an image of stillness. Flames contrtbute
to the beauty of this stillness In the vast wIldemess. True
Dissolve the d!fJerence
natural beauty is achieved through self-containment; there
between yourself and objects. is no superficial adornment In nature. Fire, set at the
No longer be bothered by color or form.
foot of the mountain. gIves warmth. grace and safety and
the dirty clothing
Remove
is a gesture of welcome and hospitality In ordinaIy life.
of your pain and bitterness. This hexagram is associated with art and civilization.
and your true nature will instantly appear.) the process of the refinement of natural life. On a social
level. Fire gIves light In order to conquer the darkness In
71wugh the Way is boundless.
people In the same way that It illuminates the dark sha-
persistence will deliver yOU dow of the mountain. Within an individual this I1gbt is
to the distant sOOre. the power that can drive away Inner darkness and guide
Continue onl one safely through a dark environment.
Do notstop before reaching your destinillion. One of self-discipline works on reftntng his character.
Succeed! while a shallow person seeks extemal adornment In order
And experience the indescnbable happiness of purily.) to express his value with such things as academ1cde-
grees.honors and other social decorations. Most people
Work nighl and day in your \037lTorts. !mow how to look better with superficial make-up. but few
Courageously f=e all tests and trials. !mow how to tntly beautify themselves by polishing and
Here and now surpass all distinctions improving their personality and virtue. Those of self-culti-
between yourself and Heaven. vation combine outer grace with Inner beauty. This is the
Then. in one final step. true beauty they reach for. Uke all adornments. the ben-
you will be able to cross efits of this hexagram are limited to small matters,)))
the bitter sea to the crystal shore.)
 1221 - Be CAdommentlBeautiftcallonJ 335)
334 Hexagram {22})

one does not use a misjudges him. but his honesty and frankness convince her
LINE 1: \"Strengthening one's toes. of his sincerlly. and he Is eventually accepted.
decora1ed carrtnge. but Instead goes by foot.\ U one must be adomed with somethmg. then let II be
and sincerlly. for they alone will overcome all
The toes are In the lowest position of the body and have of honesty
the funrUon of support. Here they symbolize the beginning appearances.)
People express theIr vanIty with which luxurtous
movement. LINE 5: \"A small garden. a modest house on a hill
vehiclesso thai the true function of theIr vehicles. are
and a gift taken to a wise one. These are the
only extensions of theIr feet.
becomes obscure. Peopleare simple
on which a and lasting relationship are
more willing to spend lime In decorating theIr vehIcles things happy
often based.\
than in strengthenIng theIr feel by walking. And what have
they gained? Even the most luxurious
vehicle cannot replace Be content with a simple garden and house. Comfort
a healthy pair of feel. does not come from luxuries. The most valuable things in
he is momentarily life are peace and safety, Indeed what they bring is true
LINE 2: \"Bem..t1ifyin9 his mustache,
happlnessl)
cheered up,\"
a mustache. Instead. LINE 6: \"Decoration is not needed when one is
\"Manliness\" is not expressedby and simple, Thus, there is no blame.\
plain

righteousness, broadmIndedness. bravery. straightforward-

ness and other virtues are the natural attributes of
man- Maintain sImplicity. Why must we have titles or be-
manhood. Teenage boys often attempt to express Decorations are not needed
hood by growing a mustache, but In reality cultivating vIr- long to special organizations?
the symbols to prove that one person is better than another. Instead.
tue is much more important than cultivating
one should be what one really is. Thus, one remains
of manhood.) \\)
completely unaffected by the world and keeps the whole-
and refreshing ness of one's being.)
LINE 3: \"Continuously beaut!/ying
oneself can bring good fortune unless one's virtue is
covered by adornments.\

Civilization. education and religion can enhance a person.

provided they are the results of a sincere search for personal SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
growth. However. the beauty of what is real and natural
should never be replaced by something that Is merely decora- PERSONAL FORTUNE: There will be some obstacles, and
tive. Since this strong line is between two gentle lines. It is will not go as desired. The correct thing to do
things
Inlluenced positively by what Is above and below.) is move away.
MARRIAGE: The begInning will be successful. but the
LINE 4: 'With white hair and a white horse, he comes marriage wIll finally end in divorce.
to court the lady. He is suspect in the beginnmg. but is CHR.DBIRTH: Not very peaceful.
acceptedlater.\" WOKING FOR WORK: Hurry up.
ELECTION: it wIll take a long time to accomplish.
The expresses /rankness. Although
color while frankness TRADE/BUSINESS: Success.
and sincerity should be the highest values in life and in SEARCHINGFOR SOMEONE: You can meet them.
establishing relationships. most people evaluate others WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They wIll come.
according to their appearances. Such sincerity is exemplified WOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: it Is close to the
in the ima,ge of a white-haired man. on an unadomed horse. water and can be found)))
who approaches to court a young girl. At fIrst the girl)
 336 Hexagram /22/
be a family who
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They may
lives In the Northeast. If the fourth line Is the focus. they
will be harder to catch. Otherwise. they can be caught.
LAWSUIT:In the beginning there Is somehappiness: but --
--
In the end, somewony.
CLIMATE: It will rain.
It Is best to make peace. \037'l
--
--
--)
TRAVEL: Profitable. l?) pO)
DISEASE: Danger.
PERSONAL WISH: Difficulty.) .
eIW510n be-cLme-)

GUIDANCE: \"ErosioTL Now is not a good time nn. ,-

to go -..,.)
where.\"

COMMENTARY In this
The Light in Self-Cultivation)
hexagram, the Mountain is above Earth. This
image usually represents a stable condition. but here the
energy is. ascending
and the yin is descending. This
The goal of self-cultivation Is to retum to one's natural yang
that smce the su=1t Is the base
cultivating the self,one can see one's
suggests without support,
state of purity. Through of the Mountain is naturally Where there is only one
erodIng.
true nature by the light of one's own wllolding intelligence. line above five yin lines, there can be
no intera\037tion' .
Turn Inward and examine Follow what yang
every part of yourself. therefore, the result is one of separation or splitting apart.
is right. eliminate what is wrong. All tlUngs depend upon the l11Jshexagram depicts the time of sunset. The following
of one's will and the will of the subUe realm. Do the is
hannony Revival. five yinlines above one yang line and
best you can, and leave the result to the subUe realm. hexagranl.
Maintain strict discipline in all circumstances. RelinquIsh represents sunrise or a time for renewal. Decline is associat-
ed with the months. of October/November when yin energy
worldly ambitions and abandon worldly cares. Do not live a has almost reached ItS fullest and Autumn makes the transi-
shallow life. To be awakened to the path and still adhere to
is disastrous. tion into WInter. Renewal Is ass()('iated with the months of
your old. InferIor habits
December /Januarywhen the yang energy first starts to assert
Still the mind and its passionate nature. Leam to say
You will receive itself again. It is good to remember that. in a situation of de-
\"no\" to friends and especially \"no\" to yourself.
cline, the condition will always change to one of revital.i7..ation
strength from conquering an overwhelming desire. It might
and renewed
seem easIer 10 straighten the windIng rivers or flatten tall growth.
mountains than 10 alter the disposition of a rigid mind. The five ytn lines of this hexagram can be thought of as
evil or negative force, while the top yang line ts tile single
Regulate your temper and cultivate your heart. \037
With undaunted detennination. one can becomea tnle lorce of virtue. Any situation Ulat has one portion of virtue
and has combined with five portions of evil Is a dangerous one. Every-
immortal being if one has worked on self-cultivation
transfonned oneself to a 1D0re subUe level of pure existence in one must face the tnevitability of decline at certain tinies in
have the polentlal to their lives one cannot always expect to rtse but decline gives
body. mind and spirit. Human beIngs
evolve to tills higher fonn of life.) way to renewal, like a bare tree blossomtng tn the Sprtng. Po
thus guIdes us to an understanding of the causes of decline i
and erosIon and how to deal with them.
The single yang line cannot withstand tile advancIng \\

negative force. In such an overwhelnilng slluattoll. one I

should gather one's energy and 1I0t confront the evil direcUy. I

StorIng energy in dU1kult times enables one 10 prepare I\037r \\

renewal.)
I)))
 /23} - Po [Erosion/Decline) 339)
338 Hexagram [23[)

virtue. because During times of erosion. the third line is not an un-
Never compele with persons of inferIor
demllning Influence like the others becauseit corresponds to
doing so gives Ulem Ule opportmllty to Lmdennine you. Also.
the top yang line. Among all five yin lines. only \\he U1Ird can
when interacting wiUl Ulem. remaJn detached from personaJ
to and thus
respond the top maintain nonnalCy. A \"pearl\" is
credit or mertt. TIlereIs no need 10 broadcast what you have
done. By claiming credit, create enemies and even- . found among the \"swine.\"
you onJy \\he ytn lines to hanll \\he
hann yourseli.
Though wish top line, Ule third
tually
times, one should remain especially line ts able to stay removed from evil. Thus. his light has not
DUling \037avorable
been extinguished by environmental inlluences Ilke \\hat of \\he
grounded. Even when feeling fully supported by other people.
one should not get caught up in a struggle wiUl negative ener- others.)
gy. Negative energy can be found not onJy m one's environ-
LINE 4: \"Erosion has developed close to the skin of one
ment. but also in an emotional state or during a pertod of who on the bed. Disaster is near.\
mental One who lives a life that follows the sleeps
seli-deception.
fundamental integral path develops gentleness and seli-
The erosive force has developed from the bottom three VIII
containment. TIllis.no negative force can destroy his balance
and composure. lines until It now directly attacks \\he body. How can danger
Problemsarise when do not see a situation
people clearly. be ignored?)
In this case. struggle is and a waste of energy beca USe
useless
all efforts are In vain. By beIng composed and attlllled to the LINE 5: \"A group oj maids. like a school oj Jish. is guided
to the palace. TIl.ereis noftiction.\
reality of the cIrcumstance. it is possible to act in accordance
with it. Not dIrectly confronting evil in these cIrcumstances
does not mean admitting defeat but is simply \\he only stra- Because \\he fifth line is dosest to \\he yang energy. Its
\\hat will assure victory in the long run. This is the basic quality ts changed. Even \\hough \\here is only one yang line.
tegy
sphitual principle for handling all confrontation and strong the entire situation can be hannonized bv the
negativity.) broadmindedness of \\he fif\\h line. It is able to orgaI1u.e the
other four lines to serve \\he yang line and thus \\here is no
LINE 1: \"Erosion at the legs oj the bed. Some danger.\" friction.
During times of moral corruption, nonnal human nature
The fIrst is usually eroded. 111e arrogance of moden.
suggests that the feel of \\he bed by which
line severely people
one is supported are beginning to be lllldennined. The image who are aggressive and deny \\he divine order of a hannonious
of a bed Is used because it is during sleep that we are most unlverse is an exampleof this corruption. Only the developed
vulnerable to negative tnlJuences. ThIs line represents the few of seIf-awareness. represented by the fifth line. follow the
begtnnlng of danger and WaIT\\S that one should be cautious of dIvine universal law during times of corruption aIld
a shaky fOlllldation in one's social. financIal or general condi- recommend that others do \\he sanle.)
tion of liIe.)
LINE 6: \"Only remains on the tree. \037rt!wre is
one .Irui1
LINE 2: \"Erosion at the upper par! oj the bed's legs.
olle qIgreat virtue position. he will acquire a wagon
in this
Danger\ by aceep/ing suppor1Jrom others. An ordinary person will
lose his house by aceeptmg the erosiveityluenee.\
Hann moves doser. When people are cruel, why stay
close to them? Perhaps one is sull \"sleeping\" or one's visIon Image of a tree Is symbol.U..d
The by all tlle IIn..s of this
ts covered by the clouds of selfish desire. BV wisWi.d think- h..xagram. Ev..ry frull has fallen olr the tree but one, whleh
ing. the mind provides an opportLmily for those of inferior represents one's last chance. If s....ds Me preserved when
virtue to come closerand closer.) crops are bad and famine ts present. a chan,-e for sluvlval
sUIJ exists, but U' Instead people are self-tndulgent and ..at)))
LINE 3: \"He is the only good one during times of erosion\
 {23J - Po {Erosion/Decline} 34 J)
340 Hexagram {23J

LAWSUIT: In the beginning some money Is lost. but final

the seeds of their revItalization. their way Is darna\037ed and made.
times ly peace will be
their likelihood of survIvaJ Is greatly dlmlnJshed. Many If you expect the weather to be fine. it will
not knowtng how to preserve
CLIMATE:
people exhausl themselves by rain. If you expect bad weatller. it will be fine.
for revIvaJ: thus. they lessen their
the last of their energy TRAVEL: It Is only good to travel with a companion at
chances for survIval. this time; do not go alone.
nus is the time for one to fall In order to begin growtng DISEASE: Someimplication of death.
of a fruJt which have fallen 10 earth.
again. like the seeds O,?e
m pERSONAL WISH: If your wish is connected with
should not fear the fall but instead should have courage then there may be some success. Others will
money.
order 10gather energy for revIvaJ. Preserve the seeds and rool
so be aware.)
continuous-
ly give you trouble,
of your life. nus Is the only way to change misfortune good
to

forlune. The danger that bothered you In the beginning is no

longer a worry. nus same prtnclple applies to self-cultivation

for longevity and spIritual immortalily.)
COMMENTARY)

Do not mistake false illusions for realitY.

Cast your light within
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE to look at your own rejlection.
Not very good. Your outlook may
Worldly affairs are but empty dreams.
PERSONAL FORTUNE:
All the weaUh in the world
appear good but It is actually empty. is not worth any more
If you are female. the man will bring you
MARRIAGE:
are a man. the woman will bring you than one strand of your hair.)
harm. If you
harm. Where a being of wholeness comes from
HOUSING/FAMILY: If you are contemplating buying a
a simple. temporary can only be seen with a mind that is pure.
house. you should Instead find
Rid yourself of all thoughts and mental activity
dwelling like an apartment. Do not leave your own
house at this time. and behold the origin of goodness.
CHlLDBffiTH: nus may be the third delivery and may al-
so be a premature birth. There will be shock at the Retreat. pull back. corifine yourself,
delivery. keep still your mind.
WOKING FOR WORK: Big thJngs cannot be acWeved. and the outer world's temptations
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Although there is will meU like ice.
dJ1ficulty In the beginning. finally there Is some Control each subtle square inch of your mind,
acWevement. The rewards do not last long. Eliminate mental conjUsions;
TRADE/BUSINESS: capital is large
If your and you can many there are.
gather many goods. there will be some profit. Preferences
and other worldly dyes
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are diIDcult to find. stain your body and mind.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come. This situa- Though it is d!lficult at first to disCipline yOUTself
tion is like ripe fruit that is ready to fall from the Iree. good habits. onceformed. corne naturally.
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: There Is not much You will be rewarded for your discipline.
chance of recovering it. truly and completely.
HUNTING FOR TffiEVES: They are In the Southwest. If The happiness which will corne to surround you
you wish to get thJngs back. there is much difficulty.) is unspeakable.)))
 /24J - Fu (Revlval/ RenewaQ 343)
342 Hexagram [23[
beneath the earth\" can also apply to the awakenlng of people
Once you no longer JoUow who are III \"hlbemation\" as a result of selfishness. narrow-
the moving stream oj your consciousness, and negativity In order for them to retum
the rounds oj life and dea1h will be to the
broken. 1\\1lndedness

Take leave oj Jalse phenomena. positive sphere. If one's motivation is correct. righteousness
the supporting power that can help one overcome
Swpass all Jorm and you wul discover becomes
that realiJ:y is the subtle nature obstaclesand thus retum to the natural path of life.
is everywhere, yet nowhere to be seen. The yang line Is like a seed whIch has fallen to the
that
Follow realiJ:y like a road ground. All re.ival needs a foundation from which to grow.
by cultivating your trueness. The essence within the shape or shell of the seed is the real
Leave the limited concepts oj Jorm. root or \"splIit\" of life. WIthout splIit. there cannot be renewal.
and so progreSs toward the invisible, aIId without a peaceful environment. nothing can grow.
eternal infmi1ude. At this stage of renewal. yang energy as the main life force
The Sacred Method is simple; Is weak. However,this position does not hinder one's prog-
the seed needs only to be molded.) resS. Remember that. when negative yin energy, which is an
obstacle for the life force, reaches its extreme. It creates an
opportunity for positive yang energy to retum. In the previ-
ous hexagram, \"ErosIon or Decline.\" the yin energy that was
--
-- nearing completion was In control of the situation. In such a
tl --
--
--) situation. one cannot
one'S energy Inward
stop the force of erosion; one must
to prepare for the renewal
pull
that is to fol-
24) J:U) low. But In this hexagram, negativity is giving way to llght.
This Is the Heavenly Way. There has never been any evil force
which has succeeded In completely eliminating the retum of
kWlva,L' Renewal) the light. ThIs Is called Taoor the subtle universal law.)

GUIDANCE: \"RevivaL Proceed wlilwut harm and with

friends. The beginning oj a new.

cycle comes
\"on
the LINE 1: \"Renewal. lfone does not stray tooJar. return to
seventh day, One is benefited by gom!} somewhere. the righ1 path will be easy and without remorse, Good
fortwte, One should practice se!fcultivation:')
this Thunder Is below Earth. At this
In hexagram,
time, negative yIn energy is beginning to
decline and posi- When one has lost something, whether It be clarity of
tive yang energy is returning. Thunder grows and breaks mind, money, opportunity or love, this line signifies the time
through all obstacles; even Earth cannot stop Its explosive is appropriate to let the period of loss or suffering end and
nature. This symbolJzes revival and is a good time to
return to normal.)
gather supportive energy.
ThIs hexagram is like the sun which moves across the
both a
LINE 2: \"Easy restoralion. GoodJortUTle,\
sky from sunrise to sunset. Each line represents
dJ1ferent time of the day and a dJ1ferent day In the seven The second line Is gentle and close to
the first line, which
day cycle. The first line is the seventh day. When a new
becomes Us model. When line sees tllal the first
the second
cycle begins, the second line becomes the first line of that line returns, It follows. There Is good fortl.Ule when one Is
cycle. (SeeFigure 102.1
inspired by the IIUlocence or purtty of others. To return to
During the cycle of the seasons, many animals and In-
first clap of thunder one's own nature is the true revival.)))
sects hibemate In winter until the
awakens them In the spring. Thus, they move from hiber-
nation Into a time of renewal. The clap of \"thunder)
 l241 - FU (Revlvall Renewal) 345)
344 Hexagram l24})

one is unable to maintain relies on war rather !han on !he

practice of virtuous actions.
LINE 3: mistakes.
\"Repeating Thus. It flI1ally suffers a serious defeat like all tragic historical
Not good. but also no great
figures who resort to violence.
normalcy. problem\
The attitude of !he top line not only spells disaster for !he
The third line Is a yin line In a yang position; !herefore. it lI1d1vidual. but for !he whole world. The history of humanity
is weak and vacillales. Ii wishes 10 Improve bulls too trusla-
of this hexagram Is Is evidence of this tru!h and the need for renewal.)
ble to do so. SlI1ce!he
main dIrection
Is some mo-
light and goodness. even though
toward there
mentary waverIng. !here Is no greal humiliation.)

LINE 4: \"Independently. follow the right way.\

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)

This Is a beaulifulline. Ii is among four o!her yin lines

FORTUNE: Good luck It will be
but Is !he on1y one !hat responds to the first line. All Its com-
PERSONAL will come.
more profitable to awaitIt quietly.
rades have strayed from !he right pa!h. However. It has the MARRIAGE: There can be success for a while. but
Independence and sound Judgment to follow !he correct way the marriage will split up.
eventually
and Is uninfluenced by its peers.) If there is some
HOUSING/FAMILY: disharmony within a
5: to the right path. No remorse family. !he situation can be
improved in !he springtime.
LINE \"Sincerely return CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. If !he fourth line
with self-rejlectiDn.\
Is emphasized.!here will be danger for !he mo!her.

The position of the fifthIs high and is also the center

line LOOKING FOR WORK: You will be successful.
line of !he' top trigram. Although In a position of respect. Ii SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It is hard to achIeve.
can still be humble. Ii has the capacity for reflection and can TRADE/BUSINESS: There is difficulty; !here is conllict
to !he correct pa!h. Therefore. !here is no diffi- with ano!her person.
easily return
Ii earnestly admIts its mIstake and decides to return to SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: You do not need an intermedi-
culty.
!he right path.) ary.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come.
LINE 6: \"Falally losing oneself. there is no retum to the LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be found in
right path. One is dangerously heading toward disaster.- the East.
If one insists on using the anny. one will be defealed. and HUNTING FOR There Is no definite place where
THIEVES:
i1 will take ten years to recover the losses.\ they arethus. It Is difficult
hiding; to catch them.
LAWSUIT:You can be the winner.
The positive inlluence Is too far away from the SIxUI line. CLIMATE: There will be sudden rains altemating with
which Is I\037norant and stubbom. It continues to engage In good weather.
harmful habits and follows the wrong path. There Is no TRAVEL: Go to the North fITst. then to the Southwest.
chance of Its coming back, and It Is lost. This calamity Is self- DISEASE: Presently there Is danger. but you will get well.
created and will also Invite response through natural calamI- PERSONAL WISH: It can be achieved.)))
ty. If It has faith In violent conquest. It will surely destroy
itself.
111e top line Is usually the position associated with ex-
tremes. However, If one can stop before reaching an extreme
and be humble In seeking the right path without resorting to
force. there will be good fortune. Hut the chances are that)
 /25/- Wu Wan (Innocence/UneJ<1'eCled 347
l-luppeningl
346 Hexagram [24})
Wu Wan
de.als
WiU1 Ole ocC'uITcn(:es in hurnan life which
COMMENTARY one Sometimes Lhey are beneficial and
are be\037()nd c,?ntrol.
\037
Self-IntegratioD) not. called this hexagram
so\\lleLuues
I1us.'s \037hy \037heancients
ha I-'peJUng or 'tnnocence.\"
Becoming splrilually inlegrated means glvJng up false \"unexpecLed
good tlllngs corne to passbecause
conceplual beliefs and keeping one's Lrue
nature Many we plan for them.
deeply
The following will good thtngs also come to pass when we are guileless
connected with the universe. guidelines Mau\037
and Inno('enl of {\"ircumslances. However. Ihere are other
help your seU-revIvaJ:) times when Innocence is a source of diITiculLy because il is
there Is no separation. Lo the dangers 1l1at lie ahead.
body so
bliud
1. Unify the mind and
l11ere is aL times a mystical power behind tlllmder. 111is
2. Concentrate on Inner vitality and on becoming pliant. like can be verilled when one has attained sulTidenL spiritual
a baby. achievernent. Gf'nerally. innocenct\" is a great virtue. fOf\" it is

to reach Immaculate dose to naLure. buL one should und..rsLand LhaL Illere are Lwo
3. puriJy your inner vision in order
kinds of innocen('e. One is the innocence of a child whn lacks
accuracy. true knowledge. This is \\lot the kind of innocence IllaL
4. Love all people and govem them with serviceable virtue developed ones strive for. whil\"h is the restored puriLy of the
instead of resorting to the worldly approach of force. Universal Way alLer one has experience and knowledge of all
Lhings. TIlOugh developed people have tlle capaciLv Lo do or
5. Be receptJvewhen the Heavenly door opens and closes.
know negative things. Illey choose to relllain innO<.-e\037t and ab-
ThJs brings forth the subtle changes that appear in the stain from them. This is the kind of innoCencethat is truly
physIcal world. valuable. In order to overcome wlhealLhy desires. tempta-
6. Be crystal clear. WIth an Innocent mind.) tions and impuls..s.one musl have knowledge of Illem. TI1US.
retun1ing to naLural innocence Is the re;'ull of complet..
order to lIve with knowledge. cwtivation and spiritual development and is quile
7. Keep your mind and life unoccupied in
naive or ignorant innocence.
differenl [rom
youthful.
the reality of each new moment.) The lUliverse is very responsive 10 one's energy. 11 is Lhe
power behind the force of retribution. 11lerefore. on.. must
always Lry to mainLain virtue. Rewards and punislurlenLs.
.1t.-i- whether vIsLble or invisible. are usually by one's
--
--) own thoughls
instigated
and behavior. In oU1er words. we are our own
2'5) tVU wan) executioners and our OWl1 benefadors. This subtle law is the
invisible sovereLgnof all life and is noL cOlUlecif'd Lo any code
of socialmorallty.
. Develop an awareness ofLh.. suhlk universal 1.l\\Y and
.ooorence une-XpOC\037 hawerum;) follow Ule Irue knowledge. Cultivale vuLu... for it is mor..
powerful Ulan any nalural phenomenun and Ls the gr\".llesl
GUIDANCE: \"One meets the unexpected with innocence. It
to proceed.and insurance againsL natural calam.ily.)
Is good if one remains vtrtuous, it will be
beneficial Otherwise, it will be disastrous,\
LINE 1: \"Guilelessness brings good.lortune:')
In this hexagram. Heaven Is above Thunder. Thunder
w1ll
Is neither controllable nor and can be either Wilh innocence .u1d siJll'crlly. one's intentions b..
predictable
beneficial or destructive. Sometimes It brings needed ram pure and one wHl b.. able to .\\II.1LI1 one's gml\\. 11le Ilrst lint: Is

other times a yang Une. SUll'e yang Is Iht: energy of mUVt:llwnl.)))

II brtngs lightning which can strike people \037 energy
houses and create unexpected disaster.)
 [25] . Wu Wan [Innocence/Unexpected Happening) 349
348 Hexagram [25/)
LINE 5: \"Unexpected sickness. No medicine is needed.)
lhisline needs 10 go forward. When one moves with good eventuaUy comes.\"
Happiness
mlenUons and slncertty. th..re wIll be no problems. This Is
the power of rtghteousness.) The literal translation of this line Is. 'The sickness Is
merely false and confusing symptoms.\" Because the fifth line
2: 'There can be no harvest where one has not been
LINE Is a healU1Y yang line and Is In the right postuon. shadowy
tWing and weeding. II is profr1able 10 go
ahead only if obstacles cannot really affect him. Some trouble happens.
there is nO scheming.\ bul It turns out to be a surprtstngly good ending.
One should be diligent In one's work. especially mindful of
with the har-
LINE 6: \"Be stiU, Any action you take will result in
tilling and weeding. but not overly concemed
disaster. No profr1.\
vest. By tending the fields. the crops will grow. This line
shows the Importance of remaining steadfast In one's work. One who Is ignorant and ambitious wIll Inevitably
been done. Invite
rather than stopping to measure how much has trouble. Because the top line Is far from the center and there
Peoplefrequently like to measure more than they like to work. to wIll
is no place go. further movement bring misfortune.)
Bewhere you are now.)
LINE 3: \"Unexpected trouble. Someonekeepsan ox in
another's village and a traveler takes i1 away. II then
becomes troubleJor the viUagers.\ SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
ThIs third a yin line In a yang position.
line is The line to
PERSONAL FORTUNE: It appears good.
which it relates at the top Is alsoIn the wrong position; there- Though you
have a lotof money. you are sometimessick becauseof
fore. there is trouble. ThIs is Illustrated by the example of
difficulty with your spouse. A third person has trouble
someone leaving an ox on your property and someone else
for his ox and
which Involves you. and lhJs troubles
taking it away. The first person returns looking
you.
MARRIAGE: It can be achieved and wIll be successful.
doesnot accept the explanation that you do not know where the family will \037ow.
HOUSING/FAMILY: Prosperity;
it is. ThIs Is called \"undeseIVed misfortune.\"
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. If it is a girl. the
A Chinese proverb says. 'When you pass by a melon field,
mother will have difficulty.
avoid trouble by not bending down to tie your shoe laces!
LOOKING FOR WORK: In spring and summer, it can be
When you pass by a plum tree, do nol raise your hands to
correct the posItion of your haU\" One should avoid unneces- successful. In auhunn and winter. it wIll not be success-
ful. If you depend on a woman. there wIll be an obstacle.
sary suspicion. In such situations, arguments are not very
effective.) SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: II' you depend on
yourself. do not go any further. If you depend on out-
incurs noJaul1.\ side help. It may be achieved.
LINE 4: \"Having no guile
TRADE/BUSINESS: It will be beneficial and profitable In
One blaIIle because one Is virtuous
is free from and the Ion!!: run.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Do not look by yourself.
restrains impulsive movement. By keeping oneself upright,
one can savemuch unnecessary trouble and be efficient In all WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come
aspects of life. A yang line finds Itself In a yIn position wlU1 LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be fO\037U1d' but
two related strong lInes In the first and the fifth positions do not ask for help Ii-om women.
respectively. In a situation like lhJs. maIntaining oneself In a HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding In a church In
sImple way is approprIate.) the SouU1west and can be caught.)))
 1251 - Wu Wan (Inrwcence/Un\302\243Xpected Happening) 351
350 Hexagram 1251)
The strugglefor supremacy
LAWSUIT: Keep peace. destroys one's high spiritual quality.
It will rain. If the
CLIMATE:If the firslline Is emphasi7..ed, When living with others, keep peace.
second line is emphasized. It will be windy. When living alone, beware of negative thoughts.
TRAVEL: Do nol hesilate. Never commit fcuili.s because you consider them small
Ole beginning.
DISEASE: There seems to be danger and in
Thunder Indl..
but finally there Is safety. As Heaven When nature sends calamity.
will be more dan-
cate masculine energy. This condition it is still possible to escape;
for women. When one creates the calamity oneself.
gerous if you
PERSONAL WISH: The time has not yel come; one has to suffer the consequences.
hurry. nothing can be achieved.) Prevent disease by taking good care
of yourself when heal1hy.
Do not treat anyone or anything wi1h ind!1Jerence.
Your behaviDr has serious consequences
COMMENTARY to your health. YOUT fwni1y and yoUT very life.
The Non-Glaring Light of True Wisdom) One who is noble in spirU.
does not covet what others take pride in:
First know that wi1houl chaUenges, their things, their occupatiDns.or their interests.
one cannot becomea sage. if you see something you like.
Witlwut undaunted determination restrain the desire;
w walk the right way, foUow what is wi1hin YOUT own nature.)
one cannot attain true wisdom.
One slwuld gwe up strange paths
and return w the plain truth oj nature.)

Flowery words are not w be trusted,

1:-1; --
--)
for the truth is simple and unadorned.
Never tire of studying life.
ga1her your chi
26) ax., ch'u.)
Ceaselessly
and keep i1 whole.
Essence, chi and spirU
are the three jewels oj life.
q\037 AtT}MStnefK)

When chi is high,

over all
GUIDANCE: \"Be.firrnly corruni1ted to your goal TIlis IS not the
one Can triwnph negativity: lime to keep to but to enga\0371<' in advemure.\
onese!J:
When it is low.
one will be prey w it.)
Great Amassment refers to the gaUlenng of \\'anous fonns
of energy and the need lo ('ontrol them. The methods of
Only wi1h developed spiri1ual eyes ('ontrol are the domestication of animals, as
can one discern the marrow oj wisdom symholized by
in oneself and others. depidedin lines luur and five.

One must meditate and cultivate onese!fJor many

Ch'u, Heaven is below and Ih.. MUlUllain is above.
In Ta
years
The sIgn of Heaven
expresses health.\", Iurward llI()\\ing, ,\\<\"tlve
before experiencing the high mysterious IT\\teUigence,
The MountaIn remains still. holding togelhel\". OlliS.
Self-cultlva1lon ennobles one's personality. energy.
the pmgresslve yang ener\037' of Heaven is resll\"ained L>v the
Keep yOUT senses in per:.lect quietness.
inactive yin energy of the Mountain. This indit\"ates a 'weat)))
Do not contend wi1h anyone.)
 1261- Ta Ch'u lGrea! Amassment) 353
352 Hexagrcun 1261)
In the ninth hexagram. one weak yin line holds five strong
Ihat is bein\037 dammed up.
yang lines together. Thus. there Is a small amassmem. But
accLUnulation of enerro'. like water
Front the Mountain. one call learn 10 rt\"lllain rahn and U1US
in this hexagram the centered. gentle energy of the fifth line.
Beaven. By following the
reta1n the stron\037. moving energy of
and along with the cooperation of the fourth line, extends strong.
will Increase datly
example01 tile Mutmtaln. one's virtue
positive control which leads to greal amassment.
progress will be endless. There are advantages in working collectively and short-
Atllassin\037 posiUve energy nu:,\"alls gathering persuna] In working IndivIdually. In relation to the whole. no
virtue. lualf'lial support. infonllalJon and kIlowledge. co\037ngs
one s energy should be wasted. Even an obnoxious
of nalural We Is real knowledge and Is
lull of bene-
Knowledge
this knowledge is not obtamed h-om
aggressive person c\037 make a great general on a remote fron\037
rklal power. However. from that tier border. A leader s responsibility is to l.U1lte the
energies
books. TIle ancient sages resp..rtedand I..amed and make everyone useful. Since the leader is far from the
Is lIving by bein\037 with natur... Their inluiUon was
assistanls
whIch
people. able and secondroy leaders must be care-
had an awar..ness of tile pIindples
highly developed and they liv..s by Iheir highly fully chosen to assist In controlling the masses. If such im-
of th.. nal ural subtl.. law. Guided in tllf'lr elements are
i\\llultion. they naturally Iul\"W what would succe..d portant properly controlled. then all parts can be
developed united.)
or fail.
TIl.. principles of tltis hexagram can be appli..d prnrt\037c\037dly
LINE 1: \"There is d!/1i.culty if one goes forward: first be
who follows the Universal Way 01 hVlllg.
by a leader or by one peaceful wUh oneself.\
A group is an accumulation of similar and dissimilar energies.
In order to put these dilIerin\037 energies to positive use. the
toward a common goal. If people The first IS restrained
line by the fourth. The upper
group lIluSt work collectively trigram restrainsthe movement of the lower.
do not cultivate and focus their energies whil.. working togetil-
hecomes scattered and This Is the time for self-cultivauon. Do not waste energy.
er. th..ir potential for achievement
Such b..havior is like electricity: if the You are like a young boy who has an abundance of energy but
their elIorts useless. to utilize It constructively.
wires are not connected to the generator. light is not pro- insufficient knowledge There is
duced. TIle sam.. pIinciple applies to water.
lOt is not prop- nothing beneficial In your actions al this early stage. Thus.
erlv controlled. it will either evaporale or flood Us banks. One you are most successful when you keep to yourself and do not
ofihe highesl principles of natural law is to maintain balance. press forward.)
In the Tao Teh Chmg. \"1\\ is benelicial to reaeh
for
As stated
on.. thing at a time: it Is confusing to grasp many things all at LINE 2: \"The wagon goes smoothly if pmper balance is
once.\"
maintained. \
This hexagram leaches how to amass positive ener!tvand
how to help people develop collectively in a positive direction. The line corresponds to the fifth and IS like a wild
second
Its two vin line\" fundion like a dam thai contains water or a boar that by the leader In the fifth position, The
IS restrained

corral thai con lines cattle. 11letr main purpose is to accumu- second.as the strong axle. holds the wheel of a carnage. A
late ener/{Y and make it useful.
carriage can make no progress if the control syslem IS poor.
The sixth lin.. is at the top of tll.. Mountain.
There. high One should now exercise self-restraint and be centered.)

ener/{Y has been accwnulaled:

wllh such \"strong capilaJ.\"
correct action can be taken to achieve the fullest prosperity. LINE 3: \"After training the horse weU. you may cautiously
The fjft1] line is the central cO\\llToller. The fourth line is the pursue your goaL\
line in gatherinj1; the
trustworthy helper who assists the linh
TIl'e seeond line serves as an able helper who controls The aggressive 01lrd line at the lop of the lower Irtgram IS
ener/{Y.
the lower part of the hexagram. 1\\ Int..grates the power of disciplined by O]e restraining force of the upper trigram.
each posillon into the whole. like threO'lds interwoven 10 make MountaIn. Although lhls line IS simtlar to th.. Ilrstl1ne. here
a fine 0/ doth or spokes that eurllprise
piece
a wheel.) the energy Is stronger and the reslraintis greater. Sincethis)))
 /26/ - To Ch'u (GreaJ AmassmentJ 355)
354 Hexagram /26/)

order. one will be able to achieve one's goal and thus experi-
line represents the mind. it Is like a wild horse thai. must be ence success.
tamed. Only when it Is Linder conlrol can it be uselw. As a rule. when a hexagram Is applied to the splritual
First learn 10 harness the wUd horse. Later. when the
of an individual or group. the lower two I.\\nes rep-
reins are properly controlled. one will be able to ride
weli. cwtivation
mallers with caui.lon. resent physIcal energy. the nuddle two l.Ines represent menial
Avoid rusWng into aci.lvlties; approach
Premature attempts at this time will only energy and the upper two l.Ines represent splritua1 energy.
and persevere. The lower two l.Ines can also represent Earth. the middle two
cause lrouble.)
lines humanity and the upper two l.Ines Heaven. It is valuable
a headboard on bulls bring good to use these principles In one's interpretation on the right
LINE 4: \"Pulting YOWlg
occasIon.)
resul1s:')
The fourth l.Ine begins to reslrain the lower. slrong yang
l.Ines as they tIy to advance. TI1efourth line represents a
board that Is placed over the developing horns of a YOWlg bull SPECIFIC
In order to guide Us growth. Without restraint. the bull's GUIDANCE)

sharp horns will develop into dangerous weapons.

This l.Ine
be practiced from the PERSONAL FORTUNE: This Is not a very good time Fol-
recommends that fonns of discipl.lne
In order to encourage the growth of virtuous lowing a period of two years (indicated by the fourth and
very beginIling fortwle and will be attained.
fifth lines). good
qualities. Here. in its application to human relationships. the blessings

l.Ine is a p;reat helper who assists the fiftb line to Your personal wish can be accomplIshed.
fourth
establish constructive leadership.) MARRIAGE: Although marriage can be successful in its
early stages. it will eventually end in separation.
The HOUSING/FAMILY: Live close to mounl.ains or hills.
LINE 5; \"17te tusks of a castrated boar are troned.
herd is under control. Good. fortune.
\ Furthennore. there will be prosperity for your family.
CHll..DBIRTH: Though the baby will be a boy. the deliv-
The fifth refers to restraint. especIally
l.Ine also to the ery Is dangerous.
control of Ilfowing The literal Chinese versIon says. LOOKING FOR WORK: Be patient; the job you want wtll
groups.
\"A gelded boar's tusks are good fortune.\" This l.Ine reslrains come later.
the growth of evil by gelding the boar. SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: You should w;ut
In the human sphere. the fifth l.Ine represents an able unW you are Utirty to be of service to your cOlmlrv.
leader who knows how to correcUy apply controls to himself TRADE/BUSINESS: Prosperity and big p\037oflts will be 'eamed
and his work. He knows how to \"geld\" disturbIng energy In three months or three years.
from any source.) SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: TIley can be found unless
Ule fourth l.Ine ts emphasized.
LINE 6: \"AlLaining greatness: Heavenly blessiIlg.\ WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will \\lot come.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHINGWST: TIle object is diJIlcult
Throughout each stage of this hexagram the yang energy to locak Initially. but after a lonp; pertod of lime. It can be
has been gathered and stored ThIs accumulated energy carl fmUld In the Northeast and close to water or II Illay sUIi
now be put to good use and difficulties overcome. True he tn YOlII\" hOllse.
achievement and enlightenment are possible only after the HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are In the Northeast ami
body. mInd and sptrH have been disciplined. The sixth line are peopleyou know. If the fourth lIne Is emphasIzed.
represents Heaven and Is the highest phase of energy trans- they be dI1lkuIl to call'h.
will
fonnation. By acting In accordance wtUl the naltlI\"a1 moml) LAWSUIT: In the bep;lnn.IJll!:. YOll feel confidence followed
by a pertod of anxiety: finally Ulere Is peaee.)))
 (26( - Ta Ch'u (Great Amassment) 357
356 Hexagram (26/)

Due to a greal accumulation of moisture. !her-I\" HenceJorth, we are awakened

.fmm the midst qf our dreWTL
CLIMATE:
will be r-aln lor- some time. there is nothing
A slow start brtngs good lor-tune. After awakening.
TRAVEL:
which can be recognized as ego.
DISEASE: Ther-e Is difficulty In unnation and elimination.
Is distended. The pmblem is dHflcllll to Deeply. .from our hearts. we olrer our lives
The abdomen in dedicalion to the reilltegralion
curt'.
WISH: Be cautious. Haste makeswaste.) o.f Heaven. Earth and Humankind:
PERSONAL
the spiritual integralion o.f the universe.
Every worldly deed, whether .for self or .for others
is dedicated as an q[reTing to the Subtle Origill.'
We offer our worship as a direct response.
COMMENTARY
Non-Possession) wilh absolute sillceTity to the Subtle Divine Realm.
All the shiens ill Heaven are OUT witnesses.
OUT resolution is as vast and deep
body you are using does not belong
TI1e to you.
as the mountaills and oceans.
Iiis the resuU qf the interaction oJ the chi
TIIUS, OUT hearts are moted.finnly.
qf light spirit QJld heavy physics. We never evade OUT responsibility out o.f greed.
One's spiritual nalure is handed down
Subtle Realm. because the net o.f Heavenly laws
Jmm the divine
cannot be escaped.
Why is it that we tead our lives
We always maintaill Heaven's ever-permeating,
in selfish delusions?
chi.)
Inthe midst oJ this material world. righteous

the deluded mind exhausts itself

by endlessly chasing ups, downs
gains and losses.
--
--
moment
TI1\302\243 the servant oJ death
it is too late to regret
knocks

that one's lije has been passed in vain.)

at the door,
27)
\037\302\245l

I)
--
--)
In earlier days. we were enlightened
by breakillg through our Ulusions ptWvlhlnq
noW{Jshm\342\202\254n\037)
wilh the help qf our masters.
Today we must strengthen our lije source anew
jj-om the root.) GUIDANCE: \"In nourishment. one should seek the right
nutTil./Dn and not be tempted by what others eryoy.\"
We bOTTOW this pure, clean. dwine essence
In this hexagr-am. Mountain Is above and Thunder- Is
Jrom Heaven. below. The Image Is tlmt of a mouth. The two yang lines,
It be retumed wilhout
should con/aminalion.
Do not stain It with dirt and.fUth one at the top and one at the bottom. r-epresent the upper-
or soil i1 wilh.llaws and cOlTuption. and lower- jaws. The y1n lines wIlhIn represent the cavtty
of the mouth and the teeth. 1'hrough the mouth. nourish-
1/ is WI allowance from Heaven ment begins.
and is handed to us for posilive use.
The ChInese wor-d \"I\" means sell-cultivation and nourlsh-
Only Joo/s try to possess il.) menl that Is obtained ..... is both spiritual
by living peacefully.
and material nutrlUon. The upper trigram represents lhe
nourlshmenl you give to others; the lower trigram rl\"presenls)))
 358 {27/ . 1 (Providing
Hexagram {27/) NOWishmentJ 359

The upper trigram The entire hexagram Is about

the now1shmenl you providefor yourself.
lDent Is obtained from
nourtshment. Nourtsh-
represents splIitual now1shment. the lower represents physi- quietude. healthy food and Inspir-
cal now1shment. The most beneficial now1shmenl Is that Ing speech. Providing nourtshment to all people
achievement. brings
which leads to having a peaceful life by living simply. high spiritual
To be peaceful Is to be supportive of yourself and others.
LINE 1: \"One gives that whlch
Physical nowishmenlls mInor compared to spiritual nourtsh- away sustains one's
good life by admiring what others
ment, and people who spend their lives seeking now1shment enjoy.\
for the mouth alone will never develop spiritually.
DurIng ancient times. the as the Image
tortoise
The lower irigram expresses selfish desires. Such desires for this
(used
are gratified through the mouth and only satisfY the lower
line), symbolized Inner quiet. wisdom
simplicity,
and longevIty. This particular kind of mountain
sphere of life. The upper trigram wishes to nourtsh others needed only dew. and air to sustain tortoise
life. Here. the tortoise
through spiritual guidance and support. Just as wholesome represents simplicity and peace, the highest nutrIents
food provides nowishment for the body, healthy for
communica- life. Be like a tortoise; maintain the modesty and ease
tion Is now1shment for the mInd and spirit. The mouth is the that lead to a peaceful
life.
opening where things both enter and leave the body, and it Admiring envyIng external things
and can cause you to
must be guarded well. Thus. one should use restraint in lose the Invaluable which is the center of your
self-dignity
eating and care in speaking; be cautious of the Inward and well-beIng. Is it not better to lead a simple life and stay
outward flow of energies. By cultivating this awareness, one's close to that which is natural rather than to be enslaved
nutritional source will be pure and wellmanaged. by vanity and luxury? Do not be buried In the treachery
The image of an open mouth Is symbolized by the four of your own Impulses. By following the true rhythm of
broken lines that form the shape of a mouth. The energy of nature. your own nature is unified with the Great
the Mountain In the Image of the upper jaw Is still, while that Oneness.)
of Thunder In the lower jaw is active. Expressions are formed
at the comers of the mouth; thus. the shape of a smile or LINE 2: \"One neglects the constancy and
stability
/i-own Indicates a particular state of mind. whlch can benefit life and seeks nourishment
The Image of Thunder Indicates the
from the
speech of an au- wrong source, Misfortune,\
thoritative or responsible person. a teacher. parent. elder or
advisor. Though Thunder provides nourtslunent In a con- SInce the second line has no support from the fifth
Structive way, the JnJUai experience of it may appear destruc- line. it tries to obtain nourtshment from the top line.
tive. But with Thunder comes rain. which fosters the growth When one separates oneself
from the normal path and
of all vegetation. Likewise, the words and actions of a devel- Wes to attaJn things beyond one's natural capabilities.
oped person also provide nourishment. Sometimes the misfortune results. People frequently lose their real secur-
\"lightgiver\" is also the \"thundergiver.\" The shock of an Ity In search of more securtty and thus exhaust their vi-
achieved one's \"thunder\" can be the force which spurs one's tality, All people wish to be happy; only a few understand
development. A person of truth never relies on beautiful that real happiness carmot be obtained with the restless-
words. Only the truth endures: all else quJckly fades. ness that is created by constant searching.)
Generally, people overuse their lower jaw Uu-ough such
activities as talking. kissIng and eating.
LINE 3: \"The wrong kind of nourishment. This kind of
Highly developed
people \"use\" their upper jaw for more spiritual communication
nourishment may look good for ten years. but In the
and less physical communication; end has no real benefit. Misfortune.\
more breathing and less
eating.)
The lower trigram, Thunder, indicates the lower jaw,
the muscle activity affecting the lower part of the body
and the physIcal Impulses. ThIs line Is the
boundary be-
Iween those lines that seek external. material nourtshment)))
 360 Hexagram /27/ [27[ . l/Prov!dlng Nourtshmen\0371 361

d those that are still and peaceful. It can create disor- carefully observe all and make Wise
things selections; avoid
r) \037r for the upper trigram by being too active. too con- the lower. blind
Impu\037ses
of desIre. 'Thunder\" Is not
moo with the lower part of the body. The more you eat. controlled. When usmg his moulh. tbe sage chooseseasily
\037e less you can control yourself; finally your well-being good food and righteous words. Thus,
only
great fortune resulL5
will be destroyed. When speaking. choose your words and nourishment is provided for all.)
well; when eating. select good food.

LINE 4: \"One destrous qf good nutrlliDn. a hUTlgry

tiger. bears no blame Jar his good desires.\"Wee
Thefourth has the desIres of a tiger. However. a tiger
line SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
does not search for prey all day. but only attacks when it Is
trul hungry. In preparation for the attack. It lowers its
fr\037nt
legsYand head and makes an intimIdating display before strik- PERSONAL FORTUNE: One has of and
Ing with Incomparable courage and power. property the future
plenty money
In contrast with otber fierce animals. tigers do not kill
willI
possibility of obtaining fame.
However. success will not be achieved
more than they need to survive. Even as \"king\" anlong witb his or her
spouse.
animals and ha\"ing a healtby appetite. tbe tiger does not take MARRIAGE: Marriage \"mouth\" Implies
advantage of all the nourishment provided by nature. Thus. and arguIng. wi\037 the.
TIlls mamage WIll be a painful
fighting
It allows nourishment for otbers. Be like a tiger; do not abuse experience.
In action. a tiger is neitber on others
HOUSING/FAMILY: Housing should be near a mountain
your powers. dependent or hill. with a double front door. Th\037 foundation
nor impulsive. He chooses his nourishment and opportuni- threatened by erosion and one should be watchful mav be
ties correctly. TIus is the virtue of the fourth line.) CHll.DBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. If the o(fire.
delivery is
in the Summer or Autunm. the baby will be a
girl. During
delivery. the mother will become sick.
LINE 5: \"One relies on nutrition that has already been LOOKING FOR WORK: In the
one does not need rrwre beginning there Is dilIicul-
obtained; thus. to become ty; however. in the end there will be success.
wnbltious and aggressive.\" SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTALPOSITION: Though tbere is
no success now. after some time. good fortune will COllle.
The fifth line is ruler of a hexagranl. but
generally the
TRADE/BUSINESS:
here the top line The sixth line provides the Keep your old business. Investing in
governs. new ideas will not be profitable at this time.
nourishment and the fifth line manages the nourishment. SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: It will be possible to meet
It is important to cultivate oneself. Avoid distractions and
nutrition. Exercise self-restraint. soon.
improper remain quiet WAITING FOR SOMEONE:
and beware of danger. They will not come.
Do not \"cross the great water:' as there is danger in
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: the object Is
Though
I1sks at this time. now mixed up with other things. it wililaler
taking appear.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are in the Norilledst and
LINE 6: \"One becomes the source oj nourishment. can be caught.
Though there may be some dif[k:ulttes along the way. LAWSUIT: While Ule Issue is large Ul the it
one can accomplish greatness by marching Jon.uard.\" later diminishes. Do not rely on Illt\" help of beg,ilU1ing.
others.
CLIMATE: II will be doudy.)))
The upper three lJnes indicate good fortune. The top
lJne is the main lJne of the upper trigram. as well as the
ruler of the enUre hexagram. At this time. you should)
 362 Hexagram (27})

It Is dangerous and one is to eat.

DISEASF:
the fourth line Is emphasIzed, the disease
Lmable
will be difilcult
If
--)
to cure.) K.1&.
28) Q1., kuo) --)
COMMENTARY)
qRea.\"V \342\202\254XC.e,ss)

your energy GUIDANCE: \"Great excess. 171\302\243

main
Gently gather
Go ahead ritJ.gepole is
It is preJerable to proceed.\ broken.
and quiet your wandering mind. to help.
CareJully Jiller your desires .
to protect your vi1ali1y. In this
You will radiale an auspiciOus lrght
. hexagram Wind, or Wood. is below the Like. The
weak yin energy on the outside Is tlying to contain the
All oj Heaven and its dei1i\302\243s. strong
all oj Earth and i1s people. yang energy within. Because the yin energy is not sufficient
to control the yang. a great imbalance is created. which
respect this kind oj light. ents an image of imminent pres-
171\302\243
power you w::quiTe and are able to use, Such imbalance can be caused
danger.
is releasedby your tranquil mind. called 'Ta Kuo\" in Chinese.
by great excess and is
'Ta\" means \"too
big\" or \"too
much;\" \"Kuo\" means being \"over.\" Ta Kuo results from
Internal powers are Jar greater than external strength being
Willi calmness comeswisdom. too strong or doing too much. in other words \"excess.\" It is
like a building with a large. heavy
clouds
171\302\243 part, the moon becomesbright. top and weak support. or a
and all are illuminaled. person with a great torso supported by thin legs. Because
they are too weak to support such a heavy load.
Swpass the sw::red mellwd Will1 the sw::red method.
is indicated. The original text of the 1 damage or
then no more me1l1od will there be. danger
Ching uses the
Image of a beam or ridgepole to its
You and the metlwd become one. sagging breaking point to
The deepest. most wondrous silence represent this situation. Action must be taken to remedy the
comes by Jorgetting the w::tive.
Imbalance before destruction occurs.
When this hexagram Is received in response to a question
This is the level where you become the king or queen
of tlmlng or for some
oj the sacred method oj liberation. undertaking. it warns Ihat Ihe moment
able to enjoy its frui1 al last.) is one of conllict and COnfusion. In response to questions of
health. it indIcates that death may be Imminent. In reference
1hJ.ehappiness comesfrom to a question about characler or personality. It
suggests that
the individual Is overly sellish. rigid or
rightful discipline and patience. aggressive. egoUstical.
Useyour courageous mental powers
on the other hand. too passive. fearful or weak. Such a per-
to wi1hstandJear and anxiety.
son can hardly be considered balanced. nor will he ever be
The existence or nonexistence able to qualify as a leader or a valuable member of a group.
oj your physical body wIll prevent him from
is not cause Jor worry HIs personality
cooperating with others.
1hJ.esplri1 has no worry or Jear. Inner and outer strengU1 must be in balance. One needs
This is how to be a very a strong outer physical structUJe as well as firm inner princi-
developed being.)
ples to guide one's life At Ihe same time, however. the wise
teachings of the Tao Teh Ching encourage softness,gentleness)))
 364 Hexagrwn /28/) 128/ Ta Kuo (Great Exr:es.-/ 365
and receptivIty. One whose demeanor is brusque or arroganl The second line is like an older man who
Oul of an inability younger woman. manies a
weaves a Wt'\"b of isolation for himself. to represented by the first
unite his merits with the merits of olhers. he evenlually con- a good team. because the husband. as strongyin line. They make
one whose talenls and side and needs a young wife. as strong yin,yang. wo':ks out- \\)
rmes and frustrales himself. Ukewlse, to work inside
inlellJgence are affected by passivIty or fear will accomplish For the strong to work without and the weak
to work wlum;.
nothing. Excess of any kind makes greatness ImpossIble to Is correct.
achieve. Right organization Is expressed by the outer
This hexagram the value of the central tough and layer being
teaches way. The strong, characterized by men tal strengLh and phys-
cenlIal way is the way of doing things 'juslright.\" neIther too Ical activIty. The inner layer Is soft and
passive,
little nor 100 much. Even things thai are inlrtnsically posItive by emotions and the flow of subtle characteri;\"'d
energies. For reasons of
can becomecotmterproductive or damaging when done to security and protection, those who work
outside should be
excess. Neither must one interpret the cenlIal way as some- stronger lhan those who work inside. is lhat which is
Yang
thing done halfway as a compromise to qualily. In either vIsIble and yin is Lhat which is latent. The two
case, one missesthe center, the ''bullseye'' of the targeL The team when work in COOperation and hann
become a
they
ony .
excessiveness symbolized here either misses the center or In developing character. one should
have a gentle de-
responds inappropriately to a situation. When one \"misses meanor while firmly remaIning true to inner
the target.\" one creates difficulty for oneself. Growth comes from one's faithfulness Principles.
lo high. subtle
The principle of centrality and appropriateness can be guIdance.)
interpretpd as harmony, balance, equIlibrium. resonance,
symmetry or spontaneous reaction in the correct manner to a LINE 3: \"The ridgepole of the house is broken.
sItuation. This is the way of the universe. The nature of the Nothing can help it.\ Danger-.
universe is also our nature and is the center of life for those
who seek the truth. When one's behavIor and emotions are This is lhe main line of lhe
correct and tn hannony hexagram. which represents
with circumstances, one's actions will of eXCeSS and
the apogee perhaps even dealh. When eXCess of
hit the ''bullseye.'') any process becomesvIsible. extinction cannot be far
When a candle is away.
burning out. its last few moments are the
LINE 1: like ooji white couch grass
\"It is suppressed brightest.
beneath a
weight. Because of its elasticity, it has no The third line indicates one who Isolateshimself because
trouble laking difficulty and hardship.\ he Is too assertive and cannot COOperate wilh olhers. This is
like a ridgepole sagging to the point of
breaking.
White couch grass was used in ancient times to make
special seatsfor spiritual offerings. It symbolizes purity and LINE 4: \"This line is like the single
sacredness. The firsl purpose oJ a ridgepole;
the appropriate way to en-
line shows it supplies strength. There should be no oltler- purpose,
counter stren\037th by following way the
of grass when the greal Good fortune.\
winds blow. In laying low to the ground. the grass's softness
and flexibility make It possible 10 endure the powerful wind. The strong
This line is weak. Ahead of il are four strong lines. By
Is supported by lhe weak; the high is esteemed
by low. A friendly
the
relationship exists when people of lower
not resisting their strength. iI will remain safe. Remember rank lhelr superiors. The strong
suppori fourth line Is sup-
that many trees are broken by fierce winds.)
strong ported by lhe first line. This relationship serves as a solid
base from which one Can exercise strength. used.
LINE 2: \"The withered weeping willow grows new the strength of litis line can benefit an entire
Correctly
branches.
\
An old man marries a young girL Everylhing is However, if its stIength Is abused or If one attempls
communlly.
to furlher
profitable. express or display power, disaster will result. To moderately
apply strenglh Is lhe correct CI)\"MSe in Uus position.)))
 366 Hexagram /28/ {28/1\"a Kuo (Great
Excess) 367
LINE 5: 'The wUhered weeping willow is in bloom. An old 1. NoUling should be done to excess)
woman marries a young man. AlJhough they are neUher
r) blnmed nor praised. the TPlatwnship does not last too 2. All components of a situation must
be well
long.\
malched for tilere to be balance and
hannony.
The fifth line Is l1ke a warrior who manies an older 3. Flexibility, softness. calmness and
patience
woman, as represented by tile top line. The strong warrior In provide hope In a dangerous situation.)
tile central posItion needs tile gentle support of tilose below
him In order to be balanced. However. he only gets this sup- In divination, this sign Is an unfavorable one. But it does
port by manying an older woman of some Influence. The provide a great opportunily to undersland the teachings 0)f
result is far from perfect and Just barely acceptable. Neitiler one of Ule wisest of all sages. Lao Tzu.
good nor bad. \\)
The question Is asked: \"Since a strong nftil line Is nor-
mally appropriate in this position, why does this particular
yang line need support from a yin line?\"
The answer is that a yang line in a yang position is gen- SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
erally In a correct position relative to the entire hexagram. but
an excess of yang energy is present here. Thus, tile excess of PERSONAL FORTUNE: It will be poor. inhannonious and
this line needs yin energy to balance it. Unfortunately, tile burdensome.
only}'in energy available is tile weak, old sixth line. MARRIAGE: Not good.
Anotiler question one might ask is: 'Why is tile top line HOUSING/FAMILY: The stluation is suitable for
viewed as an old lady?\" The top line is a yin line in a yin with others. living \\
position which contains too much }'in energy and can be re- CHILDBIRTH: TIle baby will be a girl.
garded as a weak or old female. Thus, an overly strong man LOOKING FOR HELP: It can be found.
marries an overly weak or aged woman who cannot really SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: The position will
support him. The overall sItuation is weakened by this imper- not be good; forget It. \\
I)))
fect match. TRADE/BUSINESS: It is dilTicult to achieve.
This line not only illustrates tile effects of too much yang. SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are diIlkult to
but also tile need to accurately match tile energies in a situa-
lind.
If you receIve a message. tiley CollJ. be found.
tion In order for It to be correcUy balanced.) WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: H has fallen into Ule
LINE 6: \"One's head disappears in crossing the water. waler and is dillkult to recover.
Danger. There is no grea1 blame for this.\ HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding III tile West
and can bt' caught.
Now water covers tile top of one's head; one is over- LAWSUIT: There will be some problem or obstruction.
whelmed by the excess. At tilis pomt. what can the top line CLIMATE: It will be cloudy or rainy for a long time
do? When danger has already been reached. the only thing TRAVEL: A good time for travel.
one can do Is not become too rigid or violent. Through calm DISEASE: It Is serIous bllt can be cured.
and appropriate measures, one will be able to handle the PERSONALWISH: It is dilliclIlt to 3('hieve.)
dangerous situation. Do not rely on strength or challenge the
overwhelming si1uation with a daring attitude. The problem
can be diminished to practically notlling by responding calmly
and gently. The following three principles are worth repeal-
ing:)
 .....)

368 Hexagram {28/)

COMMENTARY)

r)
It is not difliculLto culLivale and understand ==
TIle secret of achievement lies in
reali1y. \037 --
the persistence of a pure mind.
Once you begin the sacred meUwd,
29) 1Z'a.n__
foUow i1 only.
11Ie constancy of your e.Uorts d1e- Abyss)
will cause the wisdom of your sou/to shine through.
Following different approaches
disperses your energies.
GUIDANCE: \"ConIuJ.ence and 1Tl\302\243rltalstability are needed in
creates chaos and delays your achievement. times of difficulty. When the mind is no longer obstructed
Se!f-cul1ivalion creates aIIITTI.calm power. by external d!lflCu1ties. the goal can be attained.\"
Through it. your e.Uorts and hopes
to transcend the mediDcre wiU be realized. TIlls hexagram is fonned by a doubling of the trigram
Stay with one method.from beginning to end. K'an or Water. TIlls is one of eight hexagrams where the
Avoid the temptatiDn to change palhs. basic trigrams are doubled. thus its image is reinforced.
and sincerity are connected; Irt this hexagram, each trigram consists of a yang line bet-
Honesty
each injluences the other.
ween two yin lines. The two yin lines fonn a ravine
through which Water, represented the central
With them. aU positive. subtle energy by yang
line, flows. Meeting with obstruction and entrapment are
protects you. here.
Your subtle body has form. symbolized

but is notlimiled to it.

Theprimary guidance of this hexagram uses the na-
ture of Wateras an example of appropriate conduct and
True wisdom is quiet.
self-development. The TooTeh Ching also guides us to be
independent and .fragrant. like water:)
Persevere in connecting with the lffIiversallight
Through it you wiU achieve Water always takes the lowest
the fullness positiDn.
and brigh1ness Obstacles do nol hinder it.
withm your Own nature. It accommodates whatever is in its path
You yourself can experienceand verify and continues to flow forward.
the greatness of eternal trulh. It never loses its direction.
anrlthEreby t'Oyage safely By remaining low it foUows its true nature
across thE bolffldless spiritual ocean. and its fundamental direction is not
Know Lhat your own inteUigence can creaLe blmdness. Influenced by supeifrcial obstructions,
Be diligent in changing nigh1 into day. Water Is always ocean-bound.
It is easiest to progress with se!f-cul1ivaLiDn seeking to reunite with the whole.
in a quiet. dark and separa1eroom To JollDw the way oj water
1he grace from aU the subLIe worlds wiU come to
you Is to return to one's spiritual essence.)
and make you thE wise. frrm seed
of a heavenly whole being. Water never forms Itself. In a square container. Its
a shien. a most beautyi.tUy developed one.) shape Is square; in a round container, Its shape Is ro\037md.
Whether the container Is made of crystal or of mud, the
essence of water remains the same. lIs surro\037mdtngs do
not tnfluence or alter It. Ukewise. a person who lives by)

\\)))
 370 Hexagram {29} {29/ - K\"an (The Abyss} 37J
his true nature Is not affected by what others think of LINE 2: \"Through calmness and clnnty, one WIll grad-
r)
him. Since he does not become involved in disputes, his uaUy overcome difficulty.\"
being remains unaffected.
The nature of Water Is soft and yIelding. yet It can A yang line is trapped between two yIn lines. This Im-
wear away huge rocks. Lao Tzu used the following sImple plies a dangerous situation from which one should seek a
example to illustrate a profound prtnclple: \"To be soft t\037 way out, tll0Ugh not too hastily. First, become centered
life' to be hard is death.\" This same prtnclple is ex so as not to be overcome the
by situation. Then, by being
pre'ssed in nature. The branches of a living tree are lIm-
practical and cautious, one can work
steadily one's way
ber. If the branches are hard and dIy, then th\037 tree is out of trouble a step at a time. Strength In
one is one s bones handling this
dying or already dead. When young, difficulty lies in inner truth and
are soft and pliant. As a person becomes older and ap- knowledge.

proaches death, his bones become stiff and brittle. Like- LINE 3: \"Going further will cause
and emotions also danger and
wise to sUfJen the mInd with concepts tiEs. Do not proceed,\ dilficul-

stiff\037ns the spirit. By following the example of Water. one

can learn the conduct that Is appropriate to different The third line Is a yIn line In a
yang position. It is
circumstances. caught between two ravines and can go neither
This danger because con- forward
hexagram also slgnlfies tlle
nor backward witlloUt falling Into the abyss.
figuration of lines suggests a place like an abyss. One ment at this time is dangerous.
Any move-
and matntalns inner Integrity will Over-estimation of one's
who adapts to danger ability to handle a difficult situation does not result
not be hurt. One's true nature will not be affected even In ac-
complishment. Therefore, one should not attack tlle dan-
by great suffertng. and one's spirit will remain
,W1hanned. ger directly.
This Is because the danger ts extema! to one s spiritual
eSSence. Yet. even in the absence of extemal difficulties, LINE 4: small a sincere
\"T/wugh will be
one's life can become an abyss by Indulging in excesstve blessed with and
offering

emotions and cultivating narrow attitudes. Witll such be-

peace safety.\
havior, one deviates 1Tom one's true nature. However, by The fourth yin line is In Its appropriate If
remaining centered, one will be unaffected by difficulty. one's attitudes are sincere, like the Sincerity pOsition.
expressed
One can learn the order of tlle universe by observing its during ceremonies, tllen one may be 1Teedfrom difficulty.
elements and movement. Following these principles can In a meeting between tlle strong and the weak, faithful-
lead to an understand1ng of all situations In life and en- ness and truthfulness will help decrease
able one to overcome all obstructions.) any possible
difficulty.)

LINE 1: \"Facing doubled obstruction, one is entrapped. LINE 5: water does not overjlow,
\ \"if it reaches Us own
Misfortune. level; no fault.\
One enters a dangerous situation and ts too weak to When one is neitller
111.Isdanger proud nor complacent, one can
resist being trapped. is caused by over- reach
one's capabilities. Surely, this Is not the cor-
full development witll0ut causing danger. One re-
estimating mains safe and without error. If In a good position, do
rect way to deal with difficulty.
first line ts weak,
not become overly ambItious. If emotions are strong, do
The yet In a position requiring
strength. The first line normally corresponds with tlle
not become too desirous. The emphasis here is on
restraint.)
fourth; however, In this situation the fourth line is also
weak, so the first line does not have Its support. From LINE 6: \"Bound tightly and placed in thoms, one is
the onset, this line will experience difficulty.) never pardoned and tJws not freed. Misfortune.\)
 372 Hexagram 1291 /29/ Kan (Tlo..
Abyss} 373)
The top lJne indJcates Ilmt one's Ignorance and stub- COMMENTARY
bonmess have caused danJ(er. 11us danger or trouble Is Water: The Example of
Natural Virtue)
symbolized by an ancIent foml of purushment In which the
c\037naJ was \"bound willI ropes and confined within a thicket
of brambles. If the crimInaJ was not pardoned wIthin
The followinJ\\ are etJ(ht ways
three In which people
years. he would not be pardoned at all. ThIs symbolizes a virtue can lean I Irom Water:) of universaJ
\037eak person who enters a deep abyss as the consequence of
not having enough self-restraint.)
Be content willI a \"low\" position.
low. one By remaining
may be safe and
I) free from
competition.
2. Remain profound. A prolound
mInd is as quiet
as Ihe deep ocean.Therefore. it is undJsturbed
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) by Ille waves on the surface.)

3. Give generously. Water constantly

to be giveswithout
PERSONAL FORTUNE: There will be a family separation. asking repaid.)
One will leave one's hometown or mother COLU1Uy.
MARRIAGE: It will be successful and may be between 4. Speak faithfully. The How of Water
aJways
close fiiends. faitilfully goes toward the sea)
HOUSING/FAMILY: Moving close to water and building a
house Illere will bring SUCCess. 5. Govem gently. Though Water moves with
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. There will be a genLleness. it can overcome even Ille hardest
shock after the delivery. but all will be safe. obslacle under Heaven.)
LOOKING FOR WORK: It will be achieved later.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It will be difficult b. Work capably and adaplably. Water can fit what
to achieve. is square or what is round. It keeps its true
TRADE/BUSINESS: It Is very profitable. nature in any contairuuent or CUTUlllStance.)
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Look southward, near
water. 7. Take action opporturlt'ly. v.'ater freezes in
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: People far will
WUller and melts Ul Spring. Its ult1eXib;lity in
living away
come; peopleliving nearby will not come. tile Winter Is like death. Its softness in the
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Quickly look near Spring generates new lile.)
water. Delay will make it difficult to find.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding close to 8. Never fight. Water does not fight lor itself. thus
water.
perhaps a mountain stream. it Is beyond blame.)
LAWSUIT: There is good fortune in seeking material beneHts.
CLIMATE: There will be a long period of rain.
TRAVEL: It is dangerous. There even be death.
may
DISEASE: The diseaseis hard to cure There is 1.
danger. hunhu1s like to \037I.n nhll!,h\" posUlons I\"atht:'r than .'Iow\"
l1ds ilUPU(,\"S that
PERSONAL WISH: There are some obstacles. If
you pur- ones. \"I1:a1sbee-omn asourer of conlli\\\"t for mall)'. \"nUJ8f' on d hi\037htlf!.ht (\"ope
sue them in a hasty manner, there can be no
success.) always nerd 10 look for baJancc lX'hlls- For unr who walks on the grow1d 8
fully opf\"nc\"d para..orol or pole Is a p.rf'at nuisanc\"(\".)))
 (30( - U (Radlancel 375
Post-Heaven (Practical order)

---
\037f! -
u)
.. \037..
3\302\260) \037\037 \037\037..

1\302\253W1Mce-)

::I\037 \037II:
GUIDANCE: \"Bright and progressive. Cultivating the heart H
wtll be prosperous. Good fortune.\"

In the hexagram U. both the upper and lower trigranls \037. \037
Fire and brighIness. the \037 --
\302\245; \037
represent
meaning. Fire symboli7.es
thereby
beauty and illumination.
reinforcing
It can ---
also symbolize a mInd that is too active. Wlstable. desirous
and lost in search of extemal beauty. \0371l8})
Though Fire is beautifu1. it is difficu1t to control. The
mind. like Fire. is diillcu1t to control and keep still. Fire can The composition an interaction
of life is of Fire and
manifest as desire and ambItion. which can easily bUITl a Water, mind and body. These
forces must not only be in-
person if not managed correctly. tegrated and well managed in
one's life. bui also in one's
The active mind Is Fire; the body is Water. More
Water is necessary to balance Fire. Without the inierac- body.
tion of Fire and Wat\037r. life wou1d be impossible. Likewise. spectfically. Fire is emotions or desires and Water Is the
without the SWl and moon to brighten the earth. cu1tivation secretions. If these energies cannot be well-controlled. a
cou1d not exist. person will not live peacefully. Yet. Fire and Water. when
In their natural aspects. Fire and Water represent op- arranged and managed correctly. can interact hannoruous-
and thus benefit life.
forces. AI the same time. they are also cooperative ly =
posing
In the hexagram Kan. Abyss =-= . the fonnation of
forces that help accomplish each other. The yin/yang
ts demonstrated by these two forces. yang energy within yin energy is like water flowing in a
principle ravine. In U. y1n energy within
The interaction of these two energies is very important to yang energy indicates that
all life. In order to distinguish
all the energy is radiating outward and that the center is
light from heavy energy. like Fire.
Heaven and Earth are usedto represent yang and yin as the
empty.
The original meaning of U is \"radiance in all direc-
two greal spheres of the Wliverse. This energy divisIon is tions.\" \"beauty\" or \"illumination.\" In modern Chinese. it
represented in Ule dIagram of the \"Pre-Heaven\" stage. (See impl1es departure or \"spreading.\" In ancient times, the
Figure I05a.J However, after the development of Heavenand character for U represented the sun or source of light.
Earth, Fire and Water are the domInant expressions In the U can mean \"Fu Li:\" Fu. \"clInglng.\"
. Furthermore, and
of the eight natural manifestations (Hou Tien Pa The original Chinese characterfor beauty
arrangement U. \"beautiful.\"
KauJ. as shown III the diagram of the \"Post-Heaven\"
stage on portrayed the eyes of a deer and represented the sun and
the next page. a good
Having understanding of these two the moon. Ught from the Slill and moon brightens the
energies. U (FireJ and Kan (Water), is very Important.) earth. Because of this light. we are able to enjoy beauty.
But beauty must cling to something; it cannot exist inde-
pendently of an object. A tree is beautiful because of its)))
 376 Hexagram [30[ [301- L/
(Radltm.ceJ 377
fonn. the shape and color of Its leaves and Its fruit and
LI\037
3: \"The sun passes
midday. Make good use
flowers. thIS
tu:re
and be otherwise. 11 will be too late
of
r) On a practical level, this hexagram Instructs htunan11y establISh
\037py;
a good life. tD
Possible misfortune.\"
In the uses of brIghtness or mental illtunlnation for the
guidance of others. When one cultivates brightness, one's The sun has reached its
Those who receIve this
highest pOInt and begins to
lJght wIll illuminate all directions. decline. One must now act In order to make the best use
brIghtness wIll also reflect It. To perpetuate brIghtness is of the time. Do not waste this golden opporhmlty. To
to radiate wannth In all of one's actions. make a bad decIsionat this point could ruin the rest of
one's lJfe.)
LINE 1: \"Prosperous beginnUlg with some disOrder. Be
cautious. No blame,\" LINE 4: \"It comes suddenly, bwns brightly and is
qui\302\243klyconswned.\
of fire
The nature movement.
is The first line is like
someone who is about to begin a JOUITIey. Everything one's strength, like Fire. hastens
ExpressIng
must be put In before commencing. death. One
order With proper is doing too hurriedly. This line
things
mid after-
preparation and a clear mind, reckless actions can be noon, between the hours of
represents
two and three p.m. The
avoided. is afternoon
sun descending. having passed its zenIth. This line is like
ThIs line is a strong line in the correct position and a meteorite or a shooting slar: it moves with
Indicates movement with inner It refers to urgency, then
composure.
ThIs is the most Important suddenly bums up. Slow down!)
early moming. time of day.
One should respect this sacred time and be peaceful in LINE 5: \"He who feels
order not to violate the energy of the entire day.)
truly sorry for being overly
indulgent with luxuries will be able to regulate and
CarTect his vanities. This is
LINE 2: 'Wann, beautijid yellow light; very good) sympathy for those less fortwlate.
accomplished
Good
by feeling
fortuneI'\ fortJ.me.\
The FIre has reached tts peak. One should be aware
The second line is a yIn line in the right position. It that the time of prosperity will Soon be over, so modera-
is taken the hexagram K'un, Earth.
from It is a beautiful tion and self-discipline are most Important. Good fortune
line and expresses being centered and balanced, thus the comes only after much remorse and deep reflection.
second line is the most favorable one in this hexagram. This line represents late aftemoon,
Youth is a time when one can mold one's emotional between the hours
of four and five p.m. There are only a few hours of
pattems. Such pattems are difficult to change later in left. is now at that level of light
life. A person should remember to Everything maturity which is
continually refresh the best time of lJfe. Value and use this light
oneself by cherishing the spirit of the second It can and the
line. wisdom that has been acquired. Radiate and spread the
give one renewed hope and the ability to break away from in order to help and influence
the past, which light others.
is merely a phenomenon of time and has
no real substance.
The second line LINE 6: \"Now the king engages in the
represents between the conquering
mid-morning. rebels. He subdues the and pUTllshes
hours of nine and eleven a.m. This is the time when the blwne.\
chief him. No
sunshine is comfortably warmtoo strong. and not
This
line represents the golden the decisive per-
time of youth. It is
which
now sunset, the most beautiful time of day and
iod determines correct direction and development. the time for old age. This is the time to capture and
ThIs line also represents an emotionally balanced and har- over-
monious life. Therefore,
comethe maln rebels and thus create a peaceful envIron-
always keep the mind like the se- ment. \"Rebels\" can symbolize one's unreasonable desIres,
cond line - young and hopeful.)
which disturb JoY and harmony. Now Is the time to
handle confusion and temptation and to create balance.)))
 (30) - U (Radfance} 379)
378 Hexagram {30}
Do not be excessive in anything,
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
noi even inJoy,
FORTUNE: Problems at the begInning tm- When JoY Is overabundant.
PERSONAL to its opposite.
turn
prove with time; however, one has difficulty with one's . It must
and sorrow will overcome YOLL
spouse. Is canied through
MARRIAGE: Having a beautiful marnage Is not likely. When pleasure to its highest degree'
result In mIsfortune. It will bring about sadness.
Even future marnages will
HOUSING/FAMILY: There is a chance of robbery or fire.
Be careful. Nourish body with calmness.
the
mIscarnage. Nourish heart with gtving
the to others.
CHILDBIRTH: Difficult, with possIble
The more you give to others,
LOOKING FOR WORK: Obstacles make success difficult
to achieve.
the more you will abound.)
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Advancement and
When lives in the
success are possIble. righteousness eyes.
TRADE/BUSINESS: Business will be profitable In the they become bright.
if yOU keep negativity in your mind,
future.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They will not be found. calamities are sure to come.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come. if you keep your mind open and receptwe,
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: A woman may help It can absorb knowledge very quickly.
find what Is lost. The mind of a superior being
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They have moved from North is imbued with righteousness.
to South and can be caught with the help of others. When the mind apprOQChe\037 true happiness,
LAWSUIT: For the Instigator, thls sIgn Is unfavorable and it becomes intelligent.
be dangerous. However, the defendant has good Keep the mind unoccupied, receptive and loose,
may
fortune. Do not hold on to anything good or bad.
CLIMATE: It will be rainy or cloudy for many days. Know that everything is in constant change,
TRAVEL: Travel to the north or west Is not favorable. Nothing is static.
DISEASE: Fever is Indicated. It is curable for a man, but
Incurable for a woman. Be tJwrough in your actions,
PERSONAL WISH: One's wish is difficult to achieve.) but keep your mind empty.
Through creative non-action,
one can extend the clarity of one's mind
and the innocence of one's pristine spirit
COMMENTARY to embrace the eternal Tao.
Cultivating the Mind) When the mind betrays the pristine spirit,
it becomes a monkey, jumping from here to there
It becomes lewd, compromising and boasting
The mind and the heart represent the Fire energy in our Where is the beauty of your tranquil mind?
bodies. Only when they are harmonized with the body, which Cut deep into the core of your problems.
represents the Water energy. can one achieve the cDITedgoal Cut out all falseness and condittoned Ideas.
of fundamental cultivation: good health. He who conquers his mind is really great.
Disarm it, conquer it.s willfulness,)
Keep the mind clear,
it is more valuable than knowledge. Know that your mind Is like spring water,
Inquire into the properties of things Its purity will emerge from the depths of your soul
and penetrate to their essence) United with the spirit, it will express true beauty,)))
 /31/ - HSien (Mutual
380 Hexagram [30[) Atlraclionl 381

contented. ascending. These two different aspects of movement are In

You w/U be eQ1Tlest.
unconcernedwith daily life. joyous.
communIon. While each retains Its own natural characteris-
You will be a us\037/i.t1 vessel to assist others tics. together they Interact and hannonlze. In human
rela-
on the road of universal truth.) tionship. Lake symboltzes a young girl and the
Mountain
syroboltzes a young boy. They experience true love and sh are
We have to nourish the heart, a strong mutual attraction.
When we have little desire. the heart is content) The ancient sages called this Interaction \"hsien\" or \"t 0
the heart.\" A later Chineseword. \" '\"
touch g en g .seriv
i d 00
When we hold on to nothing. from ien an d can al so be translated
\"hs\" \"to touch th hart\"
the heart becomes carefree, However. \"geng\" actually means to share a
Soon the heart is as a leaf - It ts mutual appreciation and feeling o\037f\037end-

In an imperceptible breeze, ship or love a1fecti At th e

trembling
as light as the dust on a butteljly's wings. highest level. \"hsten.\" however. means unlverSallo:\037'
In this hexagram. the MO\\Ultain USes the moisture of the
Closing the senses is perceiving life. Lake and the Lakeis contained by the MO\\Ultain. TIuough
Perceiving no thing. their Interaction. everything is benefited. Likewise. marriage
be perceptive to the utnwst d\302\243pth. represents a relationship which fulfills reciprocal needs and
Penetra1\302\243 the impenetrable. brtng s about good fort\\Ule. A relationship which expresses a
Perceive the imperceivable. positive
mutual attraction can also apply to family. friends.
Such a small beginning teacher and student. or busIness partnerships.
to the wide. unlimited ascension,)
Hsien also Indicates the mutual inIluence between the
strong and the genlle. In its highest meaning. Hsien Is the
mutual attraction between Heaven and E.uth. the natural
yang
and yin energies. They attract each other. interact and
brtng about creative and productive results.
In true love. deep feelings are expressed without words.
A or demand. The image of Hsien is
3J) h51ef1) --
--) pressure.
that of the
possessiveness
strong supporting the genlle from below. Such an
Interaction does not mean that one energy overpowers the
other, rather that the relationship is one of Interdependence.
1n\302\253Cua.L AC\037\037lon) In a truly good relationship. the dill\"erent
qualities of each
partner complementoneanother and combine to foml a team..

GUIDANCE: \"Mu1uaI attraction brings joyful love. One will

One who expresses his strength aggressively rather than
responsibly is feared. An aggressive approach can prevent or
benefi1 by being upright Wld persistent. Maniage brings good
\ dIsrupt a good marriage. In such a case. the relationship
fortune,
becomes tyrannical instead of supportive.
In this hexagram. LakeIs above Mountam. This Image
The Mountain surrounds the Lake willI empty space.
represents the mutual attraction and Interaction of these two When a person becomesempty. he Is receptive to positive
kinds of natural energy. Mountain is the youngest son 01 energy. love and other virtues. A selfish person. on llle oilIer

nature. Lake Is the youngest uaughler. Then'fore. mutual hand. is filled only with himself. and this is the main source
attraction or love occurs nat urally. of difficulty between people, Tobe a good or able leader re-
Lake represents genUeness; Its movement is descending. quires patience and the capactty to for\037ve. In a relationship.
MounlaJn represents strength and finlmess; its movement Is) one should act appropriately al each level. If one's inlluence)))
 [31[- Hslen (Mutual AttractionJ 383
382 Hexagram (311)
or Is insuflklent. the will become rnalning calm will bring good fortune . Seeking on] Y to relate
Is too strong relationship
further on a physIcal level will d es tr oy th e prospect of a good
Imbalanced. rc I a ti onshi p.)
One must first attract people before tryIng to influence
them. Being too strong may cause others to closetheir minds 3: \"Attraction reaches the thigh.
to one's influence. If a person does not want his real problem LIN\037 One who is too
to close friends.
anxIOus and responds quickly meets trouble:'
known. he will someUIDes respond negatively
a spouse,a teacheror a healer. TIlerefore. one must develop
The Influence of the third line has
discretion in order to know the appropriate level of intimacy reached a higher level
and now the hip. in approaching someone
in a relationship. touches,
one s by walk-
ing forward, moves first. followed by the caU and
Opening one's heart and being influential requires virtue, then the The
\037oe
hIp does not initiate movement.
power of hlunan nature. True
vir- hip. Therefore .
which is the pure positive
one should only adjust to circumstances.
tue Is true nature. Its purity and benefit are invariable and Hastily pursuin g
A person of virtue cannot be influenced by flat- one's desires will only cause humiliation . This !ine caT} indi-
unalterable.
cate the sexual organs. in such a case it means the InUm
tery: he lives according to his genuine and sincere nature. of a sexual response Can be attained, but don't hurry.
acy
Here. different lines represent the toe. calf, thll2:h, hip,
heart, neck and jaw to illustrate dt/Jerent levels of influence.
LINE 4: \"Attraction reaches the heart. A correct response
In the I Ching, one of the natural energy correspondences
between the lines is as follows: the first with the fourth: the occursand remorse disappears.\
second with the fifth: and the third with the sixth. However,
The fourth line represents the heart and mind.
the quality and degree of contact and influence the lines have The re-
on each other vary according to dillerent circumstances. sponse has re?-c\037ed the heart: love and alIection grow. but
All six lines have a commonmessage.Good fortune will only when one s mtentions are for a positive purpose will the
result from remaining centered, while restlessness and Impul- response be a correctone. A relationship develops by allow-
siveness bring misfortune. It is Important to respond to dif- ing nature to take Its course. Interfering with the natural
ferent situations appropriately. as illusirated by the other process may hasten growth, but will desiroy the Uuit.

hexagrams; thus people will not waste themselvesin an un-

natural struggle as dI1Tering circumstances arise.) LINE 5: \"Attraction reaches the upper back. Neither re-
sponse nor trouble.\

LINE I: \"Attraction begins at the toes.\

Here the atiraction back reaches the
of the neck. One
The influence the toe, thus the atiraction
Is in is shallow. cannot 1nlluenceat this time. However.
others there is no
Because this is only the beginnIng of mutual the remorse. Touching the upper back is a light,
atiraction, friendly gesture
position is not yet1nlluential; however, it can be the start of with no expectation of anything In return. One wishes to
a friendship. This is a time to remain centered and not move or Influence others, but there Is no response.)
engage in premature action.)
LINE 6: \"AHraction reaches the moulh Conversation Is
LINE 2: \"Attraction reaches the calf; disturbing. Now is brought about.\
the trme to remain calm.\
The top line reaches the tongue and could result In
The influence has now reached a higher level. This line is flatlery or pleasant talk. Maybe it also represents kissing.)))

represenled by the calf, which is assoclaled wflh movement.

However, one in this position feels uneasy and pushed. Re-)
 /31/ - Hslen fMulual Attraction) 385)
384 Hexagram 1311
Is my
- it is too short for youJ gannent.
\"Confucianism
SPECIFICGUIDANCE
Buddhism Is my cane.
PERSONAL Every1hing will be beautiful; how
FORTUNE: - it is too weak to support youJ
ever. one (nay oneself in love.
lose and TaoIsm is my sandal
MARRIAGE: A beautiful marriage. - it wore out long ago'\
HOUSING/FAMILY: The family grows.
CHD..DBIRTH:A boy will be born. My first response to this discovery was outrage. I thought
FOR WORK: One will succeed later in life.
LOOKING II must be my younger brother or elder sister fun of
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Successful. but since II did not seem to be an
making
roe. ordinary joke. I unme-
TRADE/BUSINESS:The venture can be successful. diately corrected my Judgment. The person who wrote these
SEARCHINGFOR SOMEONE: They cannot be found. lines had to have a vision higher than. or equal to. mine. I
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They are safely on the road. fell puzzled. Who could have done this? Since the handwrit-
FOR SOMETHING LOST: It is close to water
LOOKING
ing was not much better than mine. II could not be the work
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are dillicult to
f\\l\037d. . of a dlgnilled adult. Also. this happened to be my personal
LAWSUIT: Make peace: otherwise, aJall sentence IS possIble.
study upstairs. I was the only one who used most of the
CLIMATE: It will be rainy. rooms. except for the one used as the
upstairs family shrine.
TRAVEL: There will be someobstacle. After makIng many of my family.
inquiries I discovered that
DISEASE: II is curable. some of my sister's girlfrtends had vislled Us. One of them
PERSONAL WISH: Your wish can be achieved) had been in our family shrtne for a short while. She was the
only daughter of one of my father's friends. She had to be the
one who did ti1.Is. She was famous for being the most beauti-
ful girl in our town. She was alsowell-educated and a lover
COMMENTARY of literature.
Love)
Though I had never paid attention to her before. I decided
I must pay her a
visit. I thought of the ancient one's
The mutual response of two young hearts presents a saying:

a young girl. and

\"Three people are walking together; one of them must have
of love. 111.1sIs illustrated by can
picture something I leam.\" I dressed myself neaUy and direcUy
a young boy. and the mutual attraction shared.\037etween them. went to see her.
When I was young. I focused more on SpIrItual achieve-
She received me in the small
hall of their garden. After
ment than on expertences of love. Nter studying Ule
I hannon- our greeUng. I politely slraightfOlwardly requested an
and
teachings of TaoIsm.Confucianism and Buddhism.
explanation of Ule addition I was certain she had madeon my
ized and expressed all three in the following words;)
study wall. She flushed and suggested that If I would call on
her for ten days she would then \037Ive me her explanation. I
Is my gannent.
agreed to ti1.Is as my respectful lesson. Thus. every afternoon
\"Confucianism
Buddhism is my cane and
I went to her house. We read some \037ood. ancient
..) pOt\"Iry.
Taoism Is my sandal Chinese chess and did some gardening. Our friend-
played

(For more inIomlation re\037ardin\037 this saying. refer to the ship developed more with each day. When she lenderly
touched the back of my h>rnd. I felt that someUling had
Commentary on Hexagram #45.1 My yo LIng, proud mind
struck me. yet I liked II. Her eyes were Ule most beautiful
seemed to be satisfied with ti1.Is combInation. However. one
day I dlsL'overed UIat someone had added sOllienew. hand- poem I had ever read. The sweetness of her deUcate smell
intoxicated me. Her smile f'ngLilled llIe.
WIilten words to each line of my WIillng On the wall of my
Before very long. however. a dll1icully surfaced In our
study. These lines now said:)
that she was especIally)))
budding romance. It appeared
 {311 . Hsren (Mulual AIIT=lion) 387
386 Hexagram /31/
I could too late to see me If you onl think aboul . It.
will be
attached to a novel entitled The Red Chamber.
\"U
I
never agree with her belJef that The Red Chamber
held the shall die only for love,.. like Blue Jade (the mam
y. <
.ema1e chara(' -
truth of life and, likewise, she could never agree with my ter In 11 Ie R e d ChanuJe.rj Can you understa d?\" she
Fu practice.
\"I shall go home and study lh1s book \037.at ,,:sked.
like so you
Kung
When we reached the end of our ten-day perIod to- rouch.\"
. It.
1 requested her explanation of the lines she She olfered. \"I would like for you to have m y copy smce
gether, again
had wrItten on my wall. She asked for my palm, upon IS the best version.\" She went Into her inn er room to
gel the
\" \"
which she wrote a Chinese character with her gentle. slim copy 0fh er h 0Iy b ook and gave it to me . .. t 00 k th e book and
finger. The Chinese word struck me In the same way I
left.
over my palm. It we had several versions
was struck by her finger. moving lightly Though of The Red Chamber in
was the character for the word \"love\" or. more approprI- our house. I had never been able to read th
roug I1
main story described the anyone
. of
ately In thts case, \"affection.\" them ffi Its entirely. The life of Pre-
Now 1 was even more bewildered than before. 1 could Jade. a of a noble and wealth
could posstb-
cious yOlmg man
y [ ily . AI-
not refrain from asking her what connection though his youth was spent in an eleg an t \037
en WIth
she spoke and her addi- gard many
between the love of which
.
ly exist beau tif ul gIrls as his companions . h e [ell ffi. I ove 0 n1 y with
tion to my wrIting. At first she hesItated. Then finally,
Blue Jade. However, his family arranged for him to marry a
with apparent difficulty. she said, \"You like to think very for whOln he had no love. Soon afterw ard . BIue J a de d led '
of Confucianism. Buddhism and Taotsm. but with- girl
much her In love. Precious Jade's family
out the word 'love' nothing has any meaning In life. Have from
dtsa.ppolntme?t also
decline. PrecIous Jade himself discovered \037t his
you ever thought of that?\" s\037ere\037
entire life was but an enIpty dream and thus decided to leave
ThIs was a real for me. SInce I had never
the dusty world to become
question
this question. a Buddhist monk.
experIenced love, 1 had never truly pondered
know yet. do this book was a good work of literature. the love
1 answered frankly. \"I do not How you Though
it descrIbed very narrow. I could not recognize anv high
know?\" wa.s
\"From The Red chamber.\" she answered. truth with. which the author could illuminate humin life.
1 frowned. 1 had read the book and did not like it. However, \037ll.'ce w\037ted
I to be with my friend and because I
When 1 told her that. she responded, ''What Is wrong with still felt diffIculty WIth the question of love, I turned to m y
a gIrl and a boy fallIng In love as descrIbed In that book?\" mother for help.
\"1 don't know, It seems like too much trouble to be- My mother told me, \"An ancient sage once said. 'Even a
come Involved In such complicated love.\" 1 replied. developed one feels trouble communicaUng wltil Women and
'Well. it seems to me like Confucianism. Buddh1sm children.' Problemsare created when people of different levels
and Taoism give you even more trouble with all kinds of of come together. Therefore, spiritual
developm\037nt develop-
study and discipline,\" she argued. ment someliInes makes It Illore dillkult to be with ordinary
\"I haven't thought about that. However, you have
people. If this shortcoming of a developed person Is not mod-
given me your explanation. 1 shall now go home to dis- erated. it can bring extreme isolation to him. TIlls would not
cover, through my own cultivation. the true slgnillcance of be a very benefIcial direction for anyone to go in. unless it is
that word.\" done so Intentionally, wltil a positive purpose for some special
Though it was tJrne to say good-bye, her eyes kept cultivation.
staring Into mIne and 1 felt their warmth flow Into my Is a In life. Nobody can If!,-
\"Love very important matter
body. Gradually, her eyes became moistened, tears fallIng In general. as you already
It. know. love can be
nore
from them like a strIng of pearls. 1 did not know how to
to her classifiedinto two dlHerent Categories: 'broad love and nan-ow
help her. After a long while with her handkerchief love. Broad love Is humanistic. and all the ancient saf!,eswere
face. she said. ''You are always contemptuous toward me for theIr broad love. Confucius 1551-479 B.C.) and
and the other gIrls, You will not come to see me again.\" recognized
Menclus 1372-298 B.C.)exalted humanistic love. Mo Tzu
\"I don't know. I'll think about it,\" I replied.)
1501-416B.C.)exalled universal love and made himseU as a)))
 /31) - Hsien (Mutual
388 Hexagram /31 J) Attraction) 389

model to realize iI. He led a l1fe of absolute seIf-abnegaUon.

slow movtng. or stagnant andmotionless. It can also be a
of his life by working or ebbing tide. overQoWing or draln1ng a stream.
He exerted hJmseIf to lhe fullest extent rising lake
for lhe peace of humanity. Lao Tzu valued natural tmpart.lal ravine. rtver or ocean. Wh\037n water meets heat, It become\037
exalted compassion and vapor; when It meets cold, It becomes ice. Dew rain
love as lhe highest level. Sakyamunl hail
love. In general. humanistic love is developed, peaceful. log, /Tost. Ice. sno\037 and so forlh. all <,orne from \037ater: Th\037
waier always remams lhe same - it is the environment which
equal
impersonal and dispassIonate love. This is what
human na-
what human causes Its dilIerent charactertstics. Passion is like lh a t '
ture was bOITl w1lh and beings should conllnue
\"Passion is only. a part of lhe whole human men tal b .
to cultivate. Also. In general. narrow love can only be prac-
a Th ere IS s till lh e hi \"\"er sphere
rth emg.
Uced between two people. like a boy and girl. a man and a however. of lhe mind which
woman. a husband and wife. or anlOng a group of people
like needs to be cultivated and developed so that one can have
over the passion of the lower
a family. a circle of lTIends, a religious fellowship, a society, a good co\037trol sphere of the mind.
naUon or a race. A raft ndlng lhe torrents cannot carry many people. Danger
'The pracuce of narrow loveis usually passionate. may be lurking
anywh.ere along the joumcy's palh. Though
PassJon is what makes love narrow. Passtonate love can be a on.e\037ay enjoy the eXCItement of riding a raft In lhe torrents.
good expertence dUIing one's youlh, but passion should be this IS not a nonnal. everyday practice. If one's passion is like
a torrent. lhen one's life is like a raft. How dangerous that isl
well-guJded and controlled. A1lhough lhe emotional expert-
ence of narrow love can be beautiful. It can also be hannful. HoW long can lhe enjoyment of such excitement last? Is it
Broad. humanisUc or natural love, however, can be enjoyed worth exhausung one's life? This seems to be a poor model of
lhroughoutlhis life and all lives. Whelher love ts humanisUc nomal. heallhy passion.
or passionate, II should always be guJdcd by the prtnciple of \"Love is a beautiful passion; however. when emotional
balance. If one loses his balance In lhe name of love, then fOl\"ce or possessiveness is attached to what one loves, lhe
that way of loving Is unhealthy. subliIne state of pure love is degraded or damaged.
Surely. a
\"All people are bOITl wilh passion, yet dilIerent pattems of spiritually developed pel\"son can still feel personal love. but It
passion E!ive people different temperaments. One's tempera- is unattached and unoccupying love. This is the fine quality
ment is Influenced by all the stages of one's pre-natal and of tn.le spIritual love. TIle nature of spiritual love is subti\037.
postnatal life. Parents must lake the great responsIbility to One can unceasingly appreciate beauty without creallng the
smooth their own temperaments when raising children In troubles which accompany its ownel\"ship. Therefore. a full life
their pre-nalal and post-natal stages. An individual must of appreciaUon can be lived without carrying the weight of
also take responsibility to cultivate himself and regulate his woddly burdens.
own temperament when a certain level of growth Is reached, \"Out of one's humanistic love comeSthe courage to accept
or as the saying goes, 'An adult must take responsibility for responsibility for the wodd. This is certainly not a ngld pmc-
his own ugly face.' tice. Most ancient developed ones, if not living in
\"Now we come to the matter of adjusllng one's personal the high mountains manied to tile beauty of nature, would
temperament. One's temperament is like one's dog: one travel around tile wodd lIke a white cloud flying acl\"Oss the
needs to put a muzzle and leash on It when taking It in pub- sky. Nothing could restrict tilem.
lic. Surely achievement comes when one has cast off one's 'The particular practice of love In our family is to
'dog' nature which is molded by the environment. reach tile level of the ancient developed ones. 'We follow the
\"Passion is natural. It ts something we are bom with, but extemal pattems of seculal\" lil'e. but within this everyday life
the way we express our passion is a matter of Our we fulfill the broadness of spiritually. In other wOl\"d\037. we use
environment. We developtimt expression ourselves, thus II is the rou\037lllless of the wodd and tile dlillcuIties of pracl1calUfe
controllable and I\"efol\"mable. as the friction that ereates our spiritual sparks. 1111s Is what
\"Passion Is like water. Water Is always water, but In Its people call enlightenment 01\" I.llspil\"ation. Thou\037h enlighten-
different phases, the speed and shape of its flow vary greatly. ment and I.llspil\"ation are only momentaI\"\\' expertences. tiley
It can be a swift current, a big flood or a torrent. It can be) can mar-k one's achieVelllt'nl. Furthenllore. the endurance of)))
 /31/ - Hslen (Mutual AUraellon) 391
390 Hexagram 1311)

the dHlJculUes of worldly life. Is our of love's presence becomethe need for its Possession?-When
life. which Is built from fears II will go away or die ts when th e nee d I
actual of unJversal. IrnparUailove. The rellnement
one or Its P
reaJJ7.aUQn
becomes session arises. At this point love becomes conlamJna ,:,s-
ted WIth
of one's passions and emoUons an Important aspect
eWolion and need. and Its ort gin al harm
In this re,.(JzaUon. Lo ve th en reverts to the realm of
ony chan ges to
their partial vision that the dissonance.
ofTao as unity within our hearts is mlSseYd' .and the
dualit
people cannot see
\"Some with
can be no Individual presence
truth Is total. They think Ulere \"
Lo ve can b e f
'UJ.H
\"c'
ll e d without
becoming tra d In the
th.. of hum ani sUe love. but the truUlls
happIness in pracUce of Its web of emoUonai needs. We can learn fro m th eppevirtue of a
that IndIvidual exists only In the happiness exists
happiness
when the enUre world well which for all to drink from with ou t ever
completeness. Can one have happiness When our inner is lnexhausU ble. we can running
one's own life dry. spring
from a flood? One can only remain Independent and provide
fulfill . . .
suners love and still
U]e hannonJous fulfillment of all lives. That Is why. linJ.lUess non _
through
In our family. we live for ourselves as well as for the entire possessive.
\"In our tradlUon, We can enjoy the sunrise within us eVe
world. with a clear spiritual direction.\" Our love is as free as the blowin wi n d an d as ry
Then my mother continued. \"In Ihe narrow
sense of a moment. . g en-
as a fl owmg rtver. Since we renew our-
father is our IiIe-maker. I am the home-maker during continually
family. your selves. we do not fear l\037slng love. Our cultivation becomes
and also a life-maker. We are all makers of a common life.
lover. for love 1S Tao, the Way.
We fulfill our Individual duty and also assistthe fulfillment Thus. love never
of our
.our
withers, for It ]S continually refreshed.
each other's duty. I am eighteen years younger than your
'When the time comes that you feel love for
father. I and love him and he has much tolerance someone. be
respect Love has a delicate nature. Never be rough with
toward me. Actually. he treats the entire gen\037e. it or
It will be completely
and understanding
Always distinguish the dilIer-
way. but I am the one who has the blessing
destroyed.
world this same between love and desire.
ence desire
to live with him. Furthennore. your father is a man of spiIi- Love gives pleasure;
thus our love is mainly spiritual rather creates pressure. Desire,loneliness. tension and disappoint-
tual development.
linked is the source of our ment can all deteriorate the delicate nature of true love. To
than physical. spiIitually
Being
love Is to be gentle. Tender I?ve is truly beneficial In any cir-
happIness.
\"If love is true. the and deep joy occur
experienceof love clllDstance. If love is not gIven gently, it becomes stonny
love, like stonny weather, can never
joyful to reminisce about a last long. Gener\037
In the same moment. It Is not Storrn\037
moment of love in the past. The enlighterunent of ally this kind of love comes out of an imbalance in one's per-
particular
love exists in each moment. There Is no search that can find sonallty or from the pressures of an unhealthy envtrorunent.
\"Young people may say tender love is weak love, but this
love. nor any occasion that can create love. You know love
when your heart is open. The musIc is silent. but its harrno- is not true. Mothelly love is tender love. An eagle scars In
the sky and finds its prey among a group of small chickens
ny pervades your entire being. In that moment there Is no
separation. searching for food In a meadow. It qulckly dives to the
but before it can extend its shaIlJ cla\";s to capture its
\"Love ts the golden light of the sun rising within your ground.

being. Ills the rose which has just opened its eyes. it is Ule prey. the weak old mother hen has already spread her wings
freshness of dew or the caress of a wave on the shore - all and gathered all her chtcks under them. She puts herself.
within you.
face to face, In confrontation with the agl1;ressor. Love can
\"But the dawn becomes noon and The birth to courage and courage can subdue the strong.
finally evening. giVe
dew evaporates. The rose reachesIts fullness You have witnessed this great scene many times In our coun-
early moming
and its petals fall. A wave reaches its crest and retums to the try life.

sea. Then. does love also dIe? If the love within uS Is living, \"I always tell your sisters that a woman should never
does it also dJe when it reaches its fullness? Can one hold become emotionally compelitlve with her man. A man does
that ceriain moment of the sun's first appearance on the hori- not like to have anotht'r 'manly' person In his private life. I
zon? Can one make love endure? At what point does tile joy) also tell your sisters to be responsiblein family life. but nol)))
 [311- Hsfen (Mutual Attractton) 393)
392 Hexagram /311)
I alii going 10 help Precious Jade secula.rt7e
bossy. A lIlan lIIay have enough bosses In his life outside the his tedious life as a monk.
family. A woman lIIuSt earn love and respeclfrom a man by
I am going to revive Blue Jade
beini feminine and by being faiWul, not by fighting or COIII-
wilh my Immortal magic.\
peting.
\"You leel Iroubled aboul correctly respondIng 10 the love
that comes Ii-om this good girl. You can love her If it is your
true response. This might be the firsl time you sail the --
--)
oceansof love. However. there Is nothing to be afraid of. ...t\037
When the current becomesrough. keep yourseU centered as
usual. and gel complete conirol of your ship. As far as I can 32) h\342\202\254nq)
see. this girl is not a lorrenllal type of girl. She is more like
the beautiful flow of a brooklet; the poetic feeling of her pres-
ence can cahnly be absorbed. C0115w.ncy
\"However. do not tum your young spirllual love into \"Be constant: it is right. Now is the time to be
GUIDAN\037E:
sentimental love. The love of Precious Jade and Blue Jade is persevermg and undertake something:'
nol a good example of pure love. Il is not healUlY to inlitate il.
Healthy love bears the fruil of deep rejoicing; nothing can The upper trigram represents Th\\ll1der, a sirong force.
aller it and nothing can be exchanged lor it. The beauty of The lower trigram. Wind, Is a gentle force. NeIther
sentimental love earns appreciation on a literary level. Thunder nor Wind has the attribute of constancy h
However, in practical life. it is the result of an emotional IS this hexagram called Constancy? Wind and 'Th\037';'
imbalance or feellngs of insecurity. Above all. such love lasts often occur together. but only at particular times and
for only a short tinle. Her imitation of Blue Jade should not under certain conditions. Neither Wind nor Th\\ll1der
be encouraged by you through helping her prepare a funeral alone connotes constancy, but the laws and conditions
which they operate are constant and eternal. U the
for the fallen flower petals and then helping her bwy them under
while a dirge. I heard she has been doing this for universe were completely still without the generative
singing of Thunder or the persistent
Il is ominous to accept the suggested action of Wind there
years. ThIs Is silly. energy
would be no life. It Is the movement of all the
destiny of Blue Jade in The Red Chamher. bodies and the Incessant flow of energy
h\037avenly
thai reflects the
'The challenge she makes on your young spiritual of the universe. On earth,
constancy It Is the change of
authority will surely benefit you. Remember, never be
the seasons which expresses this constancy.
bothered about those who speak or write better than you.
be mindful of achieving your own vIsIon
The energy cycles of all life are based upon an
Always iranspiercing Subtle Law. All natural phenomena
Invariable are In a
of reality. She has not developed higher than you. Her moti- continuous process of change, with constancy as the
could be the need for your love. Now, restore -your
underlying principle, On the human
vation
level. one's attitudes
inner balance and gtve her an answer.\" should be supported by the constancy
and disposition of
The same day, I wrote my answer 10her and relurnt'd her
one's virtue. Without a stable axis, neIther nature nor
copy of TIleRed Chwnber. The following is what I wrote;) civilized human life can endure.
This hexagram encourages one to be resolute and
\"Confucianism Is my garment,
persevering. These principles are especially applicable to
- it Is 100 short for me. married life, because married life needs constancy. In
Buddhism Is my cane, tenns of human relationships, the repre-
upper b1gnun'
- It Is 100 weak to support me. sents an adult and the lower b1gram represents an
man.
Now I become a worshipper of The Red Chamber.) adult woman. hexagram Is the inverse
This of the preced-
Ing one, Hslen, whicll Involves courtship belween a yowtg
boy and girl. In the preceding hexagram, the boy Is below
the girl in order to gain her trust without intimIdating her.
However, Hellg refers to the pertod after marriage. In)))
 \\)

{32j - Heng (Constancy) 395

394 Hexagram {32]
the order of the result. The third line represents a person with emotional
man is above the woman,
wh1ch the
stnlcture. In modem society, this instability. Though he has deep understanding. he Is not
traditional famlly on correct prInciples. This description Is based on
has changed since we no longer depend guided by line between
pattem
for survival and a woman may represent the third sItting two Improperly ordered lin e s.
physIcal strength
in a family. the \"secondrand the fourth, which makes him a \"r.ence sl t-
the yang energy
group or team requires
family. ter. Th ere,ore. h e d oes not know when to go or fa d
survival of
he forfeits his true knowledge.
The any He fears that tho:e l\037\037d
that have been organized
Relationships
as
perseverance. Without perse- hiID cause troubles; however, his problems are created
such cannot be secure without constancy.
verance and constancy, members of the family, group or through his lack of dignity.)
team wi1l not be able to develop the tolerance and other
After LINE 4: \"\037e Is no prey In the field. One's constan-
virtues that are necessary for working together.
\"homemaker\" are cy Is wasted.
marrIage, the roles of \"breadwinner\" and ,)
defined and become the basIs for team work. Thus, with
an
Competing You wi1l not discover game while hunting In an
Individual's 1J.fe pattems may change. empty
another member or quarreling over changes creates field. regardless of how persistent you are. Do not waste
If the homemaker supports the breadwinner, your energy.
dishannony.
a foundation of constancy can be established.
In our
In being submissively
may be breadwinner and
LINE 5: \"Persevering
culture, both man and woman virtuous is
homemaker at the same time to establish a prosperous beneficial for follDwer-s. not for leaders.\
famJIy.
of Being constant and submissive to one's leader or to a
PersIstence is the practical application constancy.
The lines indicate when persistence is appropriate and creative person in one's life Is appropriate; however, the
desist still.) reverse Is not correct behavior. A leader, a breadwInner.
when one should and remain
or the head of a famIly must have flexibility In order to
too quickly and deal with changing conditions, LIfe is less complex for
LINE 1: things precipitously
Is not a
\"Beginning
nonna! approach. No benefit; trouble results.\" one who stays at home and takes care of domestic mat-
ters or fulfills specIfic assignments.
The first line Indicates the beginning stage. By The fifth line represents benefit obtained
the by being
in matters not yet fully understood, troubles settled and persevering. However, this benefit does not
persIsting
and obstacles are created. projects for to the leader or breadwinner who must always
Hastily beginning apply
will not be beneficial. examine the situation and make necessary adjustments.
which one is not qualified At this
one should not persist with one's opinion.) Peace and constancy should be kept within; responding to
time,
the sItuation with flexibility should be reflected outwardly.
LINE 2: \"Be to the ]XJint. No remorse.\" in a hexagram where the number of y1n and yang
lines are equal, the fifth line can always tip the balance
MaIntaJn the rtght posItion. Do not attempt eIther too toward a favorable result. Thus. the fifth line has the re-
much or too little. but instead strive for balance in all sponsIbility of staying effectively organized.)
activities. in following the Path with sincerity and without
deviation. there will be no regret.) LINE 6: \"Losing one's constancy, nothing can be
achieved.\
LINE 3: \"One cannot maintain constancy. Thts can
cause Continuing to be Inconstant The top line expresses extremes, Anything that is ex-
T11ll1lY problems.
results In loss.\ treme cannot last long. 1l1.Is line Is past the point of
being constant and is like a government leader who has
When one does not when It is necessary. lost his power. The govemment eventually falls. After ex-
persevere
there can be no virtue or constancy. Humiliation will) periencing each stage of this hexagram, one becomes)))
 \037,
II)

[321 - Heng (Constancy]

396 Hexngram 1321 397)

and can then midst <!(aU changes,

In the
aware of the Importance of being constant
remain wldlsturbed.
to what ts correct.)
apply constancy Whether the days are good or bad.
whether dealing with virtuous or unvirtuous ones
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) do not jorsake the wholeness oj your spirit.

PERSONAL FORTUNE: There is some uneasIness.While What Is the endurmg spirit oj li(e?
friends and relatives may not be supportive. one's It is the swne as the spirit <!( the universe.
spouse is. which is governed by constancy.
MARRIAGE: It will be successful. Good fortune. regularity and spontaneity.
HOUSING/FAMILY: Keeping the old building is more With its eternal virtuous nature.
beneficial than buildIng a new one. it nourishes and caresJor aU things.)
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. The mother will
have diIDculty dwing the delivery. Virtue Is the mherent nature oj life.
LOOKING FOR WORK: If one seeks an Important job, That which Is inherent in th-e nature oj life
one obtaIns a minor posItion. However, if one looks is illherent ill your own nature.
for a mInor posItion. one receivesan Important one.
in order to restore the enduring spirit.
Others may create obstacles. but do not really
they we have to practice i1s subtleties.
stand In the wav. Nature endows peoplewith discernment
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It will be quIte You can actively change the rigidity oj your mind.
successful. destructive tendencies andJalse images
dissolving
TRADE/BUSINESS: Do not change locations. Stay at
by praclic;ng constant virtue.
your current place.
you arrive at the delicacy oj your spirit.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: One must hurry. Two Thus.
which is creative. useful
people working together bIing good fortune.
to all.)
They will come,
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: and benejicial
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: The object is in the
Southwest and will be difficult to find.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: If they cannot be caught with-
in three days. then it will take three years to know
who the thieves are.
LAWSUIT: Though there may be some tiightening expert-
ences, there will be no real hann. In the Northwest.
there may be someone who wishes to hann you. ;\037\037-
\\
I
CLIMATE: It will be fine. I)
TRAVEL: Arguments may arise. Check the route be-
run ==
cause there may be somehidden danger or thieves. 33)
DISEASE: Restlessness. Re-\037\037&')
PERSONAL WISH: It can be achievedwith difficulty.)

COMMENTARY) GUIDANCE: \"Retreat. SmaU things will be profitable and

correct,\
The natural principle expressed by one who Is whole
Is the enduring spirit oj life.) In this hexagram. Heaven Is above the MOW1taln 'llie
positive yang energy is retreating. while the negative ytn)))
 \\\\
- !)
/33/ 7Un (Retreat) 399
398 Hexagram {33/
altemation of yIn and \"One must not wait until the last
1:
energy Is advancIng. The cyclic
one of positive virtue,
LIN\037
When the dunger
tune.
minute,
has already presented
Ule'tail\"
yang Is a natural process. For '!-{ lale to dunuush itsell: it
retreat at this time brIngs safety. Forward movement Is 15 100 it or to escape.
Going - war db: rmgs)
for
untimely.
misfortune.\" \\')
RegardIng practical matters, this hexagram usually In-
dJcates a decreaseIn power, wealth and material posses- Only by dealing Increasing with
danger at the earliest
sions, WhIle this situation may be difficult In the begIn- possible stage can trouble be averted. This line implies
fortune will follow eventually. that the possIbility of escaping the danger decreases as
ning, good
A person who Is presently experiencIng difficulty Is not UIDe passes. Here, danger Is already present, and the
If one be avoided. Therefore. do not challenge
likely to resolve the matter immedJately. However. problem cannot
truly understands the sItuation. there Is protection In re- the difficulty,
treat. BeIng attached to position or profits will cause mis-
fortune. This Is a time to withdraw and move away from \"By being fum within,
LINE 2: you can indirectly fight
and entanglement.\
the danger. DoIng so doesnot IndJcate weakness. nor Is contention
there blame for acting appropriately, A spiritually evolved
to the sItuation and knows In this situation. one should be
person responds correctly flexible. unassertive
when to retreat. aJld not express sharpness. There Is no way to escape
The lines of this hexagram describe many different difficulty; however, remaInIng outwardly soft yet Inwardly
forms of retreat. For example, the first line is like an ost- fu1D, one will not be overcome by bad circumstances.)
rich which hides Its head while leaving Its body exposed.
The second line is flexible In tackling the difficulty. The LINE 3: \"Stay away from evil forces. Going forward Is
and Is content with at this time. However.
third line withdraws Its energy what It dangerous turning back to pri-
line seeks physIcal escape. The to eT!J0Y personal
already has. The fourth vate life
\ relationships brings good
fifth line humbles itself In a posItion of leadership, The tiTnes. \\)
sixth line escapes by transcending the danger entirely.
The I Ching offers guidance according to the underly- The line is In contact with the marching negative
Ing prInciples of a sItuation. It is important to stress that force. Emotional attachment to extemal fame and posi- ,
an appropriate response does not follow a fixed. single tion will resuit In beIng hurt. BecomingInvolved In exten-
source of action. A correct approach is one which proper- sive public dealings at this time Is unwise. There will be
to the universal natural law of changes. benefit In living within the limits of one's own
ly corresponds privacy.
Thus. a period of Increasingly erosIve yin energy is not the Staying with your closest ties and showing no Interest in
right time for a righteous one to press forward. The time public affairs is the way to evade the attention of those
to undertake something is when yang energy is increasing. with evil Intent.)
Chyan. Heaven == ' usually represents strong, as-
cending energy. but here It means \"to decisively rise up.\" LINE 4: \"Retrealing m order to preserve one's purity Is \\)))
Ken, or Mountain == , is usually associated with calm- right Jor a developed
\ being but Is d!lJlcuit Jor the
ness and stability; however, here It means Independence undeveloped.
and detachment. The lines of the lower trigram do not
feel happy with the good fortune of the top line because What appears sweet is actually poIsonous. While the
they are still attached to profit and success. The top Une attraction to the sweet Is strong, retreating far away
represents one of sp1ritual achievement who is free from brings good fortune. The poisonous sweetness and strong
worldly attachments. A person of self-developmentuses temptation comes from the first line. However, a success-
nature as his teacher. Thus. the highest wisdom is per- ful retreat ts possible only for the developed beIng. HIs
ceivedas the simple, natural expression of the universel) finn. virtuous character can help him to resist the tempta-
tion, while the undeveloped one cannot; he will be swal-
lowed by the temptation.)
 ;,)

1331 401 Hexagram /33/ I',

400 Hexagram

LINE 5: \"Correct retreat. Goodfortune.\" TRAVEL: Misfortune; there is trouble.

DISEASE: Emotional or
imaginary illn ess; is
The of this position is to provide safety and move to another house.
It
good to
purpose must be
order to retain one's
In
one virtue.
PERSONAL WISH: It will be to achieve.)
protection. Here. retreat means difficult
inwardly firm but outwardly flexible.
a low profile while being in a high posItion.
keeping
COMMENTARY)
LINE 6: \"Comfortable escape. Is
TI1\302\243re enough time
and space In which to escape safely.\ To achieve spiritual integri1.y,

one who is able to retreat With the emphasis belongs not on worldl y a!lJi'arrs.
This line represents
the but on keeping the mind still
can be far from danger.
greai freedom. thus he By
from the This you know.
acting appropriately, one can maintain distance
As worldly interest
and be at ease dealing with the situation. A de- lessens.
difficulty
realJzes that the highest level of retreat is spiritual interest increases.
being your mind becomes empty,
veloped
self-cultivation. Spiritual achievement can enable one to As

all turmoil. One who has achieved a high level Tao. the W1iversal eternal life .
transcend
of self-cultivation is above all worldly troubles and will live fiUs your being.
Wi1h heart and mind pure.
Justly. righteously and harmonJously.) negativity and evil fail to lure.
Only by and correcting yourself
obse.ru\037g
can you ehmmate the pain and torture
you allow to occur.
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) Meaningless.deceptive.
and vastly exaggerated
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Great difficulties prevail. are all worldly pleasure and pain:
MARRIAGE: The relationship cannot be successful and iUusiDns we ourselves form.
will bring misfortune. What corifusiDn and bewUderment they cause!
HOUSING/FAMll..Y: There are problems With the door- How they keep us from being free!
It does not move in accordance with one's ener- See through these obstacles
way.
!!Y. Misfortune and disease will occur. One should and all hinclrances in your path will disappear.
move. That these thmgs are not a hindrance.
CHILDBIRTH: The difficult. will be
delivery enlightened people know,
WOKING FOR good possibilities.
WORK: There are
Progress first by one step and then another:
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Though it is diffi-
cult to achieve, once achieved, it should be a very im- methodically. carefully.
break through your conJu<;iDn.)
portant position.
TRADE/BUSINESS: The time is not profitable.
to find. Silence Is the ideal
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are difficult
WAITINGFOR SOMEONE: will not come. Merel-!J talking about self-cultwaliDn
They
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: Finding the object lacks any real benefit.
will be difficult. Allow Tao. tl1e wliversal eternal I!(e.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: are far away in to penetrate. and it will eApand.
They hiding
the mountains and to the Northeast. -'(/ling your body and beinq. .
LAWSUIT: It is Justified. Your way oJ 1!le wiU be
CLIMATE: It will be rainy.) naturally Smootll and stmighl.)))
 1341 - Ta
{33/ Chuang (Great Strength) 403
402 Hexagram
One who is 100 powerful or has a str
Wholeheartedyou will be, usually recepUve to advice. Such personality is not
a per\037\037\037
with strong. protective power. to h....0hIs own way and show off . Too m uc hgenerally prefers
forsaking the bitterness of life. over a rim . bUll oo muc h
stren g th. IS l ik e
content within yourself.
eXcesswaler flowing . power usuall y
Because aU lives are just like yours,
creales OpposlUonwhen il encounlers a forceWith .
whIch Ills .
incompaUble. Such movemenlls also like an
all things are one body within you. its head againsl a fence.
1m petuous goat
In this secret i1 is very clear. ralIlIlling
When wishIng to
and with this comes the confrrmatton ob\037 addiUonal!nfonnauon. one should
tha1 you have the seed of a whole being.) be sull and. not e\0371 one s knowledge. Benefit Is obtained
through qUlel hu.mIlity. Power may also be
acquired In this
manner. Applymg the principle of naturaln ess Is more
effecUve than forcing the situauon.
--
--) spIritual
Non-artion is the teon generally used 10 inle
princIple of naturalness. Howev er . n on -ac ti on
rprel the
)::..;JJ:. not mean th. at one does ,nothing. rather that one does does not
<:0vct1uarU:; scatter \037ne s energy; Allowing nature to take its .\037ourse
)t) without mterference IS the real
meaning of nonacUon.
Energy be gathered to the center so
sh\037uld that one can
q\037 5\037Ch) become a poslUve transmitter or reservoir of
energy and
accomplish UlingS smoothly.
all
Each line guides us in the use of force. The first line
GUIDANCE: \"When greal strength is correctly applied, i1 is
represents energy that is gathered and culUvated.
a gcxxl This
thing.\" accunlulation can be used to observe and respond appro-
to the various situations that confront
In lh/s hexalifam. Thunder is above Heaven. BOUl tri- pliateIy us. The second
Ta Chuang is cOlmectedwilh line recommends the use of self-restraint. In the third !in
grams are images of strength. choice is given between
the second month of the Chinese energy calendar and corre- the
expresSing virtue lhrough no\037\037
or ignorance lhrough strenuous
sponds 10Marchi April of the Weslem calendar.
acUon response. The fourth
line indicates that this ts the light time to
In contrast with the p'!:\037efu1 balance of yIn.J!Il...!! yang apply strength. The
== . _ = . Ta nfth line represents positiona of weakness and teaches how
energy expressed in Tal and Chi Chi
The used to deal with such situaUons. TIle top line advises
Chuang expresses excessive strength. image In
as a means of becoming strong.) using
several lines of this hexagram is the goat, which symbol- difficully
izes stubbornness and over-abundant strength. The grad-
ual Increase of yang energy In the Spring also Indicates a LINE 1: \"Too much strength in Lhe loes. The beginning
preponderance
of strength. slage makes mOl.ing ahead d!/Jicult. Such strength will
The force of the yang lines easily overcomes the
four surely lead 10mi.sJortune.\
two weak yIn lines. However, one with a gentle heart does
not use strength to conquer. Though his force may be In Ule iniUal stages of a sltualion or relationship. one
strong enough to dominate weak or inferior people, he still should not invest all one's eneq!,.V.powt'r or money. Excessive
follows the principles of righteousness. interest shown In the beginning usually fades raiht'r quiduy.
The use of force In a beneficial manner Is the theme of Now Is the Ume to observe and study ') circumstances and
Ta Chuang. Pressing forward aggressively creates prob- galher one's strength.
lems, while allowing nature to take Its course brings calm-
ness. Hasty or impulsive movement can be damaging. LINE 2: \"Caution in using SLrertglh brings gcxxl.lortwle.\)
We must remember to proceedslowly In times when we
need to reform ourselves or influence others.)
 134/ - Ta Chunng (Great
404 Hexagram [34} Strength) 405
the sItuation. one can be saved
This line Is strong but in a weak position; however, it to change
proud or 0 not be dis-
has a good response from the fifth line. It is strong, yet it couraged, discontent. The dun\037 ty can be)
exhJbits self-restraint. By not exerting its strength, it has dissolved.
good fortune. 6: \"TIte stubborn
LINE goal attacks the but can
3: 'Those of self-development do not display neUher achieve its goal nor retreat. No
LINE learns through one's d!JJtcu1ti\302\243s' trouble \037'if,t if one
their strength. Inferior people willingly show their w ':u' not last)
and there will be good for-wIle,\"
strength and thus creole a dangerous environment.

Such a display of strength is like a goal attacking a

The top line indIcates that the goat has now
fence Becl1LlSe of Us stubborn persistence. Us horns learned
Its lesson. He can go no further; however. in the end he
become weakened.\ because
has good forttme he has learned a valuable les-
The thJrd in a posItion to reflect
line is upon the son. Through introspection and change. one's bad dis o-
two lines. The first represents or sItuation disappears and good fortune
examples of the prevIous
to investigate the
sition
Self-developed people are educated and strength
resufts .
an ignorant person who does nothing d
sItuation in the begtnrung. The second line represents a obstacles and difficulties. One's development de;\037\037s :
wise person who cultivates cahnness before tackling the bre aldng through these obstacles in order to benefit one's
problem. Therefore. if the thJrd line is virtuous. it will fol- gro
wth .)
low the example of the second line by keeping to the prIn-
If It is Ignorant
ciple of cahnness and strengthening
itself,
and restless. It will follow the example of the first line and
act without proper observation or planning. In such a
case, it is like a goat that weakens Its own homs. The SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
thJrd line is on the boundary between ignorance and wis-
dom. Thus. one has the choice of either acting like a goat PERSONAL FORTUNE: You will be prosperous.
or a wise human being,) MARRIAGE: Misfortune.
HOUSING/FAMILY: The foundation of the house is not
LINE 4: \"Continue marching In the right direction. All I!ood and mav be danl!erous.
obstructions will disperse. Use strength correctly, in the CHfi.,DBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. The mother will have
proper place and at the right time.\ difficulty because the yang energy is too strong.
LOOKING FOR WORK: There are difficulties at first.
One should now use all one's
gather and strength. However. if the first or fifth line changes. ask for the
TIlls opportunity must and not wasted. This
be seized Job.
yang line is the leader of the other three yang lines, It is SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: At the beginning
the one which can remove the obstacles created by the difficulty will be expertenced. Later. the position be:
two weak lines above. Toward this end, two guiding prIn- comeS easier.
ciples should be adopted. Independent actions should not TRADE/BUSINESS: Success is di.ffi.cult.
be taken by any of the four strong lines. and there must SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be found unless
be cooperation among them. The strength of great might
is any special condition.
there
must be an expression of nghteousness.not aggression,) WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not retum.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It Is difficult to find.
LINE 5: \"One subdues oneself in order to end aU con- THIEVES: Be careful. You may be robbed.
frontatiJJns. No rerrwrse,\ LAWSUIT: There will be something frightening
CLIMATE: It will be rainy,
One who is faced with a possible attack is advised not TRAVEL: Now is not a good time to travel.)))
to fight. By avoiding force and using harmonious means)
 - Ta Chuang (Great Strength) 407)
/34/
406 Hexagram (34/
I accepted the invitation and went wtth him to his
TIle sickness is cormected with tile feet and Is the tea set
he said. \"Ifon the table.
DISEASE: room. After putting
I I will serve
not dan\037erous. answer this question correctly. you tea.\"
be as you Dharma?\"
PERSONAL WISH: It cannot you wish.)
agreed. and he asked. 'What is Buddha
\"Have a cup of tea'\" I replied. He poured the tea into
cup. I started to pick up the cup. ready to drink.
my
when suddenly he seized my hand and said. 'Walt a
moment. you have not asked me yet.\"
I asked.
COMMENTARY \"All right. what is Buddha Dharma?\"
Premature Enlightenment) \"Have a cup of tea. str.\" was his reply,
We both laughed. After a sip of tea. he asked again.
The foUowing Is an anecdote of an early spiIitual ex- \"What is the spectrum of achievement of Buddha?\" I
I had bt'fore I obtained instruction on true mind from
replied:
perience
my father. It helps illustrate the hexagram of \"being overly
\" \"Like wayfarer wom.
strong.
In my home town there were several good libraries. as weU up homeward hill paths.
One day. having scenes that
as a number of j1;ood book stores. exhausted straining Jor-

aU tlle private libraries in our town. I ventured to the cily to anxiouS eyes may r-est.

satiate my young desIre for more knowledge. especially in Pavilion lone,

mailers of history and spiIit. II was a walk of fifteen li its loved one gone.
five miles) one way. so I carried my lunch with Vain kept the swallows their nesL\
(approximately
me in a packaj.(eof lotus leaves.
Within this neighboring city. there was a Buddhist library Then was it my tum to ask him, and he said. \"Here.
II was set In a Buddhist me.I leave no room for the old Buddha. Therefore.
In which I often found myself. temple within
What I
no Buddha shadow within me.
and was especially nice and quiet for rea<ling. except on days there is absolutely
of achievement, whIch may be
there was a ceremony. Dwing this period of my you th. have is my own spectrum
my young guest. I make
when this of-
I was a fervent reader of Buddhism and was pemlitted to read worthy for entertaining

from any book on the tall, wooden bookshelves in this temple. fering; listen'\"
and then continued:)
Becausemy reading speed was last, I needed only to stand in He paused
front of those taU book shelves to Hn.i sh reading several books.
after a few days a monk began appearmg \"Moon gleaming likeJmst.
To my annoyance. Br-eezefree like .fluid,
who dusted the room in such a manner that I always had to
pW\"e world without
bounds.
move 10 make way for him. After tllis had occurred many r-eru::hes Jlsh leaped,
crooked
Urnes, I d;scoverec1 thaI the monk was doing this intenUonalJy. Up
on lotus leaves dew distilled.
I finally said to him. \"Please do not create dust while I \037n
without sound.
reading. It disturbs my eyes.\" quietude

\"Pardon me. hut Is II the 'dust\" on tlle shelves which La. a third mund
oj time-telling dnm1 in the late night.
dIsturbs your eyes. or Is ilmy work'?\" the monk querted.
me aware 0/ hIs implicit Laud dropped a leq( -
11lis question madt' chalknge.
alld I answered. \"I callie here to discover what the 'dust' is broke me.from dreams proJoUTId.
which covers tlle eyes of aU good Chillese pt'ople and, to my Night strefched dim.
surprtse. I Hnd one here who buries himseU' in dusl as his TIle r-etum missed.
\" at dawn I paced the garden roUJ1d.\"
profession.
a appreciate hIs answer and he also appreciated
The monk respondt'd. \"Well, well, I mIstook a tiger lor I could
dog. US share a cup through this meeting we became good
COllie Into rOOIll. Let 01 tea.\ friends.)))
my mlne, thus
 [34[. Ta chuang (Great Strength) 409)
408 Hexagram [34[)
to
that had suggested it might be a good idea for me fast for
this time I was around seventeen. DurIng rest of the so I retumed to my room. From
to my friends and. as my
At the day.
to \"preach\" look out to the front and see the canal.
summer. I started
was no one more upstairs. I could
were very strong. I felt there or back I could view
the the luxurious green fields
of our house at
convictions from
than I. I would use the corridor Here I could study.
reaching to the mountains.do other meditate.
superior
the canal as place where people spiritual activities. This
the sIde of the gatherIng
to my talk. practice Kung Fu and
a great gift of my youth, where I could lay the
the breeze while they listened quietly
be givIng my doctrtne of
could enjoy was
Usually when I spoke I would
foundation for my future spiritual development without
was what I
to the neJghborhood kids.
This
self-authority disturbance,
usually said: is no God. Is no But this particular occasIon was not easy for me.
\"Believe nobody. There there
Because I held my doctrine, \"Everybody is the authority of
there is no but as the real or sIsters should
Buddha. authority yourself his own life,\" I thought surely my mother
In other words. I am the true God. Furthennore, since I
authority of your life.
I am the not have to cook for me all the time.
I am the true Buddha. I am the true Way.
am the authority of my own life. why should I bother to
of my life. Therefore. there no is
need to
the first part of this summer aftemoon.
authority
to the temple; do eat? DurIng long
worship any sort of divinity. Domake go to live by my convictions. Then as
not
to any I was very determined was not as de-
not go to the church;
do not pilgrimages
evening came. I noticed the setting sun
Your holy land is within yourself. Most important, The evening breeze which comes with
place. as usual.
and deny as cool and pleasant as
lightful
never recognJ7.e any authority. Deny all sages. the twilight of the stars was not
what our ancestors said. Your teacher, your parents. your
usual either. This night also seemed much longer than
and all other are not the authorities
people However, being the authority of my own life. I
grandparents usual.
of your life; it is no one but you.\" thought I could at least make it useful for sleeping. Let
I earned many new friends by using my young usurp-
me tell you. when your stomach feels full it is easy to
ideas. Some families were troubled by my is empty it Is not so easy
Ing \"religious\"
Influence. brother said I was mad. Some of the sleep, but when your stomach Nevertheless. I went to sleep but
My reach calmness.
wished that my father would stop me. My father to
after midnight.
parents
are premature or suddenly awakened
told them. \"All great world teachings
In the early hours of the morning, I began to examine
half-mature. False teachers find many followers; true obtained from own
spiritual system my
teachers have few. False teachings make people strong my great
of the empty
enlightenment. Reflecting on the condition
rtgld; true teachings make peoplegentle
and pliant.
and
All teachings are for the purpose of growth. Should we stomach. the fresh brain. the music of the crickets and
It was easy for
the growth of our children?\" frogs below and the subtle lightcouldIn the sky. Its
obstruct
our main meal. my mother me to rediscover that no life forget physiological
One day at noon. dwing base and that no individual could claim authortty suffocate over life.
sent my brother several times to get me. Instead of a
I and No food could starve a person. No air could
returnIng with him. kept talking talking. becoming
on and on, until self-authority became
wilder and wilder. When I finished. I walked Into the person. And my
and. I fell into a
room. To my amazement, there was no food on the more and more thinly supported finally.
dInJng
table. I walked Into the kitchen; there was no food there. sound sleep.
sun awakened me with Its golden
part of the house; no one was
When the morning
I walked to the other to fifty
for my father. Being busy as usual with smile. It was already thirty rules high Iforty
myself and prepared for the great
around. except
I I washed
his patients. we had no chance to exchange any words. degrees).
At this meeting. my
went upstairs to my own room. since I wished to rest. My spirilual meeting in the corridor.
hunger. however, me restless and there was a con- lecture changed.
kept
to look again for \"Ask no one to do for you. There Is no God who does
noJse In my belly. I rushed down No
stant
mother and the rest of the family. This time my fath- for us. Neither Is there a Buddha who does for us.
my
er told me they were all out vlslting frtends and he was one can play the
self-authortty. Every Indi,,1dual
person
We must deeply recognize the)))
not sure when they would return. He said my mother) must be self-responsible.
 {35J - JUtn {Progress] 411)

410 Hexagram {34/

return fTom darkness to light where his brightness, beauty
of self-aulhority: I admit Ulat. Worshipping. going to can be seen and apprectated by all. Through
truth
a pilgrimage goes ap;ainst the truth of self- and wisdom his esteem
temple or makinp; his own efforts. his virtue ts brightened and
of life is truly self-responsibility.
responsIbility. TIleauthority who can saveus recognized. Surely thIs is a prosperous timel
Deny the thought that there will be someone The Judgment of Jihn is: \"'The powerful prince is hon-
our day. he Is
or who can do for us. If that were so. why would
ored with horses in large numbers. In a single
methods of self-cultivation for three times.\" TI11s means one is glor-
ancestors leave Uleir precious an audience
us to had discovt'red. sages granted above. A wise leader is
ified fTom the light-giving
us? Theyjusl led what Uley \037I power
ones are for therr own and in control.
and developed st'lf-responsible who is conscientious
development and their self-development to other
extend
one
Although the trigram U. :::::= '
ap p\037ar...! in fifteen
people. Self-awareness is a deep sense of .responsibility. If
other h\037ams, only the Great Provider, _ and Pro- '
self-awareness causes you to become sellish or assuming.
\037\037 . suggest
that this Is a time for self-developed
awareness gress, what they have cultivated.
then your st'lf-awarenes\"s ts Incomplete. Complete virtuous people to manifest
makes you fully aware of self-responsibility. Therefore. deny This is a time for action, a time for participating services
in activi-

all wishful thir\037ng. but be self-responsible.\" ties of a high nature and for extending outwardly.
At this time, I discovered my mother in the conidoe. She The most Important progress to be made is the devel-
of my lecture. I finished, of virtue, which is achieved by continuous intro-
smiled. awaiting the conclusion opment
on all high levels, especially for the gathering of energy. If
\"Each We is self-responsible spection. self-Improvement and

individual development. We must continue self- one is Impeded by extemal

factors and cannot Improve the
spiritual of
improvement and pursue the ancient secret way of high situation. only the development virtue promotes prog-
achievement that has been left for us. Through self-cultiva- ress. As a result. everything changes.
of non-authOrity. the The lowest trigram. Kun == ==. is composed of all yin
one can reach the true authority
tion.
are just empty it hollow and receptive. Most of the Earth's
Otherwise, all speeches words. lines. making
Way.
fTom the sun. moon, other and
Therefore, illY endeavors must be in Uils direction. It may be energy comes planets
Because of Its Earth flourishes and
after years of cultivating that I can serve peoplewho are self- stars. receptivity.
of
.. teems with life. Be receptive like the Earth. Instead
responsible. fallures and
My mother then took me in to the dinner she had made pushing forward blindly and creating trag-
until there is an the from
and qu1etly watched me eat a hearty meaL) edies. wait appropriate response
outside. Progress is not achieved impulsIveness.
through
However.
Without a clear mind. ambition is dangerous.
progress can be made safely by responding to high spirit-
ual tnlluences.
There can only be
prosperity when extemal circum-
If either the correct
stances harmonize one's energy.
with
-t - circumstance or the is absent, nothing can be at-
Jlhn = =
energy
Misfortune results from trying to force the sItua-
3,) tained.
is like a ram its head
tion. Such forcefulness butting
When one maintains one's true
against a wall in vain.
and is made.
PJ\302\253>(j1'{e55) nature. things happen naturally progress
careers and lifestyles that are
Many people pursue
to ,.each to true nature. Although their ambItions
GUIDANCE: \"Go ahead Jo,. prosperi1y victory W1d) contrary their
honor.\ may be fulfilled, they often harm themselves psychological-
ly and spiritually.
Is an expression of movement. There
Fire is above Earth, thus presenting the image of the Progress energy
in regression and each
sun illuminating the earth. It Is a time when all things Is progress regression In progress.
flourish A virtuous individual has an opportunity to) contains the other. The most meaningful progress one)))
 - Jihn 413)
{35J (Progress]
412 Hexagram {35}
1bis line represents step forward. One's ac-
another
can make is to becomefree from the physical laws of l1fe. tions are correct. The lower trtgram receives its essence
through self-achIeve- th1s connection is one of true
Such progress is only accomplished from the Earth. Therefore.
ment. When one selVes one's spiritual essence. progress obedience and harmony. The third line cooperates with
and regressIon are seen as the same phenomenal the neighborIng fourth. The third line receives the sun-
times of difficu1ty. one often experiences means that one is In the spot-
shine from above, which
However. an obstacle can be
DurIng
light and success will surely
restriction or regression. cornel)
beneficial even though it halts one's movement. because it
creates an opportunity to gather energy. Progress is made LINE 4: \"Being greedy with progress is dnngerous.
achieved ones
when difficu1Ues are used positively. All
Surely. a big rat cannot hold a tiger's posftiDn.\"
have had to break through dtfficu1Ues.)
1bis yang line In the fourth position Is surrounded by
LINE 1: \"Move forward with strong intentiDns; and cannot go safely. Its movements
If the correct re- yII1 lines anywhere
however. maintain the right path. are like those of a rat - furtive. hesitant and cowardly as
sponsecanrwt be made. there Is still an opportunity for
it tries to move out of Its hole. At th1s time. nothing can
achievemenL Do not be bothered if progress cannot be to do now Is retreat.
be properly achieved. The rIght thing
seenat the beginning.\
LINE 5: \"In making progress, one shnuld not worry
not be aclmowledged by
Progress at the beginning may
In about gain or loss. Goforward. A happy celebration
others. real benefit comes from
However. continuing
awaits
In an unfavorable position. one can
you.\
what is right. Even
The first line
remain flexIble by holding to righteousness, 1bis is the prIndple line of the hexagram. By acting
is a weak one In a strong posiUon. Indicating that As the Tao Teh Ching
there will be no problems.
still and allowing gently.
progress is made by remaining
the
teaches. accept favor and disfavor as the same.)
energy to grow.
Sometimes progress acWeved through strenuous marches forward. one will
Do LINE 6: \"If one persistently
efforts can be harmfu1. Let th1ngs happen naturally. encounter danger and confutement. like pushing oneself
what is beyond limitations. Though you
not expect your
th1s time. you can into the sharp tip of a hnm. If one Is disciplined and
cannot move forward at maintain your
one's actions, there will be good fortune, This
!rue nature, No great progress can be expected now.) regulates
is not the time to moveahead.\

UNE 2: \"Progress that meets with difficulty brings be-

to the right path. By remaining upright, Do not go further. Continuing In making progress
worry. Keep
comes excessive. When expanding energy or progress
one will be blessed by the Divine Mother.\
renew start
reaches its fullest, It must contract. Itself and
You cannot always continue to go forward. DOing
The third line is an obstacle to the second. Though again.
mOTe and mOTe confining.)
It IS done with caution and wony. so only makes the situation
progress IS made.
When one remains calm and upright. good fortune comes.
The second line receives help from the fifth line. although
they do not directly correspond with one another The
upper trigram Is sunshine; when It shines. the Earth IS
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
abundantly benefited. The positive Influence of a female
or authority IS symbolized by the ytn line In the
dJvlnJty
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Good fortune will come very soon,
fifth place.)
MARRIAGE: It will be successful.
The front door of your house is not
LINE 3: \"AU give their agreement: thus go ahead.\ HOUSING/FAMll..Y:
In the light position. Change 11.)))
 1351 - Jihn (Progress) 415)
414 Hexagram (35/
True achievement comes from obtaining the true method.
baby wIll be a boy.
Good fortlll1e. cultivation. therefore. uses the expressible
CHILDBffiTH:The POSITION: One must depend Practical spiritual
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL development that one has attained to serve the public and
on tiiends. If the fourth line ts received.no success.
individual attainment as part of the whole.
!rom the thereby integrate
TRADE/BUSINESS: Dotng business wIth people
The main goal of methodical self-cultivation is the attainment
Southeast ts profitable.
mOlll1tains to of immortal life. Otherwise. what is the reason behind this
FOR SOMEONE: Look in the
SEARCHING madness to cultivate? Obviously. self-indulgence is a better
the Southwest.
SOMEONE: They wIll come. wayl
WAITING FOR Is difficult Do you believe there are immortals in the universe?
LOOKING SOMETHING WST: The object By
FOR
the North. believing, how does one know lhat he or she is not self-
to find but be in only
might
Surely. there must be a way to truly know. Yes.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: Go to the Southeast. They deceived?
there are techniques that are taught in the natural spiritual
may be folll1d in a graveyard. to resolve the sItuation. tradition. One is the Sacred Way of Summoning and
LAWSIDT: A long time is needed way

CLIMATE: It wIll be fine unless the second line moves.

in Connectmg with Divine Beings. This method of learning does
not belong to the categories of hypnosis. witchcraft. modem
which case there wIll be rain.
TRAVEL: It is suitable for two people. The Southeast
is parapsychology. psychic powers or religious theology. After
this method and practicing the cultivation. a person
a good place to go. learning
connect with. and thus summon.
PERSONAL WISH: Your wish can be accomplished.) can directly and truthfully
pure spirits.
After sure-footed proof. one can know that the vast
realm, in general. is divided into two categories of yin
spiritual
and yang. The yin category includes \"general beings\" who may
COMMENTARY or may not have followed a particular religion. The yang
The Development of Life)
category includes \"true beings\" of the universal eternal To receive
life
who have attained total freedom and happiness.
direct contact such a universal one must know all the methods
Without proof of spiritual reality through citizenship,
with the existence of the vast spiritual realm, a true of the tradition of immortal beings. The traditional tuition is
audience from Wgh divine beings. and the experiencing of
one's
1,000 ouncesof pure gold. If you think this price is too high.
divine Immortality before exuviating the fleshly life,
then the traditional measure of two hundred \"catties\" of pure
striving toward development is only partially do. (One is about as heavy as an adult cat
spiritual
gold will \"catty\"
16 ounces.) But. the
fulfilled. and is a traditional Chinese pound with
The gift of expressible, sudden enlightenment does not can also be the reward to a virtuous individual.
teaching
bring about this fulfillment. Nor will intensive effort in
Another method is the Secret Carriage to the Divine
the realm of personal growth techniques or religious
Realm. This cultivation is one of the highest spiritual secrets.
practices necessarily lead one closer to the true Immortal, Understanding this practice can enable one to enter the
divine world. You may. in fact. some day find that you etemal divine realm, both before and after the exuviation of
have merely been enacting ideas or princIples of
the fleshly body. This is death as it is known in the ordinary
the
rather than traveling the integral to true one
another path
shadow world. After receiving and practicing this method.
fulfillment.
can establish communication with the different levels of divine
if it does not reunite
mind
and starry beings. Thus. onemay become
The blossoming will wither a member
immortal
with its true nature. feel that you have anived
You may world even during one's physical life.
the root of universal but without the confirmation of the divine immortal
at life.
One who discovers and obtains this meihod shall be saved
of the real experiences mentJoned above, your spiritual
from a \"wasteful\" life.)))
development is similar to riding an elevator in a tall build-
ing. Though the elevator works, the doors open to
nowhere.)
 135/ - JIhn (Progress) 417)
416 Hexagram {35J
Is nol the world's problem: know whal one knows
Having no subtle beings \"To

the problem Is too few people with accurately subtle

devel- is to be highly enlightened.
Inslead. whal one should know
oped spiritual senslUvity. Having people who can know To not know is sick.
Instead, the problem ts Only U\037eone sick oj suilering
th1ngs Is not the world's problem:
that there are vast and can be sIckness
having people who lack the knowledge methods and
savedJrom
sick:
different spiritual realms. WIthout the corred The highly enlighiened olte is never
practices.oneIs likely the to become lost In the profound spiritual he is aware oj sicknessand. thereJore, avoids it,\
world where only chi of a person's culUvaUon Is
else should be valued, except the The third treaUse. an exemplificauon from a deity with
recognized. Nothing The
culuvaUon of chi. Different chi produces different people. hwnan experience. contains the Invaluable essence of a safe
end that one will reach Wlth1n their lifetime can be anticIpated practice.The standard and evaluation for what one must
by the path one follows. accomplIsh In preparation person is
fOT becoming a virtuous
There are many valuable methods of spiritual culUvaUon. accurately
three treatises. Actually.
expTessed in these they
All the effective methods have been Introduced by Pao Po Tzu. se.-ve as the Direct Way. And. at that. even one with the
(Master Kou Hong). an ancient developed one with a great
extraordinary luck of obtaining these methods. as revealed in
heart, In a book enUtled The PaoPoTzu. Unfortunately, It has
the above treatises,still needs virtuous achievement as a
not yet been correctly translated Into English. (The bookTzu's was foundaUon of his OT her personal energy.)
written dwing the Jing Dynasty, 265-419 A.D.! Pao Po
book contains a good introduction to over two thousand
ancient, secretmethods. --
The truth of all sacred, secret methods of the spiritual --
--)
tradiuon can be verified by one who correctly understands B}]\037
them. in order to arrive at a correct understanding, however.
one must have the correct development to Tecetve these 36) m\\oq y\\)

specIal Instructions. Not surprisingly, most of these instruc-

tions are strongly guarded and prohibited In ordeT to prevent
people ITOm immalurely or pTematurely pTactiCIng them.
treasures of wisdom C,1tn6- Op. \037\0375)
Unfortunately, as a Tesult,
\037he-
the highest
and technJque are limlted In their exposure to the world.
Because ordlnaI)' opportunities to learn these methods do not GUIDANCE: \"At the time oj darkening. one should correctly
exIst, a long, long time is required to educate a good student respond to one's difficulties.\"
toward true development and attaJnment. Only when a
will was above the
person is truly Teady to Teceive the high spiritual
Sun
methods In the pTev10us hexagram, the

be passed on. Only then will the student be benefited Earth, but In Ming Sun Is below the Earth.
YI the ThIs Is
they
Tather than endangeTed. This prohiblUon also extends to the a time when darkness TUles the woTid. AppUed to human

master. who would also suffer if InstrucUons were given clTcumstances, this Is the time when one's Ught Is

prematurely. obstructed and theTe Is dangeT In one's development OT

A safe and broad way to oveTcome the difficulty of learning Ufe. The IndJvld ual should pTOtect his light by using his
these methods is avaJlable In my work entitled The Heavenly brtghtness, talents. capabilities, wisdom and Intelligence to

Way. ThIs book contains three treatises. The fiTsl. \"Stralghl- accommodate the darkness.
en Your Way,\" was the Tecommendation ofKou Hong's Mastel' The Image of this hexagram Is that of light held below
and the Mastel's befoTe his MasteL The second tTeatise Is the the Earth. U Fire Is coveTedby Earth, it cannot illumIn-
tradJtional elucidation of Chapl eT 71 of the Tao Teh Ching. It ate. Without the pTesence of dartty and wisdom, one
says:) must dwell In daTimess. However, even In times of dark-
ness, Ught Is forthcomIng. Thus, one should not be sad,)))
 /36/
-
Mfng VI (TIme of Darkness) 419)
418 Hexagram {36J
the spirit. maintain health should protect Wmself by departing early. otherwl.se one
but instead should cultivate
to retum. wIll be swallowed by It.)
and walt for good times the energy of a
Fire beneath the Earth also implies be a good time to go LINE 2: the result oj darkness. one moves with
\"As
volcano about to erupt. thus it may
if one's leg were hurt.
as However. a Jast
d!lficultY.
away.
Is like a rigid. restricting
moth er Iwrse can carry one to sqfety while it is still twilight.
The
upper trigram threat- darkness completely SWTOuru:Is one. Otherwise.
a talented child. She Is egotistical
and beJore
has time will run out,\
who
Instead of ruining the
ened by the child's precociousness.the child should hide his
hannony of the family. however. Now Is the time to escape rather than staying to fight
her way.
and allow the mother to have
light
The upper can also represent an ignorant the darkness faceto face. The second line Is the centerHow- of
trigram In such the lower trigram. Ught. and remains underground.
leader who has authority over a bright employee.
his talents by ever, the light Is already being obscured by the obstacles
a sItuation. the should protect one must now use all the
employee
Any movement will only
create additional above. Despitethe danger.
keeping quiet.
strength that remains to save the situation.
pressures and difficulties.
There are times one should not succumb to
the Time of Darkness. one's shining wisdom when
During
of trouble. influential people but artfully and tactfully confront It. especta1ly
may become a source
Most darkness.
who live in darkness are not able to recognize another's when dealing with one's own personal darkness. Usually.
contentiousness. the darkness in others Is easIer than recognizing
Inner brightness. Out of Ignorance and who is wise. seeing
It in ourselves. It Is correct to use
often hurt or create problems
for one and conquering
they
that beauty can be the cause of in overcoming inner darkness. No compromises
The 1 Ching teaches can be an
strength

troubles. but that troubles and difficulties should be made.)

for growth and success. General education
opportunity
to flaunt their beauty and their talents LINE 3: \"The darkness can be overcome and its ring
encourages
or
people
achievements. In doing so. the brightness of the mind leader captured. Such a move slwuld not be hasty. but
Instead slwu/d be an expressionoj righteousness:')
is darkened. of
Each line in this hexagram teaches that. in times At can also refer to the darkness within one-
darkness. virtuous people are not accepted by society. \"Darkness\"
in an important one must
such times. wisdom and virtue should be concealed ill self. When one' engages task.

The wise one uses this darkness as a first overcome one's inner darkness, Then one can be
plainness. the external darkness or difficulty as a
protection so that others cannot see him. benefited by uSing
tool for enlightenment.
LINE 1: \"On ajourney. the wise one does not stay where The third a yang line in the correct posItion.
line Is It

people creme trouble Jor him. Even tlwugh there may be receives from the second line and attacks the top
help
food or shelter. he moves on.\ line. which is the leader of darkness. Extreme care must
be exercised when conquering darkness. Both the third
Those who are virtuous cannot avoid contact wilh society and sixth lines are somewhat damaged by this situation.
altogelher. but lhey should be very selective In accepling Though there are times in which one may wish to
favors. While some are acceptable.others are not and can avoid conllict. here it is not possible. Compromise cannot
not
create problems and entanglements. be made with evil. lf the cause is righteous, one must
This yang line Is in the correct position and corres- fear the consequence.)
ponds to lhe fourth line. However. one should contem-

plate lhe entire situation Instead of remaIning in danger. LINE 4: \"At the entrance oj darkness. one can pre-
Darkness will come soon. But. as indicated by the serve oj mind only by departing at the right
very peace
first line. an opportunity sUll exists for one to
escape. moment.\)
One who has foreknowledge of the approaching darkness)
 (36J - Ming YI /TIme oj Darkness] 421)
420 Hexagram (36(
In the marrIage can there are
The fourth line is the first line of the darkness. MARRIAGE: Though
match Is not
endure,
a good one.
such a one can either go further into the depths many arguments. This
situation.
in- HOUSING/FAMILY: There Is a bypass in front of the
of it or retreat, keeping h1mseUupright and sustaining
the house which makes the energy confusing. The house
ner illumination. The lower trigram represents light.
The fourth line Is the Is the cause of misfortune and the source of wony. If
upper trigram represents darkness. can direction. the live apart from the child, there will be less
boundaI)' between them and go in either parents
Since it corresponds to the first line and Is only at the difficulty.
threshold of the darkness. II Is sUll close enough
to follow CHlLDBffiTH: The baby will be a girl. The mother will

Otherwise. it may succumb to hopeless shocked or frightened by something during the

the 11gb!.
delivery.
darkness. FOR WORK: There are obstacles.
As stated in the original Chinese text. \"Be out the door LOOKING
one can POSITION: A high position Is
and gone.\" Since the darkness ts sUll incomplete. SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL

be guided by one's Inner I1gbt.

not indicated here. If the posItion is Indeed a high or
effectively
Important one or If the first line Is received,there will be
LINE 5: '1n the middle oj darkness. one can only danger.
one.
adapt to the situation. but without giving up one's inner TRADE/BUSINESS: The time Is not a profitable
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: The objectwill be
lIght.\

This centrallille of the hexagram.

lIne is the Darkness is hard to recover.
inescapable. Durtn\037 this time. it can be very damaging. Be HUNTING FOR THffiVES: They are close by and It IS
very careful now not to lose your clarity. By keeping your possible to catch them soon.
inner lighl and adapting to the situation, the extemal dark- LAWSUIT: A jail sentence Is involved.
ness will be deprived of its inlluence wIder the law of cyclic CLIMATE: It will be rainy.
movement. TRAVEL: Do not make the trip. Misfortune.
Note: The principle of this line has been applied to various DISEASE: It IS dangerous.
circwnstances throughout history. One such instance is illus- PERSONAL WISH: It IS dIflkult to achieve.)
trated In the section following the Specific Guidance, and
relates to this line In particular.)
LINE 6: \"In the beginning, there is brightness. In the COMMENTARY

end, darkness swallows aU things.\ Fifth-Line lliustratlons)

This line symbolizes the time after sunset when dark- The background of the fifth line of the 36th hexagram
ness finally overcomes the ligh!. However. there Is stilI IS a sertes of events which took place during the reign of
hope for this line. As Lao Tzu, says, \"BIg winds and the Emperor Jou (1154-1122 B.C.), the last emperor of
storms cannot last fOrever.\" When there Is darkness, light the Shang Dynasty (1766 -1121 B.C.). It Is also a story of
must soon return. LIkewise, one's emotional storms and how Korea began Its history as a nation.
darkness will also pass.) As a youth, Jou was receptive to the teachings of the
wIse counselors of his father's court. Eventually, he be-
came overly confident of his own abilities and grew tired
of the advice of his teachers and counselors Thinking he
was wise enough to I1.1lealone and make his own decI-
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE sions, he rejectedthe teachings of the virtuous way. The

following Is the legendary story of his excesses and

PERSONAL FORTUNE: You have complex problems.) corruption.)))
MaIntain si1ence.)
 (36). Ming Yi ffime of Darkness) 423
422 Hexagram {36})
the Emperor. Wen Infonned him thal he should not dev 1e
one of the national festivals. Emperor Jou. along hiJllseU to Tan Chi. bul lnslead should offer his devotion to \037
went on a pIlgrimage to the
During
with the mln1sters of Ws court, counl1y. Because of Wen's outsl2ndlng mililary achieve\037
The statue of the goddess was the Emperor hesltated lo kill him. and his life was
temple of a heavenJy goddess. He beUev..d
ments,
so beautiful that the Emperor became entranced.
lemporarlly spared. When Tan Chi diScovered whal Ule
that. since he was Emperor, the goddess would come to Wm Emperor had done. she devised a plan that would create
Ucentious wish In Emperor Jou's the loyalty of his premier.
and be Ws woman. This blasphemous, doubt m\037d .about
In the fonn of a real woman. Tan CW. who
actuallv manifested Her plan was to heat the mSlde of a hollow brass pillar and
later b;'cameEmperor Jou's favorite. After taking Tan Chi ask the premIer to prove his lovally by embracing it. The
Into his confidence. he would not acceptadvIce from anyone Emperor declared that, if Wen were genuinely faithful. he
of hts empire
else. With this, the downfall and destruction would nol die. The premier could not refuse the test.
just before d\037g. he cried oulto the young
began. emperor.
Sepmated from the correct path of life. Emperor Jou \037o\037ever. is eliminated from the EarUl!
I will see Ulat your kingdom I

began to follow an extravagant lifestyle.

Consideration for his choose this day tor my death. while the Earth is still clean and
else was lost In the constant desire to
counl1y and everything not yet totally spoiled by you!\"
pleasehis mIstress. The demands placed on Ule people were Emperor Jou had another uncle. Chi Tzu. who w<..s an I
extreme. Ponds were bullt and filled with wine. People were Ching practitioner. He was inspired by this hexagram. and his
ordered to gIve him their best meat. which was hlulg on the experienceswere later uUlized by King Wen. He realized Ulat
treesof his garden for Tan Chi and her horde of attendants to he could not overcome the power of darkness by revealing his
girls were forced to pose nude as
a human
enjoy. Beautiful
Ught. Therefore. he feigned madness by running arowld
screen where he sat. He even bullt a great tower In hopes that naked. dancing the streets. gambling. losing money he did
He had his first
not own and sellmg hlnlself to his creditors. He becameUke
\037l
the stars could be picked for her pleasure.
wife put to death, and eventually his empire becamecormpt a degraded slave and acted as though he enjoyed it. In this
because he was so cruel to the ministers who had faithfullv - he was able to stay alive.
way.
served him and his father. When Tan Chi asked the Emperor if any of his loval
One day Tan Chi feigned illness. Although Emperor Jou ministers were still alive. the Emperor replied Ulat ther.. w\037re
ordered the doctors to help her. she did not respond 10 their none except Chi Tzu, who was completely useless. After a
treatment. Tan Chi told the Emperor that In order for her to time. however. Chi Tzu went 10 the region of Korea. wh..re he
becomehealthy again she must drink blood from the loyal
established as a feudal prince by the new dynasty.
was
heart of his key minIster, who also happened to be his uncle. Seeing the national nag of South Korea todav. It is d\037ar how
Not being able to refuse her, Emperor Jou ordered his loyal much the I Ching infiuenced Chi Tzu and hi\037 descendants.
mln1ster. Pi Ran. to allow his heart to be cut out as a demon- Jou's psychological problem was an obsession
This order was given Emperor
stration of his allegiance to the Emperor. his father's inJ1uence. However. h.. abused
had advIsed the Emperor to
with going beyond
on an occasion when PI Ran
his power and became too strong. His ille was an exampl..of
desert Tan Chi and tend 10 alTairs of state. Pi Ran faithfully in an extr..mely
greal excess and unbalance.
which manifested
a('('epted the Emperor'sorder, and EmperorJou subsequently manner. He ultimately lost his empire and took his
did the same thing to many other loyal mln1sters who advIsed negative
hims..lf to dt'\"ath.
own ille by burning
him in a similar manner. The remaining wise ministers.
Is another
whose lives had been spared, faced a serious moral dilemma.
The following story illustrating appropnate

to please the Emperor was against

conduct durulg a lillle of darkness.
Being deceitful in order
their conscience and way of life. However, If they oflered Originally, tht'\" I Ching was unwritten. An author of some
honest advIce. they would surely be kJlled. of the writ ten text. King Wen. was a f..udal prtnce during

The old premier, Wen, after returning home from an Emperor Jou's reign. Th.. Empt'\"ror was ultln1idated by th..
reputed abtlltles of King W..n and was determinedto find Ollt
expedition, felt thaI his duly was to corrt'l'Uy advtse)
King W..n was
asstgned of fllreknowl..dge.
If he truly had tht'\" pow..r
then sUlllllloned amI confuled to Ule capital. As a se\037'ret test.)))
 /36} - Ming Yi rnme oj Darkness} 425)
424 Hexagram {36J)

then served t.he opened it. On the page was written only one word. \"Mad.\" He
Jou had the King's son killed and then knew that to survive. he must appear to be Insane.
Wen knew that t.o refuse the soup
Emperor
boy's in a soup. For a while the king's men observed the elder student
of his son's death. so he
flesh King
would prove he had foreknowledge intensely. but. as his madness continued the king eventually
It. passed the test to the Emperor's
satisfaction and was The young student. realizing that his purpose
drank lost interest.
released.
of fire\" for the upcoming was accomplished.now felt safe. However. because of the
KJng Wen became the \"seed king's neglect in guarding the older student. he was able to
revolution that would begin a new dynasty.illustration of dealing escape. His foot had been cut off under King Wei's order. and
The followIng story is yet another he was filthy from having slept in the dirt. Nevertheless. he
At the end of the Chou Dynasty by wagon to Chi where he became a
with the time of darkness. was rescued and carried
(1122-256 B.C.!. there lived a famous Master, \"Son of the
to their king. He successfully that
close advisor protected
had two students. The elder student
Spintual Valley.\" who
studIes, while the younger student, state and carried It to vlct.ory by his brilliant military strategy.
was very advanced in his
Unavoidably, the great commander ofWei was defeated. losmg
who was quite handsome, was rather negligent in his. The his army and his life. This student's name was Sun Tse
left his Master and traveled west to the State of both
one of the mos\037
young student
King Wel\"s whose book on military strategy became
Wei. There he became a general and married
works in history.)
The king placed the young man in charge of the influential
the neighboring stat.e of Chi.
daughter.
entire army in order to attack was
Sometime later. the King heard that the elderasstudent an advisor.
in wisdom and invited him to the court
superior
The wise Master. knowIng that this situation would be
dangerous, waJT\\ed hJs elder student.
However. the st.udent
thought. \"I came to leaJT\\ from you.
Master, but now I have an COMMENTARY)
to use what 1 have leaJT\\ed. Please allow me to
opportun1ty
take thJs honorable posItion.\" Although the Master advised Cultivate the Universal Way as your own spiritual integ,;ty.
student that this was an Inappropriate time for such an
hJs
on and you need not wony about producing
he realized that the student was intent
assignment, the proper fruit.
leaving. Before he departed, the Master said. \"I have a secret
is equal.
letter for you. U you encount.er extremedifficulty. open It and Life
A sage has neither more nor less of life
the directions inside. You will then be safe. But only
follow
the envelope be than a mediocre man.
in the most dangerous situation should
No d!lferent are the rich and poor,
opened'\" the noble and the conunon.
The elder student then becameKing Wel\"s respect.ed guest
It soon became apparent D!lferent only in whether or not
and was treated with much favor.
there exists a will.
that he had more depth than the younger student. the King's
if you can adhere to the
sacred method.
son-in-law. The younger student. realizing how the king felt,
that U something were not done soon, he would lose his cultivating yourself precisely,
knf'W
student's keepmg clear as to motive and Idea.
your every
position. Therefore, he told thf' king that the elder
was in Ule State of Chi and that he should not be then positive qualities
all good.
hometown
lold of the plan to attack iI because he
mighl be a spy. The become.linn and all traps can be avoided
student, You then become one with Tao.
king lIstened 10 this logic, agreed
wIth the younger
even in death.
and put the elder in order to observe him.
student in prIson
unchanged
how dangerous his sttuation as you realize the elemal.linnness 0/ eXIstence
It was clear to the elder student
had becomeand that his teacher's waJT\\ings were coming Inle. This wldeca\037Jed, everlasting spiritual body
is true soul
Remembering the letter given to him by his teacher, he quickly)
the
which connects to the course of the unil'crse)))
 (371 . ChJa Jen IFamlly) 427)
426 Hexagram {36/
The inner trigrams. Water and Fire. I epresent the integra-
Because the grea1 harrnDny ofnon-adiDn. tion of male and female energies.whIch is the foundation or a
whit:h Is different from no'actiDn, famIly. The way these energies interact detennines the
has such wondrous effects,
Is achieved hannony of the entire famIly. Measures c-an be taken to
Way
the spiri1ualjinnness oftlte balance a group in the same way that Water keeps the force
tlte sincerily of daily lije. Discipline and mutual respect between
through
Is the key.
of heat balanced. a
Impartinli1y man and woman prevent arguments like a health regimen
WUh it you remove aU cause for wony
disease.
over excessiveconduct. a shien.
prevents
HistorIcally, the runction of the family was to provide
This Is tlte colTectand sacred way of
security and protection. However. the focus of modem life has
to dfrnnly. andflTlally,
Cltng striJ::tly
sWfted from a fantlly-centered life to a socially-centered We.
111e sprouting seed of whole being a of the family is now
What was originally part structure
makes steady growtlt.)
within a larger collectivecontext. wluch
attempted indIvidually
As a consequence, the
changes the real function of a faJ11lly.
sense of un.ity within a family diminishes.
Modemeducation encourages individualistic tendenctes,
and these tendenciesreshape the pallerns of society.
Emphasizing individualism or personal ri\037ts in a famllv \037r
\037\" group unavoidably obstrucls the integraUon of the whole.
However, the physlc-al and emotional needs of peopleare still
37) chic\\'; JEt1 the basis for maniage and family. Maintaining life by eammg \\)
a living and continuing life by giving birth to the next genera-
tion fulfill the fundam.ental pattem of life. Therefore. the
Fatml.Y) famIly is still the first fonn of society. I
l

life is seldom smooth. bul Its diITiculties can

Profitable for a virtuOus woman,\" Family
provide real substance for refining
GUIDANCE: \"Family. one's nature. Using \\)))
and Wind is above. as an excuse for personal failure only obstructs self-
In this hexagram. Fire is below dIfficulty

Fire generates warmth and light. Wind Is gentle and development. When properly used, one's emotional difficull.1es
These characteristics represent a family. become one's nutrition, one's fundaluental education and the
penetrating.
Warmth binds a family together. Wilhout warmth. the impetus for growth. although serious problems and extreme
essence of the family ts lost and its energies become scat- circumstances(as in the failure of a maniagel can damage
tered. On the other hand, excessive Fire creates intense one's health.
frIction, which brings conflict and discomfort to a family. Durtng tinles of dilncuHy one should independently strive
Because Fire is intensified by Wind. Water is to ellm.1naterather than emphasize confusion and negall\"1ty.

necessary to balance ft. This hannonious cooperationinte-of Evt'ryone has personal diilleulUes and Is responsihk for
natural forces expresses the basIc principle of the
silently overcoming these troubles or miseries hv ont'self.
gration of opposiles. This principle also appUes to the neJ1;aUvIly supports it, and eventually 1\\ is ab-
ReinfoH'ing
essenUal structure of human l1fe. Our two eyes, two sorbed Into one's nature.
hands and two legs express the cooperaUon of pairs. that has a poslllvt\" reason. .llthou\037h
Everytll1ng happens
whJch is fundamental to the function of the whole. The 1\\ seem al tht' lilllt'.
disastrous Dy embradn\037 a rdl....dlve
may
family may also be symboUc of the interacUon of differing.
one's mind can be deans....d 01\" d....tusions and
attitudt\",
conflicting natures. nep,aUve II ll1uenl'es, tllllS allowing the opportunity for spiritual
The basic pattern of cooperation relies on tlle correct
J1;rowth.)
organization of diverse ener\037es, With this understanding,
one should not feel troubled about the dillerences that
exist within one's family)
 1371 - Chia Jen (Family) 429)
428 Hexagram /37/)

(md dis- nourishes under the loving guidance of his discipline. in this
1: \"Farnil\" life o.flers protection. HWTIlony
LINE
musl be adhered 10. '/1,en beautiful picture. love and security bring true happiness.
cipline wnong f\037i1y members
there will be no reasonfor renwrse.\ order QJld union
LINE
6:. \"Faittiful11ess brings 10 aJamily.
The fu!fillmenl of duly brings goodfortune:')
suong line represents a necessaryprlnciplt>
This that
should be recognized by all faIntly members in order to avoid The sixth line expresses the achievement of family order
scatleredness and difficulty. Such preventivt> measures be-
comethe guardians of the family. 111e signi11canee of family harmony and the strength of unity. With a sense of devotio\037
to act ualiy incorporate respon- 10 the whole. each member reflects upon his individual faults
lift> Is the opportunity It affords
and corrects them. Thus. the family attains great fortune.)
sibility aIld security.)
LINE 2: \"Wilhout asserting herse!l: Ihe female supplies
food.lor Ihefamily. CarTecl actions bring good.lortune.\
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
The second represents the homemaker whose duty is
line
to provide sustenance for the family. This line represents ti,e
the PERSONAL FORTUNE: Now is the time for prosperity;
uniJ:ving force of the family. while the fifth line represents by negativity. you will be negatively in-
if guided !
image of father and husband. however.

When one is In an Important posItion as that

such of a fluenced. Likewise. if guided by virtue. your virtue will in-
harmonizer of energies. the I Ching advises against self- crease. Therefore. be careful in your behavior. A man can
with the help of his wife.
assertion. In this position. one is responsible for sustaining profit
Good fortune MARRIAGE: ThIs is a good sign for marriage and match \\)))
others lhrough gentleness and submissiveness.
Is the result.) making.
HOUSING/FAMILY: Make preparations in case of fire.
LINE 3: discipline should be used. l11e CHll.DBIRTH: The child will be a boy. U the child is
\"Appropriale
resuUs.\ bom in the Winter. it will be a girl. U the fifth l1ne is
correct balQJlce brings good
received, dinkulties will arise.
The third l1ne represents all the members of the family. LOOKING FOR WORK: Now is not a frwtful time. Ulti
Correct discIpline, which Is essential to good family life, nlately Ulere Can be success.
should be applied to all members. It should be neIther be too SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: It will be difficult

strict nor too lenient, otherwise It will have a negative dfect.) to achieve.
TRADE/BUSINESS: There can be successat this time.
LINE 4: \"Belllg dulyul enril:hes the jwnily. Great good SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: As Soon as they arrive.
.for/une.
\
they depart. However, if the second or fifth lines are
received. the peoplewill noi depart.
The Jourth lint> represents a wise wife. who is a \037reat WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
asslslant to the fUth \\Jne. her husband. She brings good LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: The object is in the
fortune to the family by fulfil\\Jng her duty as helper.) South and difllcult to find.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding in the North
LINE 5: 'The head Q(thefamlly can enjoy hisjamily lye. west.
Good fortune.\ LAWSUIT: The trouble may hav(\" been caused by a woman.
but ts no great hanll.
there
The fifth line represents a husband who has a hannonlolls CLIMATE:It will be rainy.
relationship with the second line. his wife. The family) TRAVEL: Walt a while. Do not hurry.)
 1371 - Chla Jen (Family} 431)
430 Hexagram /37/)
Cut your own desire.
DISEASE: It is dilJicull 10 cure. Ihe desire of your children will lessen.
and
PERSONAL WISH: It Is achieved slowly.)
Teach them to be content wilh lilile.
Let them be aware of caring for others.
as well as for themselves and lhe enmronment
COMMENTARY Your children. when very YOW1g.
The Virtue in Family Life)
need 10 Jeel secure and loved.
Regu(arily and steadfastness on your part
and male in harmony
Female
marnage. gives them secwity.
are Ihe strongfoW1daliOIl of a happy Strictness. soJi.ened by gentleness andJorgiveness
When choosing a mate. makes themfeei loved.
outer beauty is not necesswy. these two virtues. the Joundation
With
virtuous behaviOr is.)
for Ihe harmonious development of their is
but being buill.)

if one' s heart is good. Dare to stand back and walch !heir W1Jolding growth
will be born.
noble c/uldrell
to them
wi1h reserve and respect for !heir own nalures.
down the right instnlCtiolls
interfering only a1 the righ1 time.
Hand
and beJirm but gentle. Give them time and space to develop
Do not possess your offspring. in accordance with their own divine plan.
but guide them to form their character 10 observe
In the early years it is easy
so thal they can stand alone their divine natures.
when their time comes.
soon the whole picture of !/\037eir inheritance
will cany forth your virtuous behavior
but
71ley
and se!fcreated life pal terns accwnulaled \\)
as their heri1age.
and in tum will guide LIre ne\0371 generatIOn through many lifetimes wlU emerge.
We must stand by to exercise WId encourage
011 the right palh. the positive. side Qf their characters
Be aware thal your example
and encourage them to recogniZe and change
lasts for generations to come.
their negative tendencies.)
When instruc/ing your children.
example is better than precept. and
It is hetter to keep their lije as simple as possible. UseJirmness discipline.
Even if you are prosperous.
always SQltened by gentleness.
Fonn a Tai Chi in everything you do.
keep them always a little hungry and a LiLtle cold. Find the balance in interactmg with your children.
It is a challenge in this aJJluent society
Bring yin and yang i/lto hannony in your own persoll.
to restrainoneself
and llve as ij'there were no aJ\037undance. To have a harmonious family.
cllildren become weak m:/ul1s. each member musl be aware Qr his or her place.
Spoiled
Selfindulgellce is the grealest mISery Qf our tITTleS.) Ir roles are reversed between mule and female.
disharmony is the inevitable resul1.
Limityour actwilies and those or your chIldren. Great cor!/\"usioll starts in.lwnilies
Too mWH} activilies scalier (heir developtng minds. when people use Jorc\037/ul mea/ls
\\)
Make the home inviling /0 illsure their Identities.
wilh quiet artivilles and togelhenwss. The evolution Qr the hwnan race as a whole
TelevL'iiotl ts Llle biggest threa1 to a developing mind requires adjustmentJrom both partners
and brings disorder 10 Ihe family.) ill a mature wId genllt' way.)

\\)))
432 Hexagram 1371)

in aflexible yin-yang rela1iDnshiP. \\)

We must grow
both partners room for personal growth.
\037
givin.g their na1ure.
eachfu!frlling their role within
in the home.
The wife's place is predominantly 33) KWe-1)
her nature being to sheller and nurture.
The husband's place is predominantly
outside of the home. 0pp051C,10n-' bI5\037t)Y)
his na1u\037e being to provide and support.
TIle oldest child should teach
the YOlmgest:
GUIDANCE: Opposition. Only small things can be achieved.)
the yowlgest should follow the oldest.
In this way. harmony can
be established.
is above Lake. The nature of Fire is to move up-
person. young or old.
Fire
Respectforthe other word with in ward. and the nature of Water is to move downward.
be the key
should
When Fire and Water are in this relationship to one
and without your family.
another. opposition \037 separation is expressed. On a
nurtures kindness. = . middle
Respect
With kindness you can win. the hearts C!.(
the people. human
and Lake.
level.
--
Fire.
. represents
represents
the youngest
the daughter
daughter. Al-
Maintain. economy without bein.g stingy.
though they live together. they do not cooperate.
When you are careful and practical m monetary aIJairs.
ThIs hexagram indicates a time when people's minds
you have much to give away. time
are in opposition. thus difficulty prevails. At this
Never hoard money for selfISh purposes.) one should not attempt to undertake or complete matter\037
of importance. However. with sincere effort. the situation
In the family. cu/!ivate the outer aspects of
can be and. with cooperation. small achieve-
improved
conscientiousness. respect and gentleness. ments are possible.
The practical aspects of the home are Disharmony in the present situation stems from doubt
tolerance. flexibility and patiEnce.
and suspicion. Such growing suspicion may make others
These virtues will make your home appear evtl. dishonest or insincere. Only when dishar-
a shelter for all who may enter. mony is resolved will harmony and affection be restored.
wi1h their own the enUre situation can be trans-
People will move about contented bein.gs.
With subtle changes.
Na1ural alrection will brighten their days. formed into a positive one. The second and fourth lines of
Cultiva1erespect. this hexagram are yang lines in yin positions. and the

follow laws oj na1ure.

tILe third and fifth lines of the hexagram are yin lines in yang
and abide
in. the principles C!.r Tao.
positions. This kind of unnatural arrangement repreSents
Then your life will be useful. calm andJu!JWin.g. an imbalance between the masculine and feminine plincl-
and I!le's abundance will display r1self wi1llin. yOu. pies. In this hexagram. the feminine energy Is excessively
When that happens. i1 will be found aggressive. When results. a female uses a masculine approach.
within. the family. disharmony often In order for such a situation to
wi1hin. your neighborhood. improve. a woman should be softer and more placid.
wi1hin. your communi1y. In either a family or personal relationship. contention

wi1hin. the state. and con&-ontation may artse if a woman tries to change or
lessen her femininity on the attributes of a man.
wi1hin. the country. by taking
and ultimately wi1hin. the whole world If a man and woman compete as individuals, they may
is the eventually go their separate ways. Maintaining a
Such way.
Such is the law of subtle energy reslxJnse.) relationship in which each partner has distinct interests.
inclinations and goals Is difficult. Common goals and)))
 {38J - Kwel (Opposition/Disharmony) 435)
434 Hexngram {38J
dIfferences. present an self-tmprovement. a person of Infertor tendencIes can lm-
Interests. as well as complementary
himself as well as his envIronment.
o for Integration and harmony. prove
PP'IhJs hexagram also counsels us to
ortunIty
unnecessary avoId
with people of Infertor vIr- LINE 4: is caused by isolation and separa-
confrontations and connections
\"Opposition
cultivation as If one is sincere and has no bad intentions. har-
All the lines suggest self-discIpline
and lion.
t Now is the time to can be attained.\
dtfficulty. mony
:::;\"sures against lmpending excesstve behavIor and
practice self-restraint by avoIding lines are yang lines and
emotions. Thus. one will be secure In times Both the first and fourth
exaggerated
of disharmony. show strong tendencIes toward Independence. thus they
are Isolated other.from However, since both
each are
LINE I: \"Since there Is no communication, th\037re
is no frank and straight, If good communication can take place
opposition. Do rwt pursue a lost horse. It will return between them, understanding and cooperation can be
causes about.)
by itself. Meeting perverse, uOllblesome J1\342\202\254.0p\037 brought

no problEm if the connection Is only superfICiaL

LINE 5: \"Opposition disappears. Close relationships
There no communIcation between
Is the first and are achievedamong aU people.\

fourth lines. which are both yang lines. Since there is

contention nor closeness between them. there is The fifth line meets the second line with the virtue of
neither
no reason for remorse. When two strong forces meet, one harmony, like a gentle caress.)
should not attempt to impose one's will. Others will come
and go of their own accord. Furthermore, one should be LINE 6: \"Isolation is caused by suspicion. Hostili1y is
calm. simple and righteous In dealing with rough or nega- expressed toward those who come to make peace.Only
tive people. Do not plant seeds of hatred. when suspicion is dissolved is a good relationship
possible.\
LINE 2: \"Good communication can be achieved be-
tween a superior and a subordinate in reversed The top line expresses Isolation. Although It meets the
positions.\" third It has no desire for closeness.
line, Initially, one In
this position treats all who approach with suspicion and
This situation could be an awkward one. The fifth resistance. However, after some time, he recognizesthat
line should be a yang line but is yin, and the second line the one who approaches Is a friend. This situation Is like
should be a yin line but is yang. However. through their an unexpected rainfall relieving hot. dry weather.)
cooperation, assistance and exchange of energies, they can
be mutually benefited.
LINE 3: ':Action is curbed and movement Is restrained
when one corifronts strength with strength. Adjusting SPECIFICGUIDANCE)
to the si1ua1iDn brings a good ending.\"

Difficultyis expressed by the third line, which is a yin PERSONAL FORTUNE: You must wait for success. This
line in a yang position. Here, the anlmal force, which is is not your day.
pulling the wagon. is restrained. Ongoing work suffers MARRIAGE: Marriage may result in argument. For a wo-
ITom frustration and difficulties. However, achieving man. remarriage may occur.
harmony in the end 1s possible,as indicated by the cor- FAMILY/HOUSING: Disharmony eJdsts between peopleof
respondence between the third and top lines. Thus. one the same sex or between different families living
should reflect upon inner difficulty, rather than complain
together. The walls of the house will be broken. Now
about outer circumstances. Through introspection and) is the time to move.)))
 {38{ - Rwe! (OpposUIDnIDlsharmonyJ 437
436 Hexagram {38J
There will be dif- emphnsizes self-realization and transJormatlD n.
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. Therein lies the answer
ficulty in the delivery. to the puzzle oj oral and
There are some obstacles.
written obstacles.
LOOKING FOR WORK: It is difficult to
POSITION:
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL First. strengthen yourself.
achieve. there will then you can Influence !Jour environment
TRADE/BUSINESS: Do not hurry. Ultimately.
AU parts oj your body and spirit
be a large profit. find. will become llke hands and eyes.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are difficult to
will not come. Develop your mental ability
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They
until it is round,
FOR SOMETHING LOST: Although you might
LOOKING and smooth as a pearl
try looking in the
Northwest. the object will be difficult full
Then the reward.
reap
to find.
THIEVES: Wait. they will retum. Do not Fearing danger no more.
HUNTING FOR
you will easily shake free oj its bondage.
them at tWs time.
hastily pursue
make peace. The subtle heavenly law
LAWSUIT: Now is the time to
will appear within you and through you
It will be rainy.
CLIMATE:
travel. because you have succeeded
TRAVEL: Now is a good time for
severeand will be in the spirit oj sharpness.
DISEASE: The disease is the cure
Truly. even while living In the world,
slow.
will come to swpass and transcend
PERSONAL WISH: Difficult to accomplish.) you
its rrnmdane problems and d!1ficuJ1ies.)
Divine awareness always appears.
helping you as you go.
COMMENTARY) while leaving your spiritual ego
in union with all beings.
Ordinwy religions and teachings Heaven. Earth and 1 are one,
attract ordinwy mmds. Jor we are oj
the same origin.
Their tenets. like haphazard vines. Realize this WId become the strong seed
sprawl every which way. oj a whole being.)
flIusory and idealistic.
they attempt to explain realily.
bulJall short,
unable to penetrate
their own spiritual blind spots.
1:-
They attract weak spirits \037
who must clmg to something --
--)
stronger than themselves. 39) Jlen.)
who must encourage consoling illusions
to cheat themselves,)
Ob5tJUA(,\037IOn)
Follow this crude way oj trusting and believmg,
wUhout self-development. GUIDANCE: \"The good direction Is where there Is no abyss
and what you will experience Is but a void. or high nwuntains, like the Southwest. but not the
After you experience the t.ruJ.h. Northeast. One should go to the great leader who can
you will know why shlen cultlvatton) work wUh people In breaking through obstructions.\)
 1391 . Jlen (ObSlrucliDn) 439)
438 Hexagram {39/
are met daily when things do not
Obstructions
f the I Ching Is to Infuse
the realm of In Ule process of Wowth. go as
The purpose
same clarity found In the planned. obstruCtions are met
human \037th the
activity thousands of times over and usually generate
0 can then apply these principles great despair.
prlnclPle S of lTe
,?;'-h d m\037e whatever corrections may be one who wishes to move forward. but is unable to do so
to perso nal >lie an becauseof restrictions. can respond by
changing direction and
In front is taking another path. one that goes inward or upward.
nec\037\037\037xagramdescribes a lime
of obstruclion.
Behind Is a Somelimes what appears difficult Is actually a proteCtion or an
which forward movemenl.
the ocean. prevents opportunity for spIritual growth. All great achievements are
hi\037 mountain.
whIch prevents retreal. the positive use of obstructions.
of natural sym bo-I through
In the post-Heavenly order
attained
\037gy
= = . and the Some people. due to poverty. must work extremely hard
N 0 rth eas t is the Mountain.
Ken
the to get an education.
ogy.
North is Water. Kan =-=- - . Respectively. they Indicate just However. the struggle for a better life
and However. In the \037\037th i s FIr e. U-= often results tn one's mind being stronger and less psycholog-
danger.
difficulty
In the Southwest Is Earth. K'un = =. Together Ically troubled than that of a person with no apparent
and
a vast stretch of sunny region and an image 0
th\037 dilTiculties. Both pain and suffering are necessary for growth
represent Sometimes. for a materially and emolion-
and promise. and understanding.
prosperity
DurIng times of obstruction.
one sho ul des b Ull an d ally spoiled person. the hardship of poverIy can be a healthy
This opportunity should be used to tonic. It is an opporIunity to experience real life.
ractice cultivation. psychological
Instead of complicating matters with
\037ather
im p atience
energy.
and struggle. When one has a positive Listing all the things you consider obstructions and
the hi gh est mountain seems lower and the frustrations can be beneficial. are actually the
attitu d e. even
Inner streng th can m ak e
These tools
dee est water more shallow. person
that Heaven has provided for your improvement. education
obsE-uctions less imposing. A self-developed and strengthening. No great person has ever grown without
cultivates his virtue and is not defeated by obstruction. such \"nutrition.\"
lf a person discoversa leak in his boat. the appropri- inventions are the result of breaking a great
plug the hole before
Many through
ate action should be to immediately obstruction. WIthout an obstacle there can be no break-
the water. This principle also appliesto relation- whether in spiritual cultivation or on the mundane
bailing
friends or lovers. Reacting through.
members. level. Periods of smoothnessnaturally
ships among fumIly
to obstruction or frustration is like reacting to psychological alternate
impulsively with periods of disruption. Accidents usually occur when a
instead of the leak. Instead of being saved from
the water
is only exacerbated.
cIrcumstancedoesnot require close at tention. just as obstruc-
loss. the difficulty tions usually appear when one aSSUIlles that one's position
Emotional attitudes often prevent a person from is
Lack of holding preferences. nega- secure. Therefore. one who is cautious and careful will be
advancing. discipline.
tive emotions and bad habits fonned early in life are all safe.
to inner often Death seems to be the ultimate obstruction. It has been
obstructions development. Inflexibility
becomes the main obstruction to what is being sought. the inlpetus for the most highly developed to achieve p,reat
Such Inflexibility is exemplified by the woman who yearns breakthroughs. They nol only broke through this obstruction
to meet a Prince Charming who will carry her away on a for themselves. but also for theIr fellow beings. 111ls is how
white horse. Since no one meets her expectationsand the sacred methods of cultivation came about. Unfortunately,
preconceived images. she fails to recognize her true they havt'\" been neglected by modem Intellectual minds.
\"prince\" when he appears ridIng a mule. For every obstruction. there is a solution. Everything ts
Attempting to fight an obstruction dIrectly can often created by the combination of yln and yang energy. which Is
become an obstacle to breakthrough. Instead of battling a manifestation ofnalural law. Therefort'. a person never has
the dtJDculty head on. one can overcome the obstacle by to be lirniled. either intemally or extema1ly.by nature. One
simply letting go and ceasing to struggle. Both benefit who Is alluned lo Ule nalural laws can prepare for dny
and w-owth can result from a so-called obstruction.) cIrcwnstancel)))
 1391-J,en IObstTUCiiDn) 441)
44Q Hexagram 1391
the very last This Is Ule right time to receIve help from
We is limiting and shallow. Not until others. If you
PhvslcaJ
be known. to come to you, instead of pursuing them, an
mome;lts can one's true accomplislmlents
are not
allow things
can be dissolved or prevented.
Temporary fame. wealth. glory and honor import\037t.
obstruction This Image is
Knowing the real values of life enables one to gather t'ssenUal. indicated by the yIn lines in the first and the fourth positions.
universal power.
that the development of LINE 5: \"Durmg the lime oj greal obstruction. all
When a person truly understands friends
the universe and life are regulated by the sanle altemating y1n come to help.\
and yang energy. he will no longer be limited by
his particular
Is followed by In the mIdst of great obstruction. one must face the
preferences. Day is followed by night. life.Progress and work on it. Positive energy
standsUli or regression. Sometimes flows smoolhiy situation and causes a beneficial
other times we pass through periods of difficulty. All response from like energy. The cooperation extends naturally
circumstances are relative, and life is a continuous cycle. By to the second line and the others.)

following the natural way of life. one will attract the sup\037orliv:e
response of universal energy. Thus.
frustrations over md1Vl- LINE 6: \"Going. one meels with obstruction. Returning.
dual matters cannot arise.) one joins the talents oj others in assisting the greal leader
to break through obstructions,\
LINE 1: \"if one moves Jon.vard. obstruction wiU be en-
countered. Honorable growth nalurally comes to the one If one goes forward. there is obstruction: by keeping sUllo
who keeps stilL\ favorable change results. Obstruction cannot always remain
obstruction.
The Mountain cannot move to the Water: however. Ule The entire hexagram teaches Ulat at the time of ob-
Water can flow to the Mountain. There is obstruction for one struction. inward enhancement Is the main effort that helps
who goes to the people. This is the right time to wait for the to overcome the extemal difficulty.)
people to comeof their own accord.)
LINE 2: \"When one serves as a se!fless minister who SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
tackles all obstructions. one's strong sense q( duty is
cOITect. Any misunderstanding mustJrnaUy disappear,\
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Though this is a difficult tinle.
11usline represents someone who encounters an obstacle. success Is posstble.
Oneshould courageously fulfill one's duty. without feeling too MARRIAGE: There is no success. Even If the lllaITiage
troubled by these mJsunderstandings and complaints.) endures. there will be quarreling.
HOUSING/FAMILY: There is danger from flooding moun
LINE 3: \"Going. one meets wilh obstruction. Returning. tain waters.
one meets wilh a wann reception.\ CHILDBIRTH:Thereis dilIiculty.
LOOKING FOR WORK: Success ('\"()lIIes later.
In going forward 10 meet the top Itne, the third line en- SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: There ts di1Iiculty
counters danger, the abyss. One should rel\037 and not at the beginning but success later.
advance at this time. If the third line ret\037s. the first and TRADE/BUSINESS: There is an obstacle which prevents
second yin lines will welcome its help.) the transiUon from going Uuough.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are dlOlnut to lind.
LINE 4: \"Going. one meets with obstruction. Remaining, WAITING FOR SOMEONE: TIley will not come.
one recewes help and cooperalion.\ LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be fO\037Uld in
the Northeast near water.)))
 1391 - Ji.en rObslruclion) 44;i)
442 Hexagram [39[
Your all-important balance
They are In the Northeast. at is damaged too much inharmonious
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: by
the 1001of a mountain. Look lor them quickl\037. . mental activIty.
The matler should be dropped; othel\"Wlse It will be If mental disorder arises.
LAWSUIT:
dangerous.
Do not appear In court. you are the evil powers' slave.
CLIMATE: It will be ramy. Of the few principles in cultivating the subtle Way.
You will lose some money. A later date Is more the key is to keep your mind pure,
TRAVEL:
for travel. undivided. unscattered.)
profitable
DISEASE: The problem Is In Ule feel and can only be
cured slowlv. . Self-discipline alone
PERSONAL wiSH: There Is dIllicully In the begmnIng; wiU correctly develop your divine nature.
however. alter sometime. there will be success.) The subtle body.
which will manifest itself.
is the basis of your immortality.
possible to becomea thief
It is
COMMENTARY) of yourown balance.
Have caution on the road you travel
to becomea whole being.)
To cullivale the Way of spiritual integrity.
you must first exall purily.
Cleanse the mind of all stains.
Frequently review your judgments.
Hold.flrrn to the pure motives
which inspired your cullivalion.
Bar the entrance of evil disturbances.
--
--)
Do not allow the mind to change.
Even on the roughest roads.
iPt --)
as it travels 40) hSIEh)
keep it stea4/ast
toward i1s destinalion.
Let 11 notJloal. move Or trap itself.)
bI550l\302\253e,1on of. d1e- pRO\037Lem)
It is uncleanliness of body and mind
thal causes the disorders of passionand virtue
Disorder makes peace impossible. GUIDANCE: \"The friendly direction is the Southwest. from
Evil powers are divisible by four: whence comes the strength of dissolution. if one wishes to go
extemal. ill/emal. forward in a new, correct way. early movement brings good
apparent and hidden.
fortune.\"
11le most dUricull are the hidden.
because your knowledge of their comUig In this hexagram. Thunder is above Water. Although
is prevented. Water in the fonn of Ice is the obstacle, Thunder has the
You must recognize them strength to break through it. The first sound of Thunder in
U1 their subtle beginnings.
Spring proclaims the time of melting ice. Thus. a promising
Work to refine your precipus wisdom, time Is beginning. like a breeze coming from the wann
and you will not need to retreal Southwest.)))
from ale world to avoid Its temptatwns.)
 - Hsieh
f40} (DIssolution oJ the Problefr1)) 445)
444 Hexagram [40[
The of
The begInnIng of Spring, when the Ice starts to melt
After obstnJction comes resolution. guidance
IS a time of regeneration. likewise, as a problem
the prevIous hexagram.
ObstnJction, Is 10 keep sUll and to dIssolve, one should use the time to prepare begin\037
for recov-
but HsIeh indicates that the obstructive
gather energy, In this early stage, one Is advised to keep still be-
force has started to diminish and a new cycle Is ery.
is not
all cause the energy yet ready for use. action
begInnIng. 111Isis the right time to posItively dissolve
would be premature.)
Any

problems. from Chuang Tzu can be

The Illustration 2: '''Illree foxes are captured
There was once a butcher one ow.
following LINE with arT
who
used to exemplify Hsieh.
he used this knife Good fortune Is brought about by con-ect action\"
always used the same knife. Although
a nick and never
without
for many years, It remained asked how he If one remains Inactive at this stage, one's opportunity
became dull. Summoned by the king and be lost. This is the time to advance toward one's
was able to keep the knife freshly sharpened after so will

years, the butcher replied, \"In my eyes the cow Is goal.

The second line represents a strong indivi-
bone by bone, muscle by muscle.
many righteous
and
already separated,
When 1 use my knife, I do not cut dual who supports the entire situation. Though the three
tendon by tendon. above an obstacle In Its path, it overcomes
- yiI1 lines
It are
brutal force. In my visIon, the cow being already
with
Its bones, Joints and all obstructions by being like an arrow - direct and
separated with empty space between
- allows my knife to pass smoothly through these unhesitating.)
tendons
empty spaces without resistance.\" 3: \"A
Most people'sminds and hearts have many nicks from LINE greedy undertaking brings humiliaJion.\

continuously bytng to \"cut through\" life, but by following

need to use This yin line in a yang position represents an incom-
the example of the butcher, one would not
who takes a high
brutal emotional force to overcome difficulties. Problems petent person position. Being weak or
Is not a disgraceful matter as long as one does
could be resolved naturally. unqualified
to take a posItion
not attempt beyond one's capabilities.
Hsieh also means to \"untie,\" which implies untangling
Is like a newcomer who
the psychological knots in one's life. The 1 Ching teaches 111Is line invites humiliation
that within can be dissolved through for- through arrogance,)
entanglements
giveness. A person who can forgive others can have peace
of mind. Certain actions may seem unforgivable; however, LINE 4: \"When truly helpful strength is attracted. the
obstruction can be dissolved.\
hostility, pride, Jealousy or other emotional attachments
are like th1ck clouds that gather and obstIuct the clear
The fourth line can dissolve the obstruction of the problem
sky. When one has a forgiving attitude, an offending ac-
if his strength is not pulled
tion Is forgotten and one Is no longer Influenced by nega- \037d m\037e
progress away by the
his closely related neighbor
Thus, one becomes independent and one's balance third line. whose focus and
purpose are excessivesell-protection
tivity.
and self-interest. Thus,
Is no longer threatened by those who trouble him. in-
stead of being at the mercy of external reality, one creates when he disentangles him sell from the inlluence of the third
his own reality by forgiving others. line. he will be able to gather the understanding and cooper-
With Thunder comes rain, thus the difficulty has ation of the second and sLxth lines to solve the problem.
ended and the drought ts relieved. ThIs Is the Image of Wrong cooperation brings no positive result. Faithfulness to
dissolving worries, tensIons and hostilities. The lines of one's correct dIrection will attract truly helplul friends.)
th1s hexagram represent the gradual stages of dissolution.)

LINE 1: \"KEep to what is right and In accordance wl1h LINE 5: \"DissoWtion is brought about by the virtuous
the time and circumstance. No blame.\ one. His faithfulrtess makes the negative forces recede.\)
 /40/ Hsieh (DissolutiJJn oj the Problem) 44 7
446 HexI1!Jram {40}

unites with the second

line
line in order to COMMENTARY)
The fifth
Only by
resolve the problem of removing negativIty.
can a cooperative solution to
great
faithful to each other To become one wilh the subtle universalln1J:h.
being The disappearance of nega- or to beco\037 a shien. an immortal
the problem be discovered. being.
tivIty is proof of success
for the virtuous. newly achieved and born in heaven .
there is one. only one requirement:
the prince shoots
LINE 6: \"Standmg on a high wall.
dissolve,\"
keep a consistently calm mind.
the No remorse. Disorder and confustnn
eagle. Keep it
peac\037Jul. transparent and
as the water oJ a clear.quiet
still lake.
has been reached and is now past.
The peak of energy and you will enjoy the subtlety oj great bliss.
back
posttion. one can be
In this by of benefit turning to
When dealing with minor problems or mqjor diSasters.
and friendly com-
help others. Only through cooperation stay calm and stilI as a holy mountain
munication can the problem be resolved.) When dealing with the pleasW\"able.
maintain striJ::t discipline.
In this way. when the unpleasant presents itself
YoW\" mind will not be diStW\"bed.)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
Those who would embellish rites and rituals.
PERSONAL This is the time for you to cheer
FORTUNE: succeed only in trying to impress olhers.
and get out of difficulty. There is no power to be gained.
up. take action
MARRIAGE: There is no success. not even in the future. Nor is se!f-cuUivation a tool
HOUSING/FAMILY: The situation is neither beneficial for exactingresp\037ctJrom your communl1:y.
nor auspicious. Stop communicating with neighbors It must its effectiveness on all occasions.
show
or with one who continues to come to you. especially In times of great d!JJkuUy.
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a boy. Every day. in ordinary situations.
LOOKING FOR WORK: Because there are obstacles. you can realize the benf!./ll oj se!f-cuUivation
there will be no success. No special time is reseroedJor this.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTALPOSITION: If the third or TIle calmpower derived Jrom your daily practice
fifth line is receIved. there will be success. can tran\037rorrn what seems to be a disaster
TRADE/BUSINESS: The Wldertaldng can now be Into a blessing.
accomplJshed. Quietude can chwlge m\037ror1wle into goodJortUlle.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are difficult to find.
Unders(and the elusive qualily qJ your body and mind.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come. It is easy to keep (he mind calm wId the emotions
LOOKING FOR SOMETmNG WST: It Is difficult to find.
to locate. pew::e.lul in ordinary situations.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are difficult
bul how
LAWSUIT: A long time Is involved, If the third or fifth dWicult il problems cornel
is when

is received. trouble will artse.

line
Leam this and you will be qual(/ied
10 sit in Ihe seat qI the Lotus.
CLIMATE: It will be rainy for a long time with possible
to look deep wilhin
wind. Lightning may be dangerous at this time. yourse!t:)
TRAVEL: The Journey will be beautiful. Good fortWle.
DISEASE: There Is danger. Bea person q{ iron.
PERSONAL WISH: ThIs Is a profitable time. However. if wilh aJirm anti unshakable mind.
you walt 100 long. success will not be possible.) and uou will become a child
in the Janu/\037I qI whole beings.)))
 1411 - Suen (Sacr!/keIDecreasel 449
in Suen. an offerIng Is represented by the inner trigram
Thunder. which signifies a bowl. This Image symbol1ze th'
ancient Chinese practice of making to \037ne'\037
--
-- and to Heaven
offerIngs
J\037 --) ancestors
abundant halVes!.
Onewho truly understands
and Earth in gratitude for an

the prInciples of Increase and

41) sum) decrease can avotd In life and
difficulties
relationships.
People seek what they lhInk is beneficial and try to avoid or
get rid of what they constder unfavorable. This is a daily
. b\037e:-) enterprise. But do we truly understand what is beneficial and
5\037F-1ce-
what is not? Frequently. what tnitially appears helpful brings
misfortune. Conversely. what originally seems to be
GUIDANCE: that
\"Redl1\302\243e whICh is excessive. Great good
dIsadvantageous later becomes a great blessIng. increase and
without doubt. Go ahead task. if
fortune
with the great
blessed decrease are part of the same cycle and occur at th .
one is sincere, one's simple olferirrg will be by the
times. Thus. in
appropriate maintaining balance \037u
Divine Realm.\ essential adjustments to be made are In one's attitude\037 an\037
actions. Desire. anger. arrogance and anxiety are obstacles
The of Suen Is to \"decrease\" or \"re-
literal translation
foot of the Mountain. The Lake
for a peaceful mInd and can dlrecUy affect one's health.
The Lake Is the
Applying the princtple
at
duce.\" of decrease to the emotions can help
erodesthe Mountain, hence the tmage of the Mountain
unfavorable or restore harmony.
above the Lake can be viewed as being
Mathematics views the principles of Increase and decrease
even damaging. The height of the Mountain Is in great
to the depths of the Lake.
as mutually \037xclusive.
However, according to the principles
contrast
of the I Chmg. when something is decreasIng. it is also
On a deeper level. Suen is expressed by the interacting
and the lake. The energy of the increasing. and vice versa. The Interaction of these two
energies of the mountain
Lake. == . is more active than that of the Mountain.==. phenomena occurs stmultaneously. Therefore. In the
seeks balance. it decreases In \"mathematics\" of the I Ching. less is sometimes more. and
As the strong. active energy
order to strengthen the weaker. more passive energy. This more is sometimesless.)
is of benefit to both the Mountain and the Lake. As
process
a fonn of energy cultivation. Suen demonstraieshow balance LINE 1: \"Giveftiendly help. Correctly sacriJ\"ice yourse!fin
can be achieved by decreasIng emotional and mental contami- order to benefit others and there will be no problem\"
natJon or burdens.
Water from the Lake decreasesthrough evaporation. This strong yang line alds the weak yin line in the fo\037uth
It then reb.uns in the fonn of rain. nourishes the Moun- place. In this position. put aside self-concem and offer help
tain and finally replenishes itself. Thus. decrease is a in accordance with the situation.)
very tmportant and necessary process for the completion
of th1s cycle. F\037rmore. as Decrease evolves into Tal.
\"Stay wi1h what is right. not be
= = . the perfect union of yin and yang LINE 2: Movement should
Peace/Prosperity. attempted at this time.\
is ach1eved. Tal becomes the accomplishment of
Decrease. This Is the time to maintain one's energy where
A very tmportant principle of the Tao Teh Ching Is re- Staying
one is without to increase or decreaseIs beneficial.)
presented in th1s hexagram: 'The way of man is taking
attempting
iTom those who lack and giving to those who abound.
The way of Heaven is taking iTom those who abound and LINE 3: \"When three people walk together. their group IS
giving to those who lack.\" One must look inwardly to reduced by one. A person traveling alone acquires a)))
determine what should be given away or made as an
offering.)
 /411 - Suen (Sacriflce/Decreasel 451)
450 Hexagram [41[
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
jhend. Likewise. a single pwpose wU/ friendly
.\037ttTC1\302\243t
directions will lose help.
help Too many PERSONAL FORTUNE: At this time ,une
one's fort i s very
unstable,
Harmony is best maintained between two people. A
is success. The Mountain
There
who is a companIon. but adding a I\\fARR.lAGE: symbolizes
person alone finds
a young man and the Lake symbolizes a young
brings mistrust and upsets
the balance of girl
third person HOUSING/FAMD..Y: Pay particular attention to s\037ety
energy. If one's scope. pUI]Jose and goal are broad
There is difficulty In family
of many people can be helpful.
needs. relationships .
enough. the involvement CHILDBIRTH: There is difficulty.
so. the main of energy must remain between
LOOKING FOR WORK: You wIll get the job, but
Even focus
mone y
two people In order to maintain and support
the Integrity
wIll be lost In the process.
of the plan.) SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTALPOSITION: Although there is
the seriousness of his disease difficulty in the beginning. the position can later be
LINE 4: \"One decreases
achieved.
wilh afriend's help, Rapid recovery bri1lgs happiTless.\ After several attempts. success.
TRADE/BUSINESS:

conscious of the and works to SEARCHING SOMEONE: FOR They can be found.
One becomes problem FOR SOMEONE: They wIll not come.
solve brings Since the first and WAITING
it. Such progress
to one
JoY.
another and are in their LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It is difficult to
fourth ltnes correspond recover.
correct places. healing becomes possible.) FOR THIEVES: They are difficult to
HUNTING appre-
to all benefits tha1 come
hend. Look In the Northeast.
LINE 5: ''Be receptive to you.
is possiblebenefit
blessed by Heaven.\ LAWSUIT: There for you, but misfor-
This is certamly good fortune tune for others,
is yIn a CLIMATE: It wIll be rainy.
ThIs ltne In a yang posItion. which represents
TRAVEL: This time is not for travel. Someone
leader who Js not very it has sup-
strong. Nevertheless. good may
trick
port from Heavenly Rea1m, as indicated
the by the sixth you.
It is curable.
ltne, which serves to protect this hexagram. Thus, one is DISEASE:
WISH: Nothing can be accomplished In a
blessedand has good fortune. ThIs blessing ts the result PERSONAL

of the union of the Heavenly rea1m and the human realm, hurry.)
which can be symbolJzed by a big turtle.)

LINE \"With suffident strength. no iTlcrease

6: is need-
ed. a righteous
MaiTltamtng balance bri11gsgood for-
tune. This is the right time to do somethiTlg tha1 will COMMENTARY
who is without Absolute Freedom)
help peoplE and to accept Q1\\ assistQ1\\t
a family.\
Uvtng In the world. we are sometimes benefited
Increase. At other times, we are benefitted by de-
If one Js Increased without depriving or taking advan- through
As Chapter 48 of the Too Teh Ching says:
crease,
tage of others. there Js no blame. The energy offered by
the lower trigram strengthens the upper trigram. Since
it offers Its strength \"In the Increase oj knowledge
the top l1ne Js now sufficient to serve leamlng.
others. Thus. success Js achJeved.) Q1\\d skill should be seen daily.
In cultivation. the decrease oj coarseness
In character and impurity In mind
should also be seen daLly
In order to reach the true essence.\)
 {41} - Suen
452 Hexagram {41} ISar:rifice/Decrease) 453)
truth Is derived /i-om the of a natural covers tU1Dself shallowness. This is like !he manv
Spiritual u\037lolding
can be d..scnbed as the complete attempts to make wl\037
Tzu\" a subject to be studied.
mind. Such an experience not like
Tao ts
Chuang

\"opening\" of the mind. like a fully-blossoming Learning studying someone. Tao Is not to be
understood. Tao is just
flo,:\"er.
01 the mmd. what is.
Uberating the mind. untying the entanglements
of the ultimate truth all carry Once I wrote some Chinese
unveiling the !ruth or revelation calligraphy in strong. black
the same connolalion but diller vasUy with personal ink on a piece01 paper and put It on the wall of my studv. -) Ii
experience.Such practices and purswts are beyond common re\037

religious worship. sil wilt! vulgar people.

Among all the great books ever wrlllen about th.. \"I
n\037ture
of truth. Chuang Tzu's is the highesl. Hts ieachmgs. 1 stand wilh vulgar people,
however.are diflicult to translate. Unlortunately. ther.. is no But where I live
translation available in English. l11is is not due to is not where vulgar people can reach!\
correct
it is like using an oil
English Sinologists being unskilled. but.
techruque to copy a Chmese brush-pamted I truly believed that I had achieved My elder sister
U1.Is.
painting
masterpiece. TIle work of art can be well-copied and look
I\037l\037y
happened to see the writing. and on one
occasion. she and
Ihe sante; however. to the eye which has seen the ongmal. a my younger brother found an opportunity to quiz me about it
distinction can be made between its authenticity and the durtng dinner one SUlltmer evenlng. (We Were all
teenagers at
copied work. A translation cannot convey the original this Urne.) Hoping to shake me from my diamond throne of
of the natural unobstructed spiril. Also. the book spiritual achievement. she began:
meaning
itself is easily misunderstood. Thus. not only could one ''You use big characters to tell the world that vou s:t with
incorrecUy interpret its effeci. but one's thinking might be vulgar people and that you stand with vulgar peoi:>ie. but is it
contorted' as well. not we who sit and stand with you? Since the writing refers
Among the hWldreds of thousands of readers of thai great to 'us' as vulgar people. then what are you?\"
book. perhaps only one will be able to restore his original My younger brother continued. \"Where you live is not
nature. Why? Because merely reading a book and getting a where vulgar people can reach! But to us. living under the
vague impression of Its meaning without the direct training sante roof means that you are the SatHe as us!\"
and guidance of a truly achieved one is not enough. II is This was one of the \"wars\" in which I was under attack
difficult to reach the level of an achIeved master. because of my own foolish \"achievement.\" Thus I had invited
Furthennore. it is not a matter of understanding. but a way of this invasion.
living. One can follow nothing tmtil on.. has experIenced the Our eldest sister never failed to act as an arbitrator. as
real model. In their general lives and religious practices. she did on this occasion. She said. \"Be quiel. He means that
people have specific ways of expressing what they do as a his spiIit no longer follows this same vulgar track.\"
cook. a carpenter. a fanner. a teacheror a minister. However. 'We doubt that he Is achieved in such a way that
an achieved master has no trace of anything discernible. distinguishes him from us!\"' my second sister and young
From hun you See nothing. brother sang in unison.
Has anyone ever seena real dragon? A real dragon does ''You only reveal your own vulgarity by insisting on
nol show Ilsdf. How can people willI tUldevelop..d eyes see interfertng with his spiritual endeavor!\" my eldest sister said.
Ihe really achieved one? They only see his human shape. Although lilY eldesl slstt'r thankfully saved me from
Seeing him Is less interesting Ihan seeing an attractive lIlovie embarrassment. I slill did not fully reali7.e my mistake. When
star! Moreover. Ihere is no benefll from just seetllg a really the defealed \"knighl\" retreated 10Ihe kitchen. my mother was
achieved one. Spiritual benenl is nol based un one's already washing the dishes. As she worked. she repealedly
underslanding - II Is based on dln\037cI reunion with Ihe subtle murmured. \"Everything is Tao, Everything is nol Tao.\" -I
!rulh. A person who says he knows that someone Is ;]n thought she might be trying to tt'ach me to recognize that
achieved master doesnol know the masler at all. ThIs person) kilchen work is also the perfomlance of Tao. as she often did.)))
 {4l} - Suen
454 Hexagram {4l} (SacrifICe/Decrease) 455
insIsted on
However. in fronl of my mother. acted Uke a I little chUd I repeatedly having his comment. he
to see that can connect
finall y said .
in our \"I am happy you .
I slarted 10 touch everythin\037 old-fa\037hloned
all
Changing events
a\037ain.
Everv time I louched sQmelhin\037 I would say. 'ThIs Is to the unchangeable. true nature of the universe. but your
kilchen.
Tao. thai is Tao.\" and continued to do untilso there was poem lacks the vividness of life. Such beUefs could lead to
on. Alter I stopped the narrow practice of a reUglon. Tao is life. If Tao is what
nothing more Ihat I could pul my finger'What can touch ts choose. then corne back to real life!\"
said.
my frivolous actions. my
mother you you
In this very moment. and with the help of my father's
the Tao with fonD. Show me the LUlfonned Tao.\"
For a moment I was dUInbfounded. Then. pointing at the seldom-used mystical sword. the thick layer of my menlal
I said. ''This is Tao. that is Tao.\" obstruction was peeledaway. Thus. I
immediately received
empty space
this is Easl and 01at is trUe freedom from spiritual bondage.
My mother simply said. \"No.
South.\"
In later years. due to the drastic changes in the world I
Then I moved my finger in all diJlerenl directions and was in another place. far away from our old ho\037e.
I shouldered the
said. ''This is Tao. TI13t is Tao.\" But everywhere I pointed. mr Undaunted. responsibility of paSSing the
mother proclaimed the direction and Ihe space. such as lelt trUth as a healing. awakening means for individuals to
and righl. fronl and rear. upper and lower. and so forth. cultivate an integral life. In this endeavor I met tremendous
was no place Iny fin\037er pointed withoul direction or difficulties from all directions. but with the innermost of
There light
name. I hasuJy pointed al myself and then at her. I my true nature. I overcame all obstacles (which actuall
continued to be given a name. a Conn. a describable bein\037 or sUITedmy growth). On one occasion. I had a chance to wrtre
a definable meaning. Finally. I gave up. There was no hope to my elderly father to assure him that in ali aspects of life. I
She \037ave me time to collect was all right. I wrote him in the wintertime.
of expressing the unformed Tao. after the snow
but by now. I had tried everything in vain. had fallen in the high mountains. I missed my family
myself. very
Then my mother said with a very slow and clear voice. much and was especIallyworned about my parents who. at
\"Since .ao' Is with fonn. you bind yourself with your that time, were Uving under tremendous pressures. Finaliy I
your
own vulgar triviality. How can you enjoy absolute freedom? got an answer from my father. In his letter he wrote:)
Tao is neither with form. nor Is it formless. This is why I
lo you. 'Everything is Tao. everything is not Tao.\" When it isJine. I am trouble-jree.
repeated
At that moment I received a new light wruch pierced the When it is snowing. I am also tTouble:free,
darkness of my self-imposed cocoon. My mother led me to No matter how the world changes.
discover the imperfection of spiritual acruevenlent. I always remain tTouble:free.)
During the following months I completely reworked myself
without mercy. During that Winter, around the time of the He expressed his unobstructed spirit in this poem
during
Chinese New Year, it began to snow. We stopped most a time of great adversity in the Chinese nation.
outdoor activities and gathered in the kitchen. my mother's Generally. when people have a comfortable lives. their
natures are burted under material enjoyment.
\"empire.\" When they live
My mother asked me to express my yearly acruevemenl by under adversIty. their natures are bent and damaged. Those
wrtUng a poem with snow as the topic. This is what I wrote:) of real acl-tlevement can not only enjoy comforts. but can also
withstand adversity. Clouds do not really hinder !be sky. nor
77lere is no tTace oj snow when i1 is jine. does the sky hinder the clouds. The real usefulness of
There IS no trace oj being jine when it snows. spiritual achievement is smlUar to drinking waler -
only the
BeJorethe birth oj Heaven and Earth. one who drinks knows the true flavor.)))
nei1her trace could be juund.)

I read the poem 10 my mother. She then asked me to

present it to my Jilt1lf'r. My father read It with a smJle After)

 -
(421 YI (Benefttllncrease) 457)

The hexagrams fQJ: _Increase and Decrease can be

.' understood when Tal = = Peace.ts used as the reference
-- and harmony. In the energy
ffL --
--)
for balance
the heavy. feminine energy of Earth is above
of Heaven.
formation

Since earthly
of Tal,
the light.
+2) YI)
J)1asculine energy energy
descends and heavenly energy ascends. the two energies
peacefully
interact and prosper. This interaction repre-
J\037e:r) sents the Ideal integration of y1n and yang. The situation
\037e\037J\037.
of Peace selVes as the standard from which Increase and
to go ahead, [)eCrea se ob tain their positive meanings. _
GUIDANCE: \"Beneft1. This is the right time
YI, \037 ' Benefit/Increase. comes from Pi. = = .
to engage in an adventuroUS task.\" Misfort t.Ule/ Disharmony, or Uncooperativeness. Th-;' bot-
tom line of the upper trigram, Heaven. sacrtflces ItseU and
In this hexagram, Wind is above Thunder. When
down in order to the bottom line of
one another. J)1oves help the lower
these natural energies meet. they strengthen
character trigram. Earth. The upper trigram then changes to Wind
Thus an increase in power results. While the the lower trigram changes to Thl.Ulder.
and Thus the
Yi m\037ans \"to benefit\" or \"increase,\" it also signifies an situation changes from misfortune to Increase, and the
bowl ready to be filled. The lower trigram. Thl.Ul- Yi results,
empty hexagram
der represents the bowl. and the upper trigram. Wind. re-
lies in
There are many aspects of Increase which are not
pre\037nls emptiness. Just as the bowl's usefulness
beneficial and many aspects of Decrease that are bene-
Us emptiness. a must
person
also become empty in order
ficial. When one maintains a broad perspective, one can
to receive benefit. be receptive to all changes. Often one suffers from that
The phrase \"to cross the great water\" is often used in
a which is thought to be not beneficial or unprofitable. yet
the I Ching to indicate the time to begin new venture.
not to be beneficial
would reach a what appears can sometimes be of
In ancient times. when travelers or hunters mindful of this can
of water. the question would arise as to great benefit. Being provide healthy
great body
whether to cross the water or tum back. TI1.Is hexagram
protection.)
suggests that we courageously go ahead. == LINE 1: \"Undertaking a great task is suitable at this
The hexagram Benefit. as well as #41. Decrease ===. is time. Great good fortune.\
betler understood in tenns of the relationship between yin
and yang. All things can be expressed in tenns of yin and TI1.Is yang line Is in the correct place. Generally, the
yang. Yang energy generally moves upward and forward, yin first line is too weak to take major action. but in this
moves downward and backward. and neither can exIst hexagram the first line receives help from the fourth line.
without the other. Every fonn of exIstence is a relative Therefore. the yang energy of the first line Is balanced and
complement to another. as symbolIzed by the Tai Chi by the harmonIzing and cooperating
strengthened energy
diagram \037 . Thus. yin and yang contain each other and of the fourth line. Obstacles are thus overcome and
encompass both the visible and invisIble realms. the manifest supreme good fortune results.)
and wunanifest planes of the enUre universe.
Whenever one aspect of this tnseparable pair is singled LINE 2: the greal beneJit
\"Accept GoodJortune results ill
out, Us opposJte is automatically fonnulated. For example,
foUowillg what is cOlTect. One o.Dersone's virtue 10 the
the exIstence of beauty suggests ugliness, good suggests bad, Divine One wid constantly receives goodjortune, Be\037,i1s
dillkulty suggests ease, long suggests short, high suggests also come from wuhou1 hut are not the result of one's
low, loud suggests soft. before suggestsafter, etc. Each actions,\
derives Its meaning from its opposite. On the dualistic plane,
this principle applies 10 all things.) TI1.Isytn line is In the correct position and receives
support from the fifth line, Heaven, the one who is above)))
 {42j - Yi
458 Hexagram {42j) (Benejil/lncreaseJ 459
LINE 6: in your decision to
position and receives
\"Remain firm
nus ytn line Is in the correct
Trouble Is created when benefit others
from the fifth line. Heaven. the one who is above Or one stops giving and beg\037
support
the one who may be a leader. This line expresses the taking.\

receptiveness of the lower ITlgram.The

Its benefit Is the greatest
The strength of this line is excessive and
of all the lines in this hexagram. blessing of this line Is over-ambitious.
It Is the result of the unIon
the sixth and the third lines correspond.
equal to the fifth line of Decrease. but here
Normally.
and human realm. which Is symbolized they are both In and Incorrect position and their corres-
of the Heavenly Realm each other ts not benefIctal.
If one can maintain a spirtt
with
In the Chinese version by turtles. pondence will With the support
of the neighboring fifth line. this
of openness and cooperation. good fortune will surely come. and good situation can
be redeemed from one of complete misfortune.)
LINE 3: \"One is benefded by hardship. When one keeps
there is no blame. At this time. public
to the righ1 path.
trust needs to be earned and established.\
SPECIFICGUIDANCE)
Taking the unfavored position Is sometimesthe means of
What Is unfavorable often evokes PERSONAL FORTUNE: It is good.
oblalning positive results, It will be a good
the opposite response. Good fortune is frequently hidden MARRIAGE: marriage.
within misfortune. One should take care of a diIIiculty. but HOUSING/FAMILY: Repair Is necessary. Beware of fire.
not take credit If there Is any benefit. Onewins the friendship CHILDBIRTH: It will be a peaceful deliverv.
and appreciation of others by so doing. One should now dis- LOOKING FOR WORK: The Job you seek does not exist.
cover and put into use the benefits of difficulty. This is like SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: A high position is
tea. which tastes bad but In accord with the time.
drtnking bitter herbal brings good not

results by improving one's health, Going through a hard TRADE/BUSINESS: Successful.

expertence often helps one achievehigher.) SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are dillicult to meet
WAITING SOMEONE:
FOR They will come late.
LINE 4: \"By keeping to the right path. one receives LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: The object can be
consent WId obedience from the public; thus. one leads all found.
people toward the right place.\ HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are difficult to locate.
LAWSUIT: Think about the case. Do not proceed.
As the Wind stirs, it becomes beneficial. Ukewise, the TRAVEL: If you hurry. there will be trouble. Now is not
downward movement of the fourth line aids the first line in a good time to travel alone.
carrying out its duty. Great good fortwle and prosperity DISEASE: There is danger.
result. If movement is made now to benefit others. thtTe will pERSONAL WISH: It ts dillicult to accomplish.)
also be benefit for oneself.)
LINE 5:one has a heart that
\"if seeks to benefit others.
there be goodfortune.
will One's virtue wiU be expressed COMMENTARY
and benefded. This benefd is the result of one's own Attaining a Practical Mind)
\
accomplishments.
Everyone looks and favors. but does one really
for benefits
Now Is a peacefuland pmsperous time. The harmonious know what and favorable? The true essence
is benelldal \037f
fifth line. with its wonderfully kind heart supports and life is chI. It is chi that builds life One who would truly
benefits the second line. Their relationship Is correct and develop the vision to know this truth. should be willing to
Is achieved.)
great good fortune engage In the cultIvatIon of chi.)))
 /421- Yi
460 Hexagram /42/ (Bene]Il/lncreaseJ 461)

Chi Is of all things and all \"Master, is there any sure way of reaching an
Whal Is c hi? the mother undIsturbed
U is the subtle essence of the Lmiverse. This wind?\" quened the student.
beings. intellect ual mind, Menclus said, 'There are several ways.
ordin Pei Kung Yu's
u e sr:\037\037\037:::ts only \037e way
\037t\037t\037e:\037ec\037\037\037en\037\037\037d
in which chi method was to control the skin and not react to heat, cold Or
moves. R eco\" ,\"nttion of the deep truth depends on long years pain. HIs eyelids dId not blink with any agitation, and he dId
of self-reflectionan d c ultivation. TIu-ough actual cultivation,
not tU1Tl his face or close his eyes 10 anything fearful. But If
f hi one single hair on his body was damaged by
one Is to
would become as insulted as If he were publicly
anyone. he
or
In ab\037 0 of chi. a
e:\037te\037\037\037i\037a\037o\037
s\037\037\037\037 beaten. U dtd
\037r
\037iS\037\037\037\037u\037l\037
Is necess ary . This should be practiced not
not matter whether that person was in
ordinary clothes Or a
peaceful
with a passIve purpose. b u t with a Positive and
Il\037d creative king of ten thousand chariots, his revenge was taken in
defensIve action. If bad words were spoken to him. then the
purpose . . Ir I }lUll Ian life , a Peaceful mind nurture
can
0f same would be retU1Tled by him. This was his way of
person al VI lal1ty . Here Is where all personal enLerpnses
the vigor of his mind. keeping
s p IIitual and worldly
SomeUmes
achievement start.
knowing how much progress one IS making
. '. 'The method of Men Shih Shr was to face
defeat as one
should help you obtain
\037s would face victory. He estimated the enemy before
not easy, but the following discussion
and measured the chance of triumph before engaging marching in war.
your preliminary goal. He said, 'I do not let my mind think I am the winner, but
Conceptual recognition of
the contradIctory nature of
neIther do I let fear dIsturb me.'
worIdl y thin comes from mental objectivity.
\" but this does
'\"s . 'These are but two ways aItlOng many to achieve an
not help eliminate the conflicts that are expenenced' m re al mind. The first way,
is only helpful as a fITst
undtsturbed that of Pel Kung Yu.
ill e . Thus conceptual development
suggests facing bad sItuations fearlessly. In other words.
s t ep. Th'e wa y to attain a peaceful, . undisturbed . and
mind Is the withdrawal of one s men tal b em\" \"fr 0 m exerting the vigor of the mind illstead of depressing it. The
unattached
tensions to the unifIed
.. core of second way, that of Men Shih Shr, stresses the of
the outer layer of worldly centering
one's mind before putting it to good use. I cannot
unJversallJfe. say which
. is the stronger I do think that Men Shih Shr's
mmd .can be
undisturbed and unexcItable way, although
Apeaceful.
chi. A dialogue between Menclus and way may be more practical.
achieved by nurtwing \"I remember Tsen Tzu taught one of his siudents
one of his students explains this practice. the
imp0r:-ant You wish to be powerful? I heard
(Menc1us, a popular teacher in China, who lived from following, my master,
B.C. to 289 B.C., was later-generation a student of COnfUCIUS\0377\037 Confucius, say that. when the most powerful one inquires
into a matter with his mind and finds out what Is not light.
teaching&.) ,
. even If he faces a simple. ordinary he still feels fear.
\"Master, If you position of the .premler
were put in the of
If he inquires
person.
into a matter with his mind and finds out what
the State of Chi so that you could fulfill all good prmc1plesas
is right, even If there are thousands and thousands
you had always wished, you would be the e\037ual of a \037g who say It is wrong, he still faces It.\"
of people

dealing with major affairs of state. Would tius opporhlluty Menclus \"From
excite you?\" inquired the student. continued, viewing this, llhink Tsen Tzu's
is the most important.\"
\"No,\" said Mencius. 'When I was forty, I had already way

achieved an undisturbed mind.\"

The student asked, \"Master, may I venture to ask your
'Then,\"said the student, \"you must have surpassed even
way of cultivation and how It differs from Kuo Tzu's
way? You
the ancient brave man, Men Pet, who did not fear anything on
mentioned that he achieved his undisturbed mind earlier
than you, but he has followed you for some time.\"
land or in water. Richness, nobility or even fear for his own
life did nol disturb his unexcitable mind.\" Menclus responded. \"Kuo Tzu's principle for reaching an
Mencius replied. \"It should not be so dlJfjcult. Koa Tzu, unperturbed mind Is this: 'Do not think about the unjusl
achieved a passionless, undisturbed words people speak to you and do not resort to emotions
your fellow sludent,
mind even earlier than I.\ when people disagreewith you.' The maln guJdance of hIs
way is 'do not.' But from my understandlrlg, the rational)
I

1\\)))
 142[ - Yl (Benefl1-flncreaseJ 463
462 Hexagram [42/ \\)
his cultivation and he
Emotion Is connect..d to the whole body.
own lived to
y.
an old age. smoo thl
mind Is Ihe center. wIsely. heallhJly and successlully.
mind reacts to a situation. the
emotional
Wh the rational From Menclus one can have a complete understandJn
the rational mind peaceful and cultivation. One does not need to do f
forc\037nfollows. Therefore. .kee!;' spiritual anythIng exfr\037 .)
do t' lently stir passIon. . but one should keep away from all negative
things.
\037\037':\037eryou have pointed
out that when the rational.mmd
It seems that whole ,:\"atter IS the
reacts.
. d But
emotion follows. the.
mmd at peace
you also say to keep the rational
stir up said the student.,
n:ot vIolentiv It moves ,
:\037 passion,\"
Mencius replied. \"When the mind is in control.
the emotions. but when the emotions one who
are in control. they \\)
been
'move' the mind. For instance. when is
h\037S
emotion that
walking falls down and
becomes angry. it

moves the mind.\"

wa y?. \"
\"Master. may I venture to ask the advantage 0 f your

queried the student. --)

Menclus responded. \"I think. first of all. that I u\037der\037tand \037
'
peop I e s words
and the meaning behind all that IS saId, . I
especially cultivate the boundless inne.r p\037\037er0 f person ali ty m +3) \\<.{AI)

order to maintain the unperturbed mmd. .

\"Master. may I venture to ask. what is the mea\\1lng of the \\
inner power of personality?\" asked the stude.nt. I
boundless R\302\24350Lu.\0371on) i)
\"This is difficult to express: however. this power IS the
and the It can only be successf\037lly GUIDANCE: \"Resolution dissolves evil forces.
greatest mightiest. One should
nurtured in a peaceful and hannless min\037
by usmg obtain the qf aU righteous forces. Isolatedand
cooperation
It can extend
righteousness and by following the W\037y, It.Thus. twsty actions are Inappropriate, Th\302\243
advancement of coop-
to any sphere of the universe. OtheIWlse. \037vap\037rates. Why? erative. virtuous energy is wise.\"
Because the power is obtained by accumulating nghte\037:)t\\sness
and the correct way of life. It cannot be obtamed by Traditionally. the character \037 . Ku1, meant change.
\\)))

When one's behavIor does not agree or more specIfically.revolution.

occasional righteousness. Gir. the 49th hexagram
one's mind. then this power becomes deflated, which has become known as Revolution.
with actually means
'Therefore. I think Kao Tzu has not known that the power \"reformation,\" However. Ku1 more clearly depicts a \"revo-
is within us. Cultivating this power must be done with gentle lution\" than does Gir.
care. Thereis no room for negligence. nor is there anything In this hexagram. Lake or rain Is above Heaven. The
extra that can be done in order to help it grow, Image Is that of high clouds gathertng in the sky. Rather
\"Do nol do as the person who lived in the State of Sung. than emphasizing the individual trtgrams. the hexagram
He thought his young crops did not grow fast enough. so he as a whole (five yang lines below one yin line) will be
went to the fields to pull them up a bit higher. Quickly considered.
finishing his work. he returned to his family. He them, 'I When yang energy Is allowed to grow to completion.
t\037ld.
am so tired now. I helped all the crops grow today. HIS father fulfillment and true achievement result. However. the yin
wenl to the fields to see them. but they had all wilted.\" line at the top of this hexagram becomes an obstacleto
From this dialogue we can understand that Mencius' !he generating power below. Thus. Ihe five positive ener-
undtsturbed mind was not a negative practice. but rather a gies must break through the negative energy above. After
power that was nurtured within. This boundless power can a firm decision is made to break through this negative en-
be cultivated by a pacified mind. Mencius was benefited by) ergy. complete yang energy can be attained.)
 464 Hexagram [43} (43[ - Rut (Resolution) 465) I
I'
The yang energy can undoubtedly remove the needforce
evil rotation. It is associated wIth the tWrd month of the I
I
at the top, but the hexagram suggests the for Chinese calendar. This Is the transition from Spring to I
caution each step of the way. People cannot wIthdraw- summer, when the yang energy Increases and yin
were con- The peak energy !)
from every evil that ts encountered. If they declines. Summer, of
when yang grows to
full of sunshine. and
is
tinually overcome by problems and Inconveniences wIthout completion. the entire earth
ever reforming them, the destructive force would abounds wIth life. Thus. the pressures of life can be
eUIlltnated as the yang energy continues to
take charge. advance during
eventually
Whether the Involves
cIrcumstance overcoming an \\l1e time of resolution or revolution.)
obstacle In one's an Intemal deficiency
environment, or a
bad habit. caution should be exerctsed. Dealing wIth LINE I: \"Strength is expressed by the toes. Even
negatMty ts simIlar to tending a flower garden. If weeds pushing ahead cannot solve the dilflCUl1y. PT-emnture
are brusquely removed, the flowers may also be Injured. resolution brings humiliation.\

likewise one should be careful not to harm th.e energy

one is ttYmg to nurture. Instead of directly attacking the This line
represents the toes. The shortcoming or
try to balance the whole
is stIlI far away. in the beginning
problem, one should situation.
can the obstruction
obstacle
to tackle stage. one
Only when one's strength is organized should not attempt the
difficulty directly.
be faced and the resolution be acWeved. because he is stIlI weak. Without support and coopera-
Another important aspect of this hexagram is how to tion, success is impossible. Furthermore, premature
deal wIth sIckness. A minor ailment which is not quickly action yields an incorrect result. One's streng\\l1 Is inade-
and effectively dealt wIth can become the root of a more quate at this time to deal directly wIth. th.e problem.
serious problem. Thus, one should draw from one's
reservoIr of energy In order to deal wIth the problem wltile LINE 2: \"Strength is expressed by shouting. It is
it is stIlI localized. necessary to keep guard, even U1 the deep night. in
At times, a person overreacts by focusing on the pro- order- to protect oneself from a surprise attack.\
blem Instead of seeing the sItuation as a whole. TIrrOwing
away an entire piece of fine cloth. instead of simply clean- The energy has now grown. Darkness is above. This
Ing the soIled spot seems absurd, yet th.ere are many sim- line represents a mouth. and only allows a cry of alarm.
Ilar ways In wWch one loses clarity by acting impulsively. One should be careful and nfJt react in a shallow and
The most effective pJinciple to use in dealing with a impulsive manner. In th.ese first and second stages, only
sItuation like a revolution is to decrease and fundamental- observation is appropriate, not dIrect action. The dark-
ly correct any bad habits or shortcomings. People often nesS cannot be removed by a premature. radical or
resort to artificial solutions such as alcohol or drugs to emotional response. Keep to what is right.)
relieve tensIon or to help them get to sleep. but this is like
asking a thief to catch a thief. By not depending on LINE 3: \"Hostility is expressed by the cheeks. One
outsIde crutches, one's true energy can become stronger excites his enemies. Danger. Like a defiant child going
and more effective. out into the rain, one is sure to get wet. However-,
Regardless of the difficulty the top line manifests, one's righteousness can be proven with fortitude.\
understanding its strong and Influential nature is very
important. This y1n line appears amiable, but is actually The strain of breaking
through !he negative force in
quite vicious and devious. Thus, one's resolution must !he top position in the expressions of th.e face.
manifests
not be too reckless or forceful. One who does not under- It is not wise to confront th.e problem alone. lf one does
stand evIl is vulnerable to its Influence. Having a firm engage in the task by oneself, dillkulties may be encoun-
resolve, supported by vIrtue, clarity and strength, 1.8 tered and one may even fail to attain one's righteous goal.
important at this time. At this time. avoid expressing any in order to
antagon1sm
The dynamics of this hexagram can be further under- achieve your purpose.)
stood from its position in !he natural cycle of energy)

\\)

.')))
 143/ 143/ - KuI (Resolution) 467
466 Hexagram
is restless and hesitant. One does not negativity.
or fighting evil With evil. one should
4\" \"One concentrate
on one's own normal
LINE
listen to trustworthy woms. but remainS indecisive. growth.)

intending to avoid the danger. \037\037t la\302\243klng the

courage to eliminate the eva.
necessary

The literal translation of this text is: 'Thereis no skin

on his buttocks.\" Without skin. how can one sit calmly? SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
The fourth
ThIs indicates restlessness and impulsiveness.
line represents a person who tgnores advice and attempts
to cIrcumvent the problem. However. since one ts not in a PERSONAL FORTUNE: This is a very strong and vigorous
should accept and follow the It is the right time to spend some
position of leadership, one tiIDe.
money . but
orders of the leader, the fJfth line. not to accumulate things for oneself.
NaTE: Compare this line to the third line of Rou, MARRIAGE: The marriage will not be a
good one.
IIOUSING/FAMILY: This is not a good place to live.
forty-four.
Hexagram
There will be a flood which creates unrest.
LINE 5: \"Keep to the righ1 path when walking among CIID..DBIRTH: The baby will be a boy.
weeds. FIrmness keeps onefrom conuptton.\" LOOKING FOR WORK: Difficulty in the beginning. Suc-
cess will come after some time.
ThIs line is in the position of the leader. TIlls ts the SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: No success.
time to make responsible decisions. TRADE/BUSINESS: Not successful.
sEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Not much chance in find-
LINE 6: \"Helplessness. Danger is present.\" ing them.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They do not come.
The top line represents the force of evil. The literal LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be found in
meaning of the Chinese term for \"evil\" generally refers to the West.
destructive or negative energy which obstructs forward IIVNTING FOR THIEVES: They have already gone to the
movement. West and will be difficult to locate.
Everyone knows the story of the boy who cried wolf. CLIMATE: It will be cloudy.
At the crucial moment. his lack of credibility allowed nega- TRAVEL: One will become lost.
tive energy to triumph. Beware of a sweet face that con- DISEASE: Danger,
ceals a dark heart. To be able to recognize evil is an im- PERSONAL WISH: An obstacle makes one's wish difficult
portant form of true knowledge. Sometimes it is difficult to achieve.)
to recognize that which works against one's development.
In a situation of danger. the Tao Teh Ching advises
non-action. If one focuses by cultivating the right energy.
there is no room for the negativity to grow. If one does
not clash directly with an obstacle. it is as if there were COMMENTARY
no obstacle. The True Mind)
The Tao Teh Ching does not advise starting revolu-
tions. Instead. it emphasizes the great benefit that results Themain guidance for becoming an integral is:
being
n-om cultivating nonnal growth. If a person displays \"If evenone small portion of yIn energy (the dualistic func-
aggression toward evil. he is actually practicing evil. Most tion the mind) remains, then
of one will not become a
heroic stories depIct \"evil\" as something that must always shien. If even one small portion of yang energy (the in- II
be overcome. Such actions make the world an arena for tegralness of life) is not complete. one will not become a I
strife. Evil is usually Just the aggressive growth of a ten- shien. \ I)))

dency that was once nonnal. Instead of competing with)

 /43[ \" Rui
468 Hexagram [43/ IResolu1innJ 469
without you and I to expenence
In the science of self-cultivation. chi belongs
to the yang \"Thirdly. lhis tr ee. d oes
beauty silll have meanlng?\"
category and mind belongs to the yin category.
liS
AlltJ;1oughts When was a
I man.
are a digression f.-om one's essence. and essence IS what
I fonnulated
as follows:
YOU?g 'The self-nature of theanswers to these
enables one to maintain w\037!!:..ness. questions
to the peach tree and to all
universe gives
In the hexagram Kui. := . Resolute Change. the yang htrlh beauty. It Is the self-nature
o nly when the remaining yin line on of the peach tree to produce flowers. as II is the self-nature of
energy can be completed the beauty of it.s flowers.\"
the top is eliminated. In self-cultivation. only when the people to resp\037:md atotime Was I correct?
mind Is regulated can the wholeness of spiIitual Once. durll\037g of confusion. a rebellious cam\037
untruthful a region of China. army
life be attained. Let the following discussion probe our minds. to attack Understandably. the people of
To wonder If there Is or is not a God is a typical quandry t.hJs region began to flee. Among those refu g . ees w as a group
of the dualistic mind which can only respond with \"yes\" or of young sc h 0lar s w h 0 passed by a plum garden. The frl.ut on
\"no.\" If you look deeply enough. you will find that the trees was red and. fully ripened. the branches droopin
nei\037her t\037e under their weight. Eagerly.
true nature of the mind nor the true nature of the unIVerse IS heaviJy everyone began
dualistic. The self-nature of the universe can be calledGod. aIld eating the fruit. Among this group of students. pickin\037
however
mind is insubstantial. It reveals itself only through was one young man who did not eat the fruit.
The Hi\037
were surprised and asked him
its function and work. The insubstantial is calledtrue mind. companIons whv he did not
plums. This garden now.
Grasping this. one is able to enter the fo\037le\037s ?f the
realm pick any \"the lime of
during
never ceases. WIth It, the unIVerse confusion. belonged to no lord. The
life of the universe which young scholar answered '
operates in an organic way that is identified as the subtle law. 'Truly. Ule trees and the whole garden belong to no mast
If true mind is the only thing recognized. then what is now. but. within each of us there is a master. whether Ulere \037\037
Mind and matter permeate each other and interact one outsIde of us or not. No irresponsible behavior should be
matter?
well. Looking from the unmanifest truth to manifested doneby a person of responsibility.\"
matter. one sees forms which are limited in truth and short in The next story is about a yO\\.ing man who fell in love with
to the manifest sphere. his cousin. The cousin refused to marry binl because of their
time. Looking from the unmanifest
one will not be bewildered by the diversity of forms which clo s e Although it was acceptable in
. bloo\037 relationshi\037.
denve their essence from the oneness of the subtle Origin. aIlClent China for a cousIn on the molher's side to be nlamed
The only way to remain integral is to maintain a balance to a cousin on the father's side. the young girl sull refused the
between the unmanifest and manifest spheres ofthe uniVerse. voung man's love. and he became greatly saddened. After
Who can deny the onenessof the integral universe? some time. lhe YOlmg man became rich. In his innermost
The following illustrations may be useful in attempting to heart, however. he fell empty and began to desert his current
explore the true mind. wife and three children. He drank. look drugs and kept a
In China there was a famous master who led a group of mistress who looked like his cousin. He spent a greal dealof
his students on a hike in the mountains in the early spring. money on lhis girl because of her resemblance10the cousin
Eventually they came to an unusual place where, to their he had truly loved.
surprise, they discovered a beautiful peach tree in blossom. TIle YOl.mg man knew thai he was squandering his life
Everybody WaS enchanted by its brilliant pinkness and and money and believed it was solelv because of his \\)))
remained silent as they enjoyed its extraordinary beauty. For dIsappoIntment in love. Do YOll believe his reason was real?
some time they were unable to take their eyes away from it. Then why. when tile opportwlity 10 marry his cousin later
After a while. Ihe master posed several questions. First occurred. did he feeillis love no' longer existed? Which was
he asked, \"Is the universe with or without a mind? If It is real to him. his mind or his love? If his mind w.\\s the Inn:
without a mind, who brings about the beauty? Must there realJty. Il could not be altered. If the love had been
reality.
not be a universal mind behind the ordinariness to present why was It allerable? Can true love be {'hanged b\037' the
such beauty? Secondly, if the universe has a mind, should passage of t1rne? Is there evel' \"true love\" belween girls and
not this tree blossom in the city so that more peoplecould boys? Must tnle love be expressed by possession? Why does
its exquisite creation?) the
experience dilTtcully of obtainIng t1llngs always make them more)
 470 Hexagrcwl/43/)
1431-Kul (Resolul;on) 471

desirable. and \\.vhv are Ule Illost ('ollunun goods the IIlost bitterly as my father put medIcine on Ule and
confidently mended It.
finger
valuable In tenus 01 h,mlan survival'? father qu1etly asked me.
The fourUl story takes place in a temple. An old master MY ''Wh y do you cry so
once declar'ed. 'The true mind is 1101 a formed mind. The nervo\037sly?\"
\"It hurts!\" I yelped.
mind Ihaf is fonned is Jusl a response to circumstance. thus
!rue mind. When sailing on the ocean. \"How do you know you are In pain?\" he a s ke d .
It Is nol Ule unlonned. \"I feel It! My mind feels il.\"
one is nol aware of sll100lh waler. bul when the water
il. Which part Is Ule true 'Then It Is pain and not your mind..'
becomes rough one qllickly notices my father calml y
ocean'? Which is nol? corrected me.
has taken At thai did not understand whal
I
\"The 'Ialse' mind is the conceplual mind that time. my father said 1
too busy WIth !he paIn to ask further
lonn by reacling to specific situations. Whal is fonned Is no was
took questions. Ye\037rs
oflhe mind: Ollce expressed. it becomes later my father looked at !he scar left
longer the 'substance' mY\"hand,
iIldex fmger and a\037\037ed. Do
on my
matter. True mind has no shape. no 10n11, no direction and you feel pain now?\"
no preference. Ordinary pay attention only 10 Ihe \"Of coursenot. I replied.
people
reactions and fonnulations of Ihe conceplual rnlnd a.nd He continued. I teU you lhat it
\"Didn'l
was pain an d l
nep;lecl Ihe quieUv existing true mind. but one who pradkes the mind? Pain but not the mind. Ordinarv
will pass,
n7
the original. unlonnalized mind with !heir mind. An achieved one dISsolves'
the Universal Wav values cOlnpla\037 \037;\037\037\037
more than its reacuons to specific evenls. Similarly. people of trouble.
worship expressed spirilual evenls while Dear friend. can ou give
equal attention to the troubled
vulgar religions :v
U10se who practice the universal Way worship Ihe mind and the
true.nund?
Which
serves you more? Have vou
suhUeness of Inlegrily.\" known !he eXIstence the true mind as the qUiet.
lU1expressed ev.er o\037 being
In the neighborhood of thIs temple. Ihere happened to be faIthful servant of your life being? Yet is it not always
a fox's den. Foxesare smart animals and they like to ifnilale neglected by you? You may complain with
your mind and
humans. One moonlit night the local foxes had a exaggerate your troubles. but is it your mind which creates
meeting like that of their neighbors. The old leader stories to separate you from the truth. or somelhing else
spiritual
of the foxes, who was sitting ifl front 01 the group, began his which does all of tlUs? Is it !he unfonned !rue mind or the
leclure: 'The true mind is nol conceplual. TIle conceptual false nund which lacks simplicity and clarity that causes you
mind is not Ule true mind...\" and so on. until a dog appeared. urmecessary confusion? Who should be charged with the
At this time, aU the foxes nlshed away. Il is easy to talk like responsibility? Can you accurately use your mind? Or dues
a master. bul II is hard to cultivale and maintain an your mind command you? Can yuu separate the rough
undislurbed. true mind. waters of the ocean from !he peaceful waters. or should olle
The old masler had someUung mure to say, 'The wooden separate !he rouglmess from !he peacefulness? In other
fox has a true mind.\" Do you believe Ulis? If you do. are you wOl\"ds. should we creale separation between troubles and th...
an Idiot? If you do nolo are you a foul? TeU me. whal is Ule mind in spirit ual practice? What is the real value of Ih1s?
trulh behind this? Please ask yourself.)))
At the age of six. I used to play in the carpentry workshop
of a neighbor. He specialized in making round shaped
wooden vessels. hence his loolswere sumewhat different from
those of a regular carpenter. One day, I wished to make
sometlUng of my lIwn and played carelessly wiUl sOllie newly
sharpened chisels. Being unskilh'd al using the tools. I
Inevilably chiseled illY len index finger instead of the wood II
was a d\037ep eul and the finger WaS almusl /1,0ne. It hied

profusely and was very palnful. with my lllulher watdung

nervously and my bro!her and sister surrounding me. I cried)
 -
144] Kou (EncountEr/Meeting Together) 473
ThIs hexagram may also apply to a great task in
which a person of inferior virtue becomes involved. Since
the five yang lines do not cooperate and hold to correct
} prInciples. a way Is provided for the erosive power of an
\037JG evil force to grow. Although such a situation Is not a
favorable one. It is a natural phase of the cycUc energy
4+) KOLA) --) rotation.
ThIs hexagram Is associated with the fifth month
(Junef July), Just after the apex of Summer, when yang

6\037 . \0371m; c.oq6\037he,,-)

energy
decline
Is at
and
Its
y1n energy
highest. At this pOint, yang begins Its
increases as Winter approaches.
The situation symbolized by this energy formation actually
serves as a warning. In life. a person is usually
\"Encounter. It is like an overly strong woman overcome
GUIDANCE:
Do not many such by a pr\037\037lem through negligence. As the Tao Teh Ching
who has d!/ftculty in being a good wife. advises: HandJe difficulties when they are still small.\"
a woman.\ On the whole. this hexagram employs the image of a
The blowing Wind touches man in the fourth posItion wishing to meet the woman in
Heaven is above the Wmd. but he Is unable
Its course. thus there
in is encounter. The the first position, to do so. He has four
everything
The image suggests that competitors and she Is ambitious in her desire to conquer.
situation appears to be smooth. Moreover, her contact with some of the other lines
will go as one wishes. However, hidden danger
everything
forward y1n line below. precludes any involvement she might have with the fourth
approaches in the form of the line. There is no chance for a correct response between
to grow again as yang
Negative force has begun energy
because each is in the wrong position. The first
has reached its fullest strength. One should be careful of them,

this line should be yang. and the fourth line should be y1n.
this situation and heed the warnIng of hexagram. the Uteral Chinese translation for this hexagram
The image here is that of five men competing for one Although
means \"to come together''''lt Is impossible to do so.
woman. The situation is one of potential contention and
of feminine energy can spoil On the positive side, this hexagram describes the
struggle. This single element
involved in spreading culture's nurturing
the union of five men. The woman cannot marry all five; energy influence.
Such efforts touch everyone and to develop an entire
peaceful order depends on her ability to respond correctly help
She must maintain and soclety. Yin and yang continuously interact in every
to each of them. composure
conduct herself well; otherwise she becomes a source of aspect of life; thus. this principle can be applied to ail
trouble. experiences.
The y1n line here represents any negativity. darkness, Great things may sometimes be attained when we are
or bad habit. The entire hexagram suggests aware of our limitations and shortcomings. Such an
shortcomJng
that this
negative energy will eventually overcome the awareness allows us to work at preventing these limita-
positive, for the yang is structured in such a way that it tions from overtaking us. By begtnning with something
submits to the power of y1n and thus becomes susceptible small. something great may be accomplishedin the f'nd.)
to the dark Influence. This process. a cyclical movement
of natural energy, represents gradually coming under the LINE 1: \"TIle restless sow should be ./inn]y restrained,
control of some inner negativity, bad habit or physIcal The rolling wagon CWI be soJely stopped. Good fortune.
illness. The developing y1n energy exerts more and more However, if one goes ahead. there is trouble,\
Influence as It aggressively advances toward the five yang
lines. In the human sphere. changes can be made to For one of youth and inexperience (representedby the
alter the situation. Therefore.one should now be cautious first ytn line) self-restraint will prevent danger. The op-
and maintain his posJUon, otherwise the situation will portunity of the present ctrcmnstance appears to be propi-
deteriorate.) tious. However. in reality It will nol foster positive growth.)))
 1441
[44J - Kou (Encounler/Meelin\037 Together) 475)
474 Hexngram
acts aggressively and radically, occurs in two ways. Relationships
If one in this posttion Energy correspondence
make contact with all the
like a YOtU1g gIrl who tries to result.
are fonned betweenthe first and the fourth, the second and the
men she meets. danger and misfortune will surely fifth, and the third and the sixth lines. The first and second. third
ts restless and causes
ThIs yin line.
like a htU1gry sow. and fourth, and fifth and sixth lines also fonn a unit and
disturbance. will turn out correspond. In hexagrams #43 and #44. the second principle
If this line changes t 0 yan g. everything the Cr eative applies. The first and second lines in #44, and the fifth and sixth
well. Then thJ s hexagram evolves into Chyan. lines in #43. fonn a harmonious bond which excludes the third
or Heaven. There co uld b e nothin g more beautiful than
line of #44 and the fourth line of #43.)
pure yang energyl
\"There is a}ish in the kitchen. It is not for LINE 4: \"There is no fish in the kitchen. Movementbrings
LINE 2:
\" One is separated from reality.
outsiders. danger. This is like a
government that is separated from the people.\
Here there are five men and
one woman. Competition
e Kists because the second line ts centered and
in a naturally
The first and fourth lines are in the wrong positions for a
ve r elatio nshi to the first . The first line is the fish
respons I p correct response. Furthennore, there is rivalry and competition
to the second line. If the secon d Iine t akes
which belongs
sUll controllable and among the yang lines for the yin energy below. The fourth line
charge of the situation while
matters
ar.e has traveled far in order to court the first line, but she is no
things become \"messy:'order
will prevaIl.
before .
exert its yang energy ill the longer available.)
If the second line can
to put the \"fish\" safely under its control. there will
beginning
be no overall problem.) LINE 5: \"The big tree overshadows. It provides a
supportive framework and protects the gourds. The gourds
will ripen and fall natural(v. The vines will also wither, but
LINE 3: ''ThE skin of the buttocks is hurt.
One. is rest- the tree remains and unshaken by matters
stout. upright
less and hesitant. Neither good fortune nor a
big prob- which occur naturally. \
lem exists because there no real connection.\
is still

Resllessness makes one's movement uncertain. However. The olher four yang lines represent the image of ripe gourds
no great loss has occurred. or melons hanging precariously tfom a weak vine represented by
yet
The position is similar to the fourth
of this line line of Ihe first line. They can fall at any time. However. if the fifth
Hexagram #43. Resolution. Line lllree, confronted with dan- line can stay finn and stoul in order to unite the other four yang
ger. wouJd like to move forward but is unable to do so. Line lines. it will be able to detennine the outcome of the situation.
four in #43. although faced with difficulties. continues to With the cooperation of the second line. which is in the tront line
push forward. Such movement, however, only creates further of combat.the approaching difticulty can be faced. The tilth line
problems. U It wouJd relax and not be persistent. its prob- should do its best without
lems would subsIde; however. It pursues its own becoming discouraged by knowledge
Impulses of the inevitable of Ihe growing negative
consequences force.
and creates more obstacles.
This will be its only good opportunity.)
The lower trigram of #44. == . Is the dJrect opposite of
the upper trigram of #43. == . The second line of #43
and the fifth line of #44 both have dJrect contact with and LINE 6: at the tip of a homo can be
achieved,
\"Meeting
\Nothing
respond to the yin line in each hexagram. Both the third thuugh there is no grave danger.
line of #44 and the fourth line of #43 wish to be In dJrect
contact with the yin line, but are unable to do so. This line describes one who is proud and isolates himself
Seeing things dearly at thIs point can prevent furUler from his leader and the rest of the group. He is narrow-minded.
problems.) uncooperative and goes his own way. There is no blame for this.)))
 - Kou
[-1-1J (Encounter/Meeting Together) -177
-176 Hexagram [44J
He has to. cooperate
It seems to know the truemind unless you first
because he stays far away. '?st \037is ability impossible
a horn, hopm\037 for the learn to recogmze the untrue mind, Once I asked my father
with others and has backed into tll? .of
!he this. He sa\037dthat
HIS selt-mterest makes life even ab?ut. he could help me study the fundamental
feeling of limited security,
he has no courage to of Chmese medicine, but that the art of traditional
more narrow and confining. . Ev\037ntu\037lIy
lie thus .Ioses the
prIn\037lples
could not be put into words. It is a matter of skill
himsel(
resist Ihe evil and cannot
mamtam hea\037mg

to return to the nonnal, broader scope of life, achle:v

ed through
\037eve\037opment.
In the same manner. the
?f. true mmd IS a matter of real achievement
opportunity and
quest!on
GUIDANCE) It IS not a matter of discussion or infonnation. My
SPECIFIC I?ractIce,.
father wished for me to discover the answer myself and thus be
lruly benefitted by that which I had accomplished.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Small matters bring.good,fortune, of wanting to understand
Large undertakings are not profitab.le, especially for
men.. . ,Because?f the frustration all

MARRJAGE: Possible successfor a time,

but no hannony m ?plrI\037al
truth m one
sec?nd, I put myself through years of active
mqUlry, study and e\037penen,ce and so
?egan my spiritual journey.
the end. One of those eXperIences IS related m the commentary entitled
HOUSINGIFAMIL Y: The place is not auspicious. The
on the weak vine \"Premature Enlightenment.\" following experience occurred
CHILDBIRTH: Easy. The ripe watennelon before
my, premature enlightenment and was several years before
fhlls simply and naturally.
I had Th!S story is but one episode in the long
Rely on a woman to help
received
LOOKING FOR WORK: you. th\037 t.ruth.

SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Successful, but processof my sPIrItual cultIvation.

,
Some years after my initial exploration of the nature oftrue
not profitable.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They may be in the South, m!nd,. I remarked to my father. \"I have discovered that the true
mmd IS not the colorful construction of all religions. Nor is it the
with a relative's family.
the many
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Difficult to find, al\037osph\037re \037reated ?y d!fferent churches and temples.

bul if you rely on a woman. it can be found. Nel.ther IS It th\037 dIfferent doctnnes and rituals practiced in
HUNTING FOR THIEVES:They are in the Soulhwesl and var!ous ceremo\037l.Ies
and celebrations, These practices are just
can be caught.
vanous expressIOns of human custom and are not the ultimate
truth. None ofthem has any solution to the questio\037
LAWSUIT: A long time is needed. i\037\037utable
of and dea\037: they are merely useless decorations
CLiMATE: It will be cloudy and windy. !Ife for the

TRA VEL: Travel to the North will be auspicious. Do not be plain process of human life and death. Not one of them is the
is not result of the discovery of trulh. Thev serve on Iv as
kept by a woman, this good fortune.
DISEASE: Some danger. psychological coverings or artistic beaulit1cation to h\037l1lan
and despair. Beneath all these dil1erent fonns of
PERSONAL WISH: Iflhe wish is too big, disaster.) disappointment
\037ntertai\037menl,
these ornamental measures. lies utter
Impov\037nshment \037nd helplessness.
Such practices go against the
Tu follow a religion is to proceed in the opposite
COMMENTARY t\037ue \037md. ,
direction of Irue mind.\"
The Untrue Mind)
I paused
h\037re
fi.)r approval from my father. He responded.
\"
Just as in the hexagram Kou, where the aggressive yin 'Y hat you say. IS n?t Ihe practice of Ihe true mind. fhe practice
cannot hannoniLe with the higher yang energy, at a deep
of the true mmd IS not the praclice of criticism. In all the
energy
level the mind cannut hannonize with nature and thus the unlrue \037xamrles you .l1lenli\037med,
there is the opportunity for the
mind is formed. The fullowing story is one of my early lInportant practice of non-bewildenuent within an\\. confused

experiences in dealing with this problem.) situation. In other words, the practice of true mind on these)))
 [4-I)
- Kou (Encounter/Meeting Together) 479)
-178 Hexagram [-1-1)

is clarity. The true mirtd is resportsive. but it does rtot matter. They set incomplete examples of spiritual urtder-
occasiorts
developmertt which mislead those who follow them. The highest
lose its clarity,\" , .
At that particular momertt I telt I had receIved the key and I examples of complete virtue are not evert recognized by most
I said, people sirtce the leader with complete, absolute virtue works
and good urtd\037rstanding.
expressed my gladrtess \"\037ruly,
and subtly. When he has accomplished his task artd
truly. though the
criticism was perceived t\037rough my ac\037!e\037ed quietly
from the clarity I Crltlcl\037e. completed his duty, people say: 'It is we ourselves who have
I separate my mirtd whert.
clarity.
is somethirtg that has already beert establIshed.. whIle made it so.' Leaders who have plain good virtue attract followers
Knowledge like to be with them artd who respect and honor them. A
true mirtd. It can be compared wIth the who
clarity is the urtfonned. creates a
of the sky artd clouds, krtowledge bemg the clouds forceful leader strong emotional
response among
relatiortship these virtuous beings, one of complete
the
which hirtder the clarity of the sky. Fro,m \037ow on.! shal\037 keep people. Among only
ot mmd-clarlty virtue is the one we follow with complete willingness!\"
myself to the furt.damental vi\037ue w\037tho\037t
At this moment. my previous enlightenment was revealed in
deviatiort or separatJort by establIshed knowledg\037 or.emotJOrt.
\"Be careful. son, Clarity IS.only one all its shallowness. I struggled with my young pride and said,
My father resportded. I urtderstartd that the true mirtd is the balanced mind. The
virtue of the true mirtd. There are other equally Important \"Now
such as sincerity, free\037o\037 t\037om true mind is the integral mind. The true mind is the crystal clear
practices of the true mind, The true mind is the transcendental mind. artd the true
temptatiort. nOrt-evasion, composure and peace, rton-dlsslpatJOn, mind.
and hann\037n:r, amo,?g man:r other mind is the natural. unspoiled mind. It contains all positive
dispassiort, unattachment. insistence on one or a few chosen
virtues. These are all important irt attammg c1anty of mmd, virtues. The fragmentary

\"Among all virtues of the mind, only clarity and sincerity are virtues is dartgerous, Now I truly understartd what the artcestors
basic powers of the true mind. One cannot be separated ITom the sa\037d: practice is the thief and robber of the way of the true
other. To have sincerity without clarity is foolish. have To mmd.'\037gid
without sincerity is to be a disinterested bystander of My said: \"Well. even I Cart agree that now you have
father
clarity
and matters. Any single virtuous practice is a something. mind is part of our entire being. The mind is the
The
worldly people
In our life. there are some things
rigid or dogmalic practice. Obviously this is not the way to latecomer of our life being.
reach Tac. the subtle truth of universal life. which are more fundamental. The work you did with your mind
\"Also. be sure that a specific virtue is not neglected when was to remove the poisons of the vulgar mind. There are not
a specific circumstartce, otherwise you will lose the many more secrets ofthe mind. The secret oflife is chi. which
facing
correct response of the true mind. Tao is the totality, Tao precedes all human life and continues to exist after the hum art
canrtot be put into partial practice. The practice of a single flesh-life has transfonned, After studying the game of the
virtue has helped some peopleearn fame as so-called saints, but mystery of the mind comes the more important cultivation of chi.
in reality this is using the entire being to fulfill a part of life. One who develops the mind may speak better. but real spiritual
This is how ordinary religious people lose sight ofthe wholeness growth is another matter. Herein lies the importance of
of life. This is one extreme. On the other hand. ordinary non- cultivating chi.\)
religious people use their entire being to fulfill a single desire or
emotional attachment. This is also exlreme. Thus. cultivating
the wholeness of life furthers the complete development of an
individual human beirtg. If one has reached an understanding of
the wholeness of lite. one can see that many past religious
leaders and saints died before they developed themselves
completely. In other words, they died for the sake of only one
part of their integral being. As a spiritual model, this is a serious)
 {45} - Tsui (CongregaJlon/Gaihertng the Essence) 481)

essential energy every momenL It is throughthis continual

\037f
-- practice of energy
\"diamond\" or \"subtle\"
refinement that one can achieve the
\"crystal,\" body. Though the physical
f body must dIsintegrate. the subtle body continues to live in
== tile Immortal realms. ThIs is tile highest of
4-5 \037(AI ==
gathertng or assemblage one's personal cultivation.)
in
meaning

. \037he- e65\037 LINE 1: \"Even if one has Wl.questionable sinceriJ:y, the

'f\037h.eR1n<;
COtJ'11t\342\202\254-<f\037lon cOlTed purpose of the gathering may not be dearly

\"con g
The great leader
ating goes welL understood. Confusion may wise. Clarity Wld order are
GUIDANCE:
with the temple of their
nation brought about by pattence.jirmn.ess Wld the demonstrated
hamwnizes the 7:f if his
pehea::en All people have the opportunity sincerity of the group. Then the gathering becomes a
common A great sacrifice one. There is nothing Proceed.\
to be close to e leaderduring
ancesJ:' ,IT.'
this time.
is the right time to
happy wrong,
This
be made as an oJ.J\037g. In
slwuld
gatilertng, order must be established in the
moveforward and be creative. any
beginning. The first line is a yin In a yang position which
In thJs Lake is above Earth. Lake repre- indicates scattered energy in the early stages. However, with
help from the fourth line,
hexagram.
\".r..1_ and Earth represents obedience. Wher- the confusion can return to order.)
there is life, an d vege t a ti on thrt ves.
sents JOJ.Ull,ess,
ever there is water,
Animals also congregate where vegetation and water LINE 2: \"Recommendations bring good opportwlities.
Thus. tb.\\s hexagram represents a peaceful and There will be no trouble if one's sincerity has not al1ered.
abound.
One neednot worry Ulat one's oEering is insuIficient.\
means the
haP%!a:;:::::;-g ;:n\037\037tion of Tsui :'t.o gather
spmt to second line. being at the center of the lower trigram.
essence,\"to gather ti10se of harmonious The
in
or\037er
The
all three yin lines togetiler as a bridge
unite tileir minds for a virtuous purpose. gatilenng.
of gathers to the filth line.
is like
energies to accomplish a
diverse
col1lIllon goal This gathering is for a spiritual purpose. In ancIent times.
If tile leader has a Joyful such a by the ringing of a bell or gong.
athertng one's energy within. spirit gathering was signified
\037d tile followers are obedient, tileir coming t?gether beco\037es The fifth line. or leader, is able to gather others through the
a beautiful gatilering of good will.
This kind of gathenng strength ofms virtue and spiritual practice. Since the second
owth . However. one should weed out to the nIth, it
promo t es h ealth and gr
line corresponds brings everyone together in
harmful elements and maintain order to enab Ie one to b e dedication to him.)
more productive.
A gathering of good, positive energy is an opportunity LINE 3: \"Aggressive tactics create dWkulty. Although this
to renew oneself. After gathering one's essenceor positive appears WlprojiLable and small problems may arise.
a loving universal nature
energy, one should then extend
cautiously moving ahead is cOlTec!.\
to others. When something or someone seeks our help or
advIce, we should respond with our best energy. This is This line Is in an inappropriate posillon and thus suffers
calleduniting all virtues with one's universal love. Actual- some frustration. II represents one who is overly eager to
ly, this opportunity exIsts at every moment. No time is reach the top and, as a result, Im.1tesmlsWlderstandmg and
better than the present. creates an uncomfortable response. One who receives thIs
A more profound of \"gathering\"
example occurs when
line should Iry to avoid arrogance and doing things single-
one cu1tivales and gathers subtle energy. The gathering of
To do so will only resullin
handedly. isolation.)))
spiritual energy is even more important than the gathering
of food. because food supports only physical life.
A Divine Immortal is someone who has assembledthe
most highly refined energy. This is achieved by gathering)
 -
{45J Tsul (Congregation/Gathering the Essence) 483)
482 Hexagram {45J

LINE 4: \"Great goodfortune comes with brave conduct.\" SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS: Success later.
TRADE/BUSINESS: Success.
and fourth lines are In Incorrect positions. SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Look In the Southwest and
Both the frrst meet them.
Correction of the situation comes from an Interchange and you can
which produces a WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come.
Integration of their energies positive
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Look In the South
inDuence.
who Is In an west. it is difficult to find.
ThIs situation represents a virtuous person However.
FOR THIEVES: They (three
mcorrect However. he does the n\037ht thing at the HUNTING people) are In the
position.
supporting those beneath and East and can be caught.
right ume by selflessly .wm by
LAWSUIT: Good fortlille.
a good advisor to the leader In the fifth pOSItion.
being CLIMATE: There will be a long drought.
LINE 5: \"One cannot depend on one's power and position TRAVEL: It will be dangerous. There will be quarreling.
to ga1her obedience. One must have grea1 purpose, DISEASE: Dlfficult to cure.

Ilffi1Iless and correctness. Only then is one safe.from PERSONAL W1SH: Can be accomplished.)
\
error.

ThIs leader guides peoplewith his good spirit

virtuous
and Is able together. He is benevolent
to bring them and COMMENTARY
considerate to beneath him. He takes care of
all the lines No Idolization)
them and gives them protection. The lower trigram \037s
also
good-willed and reflects this goodness to the upper trigram. Among the lilldeveloped. \"idolization\" is often used to
Thus, there is a harmonious union.) assemble people. However, in cultivating spiritual growth.
\"idolization\" can be an obstacle If it is incorrectly
applied. The
LINE 6: \"Sighs and tears. No blame.\ following gives instruction and guidance as to its influence in
spiritual matters.)
A real spiritual gathering must be a selflessmatter for all
\"
concemed. The leader must know reflect good will
how to Co l1{ucianism is my garment.
and musl be the C\"'dtalYSt for the Integration of that good will. Buddhism is my cane, and
However. this line expresses a circumstance in which one is Taoism is my sandal.\
removed from others through pride and feels remorsefor not
having participated.) This \"three-in-cne\" spiritual movement was the actual
response of a vast nUll1ber of Chinese people in tll.e Tang
Dynasty 1618-906 A.D.) to the rise of Buddhism, which
prospered because of the supporl of the royal court and thus
became the third most important element in Chinese cultural
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) life. Most Chinese scholars accepted this new cultural
condition by considering Confucianism. Taotsm arld
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Although you will be safe. you Buddhism as the three legs of a cauldron. In ancient Chinese
should sUll be careful Even during the most peacefuJ of symbology. the Caldron unification. thus
represents
Urnes one should not neglect potential danger Confucianism.TaoIsmand Buddhism became the harmoniz-
MARRIAGE: Can be achieved. ing forces In the lives of Chinese people.
HOUSING/FAMILY: Be carefuJ about floods. work of cultural tile
My family's Integration Involved only
CHILDBIRTH:A baby girl. Good fortlme. awakening of the Chinese people. Our real cultural
LOOKING FOR WORK: It is good to cooperale or wllte foundation was the Book which the
\037( Changes expresses
with military people.))) principles of balance. symmetry. evenness. equality and)
 -
/45} Tsui lCongregaliDn/Gcuh.ertng the Essence}
484 Hexagram /45/ 485)

Sometimes this book is considered mystical answer does not meet with my satisfaction. I will not let you
hannony.
because are expressedwith signs ins\037ead of
Its plinciples go home. I shall keep you here in my study to finish reading
the sIgns of my long years' collection of good books.\"
words. Many scholars have been perplexed by
book's ancieni metaphors and conciselan\037uage. My answer was: ''Y ou asked aboul my garment:
The key
this please ask
io the Bookof Changes is to maintain bal\037ce
ill all situations the taIlor. You asked about my cane: please ask the cane-
involving change. With such
emineni gUIdance for life and maker.
\"
And you asked about my sandal;
please ask the shoe-
culture. It is not unusual thai Chinese scholars would adopt maker.

an attitude of hannoniza.tion amid the cultural conJl1cts of He seemed and pleased. After a moment he
surprIsed
theIr time. excla1med: ''Your answeris unbelievable! If It were li-om the
Under the high plinciples of the I Ching, these three mouth of an aged master. it would be very meaningful. but it
schools functioned ma1nlyas different educational sources for came li-om a young boy like you. However hard it is to
the maJolity of Chinese people. Though each appearedto be believe.I am convinced. A father tiger never gives birth to a
of the other. each actually absorbed the other in dog son.\"
independent
the course of time. In our present generation, a careful He then asked his family to COllie into the living room to
scholar would have no difficulty discoveling that present-day meet me. Now I leave with a light heart.
could However. Ih1s
Confucianism absorbed Taoism. Taoism also absorbed matter was not yet over. He later repeated our dialogue to his
Confucianism. Buddhism also combIned with religious good li-Iends. WIth bewildennent and skepticism. Ih1s group
Taoism. of fIiends met to discuss the matter and. wishing to dIscover
Hennetic Taoism unavoidably responded to the new situa- the truth about me. invited me to their meeting. I sat
quIeUy
tion by adopting a plinciple of \"balanced cultivation.\" which among all these elders of my father's spiritual kingdom.
meant keeping conceptual training on a level with spiIitual While everybody was leisurely sipping their tea. the chair
training. After the Tang Dynasty, some ancient leaders from elder said to me: 'We heard of Mr. Un's profound experience
the Taoist tradItion actually became the practical leaders of with you. He told us about your conversation and gave you a
Ih1s new spiritual integration, with achievements that have high evaluation for spiritual achievement. We have hoped for
been recordedthroughout history. someone in the younger generation to be able to do
someUllng
My father was in his late years when I was bom: thus, for the world, but this is not something that can be
I was teens and began to know and undersiand
expected
when in my of a particular person without the approval of Ule Divine
things. my father had already achieved spiIitual maturity and Realm. SpirItuality has its own uIUllistaken standard of what
could enjoy his high achievement. I greaUy benefited by the is true and what is not true. Now we would like to see for
broad background he provided me. ourselves how you present the tradition in front of us. since
The three lines which begin this chapter were an you say: 'Confucianism is your garment. Buddhism is your
inspIration to me. I wrote them on a pieceof paper and put cane, and Taoism is your sandal.'
them on the wall of my study. The words happened to be 'We are nol conl'emed with how much you have read
seen by one of my father's serious friends who was most about Confucianism or Buddhism, or even how much you
appreciative of them. This man shared the words with all his know about Taoism. What we would like to know Is Uldt If
li-Iends because they actually expressed the harmontztng ConJucianJsm is Ule garment. Buddhism Is the cane, and
altitude of Chinese people: they adopted ConfucianJsm as is
Taoism the sandal, then who is Ule user? Now teU us. who
theIr socialand fam.i.ly mode: they adopted Buddhism as thetr Is the one who dresses himself In the gamlenl. holds the
emotional support: and they practiced Taoism In theIr cane, Is
and wears Ule sandal? 'Otis all we need to know. II
practical Hfe. Is a nue thaI you not hesitate In answering the quesUon.\"
On One occasion father's highly
I met mydeveloped frIend \"111e awakened Chinese people.\" w-as illY answer.
and he remarked: you WTole:'Confucianismis my
\"I saw that Everybody seemed quite saUsHed. but' the examination
gannent. Buddhism is my cane, and TaoIsm is my sandal.' At conUnued. 'What do you mean by the aw-akened Chinese
your age. how mueh cau you know about Confucianism, people?\)
Buddhism and Taoism? Now, you must tell me. If your)
 -
{451 Tsut (Congregalion/Gail1ering the Essence) 487)
486 Hexagram [45[

were no teachings of 'That is an evasive answer. What Is your real answer?\" he

\"Six thousand years ago there
demanded.
Buddhism and probably none of Taoism either.
ConfucIanism.
those people did not consider themselves as \"In response to your demand. I can Seeyou are worried
Furthennore.
from other people. People that I Idolize these booksas my irmermost spiritual treasure.
who were dlfferenl
\"Chinese\" people I would ask that you recognize thai I have not Idolized
such as they are the ones who truly use and enjoy all of these
give recognition to Lao Tzu. the source
Clothing should be ma\037e t?, fit the people; people
anything. I earrlesUy
teachings. of my spiritual nursing, and to Chuang Tzu. who
should nol be made to fit the c1oUung. postulated
that even the Intl1nate - Tao, the
Their level of interest seemed to be increasing. thus the truth great true Oneness -
continued. carmot be Idolized. Thus. allow me not to be an W1grateful
questioning student
''Why do you specify the 'awakened' Chinese people and and friend.\"
not all the people of China and the rest of the world?\" One of the elders then slowly explamed the following to
'This Is the level that 'awakened' Chinese people have me: \"This pOint Is the most important heritage of our spiritual
reached. When all the people of the world reach this level, family. Though it is already clear to you. it is absolutelv
li-eedom from religious and philosophical conllicts can be necessary that it be made explicIt. It must never become
reali7.ed and the hannonizaticn of the human spirtt can be confused or nlixed up. The spiritual practice of some
reached.\" traditions of the world is to deny the Idolization of anythlng.
\"You said that six thousand years ago, there were no But as a consequence, one consciously or W1consciously
of Buddhism. nor were there written begins to Idolize oneself Instead. TIus is a practice
teachings ConfucIanism. \037f
words of Taoism, and thai the people of China did not know shallowness and rigidity and is a spiritual dead end. Some
they were \"Chinese.\" And that people such as those are the spirttual traditions deny all nameable things, vet affirm the
ones who truly use and enjoy all of these teachings. And 'self: thus they lead nowhere. The one who follows the true
furthermore that clothing should be made to fit the people;
path knows that everything in the universe is already oneself.
peopleshould not be made to fit 111e clothing.' Exacl1y how There is nothlng that can be denied without 'self: nor is there
much of this is your own contIibution?\" anything that can be affirmed as 'self.' lf everything is denied.
\"I do not claim credit for l11..is point of view. Rebellious then the 'self is affirmed. If the 'self is denied. then who is
peoplealsouse these words. but what they Say has no true the one making the denial? None of them have reached the
spirttual value. My spiritual value was obtained li-om serious
breakthrough of the spiritual practice of yin and yang. In
cultivation, thus 1 do not speak oul of rebellious Igncrance. other words, they have not reached spiritual unity.
From spiJitual achievement I am able to reach the truth. I \"In our spIritual family ('family' meaning 111e 'followers of
value the healthy spirttual education that the human race has
the Universal Way). when we deny the idolization of anyl11ing,
developed. I deny anything that can be an obstruction to
our purpose is not to affirm 'self but to present the wholeness
reaching the truth.\" of Tao, which is already an integration of t'Yerything.
'WaJl a moment,\" one of them exclaimed, \"this is the point
including the 'self.' This is the reason Tao is inddinable.
we really need to know. Now, what is the truth you have
Total harmony and spiritual unity can be achieved when
reached, and by what books were you inspired? Quickly, tell
idolization of all things is removed. TIus is not accomplished
us,\"
with a negative spirit. as in other traditions, but it is achieved
In this room was a table on which were many different
important books and translations of world religions. At this by following a balanced and hannonized path which leads to
moment I was inspired and stacked all the books into one pile Tao, the universal etemal lile. Tao is 111eIntegI1ty, the
as a stool and sat on them. Someone then me one wholeness, of the origin. TIUlS we do nol accept any name for
passed
copy of LaoTzu and one copy of Chuang Tzu, and said: \"Take
the unspoiled nahualness of the /1.real reality of oneness. As
these also, to make you sit higher.\" When I refused, he you know. this is how your falher guldl\"d all of us.\"
demanded the reason. FInally, they seemed 10 have reached an understanding
1 answered: \"I know what Is beneath me, and what is nol thaI they need not troubk me with further (jueslions.
beneath me.\ SplIilually I had almost reached their level. Then. the)))
 -
/45/ Tsul lCongrega1.iDn/ Gaihering Ihe Essence} 489)
488 Hexagram /45/

meeUng chanJ!ed again. .AnoOler e.'\037er example Is one's love for nation. Such a silua-
\"AnoUler
atmosphere of the
Ole grow01 01 your posLlve Uon is sImIlar to ideaUsUclove. in that emotions dominate' .
asked: 'We feel satisl1ed wIth
can be interpreled as: no lile thus, one's to be clear-minded Is lost.\"
spirit. On a practical level. iI
ability

should be sacrilked. nor warS fou/(ht for religious

reasons or After further discussion.
member made his
U1e eldest
To illustrate. U1e comm\037n people of stately conclusion and directed
me: \"It will nol be
It towards
conceptual conJlictS.
China eat swine: however, the Chinese MusliIns do not. very far in the future when darkness will
over-power this part
of the world. You are U1e one who will be able to provide
There were two villages in the western regIon of China.did One the
village raised and ate swine, while 01e Islamic village not. light. If our material possessIons and anything else can be
This incident was enough to cause a great batOe between 01e preserved. and If you need them, they will all be at your
two villages. This is a simple example of exaggerating a command. We alsorealizethis could be our wishful thinking;
and then using iI as justification for conllict. however, this Is the way for us to express our concern and
'principle'
\"Another of this principle from history was the support In awakening the entire world toward spiritual
example
Crusades. What did people who participated in 010se
\037aturity
without creating conllicts
by Idolizing spiritual
persecuUons accomplish except exaltation of religious lD1agesor human When people are not splrituallv
authorities.

prejudice?\" developed. power can make them mad. Power can be usef\037
Another elder then said: 'The real problem Is not the in helping to accomplish great merits when eninlsted to the
the darkness of people's hands of virtuous world leaders.\" When he finished his talk
pervasion of religious prejudice. it is
Thus. Jind excuses to fight over religious he asked me to read the following chapter of Lao Tzu. and
minds. they
teachings. TIlere is no way to correct this except by the this. you may go.\" This is what I read:
said. \"After reading

spiritual development of the entire world. Achieved people

know the 'ln1e mind' and do not fall prey to idolization of When people q( the world live in accordance
leaders or doctrines. with the way of universal harmonization.
religious
'When one holds tighOy to a concept. clarity is lost. If horses are usedfor agricultural purposes.)
clarity Is lost. the situation Can never be rightfully handled.
Having a 'Ieader' is no longer a good concept because When people of the world do not live in accordWIce
emotions have now become Ole 'ruler.' Even if a good idea is with the way of universal harmonization
presenled. by Idoli7jng it - putting iI into a rigid llloid - its U-.en horses WId even pregnant mares
connection with the original truthfulness is lost and llluch are driven to the battlefield WId bred there)
harm can undoubtedly be caused.
\"For example, in one of our big cities, 01ere was a young There is no greater calamity Jor a nation.
girl who wanted to marry a boy with a completely different as well as Jor an individual
nllture and religion than hers. Her parents were opposed on than not tofmd one's own sufficiency
the principle that marriage alone would be djfficull for two through peaceJul measures.)
young people. but to bridge two entirely different worlds of
cuJtural and religious upbringing wouJd be an impossible 7hereis no greater mistakeJor a nation.
task. They considered this relationship to be an especially as well as Jor an individual.
bad match because of their strong altachment to their own than to be covetous oJ more and more
religion and they feared that such a marriage couJd dilute the goods q(another.
religious beliefs of the next generation. and thus become involved in contention
'The boy and girl were idealistieally in love and believed (Chapter46 q( the Tao Teh ChmgJ)))
they couJd transcend their cuJtural diHerences and find a
common ground. The parents' inI1uence, however, strongly
affected them and eventually Ule young lovers killed
themselves.)
 .
/46/ ShRny /Risiny) 49 J)
--
--
.;f --) LINE
oJjering
2: \"Wuh
to Heaven.
sincenty
one obtains
and piEt\".
happiness:')
as iI. making WI

46) sh6t1(j)
--) During youthful development. one's offering is usually
small. yet Ule intent is sincere. Here. the second line is
moving toward the nnh position. from an inlerior position to
RJ51rnj) a superior one. II Is Ule strengUl of Ulis sincere which
spirit
enables it to rise. The upper trigra.Jn is weak and wiUIOUt the
GUIDANCE: \"This is a great opporl1.mi1y to go forwar\037. to sup pori of a strong leader. Thus. the second line Ca.JI rise to
meet a greal person. No worry. A southward expeditwn the fifth position and asswne leadership.)
brings good forl1.me,\
LINE 3: \"Rising to enter an wlObstructed area. Have no
In Ulis is above Wind or Wood.. Like a doubts. \
hexagram. EarUl
the earUl as It
new sproul. Woodenergy moves throll\037h
IIgro\037sa This yang line is the corred position and easily moves
upw-.u-d. 'Olis is Ule natural
in
way 01 development. \037\037
abundant with We. Earth symbolizes upward. Betore it lies a.Jl empty. llllobstructed territory.
\\)
genUe energy.
obedience and Wind genUe penetration. When
symbolizes
Movenlent proceeds without trouble or doubt.)
and high achievement
they come together. \037reat prosp\037rilY
are the outcome of Uleir natural mterachon. . LINE 4: \"The priIlce makes a grear CJ.lTering a1 the western
Steady growth is based on the aCClunulation 01 many mountain. Goodjortune is naturally brought forth:')
small progressions. Power or wealth must COlne snlall
.in
increments to be well-utilized. If they are obtained too This line indicates promotion to a high position like Ulat
suddenly. one mIght go mad. It is important that one is not of an important lllinister. Because of his genUeness.this
he can handle at anyone. time. minister has been assigned by the to King perfonn the great
given m\037re than . \037ometimes
and tileu amblllon creates to Heaven high moun lain of Chi. This is
people are too anxious to .progress. offering on the

problems. They lorj1;et that they are born wilh tile perfection clearly a good and enjoyable situation.)
of natlue and that life is a slow continuous process.
In youlh. one always of the future: in old age one LINE 5: \"ColTednessbrings
thinks good .Iortune. Rising. one
looks baek. When the mind dewlls on the past or lulLlre. nobly achieves his goal:')
growth is no longer possible. This hexagram counsels one 10
emulate a young sprout by maintaininl! l:almness and balance Greallless is oblained by the accumulation of small
and allowing growth 10 evolve nat urally.) achievements. TIlis line repre\037ents one who has risen from a
low position to a lJ.Jgh. and is now the cenlral line of IIlis
LINE 1: \"RisiI;g is apJll\"Oved lJy everyune. Gr'eof good hexagram.
\" In medItation.
jor'/Wle. images a.Jld signs somelimes appear. As a
The fJrst yin a low pusiUun. like a Ireewilh ils
line is in basic principle. regardless of wheUlt'r these linag.es art' hij1;h
roots deeply planled earth. TIle second and third
in the lines beings or evil should remain calm. Mostlmagt's
demons. one
are like Ihe trunk of a tree extending upward trom Ihe earth. are tile result ofbeillg too a.Jubilious. which causes Ihe mind's
The roots beneath the earth conswne water: the body of the c1arily to be lost. When one is emoUonally alTected. one's
Iree absorbs sunlight. A prosperous life Is expressed by this spirItual energy is also inIluellced and. as 'a result. carmot
image of growth grow weIl. Promotion. progress. and achievement which do
The IJrsl. second and tiJ.Jrd lines are l'ooperalive. and nol come at the righl time cannol be consideredfortunate.
logether pwmott\" mutudl growth. This rising is agreed upon By accumulating small virtues one becomesgreat. TIlis Is tile
by everyone.) secret of achieving grealness.)))
 /46/ - Sheng 493
492 Hexagram /46/ (Rising)

LINE 6: \"Continuedrisillg brings se!/'iInpoverishmenl. COMMENTARY)

One enters the realm of delusion.\ I

time but lor service. One The timeless body of a supennan was originally but
I
It is no lon\037er the for growth we destroyed ourselves
ours.
who conUnues to rise will only reach darkness. This is an with uncontrolled passion and lust
infertors In desire for wealth.
our fame and sensual love. we drowned.'
time to move downward to support in the
importanl
tJurd position.
Do not fossilize your mind with
'.
Iragmented mtelleclual
Though we live a hundred years. time will pass quickly.
Empty pursu1ts will see to that. If our lives are conducled
a poorly run business. we will end our
\\

knowledge. Open your mind to tile subtie truth of the Uke

years with
universe. Otilerwise. you will become stagnant.) nothing.
Thus, always keep your mind empty. Uke the great space
of the universe. Do not obstrucl the smooth course of the
waters and clouds. Flowing smooth and free, so should \\
the
mind be kept clear of sticky
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) impedunents.
Keep the same InnocenceInsideas out. This is the way to
wholeness. inlmortal. spiritual. subtle body is within \\)))
\037e
better. you. Do not nustakenly go begging and searching outside for
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Things get progressively it.
MARRIAGE: II can be achieved.
A small household grows larger.
The road to becoming a Shien is dearly marked. II. is
HOUSING/FAMILY:
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a girl. your 0\":'\" impatience and desire that blinds your spiritual
LOOKING FOR HELP: Success will (\"ollie later. eyes. 11 you remove all covers
and obstacles right here and
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: II. can be achieved. now. you will know the of your life. A long
origin pilgrimage
TRADE/BUSINESS: Profitable.
is to find your source. If you get sidetracked on
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Look in the Northwest. annot.necessary
evil path. try though you may to achieve self-cultivation
will be moving away
WAITING SOMEONE:
FOR They will come. \037ou
from it. Stay whole,
stay clean. sta\037
FOR SOMETHING WST: II. is in Ule Southwest flITIl. and In one moment you can the Universat
LOOKING experience
but is dilIkult to find. Way and become an adored child of Heaven.)
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: If you hUTty, they can be caught
Ul Hit\" Soulhwest.
LAWSUIT: Good lortune.
CLIMATE: Although the weather will be rainy, it will soon be
fine again.
TRAVEL: This is the right Ume 10 go North if you are in
Ihe South. Going forward brings good fortune. hesUalton
brings mislorlwle.
DISEASE: Dangerous.
PERSONAL WISH: There Is success, but nothing is
accomplish..d in a hurry.)
 {47J . Run (Besefged/En.lmpped/Exhausted) 495)
--) One's
. '.
diIhndty.
aC\037lIeveIllentis not really
\"or a wise person. adversity
hindered bv dan\037er or
\\

and' frustration
{JJ actually become terUle soil for spirilual growth. When things
run SI]1ouUdy. or if on\037 hecol1les 100 accustol11ed to \\)
47)
KUn) comlort
.100
and ease. Ihere will not be enough strength or
tolcr:,\"\037('e
for overcoming an obstacle. Therefore. do not think
of ddh('ully as somt'thing undesirable. 'l11e greater the
. eXhau5re\037) dIHlcuUy. Ole greater the opportunily lor growUl.
\037esle<1\342\202\254\037 \342\202\254n\037\037peb.
Everyone has experienced confinement. restric.tion or
bondage. Shallow peoplebecomedepressedand forfeit self-
GUIDANCE: \"Entrapment. This is a time to keep to oneself. but those
to alter his future. No responsibility. who practke seU-culUvation mak
A great person nourishes his personality use of thest' to One has the choice of makin;
are not tnLsted.\" occ:,\"sions
blame, though now his words situation elUler posItive \037eanl.
or negalive. Even in adverse
t\037e
The character
tinIes, the tn.e nature of happiness .-an be Inaintained.
this Lake is above Water.
In hexagram
a tree,.;I:.,surrounded The nonnal tendency of peoplt' is to avoid diIficult
by the Image of
bv a
K'un is formed However. in of being entrapped. the I Ching teach\037\037
in, Ii] .
very Ught and <-'Dnfining environment, D. resulting time\037
and qUIetude.
which is unable to grow freely and fully.
stillness
During such times Ihe mind is
one usually unbalanced. actions are nol centered. and words are
There are several other interpretations. For example,
not It is crucial calm oneself. 10 gather and
is completely surrounded by water and can go nowhere. This believ\037d.
one s energy, and to lace,
\037o

situation is like being exiled on an island or like a dry lake c\037nter aceept and experience the
diffIculty. After adjust to the darkness they will be
by a larger body of
that has been drained water below it. It is \037ne's eyes
to see agaIn. aller one adjusts to a new
a situation of exhaustion. The inner trigrams. Wood above a?le Likewise.
situation there may be an opportunity for refoml. or a n ew
Fire. symbolize a tree on fire or being \"beseigedby enemies.\" solution lo Ule problem may be found.'
Each of the six lines represents a different stage of
At this time noUling can be aeeOlllplishedby emotional
as it applies to spiritual, mental and physical life.
entrapment
desires. fears, attachments or Ihrough struMle. Fadng dilHcuHy'is a test of
People are trapped by emotions, out?ursts
other \"enemies\" that the mind creates. These mental o\037e
s personality. One cannot hope to dcvt\"lop inlewallv
and
of one's impulsiveness. any trials or diftkuHies.
traps are usuaJly just shadows W\\t\037lO\03711encountering
prolecled environmenl, gl'owth
In\"';l
However, when the mind becomes strong and balanced all so- artIfICially is stun led. One
called \"enemies\" both intemally and extemally. On the w\037o
understands the principle of self-developmenl and
level, there are no reaJ confinements other than splr1tual cultivation can reap true benellL even during times of
spiritual
those which we create. entrapment.
The hexagram Kun indicates that this is an unfavorable Most people make sharp distinctions belween what
.
believe to be good or bad fortLUle.
they
time for development, especially for those who do not know However. if one knows how
how to use a situation for spiritual growth. Rather than to cullivale ont\"seU'. any situalioll (\"an be benefidal and
lament one's troubles, one should accept circumstances, produ('Uve. In guod situations one ean extend his kindness
for positive efforts. and wait and talents sell1esslyto otlwrs. In l'onJlnement. one l'an
gather and store energy for better
times. No situation can last forever. l'ulUv-dle oneseU. As the andents ha\037'e said: \"In times of
The I Ching offers helpful principles based on the laws of adversIty. cultivate yourself. In times of prospertty, . hel.. ...)))the
nature. If a person is self-developed, entrapment does not world.\"
lead to despair but Is a time to practice that which has been
cultivated. Knowing the limitations of a circumstance can
enableone to create the best possible opportunities from it
and thus enJoy the fruits of any time or situation.)
 [47/. Run [Beseiged/Enlrapped/Exhausted) 497)
496 Hexagram [47/)

LINE 1: \"Entering a dark valley. one is trapped by

LINE 4: ''Trapped In a golden wagon. one movesslowly.
This is a pily. but things hun out well In Ihe end.\
bushes. For three years he cannot see the l/ghl.\

The wagon an opporlunity that comes lale and

Desir..Is Ilke\" valley that do..s nol allow things 10 be
dark represents
For a is h\037nJiliaUon.
there
One is trapp..d in the bushes, unable slows progress. while Altl10ugh
dearly distinguIshed. this line Is weak. if it practices patience tl1ereis hope.)
to find a way oul. This dilTJcult situation takes a long time to
dIssolve. To struggle in such entrapment proves futile. Only
down can Ule LINE 5: \"One is In great distTess and lrapped a
by becoming calm and slowIng th.. mind
comesonly
by
or disappear. d!lTicuU mission. Success through slow and
sltualion possibly decrease should be maintained
When one is inwardly balanced and nor dependent on gradual progress. Spiritual practice
order to slrengthen onese!f iJlwardly and to prepare
exleOlal lorces such as reputation. beauty. properly or In
the Heavenly blessing when
posItion. one is able 10 makeadversity a spiritual pilgrimage. oneself to accept it comes.'\

One who is impressed witl1 weaHh. position and fame

This line represents one who is entrapped by his own
becomes easily entrapped by desire.
kindness One is in a high pOSition' due to his
There is a slory about a person who was conllned to a and gentleness.
dark cell lor Uuee years. his
DuIiIJg con.imement he virtue. Some people take advantage of such kindness.
to see tl1e dark. WiUl tl1.is special However. it is Inappropriate for a virtuous leader to respond
developed Ihe abillty in
to evil with evil. One in a high
abillty he later discovered many hidden treasures. Do not position cannot counter-attack
despair If you find yourself in darkness. Instead, profit from
inferior people who try to blaspheme or disgracehim with
it!) their ignorance. aggression. or shallowness. The obstacles
here not one's own shortcomings. but rather
are tne darkness
LINE2: \"Entrapped by./easling and honor. It is wise to of otl1ers. One C>U1 only allow the realitv of one's own
10 one's spirilual practices. To Wlder1ake a mqjor corredness and ,'irtue to prove itself. In Ulis \037ay, one regains
keep
eApediliDn is dangerous WillJ se!Fawareness wid the faiUl of the people and one's virtue will be blessed by.) Ihe

palience. Ihere is no greal d!J)lcully.\ Heavenly Realm.

The second line is entrapped by favor. Favor tllat LINE 6: \"Entrapped b!J wild vines. One's arr\037larlce

damages one's character is not trulv hlVorable. When favor is causes discoll!/orl. TItus he mllsl be humble and gather
bestowed. II is often in exchange fo\037something, and tl1\" price himself iTl order to break out of hur .dage. Good '/0r1\"\"une.\
one pays may be too high. Some people in high positions
compromise tl1eir principles lor favor. 'l11is line wams Ulat Here one is entrapped by self-aggrandizement or pride.
accepling such favor may result in mislortune. Declining
This is a yolatile situation: however, if one is remorselul and
what is belleved to be \"favor\" is often dilficllH; however. with lakes corrective action Ulere can be a chall/!,e. a new starl.
rellecUon. one (\"an learn to recognize misrepresentation and which will br/H/!, good fort une.)
tl1us avoid tl1e trap.)

3: \"Enlrapped by rorks and lllOnls and

LINE nowhere 10
go. One cannol meet one's close compwli01l or wife
-)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
DWlger.\"
PERSONAL FORTUNE: 11.is time is not good. Remall1
One Is entrapped by ignorance ur egotism, which causes calm and wail for better times.
Isolation. tl1ere is corresponcknce with the top lint', MARRIAGE: l1w husband will die young)))
T\037ough
two slrong lines are barriers to the nJllneclion.)
 498 Hexagram (47/
/471.Kun (Beselged/Enlrapped/Exhau.sled) 499)

The wtfe has some difOcuJty or sick- Because one eats sImply. one maintains serenity. One
HOUSING/FAMILY:
ness. Also, there may be a problem with the plumb- keeps one's phystcal desire subdued and one's virtue high.
One develops true and dissolves aU
Ing or water supply.
the
deep knowledge.
and extends oneself to meet the straight and
CHILDBIRTH: U there are no unusual
clrcums\037ces, obstacles.
delivery will be safe. U the fourth line is receIved, the etemal Way. Thus. one experiences uncriticaUy that concepts
baby will be a girl. of life and death are merely the ebb and now of the etemal
WOKING FOR WORK: DifDcuJty at the begInning, but breaUlofTao.
afterwards success is possible. One 'me's ego and WiUI it all intem,,1 and
rllssolves
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
POSITION: DifficuJt to extenlaJ One does not seek one'sown longevity
conflicts. or
achieve. succeed. your life is In danger.
U you personal happiness. nor does one struggle 10 hold onto
TRADE/BUSINESS: Not successfuJ. material things. One does not use the speakable as truth to
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be found. suppress those who are silent. One has no desire to go
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: DifficuJt to find.
beyond one's means or ability. In one's pure lIlind. one holds
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding in the South-
no !Uusiuns or slrange thinking.
east and can be caught. One nurtures a Hrm character Urrougll selfless gi\"ing and
LAWSUIT: Dangerous. seU'-oblivion. One never emphasizesthat which one does as
CLIMATE: It will be stormy with lots of rain.
nor does one clainl credit for one's undertakings. One
TRAVEL: Good and profitable U the direction is in the right.
knows things thorougWy from begiru1ing to end. One also
Northwest.
knows there are certain things one will never do.
BORROWING MONEY: No success.
DISEASE: Dangerous.
One avoids involvement in contests for worldly prolH or
PERSONAL WISH: DifficuJt to achieve.) glory. One is amiable and useful. One I.\"mbodies harmonious
equilibrium and creative appropriateness. Oneenjoys ease.
both intenlally and extemally. One strives only to surpass
onl.\"'s own virtue. One obeys the universal spirit in order to
evolve higher. Before touching the fomled. one rests in the
COMMENTARY unfoITned. One enlightens oneself and never liTes of
The Change
Mysticalof the Person awakening the world.)
Who Succeeds in Connecting his Energy
with the Subtle. Divine Energy of the Universe)

One is no longer tempted bad habits, nor

by fonner
does one chase after worldly Old physical
pleasures.
maladies gradually and completely disappear. The mind Is
right, and the body reflects one's righteousness.
One stands firmly on one's own two feet. Deep calm
pervadesone's intemal and extemal aimosphere. One
finds one has both the time and the energy to accomplish
any task. One purtfies oneself and fs at peace with one's
environment. One never becomes violent and has unUrtng
patience with one's fellow beings. One is wony-fi-ee and
always has a joyful heart. One is never Jealous of anoth-
er's prominence nor greedy for the possessions prized by
others. One has no ambItion to live a vain or luxuJious
lJfe.)))
 148} - Jing /Well) 501)

water in the well can be compared to potential mental clarity.

t At this level. particles that cloud the water have settled.
Likewise. the particles of one's mind can also settle. allowing
+8) JI11(f) the mind to become stable and clean. thus retuming to its
original state. The top part of the well. from the water to the
welL) nm. symbolizes one's spirit.
The rails that surround a well are llke the discipline that
Is needed to guide the mind. The well's openness, usefulness
can be changed w.d Ihe and resourcefulness are characteristic of an unspoiled mind.
GUIDANCE: \"A village people
CWI
the source of public
moue aWUlj. bul a well remaills Ih.. same. When waler is and these attributes are virtue and
drawn. II..: buckel or jar musl be ,'aised
}rom Ihe bot/om ill unselfishness. One's self-development becomes like a well
suef. a way allll il does no/ hit againsl Ihe sides of Ihe well. when one offers one's service to others. On the highest level.
Ollren.1)ise. i1 may break and lI.e goal willnol be achieved.\ individuality is replacedwith public service. However. just as
there are people who resourcefully draw from the well. there
In Ulis hexagram is above. Wind or \\Vood
Water is below. are those who dirty the water. One must keep the weli and
11le luwer lrigraw ::-= when interpreled as \\Vind. is like air- the mind in good condition and beware of those who abuse or
pressure lorcin\037 unde.:ground water (0 surface. As it sur laces soil it.
if becomt's a hJl\"Hain for aU to enjoy. This kind of water is Somepeople dig only three to five feet for water. and upon
fresh an(: 110wing il> contrast to tile water III a pond w'lich is striking rock. dig another hole and then another. With such
still and shallow efforts. water is never reached. An ancient proverb
stagnanl.
When (he lower tri\037rarn is inltTpreled as Wood. it be- says that it is better to dig one well deep enough to reach
comes a bucket Ihat draws water Irow the \037round. Thus. Iht' waler than to dig nine shallow wells which provide nothing.
One must willing to work through difficulties in order to reach
image of a well Is lonned. The Woodcan also representa Iree
water up inlo its brallches and leaves. water. Of course. knowing whether there is water or not is
brillgmg undergn)Wld
In ancienl China. a community was complised of eighl important.
fan lilies who shared a central plot of land which contained a
On another level. beyond the issues of commiln1ent and
well for everyone's use. Thus. tile character for a well is perseverance. this hexagram deals \\vith the spiritual achieve-
As tilt' sU1Tounding community ehanges, Ihe well reI IIams
-If-. ment of an individual.
Knowing where to dig requires a deeper
constant and slable. TIleweU is nnt (\"l)))cemed with gain or knowledge. Those who rush about digging here and there
loss. Its function Is to provide suslt'lI<lnce fur all. never allow themselves enough time to \"sense\" where the
An imporfanl asped of this hexagram is (he qualitv of the water is. Intuition is the result of self-development.Thus.
one

eontainer and the method in which olle draws water f\037olll the who is developed depends upon his intuitive and spiritual
well. A spiritual student who follows (he ('orrecl approach achievement to lead him to \"water.\" Instead of wasting a lot
with a fcacher achieves splrifual growlh and leaves the way energy in many different directions.
searching
open lor other studellts to /cJllow. 011e who abuses tile well ' In studying individual lines of this hexagram.
the each
or teacher, hinders Ihat which can st\"ve everyone. level of one's being can be analY.led through the metaphor of
The mind is like a well. Its ideal slale is o;\"e of darll\\, and the well. As the lines move from the bottom to the top. the
quJetude amidsl the activities of daily W'e. Thougil tht' water becomes increasingly dear and useful.)
enviromJlt'nl and tilOse who COlllt' 10 Ihe well change. lile well
remajns conslant. TIle message of this hexagram Is lo /\037Jllow LINE \"There is only
1: dirt in the bottom oj the well.
the example of the well by lJeiug pea(.t'ful and resource/Ill. Nolxxiy comes to drinkfrom it: el'en birds m>otd iI. It seelTls
Theimage of Ihe weJl can also representdiHerenllevels of .forsaken.\)
our
.being.
TIle waler al the bottom of Ihe well is muddy. like
a rumd thai is stirred by passion and desire. 111e resl 'of tile)
 1481 . Jing (WelU 5U3)
502 Hexagram 1481)

the lowesl [Jusilion. Is the base of LINE 5: \"Pure. clean waler is available 10ull.\
Tht' firslUne. beIng in
the well. The muddiness of Ihe wal....al this level renders it
undrinkable. This Image portrays all unsetOed mind Ihal Is This lille represenls cool. swel'l water that Is readv 10
clouded bv desire and altachIIl<'nt. One whose mind Is soiled drink. One's personaUty is available as an example to all.)
Is generaIi y useless and avoided by others. Ihe well.
However. this slluation can be used as an Inducement for LINE 6: \"00 nor cover IIshould propide consfanl
the lolus originates from mud. suslenwlce. Creal goodIortune wid high achievemenl:')
self-Improvement. Although
its beauty is nol the least bll soiled. Sinlilarly. all achiev..d
The water III th.. well conUnuously r..plenishes itself and
h\037ve worked through all kinds of struMles and trials
beIngs
In order to transcend the turbulence of their minds.) sustains all unconditionally. One who emulates Ihe virtue or
Ihe top lin.. has the spirit \037fopen-mindedness and un..iversa!
LINE 2: \"17.e founlain is weak. Ollly)rogs can prosper love and benefits all who come 10 drink.)
Ihere. One'sb\"\"uckel is leaking; no water CWI be drawn.\
II is sad 10 see.
readtness.
One's preparation. or ability to draw susten- The well is deep.
ance Irom Ole well is indicated here. TWs is Uke the rop\" that The waler is shaUow.
holds tht' jug. II musl be long enough 10 reach the water. The rope is short.
The well's depth may not be the problem. II is possible tilal The buckel is broken.
the rope is too shon. !r olle carmol reach Ihe weirs deplh.
This line ..an also r..presenttile relationship between a perhaps il is one's OWII shallowness
leal-her and a student. One who is unable to reach the depUl Ihal keeps one JTom tasting tIlt' sweet waler;
0/ the water may not be ready for. or making full use 01. Ws perhaps the water in lite well is 100slwUow.)
teacher. What malters mosl is one's willingness and recep-
tivily 10 It'arrl.) One who is limiled is unable 10 know
Ihe limilalions oIlhe well
LINE 3: \"V,e well is dew.. II would be a pily nol 10 drink Bolh siluaLions can be seen.
)rom .1. Likewise. a greal leader's dear-mindedlless is a bul Ihey cwmol be solved by it!/le.,-ibili1y.
sourceof blessing 10 all.Ior he is IIle only aile who knows
\
Vley can only be remedied by jiuther developmf:'nt.)
how 10pulllle right persoll inllle right job.
May (he waler.f;-orn Ihe Heavenl!l.IounfaU1
Now is dean. TlI..remaining
Ihe well sediJuenl selUes 10 clewlse our being.
Ihe lJoltorn and Ihe waler can be drunk. Unforlunatdy. slll.h May the water./;-om IIle Heavenl!/Jounlain
a valuable resource is ignored. Why? Is it Ih.. desUnv -) of Ihe qUPllc/1 our spirituallhirst.
well. or pvvr insighl on Ihe pdTt of Ihe people? May Ihe waler ./rom Ihe Heavenly.folmlaill
cure our wounds.
LINE 4: \"narIs are placed aroulllJ lire well for protecliO/I. May Ihe wUler./;-oll1lhe Heavellly Juun/aill
Tlus is correcL.\ bless us all.)

A well. vr any sourr-e of cO/ltinualJy Iluwing waler.

requirt's rnalnlt\"nal1l'\" and earl'. Though otIC has Illud. In
oll..r. une sull needs self-discipline and nnn prindples ill SPECIFIC GUlUANt:E)
order 10 be effectIve.)
PERSONAL FORTUNE: Ke..p 10 yuttIs..lJ. OIllt'IWlS\" there
will ht' Illun\" damage and I..ss p'roll/.)))
 504 148/ - Jing (Well) 505)
Hexagmm /48/)

MARRIAGE: Hall good. half bad. These are two poems my father brushed in red tnk on
HOUSING/FAMILY: II the house is too close to water, II Chinese bamboo paper. Wh-en I was five. he made me coPY
will not be hIS written characters in black ink. as mv initiation int-o
peaceful. ancient Chinese ('lLit ure. At that Ii Ill.. . pre-school
CHILDBIRTH: Neither safenor easy. edll{'ation
LOOKING FOR WORK: Some time is needed. but there Is was given 10 children by their parents. I \\Vas not special.
success. However. the material my father adopted was different from
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Not successful. what other lamilies used, and II waS this which waS engraved
Difficoll to so('ceed If the business upon my IImocent heart.
TRADE/BUSINESS:
is sw'('esslul. it will also be very proWable. All developed people know that no life can be free from
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Dlflkull to find them. trouhles. hut the mind can be trouble-free after spiritual
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It can be recovered. achievement. The unaffected mind is often illustrated by an
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: Difficult to eatch them. analogy 10 the sky and clouds. TIle passions or emotions that
LAWSUIT: A very long time is needed. The dispute is arise in response 10 troubles are like clouds. or the
over land. \"substance\" of the mind. The true mind. whIch can take the
CLIMATE: It will rain for an extended period of tinle. troubles and reactions and yet remain unchanging. is like the
DISEASE: An acute illness with a slow cure. sky.
PERSONAL WISH: Difficult to achieve.) Various reaetions to the occurrenee of \"clouds\" covering
the \"sky\" - i.e.. the
passions. emotions. or pain which
overcome Ihe mind - develop into dilIerent altitudes or DIodes
of response. An intellectual would eondude that since the
COMMENTARY \"clouds\" cause trouble. II is Ule \"douds\" that should be
Purity of Mind) dispersed. In the view of some Buddhist teachings. it Is Ule
\"sky\" that should be destroyed since II is the canvas on whieh
When the full arrives in Llle heights tro\037ble can occur. Most other invite thieves tl' catch
moon of the sky. religions
a breezeblows over the wa1er. thieves. They chase thieves away. hut invite new ones to
1 beliEve there are nol mWIY eome. 111isIs simply subsUluting an artificial faith or a
wlw know the taste ofpuri1y.) strong im\037e to support the falseness of the reacting mind.
In conlTast. developed ones apply the priIlciple of
-a poem by a nature poet of the Jing Dynasty (265-419 naturalnt\"ss. leaving the \"sky\" as the \"sky\" and distinguishing
A.D.)) II from the \"clouds\" which come mId go and which can
Ulerefore never really a1led the vastness and prohmdity of the
\"sky.\" that is to say. tile true mind.
A pond of half an acre Intelleduallzing or ana1y7Jng the clouds. or ..tearing down
is like a miTTor rejlecting the sky. the sky\" (denouncing the mind completely as a way of solving
From high in the sky of/en comes all problems at once!. or using Ulleves to govern thieves. are
the shadow ofjlying clouds. all ways of responding 10 the sanle phenomena. However. in
making their visl1 then quickly passing. spirilualunderstmlding. the \"douds\" enable the beauty of Ihe
How can I atlain sucll purify? sky 10 be appredaled, and the beauty of the \"sky\". is what
Because within me there is a liviJlg.lountaiIl.) gIves signilicance to the \"douds.'\"
On a (\"(lI\\seious level. II is easy to Set\" the association of
-s poem by a philosopher of Ole Sung Dynasty (960- \"douds\" and \"sky\" wtUl pain a;ld wllh the mind whieh
1279 A.D.)))) expertenees pain. When one appears 10 exIsl. the oUler Is
also present. Ualance should always ('Kist as the normal
relaUonshlp bel Ween the mind ami Its feelin!!,s. The)
 /48/ Jing (WelU 507)
506 Hexagram /48/)

,'an help one The Illan was astonished to hear IllV answer. Just then
..Iemenlary practice of the lru... unalkd (\"(I mind
the cat to catch the which
reach Ihe tru.. path. For a bahUlced mind Ihere is nolhing 10 suddenly jwnped b'uHerlly. bar..l\037.

lalk about: lor 'Ul excit..d mind. there Is always much 10 escaped.
disr\"uss. To Jllajnla1n ql1iel-lnlndedllt\"ss is an achievelnenl.
Nter we bolll recoveredfrom the tensiun creat..d bv
j( is no! a rigid demand in spirit ual cultivallun. watching the great chase. he retorted: '\"If the Tao is medlcin...
though there should bt' no hu-urable disease. If this Is so. then why
(\"an be rigidly practiced in Ihe Universal \\\\lay.
Not11ing has everyone in my family died? As you can see. many people
because it is nol a doginatic religion.
A man whos.. Ilk had b....n full 01 misery unc.. came 10 die from disease.\"
10 relreal from his His retort made me impatient. I was
busy taking sides in
seek guJdance from my father. In urder
Ihe great chase. Sometimes I took Ille side of the cat. and
worldly life. he had gone 10live in a lempl.. in Ihe mountains.
other times. the side of the bulterlly. silenl1y
Usually. a visitor who had traveled a lonp; way would slay wilh
I alwavs
\"hurried\" the one who moved more slo\037ly. At the ;'anle tlln':,
us for sev..ral days. My lather received Ihis guesl in our I was anxious ahout the \"real ('atch.\"
garden. As a pupil and 'altendanl uf my lather. I face could See
Then exclaimed.
I \"My father saId that there are no
from our guesl's eyes. eyebrows. and ov..raU Illal

although he had retreated from the troubled world. h.is mind incurable diseases. 'fhere \037e only irl<\"urable people.\"
had nol complelely withdrawn from his pasllroubles. During \"Ab!\" was his only utterance. I was not sure U his \"ah\"
aimed at nle. at Ole danger of the butterfly. or at the
my lath..r offered him no guidance: instead. my
this meeling was
father was more involved in walchinp; a young cal chase a pathetic expressionof the cars failure. I decided ius \"ah\" was
bullerfly and its shadow arOl.Uld a J)uwer bush. The bullerJ)y for me. not fully wlderstandingwhal he meant.
flew he\037e and Ihere, lower and higher. nimble and elusive, I continued: are for general diseases. but a
\"Healers
wh1le the younp; cal anxiously llied 10 calch il. My falher's person must take responsibility for th.. inlportant mailers in
involvemenl with lhis scen.. nalurally directed our att...ntion his own life. Ht' is the one who must live the life he has
10 the cal. The bullerlly now flew away. but Just as Olecat molded. If he plays the destroyer of hiS life and then asks
began to relax. it J)ew back again. This repeated challenge others to play the rescuer, can anyllling be achieved?\"
and provocaUon made the cat even moreIntent in its desire to \"Ah' Ah!\" was the sOlmd he mad....but hiS bodily posture
catch the butterlly. 'To catch it\" became the sole necessity of sank. I continued. \"Spiritual cultivation. as I know it. is to be
the cat. because il seemed the cat would not admit failure, as seU'-healing Or self-regulating. Self-development and seli\"-
I could nndersland through my own ..xdled blood flow. achievenlent are a mOre advanced kvel. However. each step
Presenlly. my father had lu leave lu take care of a patient. must b.. taken with good spirit and a,','omplished by oneseli\".
and the guest and I were alone in the garden. Wilhuul Only wh...n the dough is ready should the yeast be applied.
moving oUr eyes away from the scene of the cat and the Otherwise. it is a wasle to make a longjo'mley with any great
bUllerfly. he asked me. 'What does your falller teach you Inaster.\"
now?\" ThIs Jim..he maoeno response at all. Instead. he slowly
\"He asks me to redte ancient medical books.\" stood up and pil\"ked up his bag. moved his eyes from the still
\"Medil\"ine has no Tao,\" he commenled. and conUnued. active cat and tunled his fa('e. He began ,vith d sip,h. then
\"Start earlv. Do not be too late to leanl the Tao. as I was. My slowly and with inlegrity said: \"I havt' re,'.-ivt'd medkine from
life was full of events. Now my mind is full of misery. My life your vent'rable family. I did IIOt wast... my tTip. After sollie
was eroded by aU those unworthy experienn's. Whal yuu years. I shall retllnl 10 express my /!,ratiludt' if I hav... proved
culUvale In onp day . now nlay- lake me long years to achkve.\" I am wOI'lhy.\" TIlt'1I he howed and 1...11.
\"But my falhpr once told me. The ancknl medielne Is T.1o Yeal slater. during th.. /!,real invasion and bOlllhinl!..
in d narro\037 way of practice. Tao. Ihe mystical essence. is peoplt. who lived ill the (\"itks allil Impurl-,nt towns lelt
medIcine in the broadest sense. Olher than the healing 1lt'f\";1use 01 \"u... !ension of th.. Ihll\"'s.\" as tl1t' Ch.inese pt'ople
effects ofTao as medicine.our tradition has little to ollpr Ihe call...dit. I was senl to a tempk ill the mountains. I was
\".)
ordlnary wOrld. greeted Ihere by Ihe keepel'. with whum Ildt som... familiarity)))
 508 Hexagram (48/

and was asked 10 lake a seal in the main hall. lie then
sublimelv saJllled m<, in a very tradilional wav. look Irom Ius
pie,... of lice paper
b\037 slee\\\"\037 a ilIa I was lol,kd a
and hand..d iI 10 me. I operwd the paper wh\\(h ,ontalned
.Inl\037 s\"uar\037.
a t
wTillen pucm:)
neally 49) <;1R.)

Wurldly 'iI<' is hul a cal .

endlessly cllasillg Ille slladow 0./ a buller./ly.
.
Nollring is real. ReVOL\03710n Re-\037O\03710n)
Long dgo I slopped plaYUlg If\", cal's
game..
a spu'llual. .
71>e Iong-Ignoranl one filially Ix'cornes /rger
in Ihe secluded mounlain.)
GUIDANCE: \"1\\ successful revolution is a matter of proper
Suddenlv. I was and we had a good laugh.
recalled who he timing and correct imp!emen(ation. Only when the goal is
I enjoyed a ;Iay of severaJ weeks Iher... Besideshavin\037 Ihe just and carefully approved. can. a righteous and beneficial
revolution be achieved.\
\037ood ener/{y of Ih.. mountain. I also had Ihe eompany 01 a
;pililuaJJ.v developed one. In this Lake is aboveFire. TIlesetwo natural
hexagram.
Nol long ago. one of m.v Ameril\"an sludenls asked the forces have oppoSing
of Ihe \"Heavenly Gale\" referred 10 in Chapler 10 of
natures and must carefully interact.
meaning
!heTao Tel, Chillg. AI 1I1e SaIne liIne. someone else askedIIle because an excessof one can conquer Lhe oLher. Separately,
each represents a dillerent stage of growth and energy.
meaning of \"desUny.\" I iInmedialely recalled Ihis story and
TogeLher. they express disharmony.
gave my answer lor Ihe meaIling of IIle \"Heavenly Gate\" as
\"Lhe hide of a cow\" arid
Gir means symbolizes Lhe virtues
lollows:
When Ihe Gate one receives Iile: when oftenacity. endurance. strengLh and protection. Such virtues
Sub\"e opens.
111e Sublle Gale
it
are essentialfor change. In family relationships. Lhe upper
doses. rme's liIe is Iranslonned. is a
and closing: IIlerefore. one's trtgram represents young girl and Lhe lower trtgraru repre-
continually
continuallv
opening desUny is
sents a woman. When disharmony and contradiction exist.
changing. Lhen or refonn becomes necessary.
The orJportunj(y arises lor one 10 reeeive We when Ihe improvement
Sub lie Gale opens widely. \\\\'hen one's star looks dark. one
Fire also indicates Swnmer. and Lake indicatesAutumn.
Lhe transition from Summer to Autumn. the cycle of
may belit-ve Illal Ihe Sublle Gate leaves only a \"narrow pass\" During
bul how many energy is gradually replaced by yin energy. In Lhe five
passes\" or erilical moments
for 'hilll. \"narrow yang

occurin one's lile? he such moments also met by others? elemental energy phases. Lake belougsto the phase of Metal.
Actually. because of one's OWll tension
When Lhese energies interart. 1I1e heat from Lhe Fire
and resllessness. on.. Lhe Metal to be refonned.
cau\037es
FurUlem10re. Fire signllles
nervou\037ly and mistakenly pulls the iIlvlsible siring to hasten
sunshine and Lakeindicateswestwardness.
!he dosing arrd openlng of Ihe \"Sublle GaLe,\" thus
which implies Lhe
the natural rhythm of lile.
rotation of 1110\" earth and Lhe alternation of day and night.
disregarding
The Subll.. [Jooris a door of no door. a gale of no gate. It The ancients understood nus energy arrangement as revolu-
Js the consLanUy ('hangtng level of II,.. mind which
tion. refom1aUon. change. or 1I1e reshaping oJ\" things.
separates Revolution can also be an expressionof replacement or
Ih.. reaIJly of the continuous
translonnabilHy of our desliny
from IIw ;msenlimenlal (yde of life. The sense of desliny and transfonnation. 1110\" process 01 revolution (.'<!n be one of
other emotions and passions are all misconeepUons. br'ed by
continuous renewal and refreshin\037 change. However. in
mentallenslons. worldly life revolution onen manifests as rebellion. On a
MisconceptiollS Or in('orred feelings build a
seU'-deceplivepSYl'holoJ.(icailiJe.) deeper level. revolution refers to seU'-development or evolution
lowards maturity. Sueh a process Is like strtpes gradually
emerging on a tiger as he grows. This kind of change occurs
as a natural result of growth and Is a processwhi('h starts)))
 /49/ Gtr (Revolu1fDnIReformattDn) 511)
510 Hexagram (49/)

In recent history the word \"revolution\" is almost

subtly and goes on to be dearly expressed. Whether is characterized by
revolution occurs indIvidually or within a society. Its posItive synonymous with \"rebellion,\" which
the correct goal and appropriate conspiracies, killings and wars. This hexagram does not
eflect depends on timlnK of revolution.
TIlls he\037ralll encourages one to let go of the old In order eIIlphaslze that kind
to proceedwith whal is new and right. How should a peaceful revolution be accomplished?
When dealing wilh
should adJusllo extemal conditions
their thought on the of naturalism. the
revolution. an individual Basing philosophy
ancient composersof the 1 Ching noted that there was tension
and avoid either a premature or delayed response. If Illis
and at an between the two trtgrams. Lakeand Fire, The upper trigram
process Is not carried out in an appropriate manner was designated
appropriate time. the aUempl to improve or refOITll the as the
g?vemment and the lower trigram as
situation. or oneself. will become destructive. Thus revolution the people or the revolutionaries. Gir gives guidance as to
with inner and ouler reality. how the lower trigram can most effectively a
musl be in accordance accomplish
Movement is a nalural and necessaryoccurrence.There peaceful revolution.
is nothing Ihal is always sUIl. TIlat wllich Is kepi from The fnurth line Is the minister, or premier.who is the one
movemenl and change becomes stagnanl and decayed. like responsible for the ineffective administration and who
water in a swamp. In our bodies, cells are dying and new becomes the object of the revolution. Although the entire
Is
society Involved, a revolution always needs the power of a
ones are being generated every moment. Our energy changes
single individual to start it and to successfully carry it to
daily. but our nlinds lend to resist change. Many habits and
paltems of thi11king are established in a search for securily. completion.
Many people deplete their life energy by seeking security in The fifth line symbolizes the authority of a society. In a
careers, etc. while democracy, tilis line represents the president Or congress. In
relationships. possessions, cOJDpletely
the constancy that exisls in change. Change is a constitutional monarchy, it is the king Or queen. Most
disregarding
Ihe true security ofthe natural law thai underlies the order of important, the fifth line implies that revolution can dearly
the universe. All Ihings in nature and the entire universe bring about a change for the better. Revolution was very
follow their own natural revolution. TIle essential nature of a much approved by the ancient sages as a legitimate method
of bringing about change.
hWIlan being is no dilIerent from thai of the universe. Every
momenl of life Is a time for self-renewal and continued self- The top line represents the outcome of the revolution.
evolution. Here, only positive results aredescribed.There is no mention
These princIples can be applied 10 one's own darkness of a struggle for power or the confusion and disorder that
and inadequacies. Recognizing and understanding this usually result.
darkness Is difficult. One's dark cannot areas
be pointed out There is no suggestion of war in these lines A peaceful
by others. One must independently determine whal is
revolution can not only save many lives. but can sometimes
undesirable in one's life and then decide if one Is willing 10 avoid the destruction of an entire nation.)

change. If not, Ihe difficulty may become an obstacle tlIat can

alrect O.l1l,'s fulure and perhaps destroy happiness
anrJ good
LINE 1: \"Keep still. Be firm
\ like cowhide. Do nol move
fortune. recklessly.
Many people spend a 101 of time and energy trying to help
others before pulUng Iheir own Uves in order. Ukewise, some Since the flrsl line finds no response from the fourth. It
nations are aggressive and meddlesome in the aIlairs of olht'r carmol presently do anything other than gather energy.
countries, bul are unable to hold their own country together Reformation or revolution must take place at the Tight time;
due to Internal conflic!. Thus. the following principle appUes otheTWIse. one's actions will be premature.
equally to a nation or an individual: \"In order to serve Although it is too early to lnitiate outer refonll. this Is the
or
outwardly, people nations musl lirst refonn themselves Tighl lime 10 begin rt'fonnlng one's bad habits and mistakes
inwardly.\ beforethey become finnly rooted and lUlcontrollable.)))
 /491 Glr (RevolutionfReformalion) 513)
512 Hexagrwn (49J

to go ahead, No faul1.\" On a personalleve!.the fiflh line represents the heart and

LINE 2: \"This is the right tune
/hat comes
mind which guide the correct refonnaUon from

the principle of wIthin and wI/hout.)

The second line responds to righteous
nus line has the cooperaUon of the fifth
revoluUon.
\"People of self-cul1ivation change themselves .I\037om
the
6:
line. thus refonnaUon can proceed and wIll surely LINE
within. like the growing spots on a panther. Ordinary
succeed.)
people c1.wlge themselves supe\037(iciaJ1y through obedience
LINE 3: \"In a revolution. being too aggressive is as to e.>.1emalpressure. In both ways reJonnaJ.ion is
bad as being too conservative. Adhere to advice and accomplished. Now is the right time to keep peace and
make necessary corrections, 11uJs. one gains the faith good order. ToJur1her the revol11iion is destructive,\
of the people.\"
The top line can represent a deep or super\302\2431cial change.
There Is difficulty In keeping sUll as
In takingwell as Thus it expresses /he outcome of refonnaUon on different
acUon. One look for and sup- People of development refonn
must first lll1derstanding
advIce from
personal and social levels.
port from others. Thus. the third line seeks themselves deeply and thoroughly_ Shallow and narrow
the corresponding line In order to dimJn.lsh all ob- themselves superficially. The face
sixth
people only change
stacles and resistance.) Indicates that the change can be seen.)
LINE 4: \"Remorse disappears. Be fatih..ful in reforma-
tion, Goodfortune comes wtih. change.\

a person who is In a posl-

SPECIFIC
GUIDANCE)
The fourth line represents
of pubUc servIce and cannot respond to the demands
Something unusual will happen
Uon
a source PERSONAL FORTUNE:
of the people. Indicated by the first line. Thus of
which will show /he inadequacy of your material forces.
contention arises. Because both the first and the fol.Uth
between money or matertal goods,
lines are yang lines. there is no correspondence possIbly

line is the one In an Inappropriate

MARRIAGE: The marnage can be accomplished. but the
them. The fourth posl-
will be controlled his wife. She will
Uon and should be the one to change or reform. Thus. husband by-
revolution is brought forth. eventually ask for a dtvorce.
itself will the fol.Uth line be to able HOUSING/FAMILY: Be careful about fire.
Only by refonnIng
rightfully serve the people beneath. represented
by the CHILDBIRTH: Safe.
first line. Its function as minister or general of this hexa- LOOKING FOR WORK: Il can be found.
gram is fulfilled. After the change. harmony is possible.) SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Dillkult to achieve.
TRADE/BUSINESS: Successful.
LINE 5: \"This is a great change that can be seen by SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be fmmd.
alL Even before making a divinatiDn this change can WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will notl\037ome.
be trusted. It is as clear and obvious as the stripes on LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Ills difficult to recover.
a tiger.\ HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding in the North-
west and can be caught.
This line represents revolutionary a
matter.
great Its
LAWSUIT: arises for no reason. The problem
purpose is Just With this support. a successful
and clear.
Something
starts Jrum the outside. If you change your presentation.
revoluuon can be accompl1shed. Because Its goal Is cor-
the achievements of reformation are like the stripes Ihe suit can be won.
rect,
on a young tiger whIch have fully developed.)))
CLIMATE: If it Is raining. (.'ondlliuns will Improve: if the
weather Is fine. Ulere will be rain. 111ese are changing
times.)
 514 Hexagram /49/) /49/ G!r /RevoluUon{Re]ormaliDnJ 515)

TRAVEL: Two people traveling togeUler Is good. culliv-...tion. a human

of how being can give birth to a spirit
DISEASE: Dlllkully. which can one's
furUler visible life? Can I show the truth
PERSONAL WISH: DIflkulty in the beginning. but the that. through cultivation. one human life can give birth to
wish will later be fulfilled) numerous spiritual beings? Can I reveaJ Ule truth that
through correct
cultivation. the essence of each organ in the
human body can transfoml into a \"womb\" for a spiritual baby.
which can later become Independent in the universe with
COMMENTARY complete sensesand capabilities? Can I tell people that their
The Work of Awakening) own spIritual development directly detemlines the quality.
capabIlIty. virtue and destination of Ule spirit that could be
Language awakens the mInds of people.chi awakens the bom from them?
chi of people. The world needs both a truly awakening
Have I enabledpeople to see Ule vaJue of the balanced
language and a truly awakening energy. way: that neither the narrow practiceof religion nor the broad
There Is nothing more slgnillcant than for one to keep path of worldly self-indulgence is correct? Can people.
awake. There is aJso nothing more meaningful than to through my work. understand that Ule paths of idealism and
awaken olhers. The awakened one maintains wholeness and rnaterialisIll are both one-sided and miss the mark? Can I tell
constant balance. He does not participate In mobs. nor does people the truth of life so that they may re-evaluate all the
he abandon the world. He lives among peoplewithout being
school books that have led them astray by a partiaJ vision of
discouraged by their ignorance. stubbornness and aggression. the truth of life and the universe?
He maintains his awakened nature. Why must spiritual \\.ruth be liInited to certain indivi-
By whal method did he achieve himself? By whal method duals? Why cannot spiritual truth become public education?
will he help others? Whal Is the reality of awakening in the Why is spiritual achievement a domain which only a few
naturaJ and supematuraJ spiritual tradition? specially developed peopie can share and enjoy?
Someof the more secret methods of sptrituaJ achievement I often ask myself such questions. In order to soothe my
are only allowed 10 be passed on to three human beings every compassion for people. I remind myself of tlle followin\037. In
seven hWldred years. Some others are only allowed to be my own experience. if the secret gate were suddenly opened to
passed on to one human being every thousand years. These an ordinary man or woman. this person would soon becOIne
methods support a person's high achievement. To limit the mad. One'smental capacity is not prepared for sudden \\.ruth.
spreading of such secret methods. there are different Thus. the Heavenly prohibition should be clearly understood
Heavenly prohiblUons accompanying different levels of as Heaven'sprotection. not only for the Individual who is
achievement. When I look at the misguided direction of Intereslt'd In leaming. but is also lor those who might
human culture in general, I wish Heaven would allow us to immaturely practice what they have It'amed.
remove all these proldbitions. If the truth of life and of Incorrecl knowledge Is part of I he prO<'ess of Illunan
unJversal formation were totally revealed. would this not end growth. Children ask for cookies and toys. not truth. In the
all arguments and wars? Would this not be a beautifuJ same manner. Intellectual of knowledge are the toys
thing? systems
I have often asked myself whether I should rIsk breaking that average people play with. The truth of We is simple and
the Heavenly prohibitions and reveal certain sacred truths for clear. If people wake up. they can see it.
the purpose of correcting the improper educational guidance There are three main obstacles that are poisons and th...t
of schools and society? Should I lell people that the firsl prevent people from seeing
trutlI: the
ignor.uwe. stubborn-
important objective In their education Is to recognize Iheir ness and aAAression. an achieved one help? If the
How can
own true nalure? Can I tell people Ihat they have a divine achieved one Is passive. he or she will tunl awav from the
nalure. or should I just tell them that human nature Is world 10 live In seclusion. If olle is active and responds to the
already semi-godly with the potential of restOring lis \"other- world's people, one's w-.u-mth I!.a.thers thrir IgnoraJ1l'e. stub-
half.\" Its dJvlne nature? Can I show Ihe truth. through self-))) bonmess and aAAresslonto oneseU. Hundreds of limes. one)
 516 Hexagram /49/)

to leave.but where can one go? Where are

tell oneself
It
may
there people of no darkness. no obstinacy and no aggressIon?
Should one retreat to become a hennlt. as the anclenl ones 5'0) Cln.q)
who traversed tlle StIent Way':ld? The demands of their gen-
eration were much diIferent from this one. If one wants to C<\\u.U\037I(On.. \037nlz..\03710n. t.- 5\037111\037Y)
stop after gIving a class, a talk. or WIiting a book. there
always comes tl1e same responsefrom the Old Master:)

Do il Wil/1Out anticipatiDn.
GUIDANCE: ''The cauldron is stablE and well-balanced. Good
Do il without assertiveness. jortune. Everything goes smoothly.\
Do il wilhout self.)
In this hexagram, Fire is above Wmd or Wood. After
A hundred times we may answer the Old Master. \"It is no revolution comes reconslruction. reorganization. and the re-
fun!\" Bul he will always answer, \"Is there anything more fun establishment of peace and order, thus the cauldron
than awakening people? One must keep wholly and constant- represents stabili ty.
1y awakening oneself as well!\" The linage of the cauldron has several meanings. In

awakens the minds of people. Chi awakens the ancient times it was used for cooking royal feasts in which
Language
chi of people. The world needs more than Just offerings were nmde to Heaven and one's ancestors.
awakening
energy and awakening language.) Exemplifying the universal spirit of humanity. these offerings
expressed ancient people's harmonious relationship with the
spiritual realm and their deep gratitude for the good life they
enjoyed together. After the oUering. the food was then
portioned to the older people,peopleof wisdom and people of
merit as a token of respect from the eillperors.
In addition to cooperation. unitv. hannonv, securitvand
stability. tlle cauldron also symbofues the ne\037ly-eslablished
order which follows refonnation. The cauldron also indicates
a big family.
Insptritual development. Ting symbolizes intemal
cultivation via extemal 'burning.\" Each of the sixty-four
hexagrams applies to personal cultivation: however. Ting
especiallyappliesto the enUre pr-ocess of inlemal \"cooking\" or-
self-cullivation. II teaches one how 10matur-e to r-ipeness and
mellowness.
When is over Wood. the pr-ocess of
Fire cooking is
r-epr-esented. In China. a grealleader- was compar-ed to a good
cook. Ener-gy natlu-ally u-ansfonns from Wood to Flr-e and
cultivates thai which selVes as a life support. such as
pr-opedy prepar-ed \"food\" or- wisdom.
In lhe Universal Way. the cnUr-e universe is tholl\037hl of as
a cauldwl1. LUt> on earth Is Ole prodlld of lhe inler-action and
Integr-aUon 01 Wakr and \"-ire. II depends on the wanllth and
lighl of lhe sun. which r-cpr-esents Fire ill nature and the
hear-I In the human body. Ufe also dependson the moon,)))
 518 Hexagram {50})
{50{. TIng (CauldronfHamwnizruwn & SlabllUy) 519)

a third partner or an assIstant is needed to

which represents Water in nature and the various emotions in posItive situation.
balance to a family or social circumstance.
a person. Life Is based on the hannonlous intercourse of Fire bring Eventually.
and Water externally. and that of the hearl and the mind the importance of such a contribution will be recognized.
The hexagraJ11 as a whole means that If balance cannot be
inlernally.
In self-cultivation. one's body can be likened to a cauldron maIntained by two. a third element of support should be
which blends diverse energies. Therefore. people must develop made use of. The image of a cauldron symbolizes such a
the natural. Its three legs maintaining balance.
their awareness of the art of \"cooking:\" blending situation.

and externally. to reach the real. wholesome being. In the situation in question. a third party may be needed.
internally
The I Ching teaches us to extend the principle of the like a second woman who comes into a family when the pri-
cauldron by serving others. A wise leader gathers the mary wife cannot. by giving birth. continue the lineage or
materials (fire. water. food. etc.!. then prepares and offers provide for llie elders in the family.)
them to all of the human and spiritual realm. As a
beings
symbol of a balanced life. Ting expresses the unity which LINE 2: \"7he cauldron IsJilled. Oneis self-contained and
extends from one's inner self to one's immediate family. to all does not let a companion who becomes Wlbalanced upset
of mankind. and to the entire universe. Since order is him. Thus. there Is no blame:')
essential to unity, a leader must care for the young and
encourage all people to follow the principle of balance. This line should naturally correspond fifth line. with the
Thecauldron transfonns that which is raw and hard into but llie neighboring frrst line disturbs It.
second line If the
something ripe and soft. This process implies that the young firrnly resists this temptation and unites with tile fifth line. it
and unripe will become the useful essence of llie nation. will have good fortune. TIlis line shows the cauldron full of
Thus. Ting encourages the wise to understand their duty and ingredients which need to be safely contained while the
their responsibilities and to stabilize their efforts in order to cooking process takes place.
help and guide the well-being of all people. Following the Cleaning the cauldron is part of the preparation; however,
progressive levels symbolized in the cauldron Can help one cooking is the real work. Do not let llie importance of this
fulfill one's duty in life and develop accordingly. Thus. the time be upset by llie enticement of llie first line.)
first three SagaciousEmperors of ancient China valued the
cauldron as the symbol of a well-ordered society. LINE 3: 'The ears (handles]oj the
do not work. cauldron
Each of the six lines of this hexagram represents a Though goodJOod be served. OneJeels
is ready. it cannot
different section of the cauldron. The first line represents a regret at not enjoying the Jood beforethe ruin comes.\
foot of the cauldron; the second. third and fourth lines
represent the body; lhe fifth line represents the side handles. Although this is a yang line in a yang position. Wood and
and the top line represents Ihe lid.) Fire are unfortunately in excess. The cooking is accelerated
unW llie contents of the cauldron are boiling. This tmplies
UNE 1: \"One the three-legged cauldron
leg of Is not well that one's talents and measures are too strorw;. lnslead of
set and the cauldron inclines to one side. However.one using llie cauldron properly. one spoils Ule food by poor
may use this occasion to clean the inside. In a family handling.)
relationship this situation is like a second woman who.
not jomw/fy I1Wnied. gives birlh to a son and Food falls
though
\ LINE 4: \"The leg of/he cauldron Is broken. out
thereby contributes tD her imparlance ill the family.
of the cauldron and is spoiled. Thegreat minister./ails to
./il!/ill his dUI!1 and Is prwately pUllLshed TIle public has
When a cauldron is tilled to one side. it can be easily no ./i:lith in him.\
cleaned and purified. AJlhough such a situation appears
unfavorable. It can be useful. but in order for It 10 become a) fhis line symbolizes the disorder uf a nation, a family or
any relatiunship Ulal has falled. 11 Is like putting 100 much)))
 - &
520 /50/) ISO} Tiny (Cauldron/Harrnonizalfon SlabiUty) 521
Hexagram

food in a cauldron; it carulot b.. cook..d very well. Ukewise. a TRADE/BUSINESS: The business will succeed and you
can easily mak.. a fortune.
person who Is too proud. too full of laIse inlonnation or tries SEARCIllNG FOR SOMEONE: are In the North and
to learn too much at once prohibits the proper balance for a They
correct result. In cooking. one must be cautious not to ov..r are difficult to find.
or under cook th.. food. Proper manag..menl. together with
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: Thev will come.
the art of \"cooking.\" is of utmost This prinCiple LOOKING FOR SOMETIllNG LoST: lt Is in the Northeast
importance.
on an education. running and difficult to find.
also applies to embarking a
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: are in the Northeast and
business ur govenliIl\037 a naliorL) They
difficult to catch.

of Vie cauldmn with

LAWSUIT: If the suit continues. it will be difficult to stop.
LINE 5: ''5lmng golden hWldles Make now.
ears. rU7TI w,wn Wld uprig'\" 1TIwwgemeni bring peace
yellow
CLIMATE: Following rain. the weather will be windy.
good fortune.;') TRAVEL: Okay for three people traveling If only
together.
color in tile two go. then money will be lost.
''Yellow,'' being tile middle spedrum. express-
es balance and centeredness. The nfUl line Is tI,e lid and DISEASE:
PERSONAL
Dangerous,
WISH: for the time bemg)
\"ears\" of tIJe cauldron which. when adjusted. allow Uw heat Difficult

and steam to work within and prepa\037e Ule food. This line
implies th.. need for proper control In cooking.)

LINE 6: \"TIle stmngjade handlE- on top of Ihe lid does not COMMENTARY
No Separation)
become overhea1ed. Great good fortune. Everything is in
order wid correctly prepared. Thefood nourishes the wise
and virtuous. TIle country The spiritual application of the
Ting. Harmoni- hexagram
is well-governed by its top
minister.
\ zation/Balance, is illustrated by the
following story.
As a young boy. I esteemed enlightenment above all else,
The lid should be opened and the food served. Thus. the
I knew there were many things of high spiritual value in my
the handle of the lid. Ole able minister tradition. but I thought of enlightenment as the \"eJ\\.-press train\"
top line represenls
a that would take me directly to the subtle origin of all lives. as
whose proper conduct leads to the good fortune of naUon.
01Js is a strong line. good management was provided well as to the six breakthroughs. the milestonesof spiritual
Although
which enabled the right nourishment to be served to development that would free me from further dependency on
all.
Thus. the virtut\" of the cauldron is complete.) other spiritual beings.
By my late forties. the of such enlightenment
attainment
and breakthroughs highest achievements. Naturallv.
were my
these achievements made my life and work mOre etTective.b\037t
I also realized that there was more, For an enlightened one,
SPECIFICGUIDANCE)
the world Is the altar on which to otTer one's cultivation. One
PERSONAL FORTUNE: who is enlightened is no longer spiritually connected to people
Very prosperous.
MARRIAGE: if can be achJeved' \" however Ihere will be
on a common, undeveloped level. An enlightened one who
some retunlS to the world is like a well-disciplined child going out to
quarrels.
HOUSING/FAMILY: Be careful about fire. play in the \"mud.\" Regardless of how clean he was before
CHILDBIRTH: Unsafe. goiIlp; outside. he will get somewhat dirty. yet return to the
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Obstacles In tht\"
world he mus!. As a p;lft to humanitv and as the virtuous
Later. success.))) realization of his own beinp;. an enlightened one must fulfill)
bt\"ginninA.
 - & Stability)
522 /501)
/50/ TIng /Cauldron/Harmonlzatlon 523)
Hexagram

I worked on the tolal. spiritualization of

bolh nalural and supematural responsibililies. Jusl as Ihe Finally.
own being.
unifying my
SWI. moon and slars illuminale the otherwise dark sky.
Even when an enlighterwd one has reached a high ievel of
The main advanced spililual
IICtJVest of my cu]tivatioll.
which began in my late forties, was to dissolve the separation
spirilual achievement. the fact remains tllat the world Is not between Ulllversal my own spiritual being. and mv
nalurally morallv-ordered. Therefore. an achieved one must beings.
hwnan bdng. This reunion call also be expressed bv \037
himsel.f What one oITersIhe world. alier achieving
safeguard of the body as an empire and Ule lmiverse ';'S a
enlightemuenl and Ihe six breakthroughs. is the purified, metaphor
responsive yang enerro' of a human being. Such a one needs body.
Now. wherever I go and wherever I slay, I meet spiritual
spiritual proteclion from the realm of evil spirits and evil
beings of good will. joyful communication and great harmony.
people. Even with pure yang energy. wilhout Ii.lrther develop- What a truly supematUTal pnvilege to enjoy the realJty or \037o
ment and without learning how to protect oneself from being
used as a tool of evil ghosts. one is stiJI vulnerable. Or separation.)
sometimes even more vulnerable. to spiritual attack from the
lower world. People become possessed because they relin-
quish their self-control and rational behavior. Even 'U1Ough
such evil is Ihe product of undevelopment. it can still cauSe --)
much harm.
tradil10nal
TIle true offender
spiritual
ones. Even !hough enlightemnenl
cannot
power cannot be extended
be punished. and
over the evil
has been achieved.one's
\037
--
--)
chen)
spiritual streng!h still needs to be developed in order to 5'1)
wil11Siand \"foreign dominance.\"
At f0I1y. I realized Ihat altilOugh I had experienced many .
spiritual peaks,
my cultlvation was incomplete. Enlighten- \037h6-
ARO(A.51t1.(j \037\037 of- \037\037\037)
ment is just !he .first stage of developing oneself beyond the
level of one's consciousness and GUIDANCE: \"Terrifying Thunder keeps people alert. but this is
duality. II improves
fLUldanlenlal concepts, but it does not reach 111e reality of aU right. There is WI undisturbedjoy.lul meeting wnong those
conlact wi!h real spiritual beings.
who JoUow the correct way Qf conduct. AlthoUfJh a loud
You might ask: what spirit. and what is the real
is a real thunderclap brings shock. the ceremony still proceeds in good
inllnorlal What is the connection
realm? between one's spirit- order. \
ual being and !he immoI1al realm? Such questions had been
at tile center of my ancestors' spiritual endeavors. and now The image of Thlmder, in whidl yang ener\037v is beneath
'hey were mine. I realized !hat up to tilis point, I had been Inactive yin energy. expresses a rorce which has been
unrealistic, achieving myself mostly !hrough idealistic elJorts. obstructed and which suddenly bursts forth in an explosion.
As I now discovered through my cullivation. I had only- In this hexagram both trigrams represenl ThlUlder. When an
achieved what was expressible on a human level.
image is doubled. as it is here. the impact or tile natUT.llrorce
In order to bridj.:.t' Ihe gap between the spirHual realm and is twice as great.
a human being wi!h a flesh body. I decided to once again
becomt'a begirll1er Although the generation of all life is dependent on Ole
and learn the diville praclices of mv tra(li- of elements within
harmonIous integration tile naturalworld.
lion. thoroughly training myself in !he ancient n\037elhods
shock Is sometimes necessaryto disrupt complacent')' and
oullined by Pao Pu T/.u.
AI firs I. my efforts wert'
Inertia. The purposeof Thunder in our lives Is to arouse and
concentralt'd 011 making cOlllact
awaken us. As a symbol of awakening. Thunder can be
with a Heavenlv being Then I rlt'veloped my
by one's teacher, parents, a nalural
.partIcular.
connedJoll to dlvme ones with special spirit Llal funclions.)
manifested phenomenon.
or one's own inner being. In..ill stages of development.people
need the force of Thunder.)))
 /51/ . Chen (The
524 Hexagrwn /51/) Arousing/Force of Thunder) 525)

a good horse sees the Later when he went to collect hJs winnings he reali7.ed hJs
An old ChJnese proverb says:
\"When
ticket was still Inside his life-long friend.
shadow of the whip. it begins nmning at full speed.\" As the story illustrates. the hexagram emphasizesthe
Alertness is what makes a good horse. Lazy horses. even with
of maintaining a clear. calm mind at all Urnes.
coaxing or a thrashJng. are sWI inert. Often too. one acts hke iJnportance
Is there any real retrtbutive force? The notion
a rebellious child tryin\037 to violate teachJngs and disciplines that
one knows to be true. During such tunes. Thunder helps to lightning will strike the evll-doer has been a common belief for
rouse one from foolishness or complacency. ages. Though modem thinking has changed. the reality of
retribuUon. tn all its vartous forms. ts sull just as exact as it
A developed being or true spiritual teacher who practices
the virtues of ThW1der In his or her teachings does not flatter always has been. True retribution. however. is much more
people In order to gain power over ihem.
but rather seeks to sublle and profound than lightning striking someonedireclly.
awaken them. Undoubtedly. one expertences difficulties In Though the evil doer may not literally be struck. he will surely
a teacher. suffer retribuUon In some fonn or anoll1er. According to the
being willl such To consider such shocks as pun-
ishment is to devalue the awakening that is offered. However. universal law of natural energy response as taught by Lao
the use of shock for growth and development must be very Tzu. violent acUon invites an unnatural death. Thus.
precise In its timing and purpose. retribuUon Is Inescapable. Good will attract good frtends and
Chen represents the time of Sprtng when all life Is a good life; negaUvity will attract enemiesand danger. TIlls is
renewed. This is a time of joy and hope for those who have a a basic principle of life. Unfortunately. religious theortes are
sense of awe and reverence within. The time is favorable for often too subjecUve to accurately explain this simple truth.
self-cultivation and helping others. thus good fortW1e results.
The development of ancient tribes began with the
The power of awe can stimulate oneto set one's own life In awakening force of Thunder. Thunder would come without
order. as well as the lives of others. Such a person can be waming. and what lightning chose to strike was just as
entrusted with matters. whether large or small. unpredictable. It was the awe and fear of these two powerful
Calmness is always necessary in fulfilling great responsi- forces which made people begin to reflect. Without a deep
bility. It is
especially important in dealing with shock and understanding of the truth behind Illese mystertes of nature.
confusIon. In this hexagram. the I Ching encourages a person inaccurate Interpretations arose. Thosewho feared Thunder
to exerciseresponsibility with the same calrrmess. steadiness. saw in it a wrathful and vengeful God who dominated and
Intensity and reverence that one would use If performing a subjugated them. Converselv. U10Se who were sUn1ulated and
sacred nte. If one's energy is scattered or disordered.onecan awakened by thunder cha.rmeled its power to aid their inner
be easily Jolted by every shock that comes
along. but one who quest for truth. Thus. the response to Thunder led to super-
Is centered will act appropnately. regardless of what cOnITonts stition 011 the one hand and a deep understanding of its
him. significance on Ihe other. To the achieved. Thunder was a
Shock and confusion are not always caused by a responsive. benevolent and life-gtving lorce. The result of this
destructive act. Sometimes they are of too much
the result realization was religious advancemenl without and spirttual
of a good thing. The following story illustrates how even developlnenl within.
happiness may cause shock. receives Illis hexagram should
One who rt'llect upon llis
Many years ago in Hong Kong there was a coolie who. chosen path. stage of spiritual growth. and Ihe spirtlu.ll
hoping to become rtch at the horse races. invesled in a ticket. pattems which he accepts. Such pallenls delenuine who one
He put the ticket stub in a bamboo polewhich selVed as his really Is.)
tool for making a living and In which he carried all his
possessions. By and by. he discovered that he was the LINE 1; \"A wcuTling comes like 1111U1der.Joy comeswhen
winner of the grand pme. So extreme was his excitement one corrects his bt>halJior wid puIs his lye ill order. One is
over his fortW1e finally changing. he took his ban1boo pole. ben\037rited by jeaL\)
the symbol of hIs poverty and toll, and threw It inlo the sea.)
 \\

526 Hexagram [51[) [5J[- Chen /TIle Amusl1lg/Force of Thunder) 527 \\

One can change a fearlul circumstance into something If a person allows himself to be influenced by desire
line is in the right Instead of good Judgement. or if he allows his mind
through correct conduct.
TIlis to become
posItive
posItion. and th1s is the time for growth and achievement. so stagnant that he cannot see clearly, then what can be done \\
I
may arise in achieving one's goal. to help him?
Though apprehension
actions and a sense of awe can lead to success.) .
This entire h\037gram shows various levels or situations in
rightful
whIch one expenences shock. This line has the ability to
LINE 2: ''Fear-evoking Thunder comes. One loses Improve Itself and can be the source of thunder. In other
one's fortune by hurryl1lg to safety. Do not bother words. the shock can come from within or withouL)
for fortune right away. It can be regained in
searchl1lg
seven days.\" LINE 5: ''Thunder shocks repeatedly. DiffICult
One nuLSt be carejiLl and put everything in \\
Shock comes. Oneleaves one's treasures behind and communication..
order. There will be no damage if one makes no mistakes.\"
is no need to
goes to a high place atto escape danger. There

pursue possessions th1s time for they can be restored. Though this line is the leader. it finds no response from
When the natural event is over, one regains his senses. It will line and is too inexperienced to be in such a
and the overcoming of difficulty. The U:e se\037ond shaky
be a time for renewal A person in a high position. yet insecure about his
makes one stronger. TIlis tiIne should be
slt\037\037hon.
threat of survival abllity to do the job well. must be cautious. The I Ching often
used for retreat and introspection. In the end. nothing is lost
encourages boldness. but not in this situation. Sometimes \\)))

and there will be good fortLme.) one need\037 to respond with a little fear which. if applied
be very useful in life. Furthermore. any
one cannot constructIvelJ;\"
LINE 3: Thunder.
\"Terrjf1\302\243d by
conduct c\037
aspect of one s bemg that can be used in a positive direction
oneself calmly. Be cautious and correct one's conduct.
not be rejected. If one keeps the right position. even in
sh\037uld
There is no real trouble.\ situation. then nothing is lost in the end. However,
?- d1ffi\037u1t
if one IS wamed of the difficulty and still does not know how to
In most hexagrams, the first and second lines repre- for the shock by setting in order. the
everything
sent the third and fourth lines Man. p:epa\037e
the Earth. represent will out Having a firm goal and
represent Heaven. This
negatively.
and and sIxth lines line slt\037atIon tu.rn
the fifth
domg the best wlth what one has is of utmost importance,
shows a person who Is beginnJ.ng 10 gain awareness of the
laws of nature. One now has an opportunity to apply LINE 6: \"Being exlremely shocked causes one to behaL'e
one's limited understanding and to make slight progress No further movement should be made. Shock hits
rashly.
wIthout any serious mistakes. The third line should be
a neighbor but does not affect oneself. There is some
yang. but Instead It Is yin. If one trtes to change. there Is misunderstanding over one's marriage agreement. This
no difficulty. In the attempt, one may become
that one's mind is not peaceful
because indicates Though there is
self-correcting. One should be cautious In this position a threat. there is no real problem. HoweL'er. it makes one
but not lose the spontaneity which Is needed to act cautious with one's neighbor.\
correctly.)
In spite of all the tumloil. this line is in a good posItion to
UNE 4: \"Lightning hits the mud. It gives no power observe all If one does not attempt
thoroughly.
and no light.\ movement
thin\037s
and simply uUlizes this posiUon. all goes well.
However. one who tries to imitate p;reatness without the
This lJne is not In Its correct position. It Is between two is an One cannot
linesand is the cenler of the upper nuclear or Inner trt- necessary inner developrnenl impostor.
yin attain greatness by imitation and will only become tilt' source
gram. Water, and the top line of the lower nuclear or Inner trt-
of gossip One must -also be careful that
among neighbors.
gram. Mountain. Thus. the image of lightninp; hittinp; mud is
friends do not become ent'mles. True cultivation enables one)
formed. Energy is being wasted.)
 \\ :)
528 {51} - Chen (The Arousing /Force of 71umderJ 529)
Hexagram {51})

what is real. of whether the results are originates Itself? It Is. therefore. above the law of cause and
to attaJn regardless
effect.
by the neIghbors.) it Is that Tao Is the Law, the sell-
way to put
recognIzed One SubUe
nature universe. of divinity.
of the of mailer and of human- \\
kind. While other things have a second or even a third
nature. Tao. the subUe essence and prinla1 energy. has only
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) one absolute nature. It is all nature. It is the first principle. \\
which Is completely beyond reason. Therefore. to look for Tao I
reason or 1 hought is like climbing a tree in search of
PERSONAL FORTUNE: This is a time of good luck. Cheer up by using
and face the difficulty; after a while you can have a good fish eggs.
\037) In Tao, the universa1 truth. all causes and all effecls
time.
There is no di('hotomy between what
MARRIAGE: If the bride or groom comes from the North- merge Inlo oneness.
west. the marriage will be good and successful. If either causes the shock and what receives the shock.) \\)

one comes from the Northeast, it will not succeed.

HOUSING/FAMILY: There is shock associated with the
house and one should move.
CHILDBIRTH: A boy will be born. but there will be some
shock during the delivery.
I --
--)
WOKING FOR WORK: Difficulty.
TRADE/BUSINESS: Good fortune will result.
.1)

?2)
il
K\342\202\254n)
--
--)
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: Meet with them half way.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: A message is coming.
WOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: It can be found in
.
the East and West. Ktep.oq 5C1LL ImpOOltn\037)
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are In the Southwest and
can be caught. GUIDANCE: one cannot the
Make peace or there will be great hann. \"Impeded by the back. see
LAWSUIT:
.front. Walking in the empty court. one cannot see the
CLIMATE: It will be stonny with thunder.
Travel to the South Is good. travel to the East man.\
TRAVEL:
is bad.
Here. the double Mountain represents an insurmount-
DISEASE: Danger In the beginning; later. good fortune.
able blockage which necessitates stillness. In the previous
PERSONAL WISH: There are obstacles and difficulties.)
hexagram, Thunder. the yang lines are kept from rising
because of the two yin lines. In this hexagram. the yang
energy reaches the top of the mountain and its activity is
Impeded. The stage of yang energy developmeni repre-
sented here is young and shallow. When yang energy is
not yet mature and not deeply rooted, it is appropriate to
COMMENTARY
stay with the Unshaken Fundamental Path of Tao) keep still.
The virtue of Mountain is its stillness. Growth Is gen-
erated and maintained without strain. Unlike a Mountain,
According to most philosophical views, the law of cause
human life is not permanently established unless people
and effect is supreme. Nothing is excluded
from it. AU things
know the virtue of stillness. Since they do not know
are the product of a cause or an effect.
However, Tao, the
when to stop unnecessary activity, continue to follow
they
universal way of life, takes another view, for to what cause
does the subtle of the universe helong. it) since overly active desires and thus their organs and senses ev-
Ori\037in become exhausted.)
entually

..))
 1521
- Ken /Keeping StUl/lmpedtment) 531)
530 Hexagram /52/)

The backbone indicates stillness and peacefulness and is TIlls line corresponds to the It is wise enough calves.
to remain where it should be. The third line, however. is
unenslaved by desire. Thus it is associatedwith the stillness
of the spine can be comparedto stubbom and does not I1sten when advised to keep sUllo
of a Mountain. The vertebrae saddened because
the ridges along a Mountain peak, the correct position of each The second line is he cannot help;
vertebrae along the spinal ridge being essential to the serenity thus, he can only mInd his own busIness In this situation.)
of the whole. 3: or waist. are impeded. The rib
LINE sides,
calm and inward focus, one can clear the mind
\"One's
With of
expands. One's heart burns with restlessness.
selfish thoughts and desires and maintain the tranquility of a cage
held \ in by too much ambitWn Is
Mountain. does not mean being Being bondage
Keeping still, however,
inactive, but rather that one acts correctly and without strain endangering.
in any situation that presents itself. with the rest-
one's mInd
In a time of stillness. bums
The inner trigram, K'an = = , Is in a central position in One cannot move physically.
Stillness of mind about clarity and less desireto move forward.
this hexagram. brings
but tries to race ahead mentally. It is correct at such
When one's mind is dIsturbed, inner energy is
brightness.
unsettled and peace is difficult to achieve. An unaffected times to allow things to develop naturally without uSIng
A person of self- force. There is no reason to expand oneself. USIng the
mind is the mark of true achievement.
with the body will only create tensions In
to Interfere
how to remain centered. His attention
mInd
cultivation knows is
not easily \"robbed\" by extemal circumstance or desire. life,)

Two adjacent Mountains represent a huge impediment. LINE 4: \"The trunk oj the body Is held stilL No blame.
Such a situation is not easily overcome. Realizing the nature One should now all activities:')
stop
of the problem, one becomesstill, gathers energy and remains
uninvolved with this circumstance. To continue to tackle the
sUll In this situation.
keeping the trunk and body
problem is a waste of energy and serves only to create By
One Is wise
the mInd is calm and the heart at peace.
distress. to fulfill one's duty, Thus. and impulsIveness
The balancing force of activity is stillness. Stillness and enough
on one
restlessness are controlled and brings no trouble
activity complement and lend significance to each other.
Since humankind is prone to activity. the correct
oneself.)
application
of stillness can make these activities more effective and
cheeks are kept stilL Words must be
LINE 5: \"One's
meaningful.)
put in good order. No blame:')
LINE 1: \"One's toe is impeded. NothingJurthers. There is
One should only speak when one has something worth-
n\037 problem
in keeping still
\
and being firm in these
while to say. One should I1sten well and put one's ideasIn
circumstances. one's words
order to help Insure correct nlOvellients. Then

The first line to the toes where movement

become effective and useful.)
corresponds
begins. In order to walk, one must first move the toes to take hke
LINE 6: \"ProJoWld stilJness and honesty, the top
a If one knows where to step, there will be no trouble:
but
st\037p.
If one does not know when to stop, peace and satisfaction oj a mountain, brings good Jortune.\
are obtained. This weak line must keep still and at the top of
\037ever 1111s line represents the honest spirtts the
remam firm: thus, there will be no difficulty. as
head. Here stab1Jlty and peace of mind are expressed
the conditions of all.)
LINE 2: \"The calf is impeded. One carlllol help his
highest

companion. This results In regret.\

... I)))
 l521 - Ken (Keepf11g Sttll/lmpedtmertt) 533)
532 Hexagram (52J)

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) The injerior mind is the origin

oj all trouble and sickness.
Thts is lime to retreat and To treat your illness. Jirst treat your mmd.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: the
As the impure mind becomes active.
keepstIlI. oj negative obstacles anse.
MARRIAGE: marriage can be achteved.
A successful all manner
As the mind hecomes calTn.
HOUSING/FAMILY: house. both the mall and the
In this
woman have something to worry about. This Is not an shadows and hardships disappear.
A hannonious mind breeds no disease.
auspicious sign. Pride and serf-neglect both breed imbalance,
CHll..DBIRTH:It will be a boy.
WOKING FOR WORK: Success. To know the cause is to know the cure.)
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Achievement later
truth as theoretical.
in life. Do not think oJTao the subtle
It Can be successful. but do not be Improving your life depends on honest self-cultwation.
TRADE/BUSINESS:
Cultivate the awareness that obstacles are irnpwities.
greedy for something extra. Melt through your menial concepts to the etemal reality.
SEARCIUNG FOR soMEONE: They are in the Northwest.
WAITING FOR soMEONE: They do nol come. Uni/e wi/h the Jinal truth.
WST: It is still in the ori- n-eat your mind and body with your mind and body.
WOKING FOR SOMETIUNG
and can be found. n-ace djfJerences back to their origin.
ginal place
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are in the Northwest and Through the truest cultivation.
not far away. discipline. prooJ and gain.
LAWSUIT: Must be righteous and squarely handled. becomethe son or daughter
CLIMATE: It will be rainy. However. if there is already oj the highest heavenly Jamily.)
wind. the weather will be good.
TRAVEL: Somedoubt makes one feel uneasy. If one pushes
on in the journey. one will meet with danger.
DISEASE: Difficult to cure.
PERSONAL WISH: Cannot be achieved.)
\037\037 --)
COMMENTARY)
53) J\342\202\254f1)
--
--)
Build a house oj everlasting universal life
on afoundation of virtue.
With virtue there is union.
Subtle power comes not just from within ourselves
C;JWbWllnE:05)
but from Heaven. Earth and aU living things
working positively through us. like a woman to marry.
The mind embraces all positive virtues. GUIDANCE: \"Be gradual planning
Good fortune comes byftrmly keeping to the right way.\"
Without being separate. you contribute to arc things.
creating a solid immortality with the whole universe.
In this hexagram. Wind or Wood Is above Mm.mtaln.
Strengthen your L.lrtues and become
forever. nnturallyfum. MOW1taJn suggests quiet. while Wind represents gentle
they suggest gradualness. The up-
beyond decay.
movement. Together
Wood. Is like a tree growing on a
way of universal
slowly
Obediently follDw the etemallife per trtgram.
of Water and Fire enable
with single mindedness. mOW1taJn. The Inner trlgrams
MOW1taJn to Interact The Inner
and all anxieties will fall away.) Wood and hannorUously.
also suggest the union of male and female)))
trtgrams
 534 /53/ . Jen (Gradualness) 535)
Hexagram /53/)

or of any ThIs line is Uke a budding young man whose conduct and
..nef\"j:(ies, posItive relationship. This type of internal
are stIll Inexperienced and immature. Th.. first
hannonyen('ouraj:(es Ule gradual d..velopment of a good rela- movem..nts
tionshIp.
and fourth lines usually correspond harmoniouslv. Howeve!\".
The MountaJn su\037esls a young man. and Wind suggests ill this situation. the lourth line cannot respond because bolh
a yowlg woman. As Uley gradually come closer tOj:(elher. lheir are yln lilIes. 11lerefore.Ihe Hrst Une reluains Isolated. This
relationship culminat..s In maniage. If they follow the natural is lim.. t(lr patience. To seek promotion
a al Ulis lime would
order of developmenl. success is assured. However, if Ihey only evoke criticlSJIl.
rush w.lo lhe rdationship. il probably will not endure. 111e When a goose fiies toward the shore. It chooses
will benefit bolh sIdes If they remain detach..d in landmarks 10 help keep il from gelting lost. If one keeps one's
relationship
Ihe bej:(iJllling. obs..rve cirCUlllSla.ll('es' a.lld slowlv reach a goal in mind and avoids hasty action. one will be ready when
point of mulual friendship belore hecoming more closely opporlunities arise.)
involved. 'filUS, there will be no remorse.
Obviously. Ulis principle is not lim.iled 10 marriage. LINE 2: \"11le wild geese garJler 10rest on a rock. happily
Marriage is SinlplV a melaphor for Ule gradual developrnenl of enjo!-JiI,g Ihe communion W1d .leas/. II is a joyous
any relationship or siluation. occasion.\
The meaning oflhis hexagram is further illustrated bv lhe
gradual step.by-step processof geese migrating to dislant This vin line is in its correel placeand therefore atlracls
lands. Each Une of lhe hexagram represents a different a l\"espon'Se from lhe fifth line. The Utel\"al translation of the
Chinese is: 'When food and supplies. ar\"
place in lheir long Joumey. III ('old wealher they fly you
lext find they
resting
souUlward: ill Summ..r they go northward. Geese symbolize nol only lor you.\" This line represenls one who has plenty.
stability as lhey unerrinj:(ly follow Ih.. rhvlhm of the 'seasons. Like a wild goose who shares its good 101\"1une. a pel\"son is also
TIley also display order in lhe fonnaliolls in which lhey fly benefited by sharing.)
and failhlulness In Uleir mating habits. When one dies, lhe
other nev..r chooses anolher male. LINE 3: ''111ewild geese ga1her and slay U1 Ihe lowlands
wild geese are water birds and gather on river banks. A man will leave W1d nol relunl. A womWl will be
From lhere, they travel over lhe plai.lls to Ule htghlands. pregna/ll bul /101 give birlh. One should now d<:/end
Thus. they symbolJ7.ewind gently blowing over Ihe rnowltains. onese!f\
Gradual pmgress leads one 10 higher levels. The Moun-
lain, when iI refers to a young nlan, 'indicales inexperience. This yang line is in a yang posilion. bulls in eonllicl wilh
He suffers emotional diHicwlies because he still knows little the sixlh line wh.ieh is also yang. Ihus il must be '\\'ery carelul.
aboul handling problems. Al an early slage. il is some limes Since Ihe Ihird line is the top of Ihe lowel\" lrigram. it is
beneficial 10follow a leader in order 10gain an opportunily for usually in a dillicull and dangt'l\"ous posilion by being
developm..nl. By slowly showing one's lalents and eaming excessive. Such a posilion is like a .....lId
goose who Ilit's too
the Irust of supeJiors, a relalionsrup can malure. Therefore, lligh and hec01nes lost 01\" a pl\"..gnant woman who <\"<11111<11give
one has all opportunity to be useful in any situation and to birth salely.
share life meaningfully wilh others. ConverSelV, if one Socially, it is inappl\"opriale 10 be too af.!.!(l\"essive. How..vt'r.
engages ill work for a superior person bul perceive'Sit as an if otllel\"S \037ue al1.gn>ssive Or hoslile. Ulen it is coned 10 delend
obligalion ratller lhan a privilege, one's elJ(U\"lS will not be oneself. That is why tlle lasl Une can also be interpl\"eled: \"Il

posilive, nOI\" will they be I\"eceived wilh appl\"edalion. The is advantageous to \037esislrohbel\"s.\" hi this posiUon. sll\"ength
energy offel\"ed to one's spouse is I\"eceived in the Sd.me is appn.priate beci1us{' one lIlusl defend one's posHion or
Jnanne!\".) 011(,\"'S peuple.)

LINE 1: \"l1w wild goosP comes to reSI on (he shore, A

\037/oun.q
mWl .,eels Il1sulled and is (he objeclqr gossip.
flJerp IS no pmlJlem because he.lollows IIle /lalural order,\)
 /53/ . Jen (Gradualness) 537)
536 Hexagram /53/)

LINE 4: geese cometo rest on a branch.

'The wild There MARRIAGE: Stl(\"cessful.
Th.. house wIll h.. p..aceful and sale
problem because the rest is temporary.\
HOUSING/FAMILY:
is no
CHILDBIRTH: If the baby is bom in Autumn. It wUI be a
a resting place which is not boy: if born in Ihe Spring or Summer. It wtll be a girl.
The fourth line represents
symbolizes a tree. The FOR WORK: II can be 3ehieved later.
very comfortable. The upper trigram LOOKING
POSITION: It can be ach.ieved.
gooseflies to the branch but cannot linger. Because its feet SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL
II will gradually become profilable.
are l1at. it cannot easily perch there. Therefore, one does not TRADE/BUSINESS:
comfortable WAITING FOR SOMEONE: TIley wiU eome.
feel remaining
FOR SOMETHINGWST: Diflkul1
long.)
WOKING 10 locale.
LINE 5: 'The wild geese come to stay at the summit. HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They have not gone far and. if
in three is an can be caught.
Though a womanfails to conceive years, this pursued.
CLIMATE: Il will be rainy.
extraordinarily good and strong marriage.\
TRAVEL: For good fortune. go 10 the East. Traveling 10
The second and fifth lines are both in the right positions. the North is not good at this time.
This represents a In which there is DISEASE: Il wiU become su-onger and more severe.
maniage security
and happiness.
good
PERSONALWISH: There are obslades.
especially in money.)

Having a child is symbolic of the of love. The union

second and fifth lines is hindered by the two lines between
them. Since the summit of love has been reached,there is
unavoidable envy and opposition from without. This is why COMMENTARY)
\"pregnancy\" or \"fruit\" cannot soon be bom. Although these
are difficult times, all u-oubles are finally overcome and a The key to Tao.the wIiversal sublle potency oJetemalli)e.
su-ong union is attained.) lies in the eyes.
The eyes gather color andJorrn which.
LINE 6: ':.4single wild goose .flies COo high. This is not when too active. hinder cultivation
appropriate for it. When it rf10ins its group, their .flying and drain energy.)
formation is a beautifUlly ordered parade.\
Keepthe six gates serene WId pure.
One who is too idealistic or who keeps himself in an Removeall distraction .Irom the ears and eyes
inappropriate position cannot be of practical value. In this to keep your energY.liLlI WId \037,our spmt whole.
case. his development lies beyond the material plane. Keep Ihe mind.lrom wandering.
When geese fly, they sometimes form a single line. At The sublle body is like nulure and Heaven.
other times they fly in a V-formation. To the ancient Chinese. If receives all and holds nothing.)
such pattems were one source of inspiration in the
formulation of Chinese characters. For example, _means The origin s'-!Llering
(.)/ lies in the physical body.
\"one,\" and the character for \"man\" is 1 . This expresses Make it an allur or selfcullivation.
the value of traveling in groups. /\"-) Trickell./ and deet:i' d\037 not beneld the body.
Whal r;wy seem good Jor YOlU\" body
nUlY danlUge your mind.
and a damaged mind holds no home .lor the souL.)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
Addill\037/a lille (0 your name.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: One's fortune Is like a tree on a or a decoration 10your pL'rSoIlUhl!/.
high mountain when springtime comes. In the Sprmg It is 1101 Ihe way oJ a whole beillg.)
prospers, in Winter it is less prosperous.)

-)))
 538 1541 . Kuei Mei tMWTiage) 539)
Hexngram 1531)

]hw beneIil is jowld iIl Ihe .:.[lorls Sine.. Ihe literal lIanslation of Kuei Mei is. \"a WOlllan
o,-./our own deep soul. returTls to where she belongs.\" Ihere is a suggestion Ihal
Re\037/'bellell1 is not found ill social repulatioll. somelhlng is oul of place. Nol one line in the hexagram is in
]h,e qaill' is meas,u-ed deep wilhill yourse!{. a proper position of correspondence. most being yang lines in
For the Sacred Method to be real yin poslUons. and vice-versa. Even tile first and lasl lines.
alld praclical iIl Ihe realm oJ 'ik. although Oley are In the correct positions. do not harmonize
olle musl hal.e deep spil'ilual roots.) with Ihelr corresponding lines because they are of th.. same
energy. TIle yang first line cannot hannonize with the yang
ChoosUig all heil' 10 Ihe Sacred \\Vay fourlh line. nor can Ihe yin sixth line correspond with Ole yin
musl be dOlle wilh care. third line. l'urOlennore. as Olethird. filth and sixth lines are
Tllis is nolll.e san1eas repayiIlg.lul1ors all yin lines. yln energy Is above the yang. This Is like a
10 a.l;-iend. woman who dominates a Illan in marriage. Therefore. the
Love and value IIIe Sacred Melhod. guidance
here Is a waTTling.
Do 1101 cw-elessly throw il away. The preceding hexagranl (Jenl also discussesenergy In
Obserue Ihose wilh lrue spiritual C!lfinily tenns of marriage, bulthere Ularrlage is successfully achieved
for the Universal Way in gradual stages. This Is the only way that a nonnal. h..allhy
and tlwse wilhoul. and happy marriage ('an be allained. However. in Kuel Mei.
Tile Grand Masters <1/lIle Sacred Method a \"bossy\" glrlmarnes a strong man and friction results.
bid us again wid agaill This hexagram also gives advice on how to maintain a
lofully pmtecl a,ls Ireasure.) good marilal relationship. Lake. which Is a manifestation of
yin energy. is nalurally receptive to Ule action of Thunder.
whose energy is yang. Unfortunately. Lake also represents
the mouth and tongue. which indicates thaI quarreling and
llghting are inevitable.
-:td-
--
--) Harmony is the real essence of lUarriage.
how
Here one can
the rec\"pUve felllinlne
if dearly understand important
virtue is tn maintaining a harmonious relationship.
54) KLA6-1 met) Most I Ching scholars have emphasi.l'edtile impmpTiety of
a female aggressively courting a male in an attempt to
eslablish a marriage. They have also stressed that if is not
only to aC'luITe a good naUle and
right for a wOlnan to many

\037N1e-) social position. What Is truly irnporlant is that the lemal..

maintains her dignlly as wt'll as Ihe feminine virtues thal
GUIDANCE: '\037n improper match makes a regrettable mar- dIstinguish her Irom a man. This is Ole primary guidance of
No benifu.\ this hexagram.)
riDge.

In this hexagranl, Thunder Is above lht' Lake. The energy

of Th'Ulder is moving, forct'flll and masculine like thal of the LINE 1: \"/1 is not a very Hood match. One leg is shorter
eldesl 8011. TIle ellerg}' of Ihe Lake is genII...joyous and than Ihe olher and one sees with only one eye. A good
likt' a YOlUJg woman. one is willing to be
hou.>ever. \037,-
leminint' TIlis inleradion' is like a relationship (\"(U1 still \037ist.
strong man influencing a yo illig woman. Kud Mei represenls submissive wid helP.futto one's partner,\
a deep relationship such as marriage Or an importanl
parlnership. Normally. marriage is a happy dn'ul1lstan(\"e. The IIrsl Is a yang line in lilt' Tighl position. hut Il
lint'
bul here Ihere is a hint of unpleasaIlluess.) callnol Hnd all
apprnprialt' mall'll among the slrong yang
lines In tht' second and fOlUUl pllsillons. TIlis Is like SOIllt'one)))
 /54/ . Kuel Mel 54 J)
(Marriage)
540 Hexagram 154/)

has marr1ed. Only in this way can there be a harmonious

who is jalllt\037 or blind ill one eye: although inconvenienced. he
of energy between them.
interaction
is still al>le 10 lundion somewhat nonnally. If there is
To maintain a good marriage. tile wunlan must sometimes
sincerity and perseverance.things will work Olit satisfactorily.)
have llIore tolerance and a better temperament than the man.
LINE 2: \"11 is slm Tlol at. Ideal male\". bul one caTi have a Generally. masculine energy is more inclined to impatience.
If a woman does not lll1derstand a man's shortcomings and
solid. peac\037rul relaliDTiship in ordinary drcumslatlCeS.\ Wes to compete with him. the marriage will be ruined. Even

In an ideal marriage. a good initial is of

If she is a wise and capable person, she must have also
mat\037'h primary and patience and occasionally be able to subdue her
resembles humility
importance. A good maleh well-paired eyes and if she expects the marriage to last.
their interdependenee pride
limbs; brings about completion and
Here. the emperor allows his young sister or daughter to
fulliJlmenl. 711isline is sinlilar to the (Jrst lIne in that nothing
many a commoner in order to ally royalty with tile common
great can be adlJeved. this. too, ts not a well-
people. 111isalso implies in some circumstances. ihe
Although that
matched relationship. it Is not quite as limited as the
to a higher
than her husband.
level In either
wife develops
situaUon described in the first line.)
case. the woman extremely
must tolerant in order to
be
LINE 3: \"A reluclant matdL 11.e marriage will become
enable the relationship to work. By showing respect for her
disharmonious.
,.) husband. and creatively working to hannonize . tile
the family.
relationship can be a positive one.
An honorable. happy marriage cannot be chosen or
The third line is a weak line in a strong position and has
no response from the sixtil line. Therefore. she Inust wait for bou/4hl. but can only be earned. Virtue is tile fO\\.U1dation for

a betler opportunity. If she does not wait and decides to rush such a marriage. When one lll1derstands the reality of a

into she will sun..r.) situation. one should respond to it objectively. rathe\037 than
marriage anyway. a
reacling emotionally. Surely the ideal way to develop
\ is gradually. but if one is involved in
LINE 4: ':A lute marriage. One /IIust wail. beautiful
the
relationship
cirClll1lstanceS expressed by this hexagram.
special
Th.is is a yang line In a YUI position which means timt the tolerance beconles a tool for the wise.)
marriage wU/ not occur as soon as this line wishes it to
is virtuous. LINE 6: \"A mismatch. An empty bask:!t is broughl by the
Since this person has firm goals to achieve.and
engagesin continuous seU-unprovement. he or she will even- girl. TIle mall performs a bloodless sacrjjice. No beneJi1 to
tually find a If the right
the relationship.\
good marriage partner. opportunity
arises. it should be accepted unless there are delays. If s\037.
should be patient and maintain an appropriate stvle ot Although this yin line is in Its correct place.II has no
\037ne
hfe until' he time is right.
-)
correspondence with Ihe third lule. which is also yin. Since
the posItions are not right for marriage. th..re 'ts lril'lion.
Nothing good results from this maldl because 01 tnslnceritv.
LINE 5: ':A harmonious rnarriaye. Modesty and \"irlue
in a TI1e ceremony Is only superfil'ial. like a basket WiUlOUt Inlil.
resul1 good relationship.\"
can tilere be any hope.)
Only If Ihere Is a change in charactt'r
. '\037'he relalJonship Ule second and Iifth
between lines
ImplIes an alliance between noble and the plain. the Tht-\"ir
energy C'orresprmdence IssymbolV,eu by Ihe relationship
between a young noblewoman of high development and a
C'onJlllOn. less developed man. Originally. the marriage
between a and an ordinary lIlan was t.he Image used
prlnees\037
to described lh1s sltualJon. Because of Ulelr differences, she
should be hlIDlble and subordlnale IlerseU to the man she)

-)))
 [54[ Kuei Mei (MumageJ 543)
542 Hexagram [54/)

the hidden erosion that comes about as the result of sharing

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
the same bed or the same room.
to Human bein\037s are changeable animals. Of two people
PERSONAL FORTUNE: For a whIle something good seems who are married in their early twenties. each may
he happenin\037. but this situation eventually grow at a
dtsappears. rate. thus their personal development does not occur
different
MARRIAGE: Call he achieved. but
hard to prolong.
cannollasl
at the same pace. A match that waS good ten or fifteen years
long.
1\\
earlier can seldommaintain
HOUSING/FAMILY:
CHll..DBIRTH: Nomlally the child will be a \037irl. If it Is a
this mutual pace and direction of
development. and the distance between even a well-matched
boy. both the mother and SOli will be endangered. young couple widens. TI\037e hann of social. religious. or famil-
LOOKING FOR WORK: If you df'pelld on a woman. it is
ial btnding affects each person of the couple and. in parti-
easy 10a......omplish. cular. tnfluences their moral responsibility to remain
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Althou\037h you look
small.
a high posilion. independent persons.
lor somelhill\037 a\\lain you Love can be expressedill marriage. but it cannot be
TRADE/BUSINESS: Nol su...cessful.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: \"Olev - are djfJieull 10 find if expressedin bonda\037e. When one feels the bondage or obli-
gation of a relationsh.ip. true love quickly dies.
thev are women.
All lovers dedicate themselves to e;'ch other WiUI great
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: Thev will ('ome.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHINGLOST: II can be lound. respect and appreciate Ule love Uley receive. However. when
they marry. their love often becomes an obligation and they
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are in the Southeast and
come to take what love there was for granted. Thus. true love
are hdrd 10 catch.
how can such a
LAWSUIT: Suilable to make peace. ceases to exist. If there is no true love.then
relationship be called a marriage? It is a marriage with no
CLIMATE: II will be l'ainv with thumln.
TRAVEL: Nol \037ood to tr\037vel witil a lemale. \"soul,\" a sad result of social custom and envirorunental
DISEASE: Dan\037erous.
conditioning.
PERSONAL WISH: Some obstacles.) A marital law that protects only one of Ule spouses is
unjust. Marriage should be decided hv the two people who
love each other. and they should make the decision jointly.
Divorce should be decided in the same manner. A Rood
COMMENTARY marriage cannot be established if one person does not love
the other. Similarly, If the husband or wife no longer leds
No Bondage)
love. a divorce Is in order. Any prohibition of divorce is
and anyU1in{!: inlll.Wlan is inunoral. Alas. many un-
AI; of life are met - health.
er Ille \037ood condiUons finances.
inhuman.
moral ways are inhunlane forces of perse<'uLlon tllai are
securlly. relationship. a good living environment.
a solid ele. -
custonls ul society or religion.
and one decides to raise children, one should have a dear holdovers frmn insensitive
of this commilnlenl. The improvement of married lile can olten be a<Tom-
understanding If oue becomes a mol h{'r
a marriage \\\\Then a couple
or afather and lives In a nonnal society wilh a nonnal pallenl plished hy takill!!. \"val'alion.\"'

of life. Ihen Iwenly-Iive experiences dillkully. they should take a vacation from each
years of s{'If-sacrUieeshould be
as quiduy as
anticipated. other for a whil.. ulstead of deciding tu divorce
The tradil ional purpose and beneIiI of maITia\037e is to raise they married. It buth parUes recognt7c tllat Ilw dillkully
stems frum emoUonal friction. tilen the true problem is not
In order to provide psvdlOlogkal securily and
d\037ldren one of love. and adtustnwnts can be made alTordingly.
healthy \037rowt11 lor tile YOlJnM. a hindiJiM marrIage is very
Aside Irom Ihis parlil\"ular Thus. tile marriage \"vaeaUon\" offers a positive function. If
practical. a binding
. (Jurpost\".
divorce is the only answer. tiu'n a maITiJ.{!:{, vacaUon call also
IS hanllful, especially 101' natural spiritual or l'OW.t 01 law or
mar:la\037e
ndtlValron. II Ihe is nol a case of keding eaeh side see more dearly. No dlllrch
marriage t\"aeh oilier help
any oUler authorllY or outsider can detenlline the existence
of
the three poisons (i\037uoranee. sl ubhol\"llliess. and
aggressIveness). each person will someday sulkr) a limITlage betwe\037n two people who are involved U\037love and)
luevilably

-)))
 1541 - Kuel Mei (ManiageJ 545)
544 Hexagram /54/)
home. However. I do this kind of peace between
not U1ink
life to\037eUler. Other people should mt'rely be witnesses to the husband and wife will ever return. A painless marriage must
deciston. be organized differently today. Otherwise. the IUlhealthy
If a divorce ensues. a
husband should not take matelial environment of modem life. or the rear of being married.
profits from his wife. LikeWJse. the wife should not ask for becomes a problem which causes men and women to lose the
monev from her husband. But. if they so desire. they can root of life and home.
olfer \037ach other a gill. As for distributing the wealth. if each The problem is not one of nl3ITlage or of staying together
party Is working. !hen it should belong to !he indl\"idual who
or of making fliends. the problem Is totally one of finding the
crea'ted It. If onlv the husband has worked and Is well off. so. the right partner is always In a
!he
and is wIthoul a skill.
right partner. Even
and the wife has' kept the
process of change.
home
husband should make arrangements to adequalely provide for A good nlarriage is a balance of love. respect and
her well-beIng. If !here is equlty In their life together; then
tolerance. A less than good marriage can sometinles last
the weal!h should be equally divided. The chiidren should because of emotional dependency. loneliness.insecurity. or
1)

belong to either one side or Ule other. A detennination

social If a marriage Is motivated by the
should be made as
to who is more practically able to care for
expectation.
pressures of loneliness. the communlcation within that
!hem. This type of m\037age
A couple has reached middle or marriage will never be complete.
that old age after having imbalance. and the chance for divorce
been together for many years must maintain virtue In divor- originates in elnotional
is already there. but hidden.
cIng. The situation one In which the children are
may be Marriage Is too high a price to pay to escape loneliness.
Independent no means or skill with which to
and the wife has
There are alternatives. Engaging in art or participating III
support In this situation fear divorce.
herself. Many women are two positive methods to
spiritual community acti\"ities
the man should practice the virtue of a faithful old friend
drive away loneliness and retaln
but emotional balance.
.
by offering to provide total or partial financial support for his
Loneliness Can cause peopleto become imbalanced; It
wife Ule life. The wile
rest her should her Is of
for
virtue of tolerance
of practice cannot be neglected. A ll too often loneliness the source
IIying to deprive her husband
by not of his
many bad habits. many bad marriages. bad occupa-
natural rights. The fntlts of their life should be shared tions and llianv crinlinal actions.
\037l\037y
For a spmtually developed
equitably wi!hout creating deep worries for either side erson. being \037one is a good tiIne for self-cultivation 01 work.
regarding old age. \037o whether one is alone. In a marriage. or wiUlin a group. life
In ancient Chinese society. marriage was not bondage. must continue to be viewed as a process of cultivation.
Marrtages were based on fulfilling the practical respon- the time the I Ching was wrille.n. at least 3.000
During
sibilities of life and reaJing the next generation. The men and women came
relaUonship between and wile dId not emphasize years ago. highly developed Spiritual
days to hannoniLe Ulelr
husband
emotional love. Their individual were based on mutual together on high energy eneq!.les.
by tile elders. they
roles
Following tradItional methods condurle\037
energy perfom1ance. While the wile devoted herself to the the subUe hannoni7.ation of Y1ll and yang. In the
of a household. the husband practiced
a1l
villages UIOSe ancient times. boys and gtrls lIved
responslhil1Ues could pursue separatelv.
of
kinds of developmenl and was not strtctly bound by Ule lived witllthetr families and the boys usually
narrow sense of marriage. The girls usually
The woman found happiness and Sexual actIvity occurred only when a certam
as the one who nurtured
lived in groups'-
respect her children. while had been reached.
age and level of phvslcal matuI'lty
enjoyed
extended himself outwardly. a wife made
For a mind 100;\037ing for sexual sallsfaction. subUe ener !1Y
the hushand BeIng
her head of the household. and her posItion was nol altered Ilis tile best
integraUon and l'ulltvallon Is the best solution.
by any newly-created relationship. II a new WOJl1dI1 or several which sex will
other women were enjoyed she welcomed
cure for sexual cravin!! Ol'dinary playboy-style
by her husband. 111e about venereal
never achieve. lailer brlIlf!,s \037sease.
them as sisters. In ancient were no of one s tnle
encr!{V expense. and the loss
marria\037es. there
monetary and
emotional expeclallons. The wife could enjoy her life and Ule subtle method ts only avaIl-
status without illterlerin\037 with. or playing a\037alnst. the We of personailly. Unfortunately.
her husband. TIle ('enter of he,. Ille was her children and) able those who are spiritually developed.)

-)))
 546 Hexagrmn {54}) /54/ Kuel Mei IMarriage) 54 7)

On several occasions and places In Il1.is sacred hook. I should keep onesell Irom people depends upon one's pel\"sonal
revealed that the Universal and needs.
have Way Is not the rigid practice
development
of religion that Insists upon celibacy. Nor Is it the secular FOI\" a spiritually developed [>el\"son. the Old Mastel\" has set
way of sexual indulgence. In the Universal Way. through
this example: \"Keep a healthy distance fl\"om people and live
energy harmonl7.aUon. one can remedy the Imbalance of with a sufficient amount of private space, even within a
natural phYSical desires without to masturbation or family. Yet work selilessly arnong them.\
resorting
going to any special place. Furihennore. energy hannonl7..a-
Uon can occur respectfully with. or sometimes wiUlOut. Ule Note: Spil\"lluaUy-aware people may Ulink Ihe way of suLUe
knowledge or agreement of a partner. When one Is hannon- intel\"course is the same as tantra. but this is not so. Tantric
!zed within. he or she Is ready to be re-charged with the sex requires penetration or a \"plujl-in.\" SubUe Intercourse
different kind of sexual energy the universe provides. does not require a \"plug-in;\" it is a conllnunication somewhal
If mental love exists between two people. and if they are like a wireless telephone. It can be practiced anywhere. even
v1TgL'1s and are correctly guided, they can directly become wllh great distances between the two partners. and is far
subtly Integrated and rank as angels. If they are not virgins. more effective th'Ul tantra.)
then the couple has more work to do U-U-ough subtle integra-
Uon. If they use their relaUonshlp for ordinal)' sexual There are three levels of techlliques available to our
Intercourse rather than for conceiving a child. it becomes tlle modem Umes for yin/yang harmonization:)
downfall of their spiritual culUvaUon.
To suppress love or regard Ule opposite sex or sexual II For fun. TIlere is no need for Ulis level to be taujlht
activity as sInful is the narrow pracUce of religion and is both here since severalbookson sexual techniques have been
Inhuman and irrunoral. From this perspecUve. I appreciate translated arId are available in hook stores.)
the great value of the dillerent levelsofyin and yang hannon-
lzation In the Universal Way. This practice can be leamed 21 For energy enhancement and rejuvenalion. At L1lis
trom my work Eight Thousand Years of Wisdom. a book about level. one can notonly enjoy sexual activity. but can 3t
natural harmony. My other books also contain guidelines for the same lime pacify the l\"esUess mind arId enjoy high
correct sexual practice. a(\"hievemenl. l\"ejuvenaUon and longevity.)
It is not that rnamage Is bad; I\"athel\", it is people who
cl\"eate the pl\"oblems. They cannot control themselves 01\" 31 For spiritual immortality. Tllis leVt'1 is the hi/-!,hest
harmonize their pel\"sonal. individual enel\"gy. InedllS of cuJlivaUol1.)
In the small community of a farnily, and between husband
and wife. bmthel\"s and sistel\"s, 01\" parents and children, If one For more infonllaUol1 011 this subjtTt. see my book
does not maintain a consistent pel\"sonality, then the hurt that Ihe A,'I l!f LIte.
Hannony.
I\"esults Is unavoidable. One does not need to study people One of the hi!!,hest. most sel'rd .111(1 most dkdive
around the world to see that they poison each otheL One methods of rejun'nalion and was dual l\"l,ltivallon as
I'-'n\037l'vil\\'
mel\"ely needs to expel\"lence life with those undel\" the same it was in ancient China. 'Illis llll\"thod no lungl'1\"
pr,u\"Ul'ed
I\"oofto d1scovel\" that the polson thel\"e is strongel\" than In oUlel\" exists WOI hi
in nUl\" drastie;]lIy chan!!,ed
places. Total spiritual development In a lamlly is Important in all the availablt. lor mallliaillln!!, and
Amun/!, pral'Ul\"eS
ol\"del\" to avoid such polson, but if J\\Jsl one membel\" of the t...altJl alld '-'11 visible and In'lsibk
improvIng preparing
family 01\" group does not develop himself, then his 01\" h'-I\" sexual cllilivalion. one should be II.lined in two l\\'pieal
behav1ol\" becomes a SOUl\"ce of unhappiness 101\" the entll\"e thaI be hefore and alter sexual
methods {\"an pr;:ll\"lked
famHy. Howevel\", spiritual development cannot be demanded cuIUv.1lion.)
of anyone.
The b.-st way of lJv1ng is to IJve independently arld to enjoy
a wIlh
l1fe no dlslul\"bance. especially 101\" one who aspires
spiritually. To know one's own range of heaUh or how fal\" one)

-)))
 -
548 Hexagram {54}) 155J Fong (Ouer-CapacityJ 549

J) The Natural Way of Vitalization throu/!:h Ureathlng: a can hold comfortably. Over-abundance Is like light that has
unique method to strengthen personal v1talJly and Im- become too su-ong: up. the land becomes
vegetation dries
and nothing can nourish. For humans. lhis light
prove one's physIcal power and sexual endurance.) parched.
becomes blinding and prevents them from seeing clearly.
2} The Natural Way of Endurance through Energy Guid- Fong teaches tile value of conu-olln a situation of abundance.
ance: aspecial way to work on the glands and the Intem- The guidance of the hexagram. indicates that a truly self-
al of energy.
flow It Is applied a series of quiet siUIn/!: less leader who is experiencing a time of abundance is not
by
movements which enforce one's vitality -) to slow down the discouraged by the knowledge of Inevitable decline. but con-
aging process and prevent weakness. tinues to radiate warmth and clarity to all. just like the
midday sun.
For more informaUon on this subject. set\"' Attulle Your Body wUh During times of abundance. however. most people become
Dao-In and bolh volumes of The Life and Teaching oJTtvo Immortals.) apprehensive about
losing their wealth and cannot really
enjoy It. or they become excited and over-indulge. eventually
JjJ --
--) hurting
crucial.
themselves. Conirolling
lf a person mainlalns
oneself
virtue
at a time like lhis
and centeredness.
I-s

it disaster will not follow easily.

5)) J:Onq) Although il is a natural law that fullness is followed by
decline. through self-cultivation one can mainlaln fullness or
lessen the severity of the decline by iransmuting and refining
desires Into essential energy or wisdom. With wisdom comes
- appropriateness and virtue.
ove,,- ca.p(\\'c'1CY) Appropriateness is maintaining a delicate b:llance
between
.over
under-reaction.
and It is like shooting at a
GUIDANCE: time of over-abundance. l/w king eryoys
':At the
Ii one alms too high or Is too weak. he fails to hit the
target.
fuU !T0wth and has but he should remain one hits the bullseye. one is In resonance
n\037 wony. properly
target. but when
nwtwated for expansIOn and cOlTectLy direct his strength. with one's virtue.
Thus. the \" great attainment of fullness can be maintained and is fullness? What is excessivefor one
What person may
eryoyed. not be sufficient for another. The minds of dUrerent people
have dillerent capacities and capabilities. The degree of
In th1s hexagram, Thunder is above Fire. these tries to hold too
capacily and
When
will decrease if one
energies in teract , over-abundanceis expressed. The lower capability

LI =, is an expression of clartty much at one time. However, when a person cultivates virtue,
tr1gram,
tion. The upper trigram,
and illumina- his physical and psychological capacItiesare not limited. they
Chen ==, is an expression of are strengthened.
movement and shock. Light illuminates. while the
of Thunder awakens. A person with power and light
power TIIUS. one's capacitybecomes infinite. The single force
can is one's natural
guide others on the right way,
that can overpower any spiritual limitation
One should be like the sun at high noon: bright virtue. When one follows natural virtue. one's true chi
sustain-
becomes wisdom and one's actions and reactions become
ing, and enlightening. This hexagram illustrates th\037 benefits virtue will
that come from nature's fullness. A developed spontaneous and appropriate. Eventually one's
being uses blossom fully and freely. A wise person can illuminate his
such fullness to serve everyone.
to the naituaJ. law of balance.
own path, while a highly virtuous person can Light the way lor
when something
Acco\037dlng
reaches Its point of fullness, decLine must lollow. the world.)
Everything
in the universe lollows this cycle. If one has more than
LINE 1: '\"TIle rich guest gets along well wtth his rich !wst
enough, he should not hold onto everything for hlnlself. If
one Is given something, he should not be given more than he
Fullness brUigs creation wl11lOut eA\"Cess.\
can hold comfortably Over-abundance is like Ulal has)
lIght

\037)))
 (55( - Fang lOver-Capacity) 55 J)
55U Hexagram (55/)
Thelourth line. a yang line in a yin position. Is hlndered
The nrst line goes to meet U... host. the fourth line. by lis Improper position. Thus. there is darkness. 'l1-u-ough
Though hOUl lines are yang. they work w..U to\037cth('r. b\",,'ause correspondence with the first line. the misfortune can
proper
this hexagram combines clarily wilh a('[jon. As long as thIs
possibly be turned Into good fortune. Even when one is in a
line does nol overdo anything or ad too aggressively. good bad posl[jon and tiJne. an opportunity may still exIst to
progress ('an be made. achieve safety or good fortune through correct associa[jons.)
LINE 2: \"17.e decorative coverillGs of tire house ar'e LINE 5: \"Celebralion Wld good reputation will be brought
excessive. 71lere is not mud. fig;,t. 'Darkness brings forth. GoodfortWle.\
narrowness and suspidol1. With plain honesty. one CWl
again restore olle's clarity.\ Help comes from without. from the second Ime. The fifth
line. being a weak leader, should extend his receptlvjty and
The literal translation of Ulis line is: ''The pole star cannot to receIve the support of able helpers from
One's vlsibilily can be hindered
openness in order
be seen in Ule slUllight.\" by the fourth and second positions. as well as from the enUre
being in an overly strong light. Tllis is to say. strong ambition lower trigraIll. Though one Is weak. one achievecan
success
can negalively aH..ct Ule brightness of one's mind. with assistance.)
Tllis line implies that one who seeks exlenml prospelity
rather Ihan intemal clarity will encounter darkness. With
LINE 6: \"A big house has all the luxuries. bu1lock in the
honest reflection. one can regain Ule lighl by removjng the house - there is no one inside. For three years no one CWI
decorative coverings such as false knowledge or superCicialily. be seen there.\
Although tile second line attempts 10 give good advjceOr help
to the fiHh line. he elicits suspicion. Thus. he tums back to The top line has already passed thr point of fullness and
cultivate himself. TIlis line suggests thaI everyone should Is now in a period of decline. The value of abundance Is in
develop his or her own truIh and clarity and not reach out decline and resembles one who hides and does not put him-
wiIh blind ambition. LeI Ulose who are wise discover your self to good use. This is like keeping a mansion for only one
true value and capability by themselves.) person to live in. Arrogance brings isolation One should
stay In the light and be useful rather than become preoCCU-
LINE 3: \"A IJmken arm impedes useJulness. but no blame. with self-serving interests.)
Too 1)(1l1rlPrs -\"ying in the air 10pmlect peoplefrom pied
IIIWU/
the strong ltgllt blocks tile Iigll1:')

When lighl is exlremely bright. II is blinding and one's SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)

vjsloJl Is obscured. like nol being ablt- to see aHer staring at
Ihe SIUl. Here. UIC sun has already passed its zenitil and Is PERSONAL FORTUNE: This time Is the height of your
declining TIle harmers Ithe lop lillt\"! now become all fortune. Be careful.
obstnu.tion. The lIteral translation is: \"One hreaks his right MARRIAGE: Not successful.
ann bul I here is no problem:' This Illeans that Ihe top line Live beside or 011a mOWltain.
HOUSING/FAMILY:
hopes 10 hecomeall abl.. h..tper. bllt instead he becomt\"s an CHILDBIRTH: Misfortune.
ohslad.. ('overlng llie light with his Inappropriate behavior. Is di(([(>ulty in the
LOOKING FOR WORK: Though there
AlIhough a broken ann canllot much cause
trouble. one is It call be achieved later.
unable to a..hieve anything of slgnilkance because of It.) begiruJing.
POSITION: A situation is
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL

LINE 4: developing.
\"111(' decora/we cw'/auls o{ a IlOlIseure thick so TRADE/BUSINESS:It can he adlleved. be
however. associalioll SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They
IIwl 011<' IiLJ('\037 i/l parllal rlark1U'ss: call1lot easily
willi a good ally brings posiHLle results:')
lound.)))
 552 Hexagram 155})

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: II is in the East and

(\"an be lound.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They can caught. be
LAWSUIT: Although OJings look good in Ole beginning, \037f-
there may be problems later. --
CLIMATE: It will be rainy, wiOl floods.
TRAVEL: Go slowly.
56) leA) --)
DISEASE: Very severe.
PERSONAL wiSH: II can be achieved slowly)

\"t:\037e-L\\rn;)

GUIDANCE: \"Traveling. On a journey, only minor under-

COMMENTARY)
takings go well.\

Be gentle in doing right. Fire is above Mountain. The image

do not be violent.
In this
hexagram,
is a one.
vivid Fire Is \"traveling\" or spreading across a
Be diligent ill all undertakings,
Mountain, sustained by trees and drtven by the wind.
even in small malters. Sun =-= .
The essence \037rwork is diligence. Wood or Wind Is implied by the inner trtgram,
Sometimes the burning Is so rapid that in a matter of
A succes!ifullije depends on doillg the right OWlg
at the right time and obeying the subtle law. hours the Fire may travel a hundred miles without being
Blessings come in many ways. contained.
Do notlookJor happiness. matters
small should be undertaken at this time.
Only
and contentment will corne naturally.) Like a \"rolling that gathers no moss.\"the fast movement
stone
of the Fire does not allow the accumulation of anything big.
Continuously rerrwve the negativity wilhin yourself At this lime there is good fortune in achieving small things.
One's good lile is decided by one's virtue several factors: the traveler, the
and clean Traveling includes
and the service. These
mind.
To endure d!LJlcully, avoid complaining. road, the destination,the lodging
To endure vexation and QJlJloywlce. can also symbolize elements of one's internal process.
avoid bilter corrunents. The \"lodging\" represents one's center, which Is reached

If your mind is always occupied with distress, through stillness and calmness. The \"joumey\" represents
is sure to e.Jdde you. the movement of one's energy and the process of refining
goodJortune
\"-'11en things their worst.
reach It. The pattems of yin and yang are expressed in life
can only get better. through the interaction of stillness and activity. The way
they
to the
\"-'1l\302\243'n
something reaches ils limit, one manifests and expresses his energy in relation
the quality of his \"service.\" Each mo-
it tunlS into its opposite. world determines
17lis is the Tai Clli ment in one's life Is part of a jOumey. This hexagram
\037fevents)
for one to refiect upon the desti-
provides an opportm1ity Is exclusively
Avoid irlVolvemerlt people with who are suspicious. nation of his joumey. U one's destination
extroverted, he will become fixed in his outwardness or
easily pleasedor angered.
himself. lf
Listen only to viewpoints ilia! w-e balwlCed. never finish doing the work of accomplishing
Is exclusIvely introverted, he will never
Walk away.from wlte' talk. one's destination
Unite with people of outstandillq dlaracler. be able to manifest It. The 1 Ching teaches the balanced
Collertivte' }Jllrposte'S Jorm Jortresste's. neither overly extroverted nor overly
way of being
In urritiIlY hanllonized en.eryu::s. WI\" qatl1er strte'nyth.))) introverted.)
 \\

151J/
. Lu 555
fJ)-avelil\\gJ
554 Hexagram /56/)
This hne Is In its cOlTect position. The tTaveler is safe and
personality can be attained
A balanced by integra ling has everything he needs. TIle st','ond line represents a
one's spIritual purposes with a practical life style. Onlv bv traveler who is selJ-disciplined. modest and reserved. In
\\)
achie\\'ement at hoU. levels can an indhidual and ail of three are Important in detenmning whether
tra\037eling. .things
WIU be pleasant or nnt: a good place to stay.
humanity progress. one s travels
Since life is enerl!3' in movement.Ihe destiny of travel resources and helpful people.)
adequate
carow! he avoIded. For the many disturbances encountered
along Un' way. the ilnage of a Mountain inside and Fire LINE 3: 'Tlu-' lodgings catchJire wid one loses hiS helper. ,)
outside expresses a good prlndple by which Lo live: keep stiU Stubbornness causes the trouble.\
within and active wllhout. One cannol avoid life bv hiding in
Ihe mountains. because life exists Ulere as weU. But one can The \"lodge burning down\" sUAAeslS a tTaveUer with a
avoid the disturbance of the ex\\enlal world by remaining reckless in his actions. This line also
quIck teillper and
centered and calm like a mountain. TIle J Ching teaches one describes someone who is stubbonl. opinionated and
10makegood use of the contradictory qualiLy of life by uniling unwilling to adapt to the cin:umstaneesof his tTavels. Such \\)
balance. Arrogance can destroy
opposites In a hannonious
carowt be stopped. One
arrogance can only cause trouble
Ufe is movement. and movement one's attailllllents and achie\"t:ments in all circumstances .)
should neither tear to move nor lose the stillness within. Life while on a jowney.
particularly
is the projection of one's enerror. like an a.\\TOW ailned at a ,)

target. It is possible Lo hiL the \"buUs eye\" and accompUsh the LINE 4: \"Travelmg to a sheller.One meets with gain but
purpose of life. but unfortunately most people miss tile target must keep alert.
constwltly Such temporary lodging
by shooting their \"arrows\" Ufe's tTavels must
aimlessly. makes one Jeel UTleasy.\ \\)))
include a destination in order to judge whether the methods
that have been set are beneficial and worthy. U one's goals the traveler has sheller.his Iile has not adjusted
Although
are in hannony with the universe. then the right intenlal
to the new environment and he feelsresUessand out of place.
energy will manliest at the appropriate lime.
He needs to protect himseU. which makes him feel wlsetUed.)
Do you know the destination of life's jowney? Is it
intemal Or extemal? Look inside to discover the cO.\\Tect
LINE 5: \"Shooting a pheasant. 11lOugh the arrow is lost.
of your jowney. You have already shot the arrow.
meaning
VVhere is it going?)
Jame is eanted.\
The IiUh line is Ule center of datity ill the upper lIil!.lalll.
LINE 1: \"n-aveling. Do not argue over small expenses or staleslllen inlrodul\"l,d Ulemselves bv ofkriJ1J!.
In ancien I tillles.
trouble will arise.\ If thl\" stalesman shol till\" pheasanl hililself and
a pheasanl.
used only onl\" arrow in Ule proeess. he was eonllnended.
Th.. /lrst line is ayin line in a yanl-( J-J0siUon and applies to Such a J-Jerson is represenled by the laith line.
the lodgings and Ule traveler. If Ihe holel is wueasonable ill task is cOlllJ-JIl\"ted and all dillieull ies
In this J-Josilillll, one's
or serviees. or the guest is 100 miserly or
its eharges
conllld is bound to arise. In such a siluaUon
are removed. Oneis accepledby sodt'ty and I'eeeives honor.
demandlnl-(.
The prlee has bpen paid and one noW rel'eives the reward.
unpleasanlness is crealedfor both sides. Getting Involved il\037 Although hardships have been sulkn.t\\ along the way. on..'s
such trivial mallers is an unnecessary wasil\" of time aud
desllnaUon has finallv been reached.)
t'ner/{V. VVhen I ravt'ling, one should be loleranl of the .)
differenl eusloll1s of the host. W',' lost.
LINE 6: ''Th.. hinrs nest is IJUlJI(\0371. \"/11(' (\"((Ilk
171f' n'ckless Lnwder laughs in \"l<' vqlinllUig vut eries ill
LINE 2: \"Staying U1 tlte rigltl plru:e, one IJroteels one's the end. Mis/ortune.\
proper lies wId .fInds a good Itelper.\
 \\)

1561 . Lu (JTavellngJ 557)

556 Hexagram /56/)

We Ihink all people are bom

The top line represents a traveler who, through basic qualifies:
wuh Ihe same
wu-easonableness and lack of consideration, has no place to
and divine in nllture.
In additton. he has lost his belongings. organic. ralional
stay. nourishes
cuUivlllion these qualU ies
This line describes a person who Is extreme and has no RighI

consideration for others. He does

not Lmderstand the enabling JuUillmenl and union with true life.
-
Instead oJ dividing ourselves many limes,
Chinese proverb: 'To
gIve convenience to others is to earn
we musl nurse Ihe powe\037ful chi.
convenience for oneself.\ \\)
Books alone wiU not uncover it.
At birth a person is Jull.
then one chi is transJomIed Jrom 11Ie Ihree puriltes,
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) To achieve Ihe Ihree purities
means Ihe Ju!Jillment oj Ihe three nalures oj life.
To develop wldfu!fiU your organic nalure
PERSONAL FORTUNE: This is not your best time. There \\)
is 10 extend 10Ihe Realm oJGrea! PurUy.
be some trouble.
may
To develop WId Ju!fill your ralionnlnalure
MARRIAGE: TIns is not a suitable partner nor a good
is to extend 10 the realm of Crystal Purity.
marriage.
a small house. Be careful of To develop wId fu!fill your spiritualnalure
HOUSING/FAMILY: Buy 10 Ihe Realm oj Ulmosl
fire. is 10extend Purity.
TllUS. the realms lye extend oj10 VIe realms oj purtly.
CHILDBIRTH: The baby will be a girl. \\)
WORK: Do nol go an The .Ii1!fiIlmenl \037fIhis energy
LOOKING FOR through agency. and Earih.
is the way \037fHeaven
Apply directly. Make your own recommendations. l! has no beginning or end.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: DiIBcult to achieve
and never exlmusted.
TRADE/BUSINESS: It can be successful. l! is WI changed
!f not dislorted or dislurbed.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come. \\
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Look in a far place. it brings prO<?I \037fimmortality.
Because \037fIJour place in I!le,
It can be found.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: DiffIcult to catch them. Ihere is need .lor discipline and culLipation ,)

LAWSUIT: It will be rainy. But this need nol be done iIl Ihe rnounlaiI1S
TRAVEL: This is not a good time for traveling. as a henni/.
DISEASE: Work wilh all Ihe changes and puuems \\
Danj.(er.
PERSONAL WISH: Small things be accomplished; Ihal I!le prPsenls you.
can bIg melhods
cannoL) Utilize IIle suered
things
to al/racl Ihe help !/OU need. \\
Practice conslwIllyil 10 practice il correcll!J. I
I)))
Talk brUIQS no real bene\"/.

COMMENTARY) Do nol sl\037'im iIl theory. goutg l\"Ourl/l wId round.

To deepen iIl reaLi1y. cultivnJe the subtle IlIIil'ersal tntlh.)

Life is ajoumey.
WhaJ is your destinaLion?
Much path will youJollow?
The Natural Universal Way dUJers
]rom aU ordulary reLigwns wld teachings.)
 \\

157/ - Soen (Gentle Wind/Submissiveness} 559)

1

second and fifth lines. By following and assisting strong

!1
\037 one can achieve a righteous but if one is
... . leaders.
alone, not much
goal,
can be achieved. Ukewise. on an Inner
\\)

the of the
57)
50en) level. even with little physical strength.
mind can brtng success.
power
As subtle energy accumulates.
what one develops and reinforces within will become
manifest In the processes of thinklng and doing. Since
. nature of one's thoughts determines what will occur. It
q\037Le- Wln.b SMtn155fYt7f1eSS) the
Is Important to maintain
who are weak
fin:n-rolndedness and high virtue.
need the help of someone of
\\)
;')
Those
can further one in achiEving strength and vIrtue to make their purposes concrete.
GUIDANCE: \"Submissiveness and wisdom are not
minor things. It is good to assist a powerjUl leader with a) Otherwise, even righteous purpose
sufficient. In Chinese history. there are many wise men
great goaL\
who assisted strong leaders as advisors In order to achieve

times. before societies were created.people

\\)
In ancient great purposes.
mInds. We can emulate the vIrtue of Wind and thereby benefit
the example of nature with unspoiled
all life by radiating a good influence.
followed is the
obedience and submissive- This highest
From Wind or air. they learned of posItive self-development.)
ness. All things depend on Wind for survival. From the natural effect
one can learn how to give and take.
gentleness of WInd. 1: \"Hesitation. It is correct for a soldier to re-
From the force of the Wind one can learn how to balance LINE
and control oneself. Wind is an energy which acts by in- solve indecisiveness,\ \\)

visible ways. yet achieves visible results. One cannot see

It exists as This is a gentle. weak. line In a strong position. Its
the Wind except by its effect on something.
At this time.
an interaction of subtle energy, yet expresses itself tendency is to hesItate and be Indeclsive.
one needsthe spirit of a soldier and should go forward
substantially. FIrm Intention will ell-
In tWs hexagram, Wind symbolizes the subtle. influen- decisively and with perseverance,
tial of spirit. It also represents !he eldest
energy daughter JDlnate doubt.) \\)

and !he attributes of gentleness, softness.femininity and

to eU-
obedience. which are charactelistics of a woman who has LINE 2: \"Enlightened instruction should be given

reached the mellowness of matUIity. minate fooUshness Wld confusion.\

In bo!h tligrams. there are two forceful yang lines
Soen also represents Wood. The second
line is the
above one gentle y1n line. Each y1n line expresses the
like a low table, altar or bed.
true nature of Wind, which is gentleness. One who seeks symbol for a wooden frame. the
from tWs hexagram is cOlU1seled to wait for the The first y1n line represents the feet which support
guidance
light time in his growth to pursue what he wishes to frame. In ancient times. exorcistswould search beneath
and evil Influences and drtve
achieve. Great achievements cannot be expected In the the bed for negative spirits
a table as an al-
them away. It was also a practice to use
beginning. and civilization.
For a correct understanding of the hexagram as a tar, a tool for guidance
is can be Interpreted In two ways: it encour-
whole. one must consIder the inner tIigrams: Fire This symbol
above and Lake is below. which Indicates that one has a ages us to seek out negative Influences. and It is also a
heart. When a person Instructs with a lighteous vehicle for understanding and enlightenment.
one to accept service and
good assistance
heart. others will naturally follow. When the Wind blows. This line counsels
In order to make a
the grass bends. This is a good for teach- and to accumulate this Information
In this way. negative Influences can be
sIgn. especially
ers and advisors. sound decision.
Here one is wise but weak and must therefore seek el1minated. Being receptive to all sources of help enables)))
outside support. There are two strong leaders In the)
 ,

157/ - Soen (Gentle Wind/Submissiveness) 561

\\')
560 Hexagram /57/)
LINE 6: \"Being too subservient. one loses property and
one to accumulate and energy necessary to
the inJonnation
\"
protectiDn.
make proper judgments and take coned aclJon.
The second line advises one to foliow the plinclple of
If, as In the third line, one too is
polite, gentle or hesi- \"
expectations, one will surely lose thIs
\\
By using virtue and wisdom to guide people, tant in expressing
gentleness.
rather than using sIrength to conquer and subdue them, one good opportunity. In this tmportant posttion at the top, 1) \\)
wins their obedience and cooperation.) one cannot afford to be weak. Such weakness will result
In the loss of what has already been Al- accomplished.
LINE 3: \"Being overly submissive. one loses one's though one should normally be yielding, like the Wind,
\
there is no more room In which to yield. On this level.
corifidence.
continuing to yield only Invites danger. must be firm One
The gentleness of the third line Is excessive and depen- In princIpleand express one's desIresand goals. Any
and stick to it. nor does weakness or gentleness displayed at this time will only
dent. Il cannot make a finn decision
it carry out its responsibilities. cause more trouble.)
One tn this position does not have faith in oneself or in

others and, as a result of hesitation and inertia, lacks a

creative spuil. Thus, he loses his opportunity and suffers

humiliation.)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
LINE 4: \"Rerrwrse disappears. One obtains three kinds of
the hunt and ewns mem.\ PERSONAL FORTUNE: Smooth and peaceful.
game in DtfIlculty at the beginning. Later. it will be
MARRIAGE:
The line is close to the leader and offers easy. tem-
It is suitable to live to a
fourth close
cooperation and assistance. TheliteraJ Iranslation of this line HOUSING/FAMILY:
should live together.
is: have an abundant harvest and catch plenty of ple. Two
people
\"One may make a divination In Summer or
was for CHll..DBIRTH: If you
game In the hunl.\" In ancient Urnes. game caught
for feeding guests. and Autumn, the baby will be a boy. If the fifth 1me is re-
three purposes: as a spiritual offering,
ceived,it will be a difficult delivery.
own household. This line is an example of acting
for one's
LOOKING FOR WORK: Look quickly.
to fulfill all three needs.) POSITION: there Is
appropriately SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL Although
some difficulty In the begInnIng. success will eventual-
LINE 5: 'Wi1h gentleness, be firm in your principles.
ly come.
Remorse disappears and aU tl1mgs are benefi1ed. With TRADE/BUSINESS: It can be successful.
good preparalion. reform is begun. With careful inspection
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be found.
throughoul. i1 is successJill1y completed. Goodforiune.\ WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Hard to find.
Change must be made gradually and with deliberatiun. BUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are hiding In a church In
When one wishes to begin something, it should be started the Northwest and can be caught.
If one wishes others to follow a command. it should Make
gently. LAWSUIT: peace.
be made with It is a1so important to give notice
gentleness. CLIMATE: It will be windy.
before implementing a new plan. Enough time should be TRAVEL: Suitable for two people traveling together. but

allowed for adJustlllents in order for the new transition to be not suitable to go to the Northwest.

gradual and smooUl. When refonll is \037U1dertaken, be like

DISEASE: Danger.
grass In the Wind, willing to bend but not break.) PERSONAL WISH: Partially realized.)))
 {.';71. Soen (Genlle Wind/Submissivenessl 563)
562 Hexagram {57{)

constanUy unchanged. but on(> can wish for the qUalltv of I')))
COMMENTARY
Renaissance) human exIstence to continue to improve. Until the darlu\037ess
Spiritual of the human wodd is totally dispersed by humankind itself.
Soen means to follow. What do we lollow? On what people will never be able to see the li/!.ht.
Let us ponder this spiritual 'The first Renaissance in human history brouJ!;ht about a
occasion should we b(> obedient? Let us hope Umt a new Renaissance will
malter. change in fomls.
walk reruml the brutal lorce which has been cultivated by modem
As a duld, I on en had the opportunity to se(> peoplt'
Several times I dviliza tion.
barefoot over bun ling coals at folk lestivals.
\"Modem people take a meticulous approach to studying
made 01
(>ven saw people with bare feel climb high ladders the material but they are lax in studyin/l. the reality of
knives. When I was older. I saw someone put a wide sphere,
sharp
knife blade to his chest wiUl his left hand and, wiUl his right the splritual realm. If the same vi/l.0r Ulat is applied toward
into Ius ('he'sl. material sphere could be applied toward spiritual reality.
hand, use a rollin/!. pin to hit it completely the
('eas(> to control UlOse who are spiritually
this amazing lieal. U.(> perfonner continually religions would
Throughoul
the luliJ\" was removed. nol W1developed. Most human disputes. based as they are in
summoned spirits. When only
was 11Ier(> no bloodshed. there was not even a scratch. ignorance and misdirected energy. could then be stoppt'd.\"
The new Renaissance of hunmnkind is not impossible.
Over Ihe years. I experienced many SUdl extraordin.uv
Sometimes I enjoyed Ihem and fell quite amused, but. as most of you know. the strength of the collective good-
powers.
of humankind has been misguided and misused. U ea('h
hut SiJ1C(> Ih(>se feats of magic wer(> not my real interesl. I will
this in ourselv(>s.who would say Ulat a
never to leaJTl or practice Hl(>m. Mosl were without of us were to corred
thoughl Renaissance of balanced hwuan nature and the ..bove
Iru(> spiritual devel0pJuent and simply demonstrated \"brutal\" new

human faith. FaiU. that is not guidt'd by reason is brulal: it conversation were merely the illusion of a man of cultivation?)
Is a rNnnant of primitive. undeveloped human tribalism.
Ouce a divine being said 10 \\11(>. \"Humankinl1\"s growth is
slow. II seellls tllal it has nol evolv(>d b(>yond the 'brulal'
sta/l.e. For example. modern religions su]] follow Ihe example .1
of earlier. undeveloped Iribes alld exall past religious leaders
to inJluenc(> presenl-day people who lack lrue spiritual f'u
knowledge. Holy books are infused Inlo peopl(>'s miJlds and
misinlerpretations of Ihese hooks are invenl(>d to iii all 53) WI)
sHualIons. whil(> Ihe 'living book\" 01 individual self-cuJtivalion
and personalJ!;rowUl is suppressed.
\"I Iislory is a good book: it demonstrales Ihal Hit' old 30)'OUS0055)
Iracks of broken down vehides should nol be liJllowed. \\Vht'n
slill be
nUl eryoy what ont' is wul
,'onlalnin/l. bnltal slruW(>sof the pasl is used as Ihe
.. book GUIDANCE: \"One dOUig

model for prt'sent and coming gt'nt'ralions. dot's it nol luck linn willi one's principles.\
people inlo Ihe sallie tragil' pallenls as past gent'ralions?
TIle ilUler
\"Surely. Ihroll\037hout hUlllan hislory we havt' witnessed In h..xa\037ra.lll. Ihe lri\037ralll Lak(' is doubkd.
this
sunshine dnd Wind. Tllis is the tllla\037e 01
many ruisullderslandiJlgs and failures dut' 10 Ihe lack 01 tri/l.raIl1S represent
a beauuful plal'e whil\"h CaII ollly evoke .l0yousness. In holh
spirilual developmt\"nl. They arc so obviolls Ihal It is nol
in ordn to re(\"o\037ni/.. the line above the Iwo vanj!.lilles represents Olll'
necessary 10 be spiritually advanced lrigra.llls. yin
but who holds 10
tJlt'lII. Even tht' initial leaders ofCollllllunlsllllu\\t'w Iht'1lI well who ads wilh recepllvity and j!.enUl'ness
utlJizt'd these old kdmtques 10 prolllolt- thell' nt'W linn prindpks within. When one .u.h.leves such inner dnd
and
religion. The limn was allered. hul Ihe darluless was Ih.. outer hannony. life Is naluraUy joyous.)
saUle. Of eourse, one would not wish lor the world to rt'lIIi\"lin)
 158/ - 1l.if (Joyousness/ 565)
564 Hexagram /58/)

This line makes friends through sincerity. In remaining

True and are the resulls of virtue and
happiness JoY unaHected by doser. inferior ac-qualntanc-es like Ihe third line .)
constancy. not of emotionalisIll. The I Ching's guIdance In
it wins the true friendship of the upright.
this respecl Is very dear: sentiment and emotion should be
and appropnateness.
govemed by Ihe principles of balance LINE 3: \"One tries to please superiors with -'latter-y.
However. one should not try to suppress emotion. because
as emollonal Indul- MUi./ortw,e.\
emotional rlgJdlly is just as lmheallhy
Most people Ihlnk that life without so-called ']oy\" and is in a yang
gence. This line
yln position. It has a weak
\"pleasure\" is boring and worthless. but pleasure ts actuallv as
wiUI strong ambllions and is aUracted
personality to worldly
elusive as a shadow. If one tnes 10 cat<-h II. II no lo':'ger
people and pleasures.
II seeks wealth and power by making
exists. and when it reaches its peak II becomes Its opposite - itself known to ?\037h\037rs Its joys are temporary and superlkial;
sorrow. Pleasure is only momentary. It camlOt last. Thus. humiliation and mlsfortwle
is real therefore. result.)
leaming what comprises true JOY and happiness
spiritual evolution. LINE 4: \"One hesi1ates 10 curb Ihe but
lower passions.
Tui guides us to develop constant peace of mind
an imler.
when this is accomplished much and
circlUTIstances. People who seek
there is joy
that is nol upset by extemal celebrafion.\
happiness from others. or who seek only to please others. will
never discover their w1l1lin.
fountain of joy
This is a in a weak position. thus
strong line Il is resOess
When one only perceives things emollona1ly. reality Because it
to mood. but when one's energy is
and hesllant. is between the weak third and the
changes according desires.
centered.one is not aflected by extenlal circumstances and is strong fifth line. it has strong vet is also aware of
higher joys. In such a position. one ll1U;t choose which wav
thus closer to knowing the \037e virtue of joy. In handling joy.
of happiness to sl1-ive for. Of course. Ole easiest waV is to
as well as other emollons. one should follow the exanlple of
stay wiOI worldly pleasures. However. this line has the' abilitv
the ocean. Its surface is rough and excited. but its depths are
and strength 10 rise above them. When one makes th'e
still.
very
decision to fmnly follow one's virtue. and bountiful
The promise of constant. subOejoy may encourage one to pure joy
attend to intemal growth and to look deeply within to see blessings will indeed come.)
what obstructs The achieved mind is like an endlessly
JOY.
LINE 5: \"Be alert in order to avoid e.'-ploi1alion.\
clearsky. No cloud can block Ule brtghtness of this innate
purity and joy.) lIne represf'nts a strong leader in the I uITf'rt
ThIs
If he places his trust in the WTong person.
LINE 1: \"The of harmony and mdependence. Good position. Howevf'r.
\
joy
disaster will surf'ly result. Thf' sixth linf' represf'nls all
jortwle.
unvlrl UOllS pf'rson who attempts to inlluenre olhers thruu\037h
Ilallery and exploitation. The fourlh line reprf'sents an able
is a yang lIne which has no response frOln
The fJrst line
eiOler Ule fourthor second line. Il Is unallached and helper who does nol seek favor. bill wishes to provide the
wiUI eorrert advire. A clear head is needed In this
independent. This joy comes from inner hanllony and is like
If'adf'r
situation.)
the pure. sponlaneous joy that one leelswhen exPeriencing a
pleasure for the first Urne.)
LINE 6: \"ElJil temptation.\
LINE 2: \"Tile of Remorse)
JOy fai1l\037rul jT-iendships.
Tills \",in line is above two vang lines. Il is Vf'I;.' scheming
disappears.\ lo pkase olhers In the f'ml. It
and nf'gallve and only wishes
Inferior people
pleases no one. Likf' allrads like. will be)))
Sincerity and faithfulness cause olhers to trust you.
Pleasing others In order to adl.leve yourself is not neces\037ary.)
 15BI
- JUt (Joyousnessl 567
566 Hexagram /58/)

Keep Ihe three mystics lmouth. mind and wdU

allracted 10 evU and become trapped; however. Ule virluous in one.
firmly wlited
will altract good friends and benefit gl'eatly.) Roaming. thUlking and myth. creating are wasleful
Hold .last 10 Ihe true origin Qf l!le.
This is Qf real value 10 cult ivaI ion.
To follow many religious leachings is corlfusmg.
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) Iheir essence is us<:ful.
Tofollow
To.lollow some plain truJl1 \037fnalure lS best.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: It is stablt'. bul be careful aboul
Too nlWlY met/wds bewilder.
iIIn..ss Use only one palh to the subtle realm.)
MARRIAGE: Th..re will be some quarrels.
CHILDBIRTH: Peacr-ful and safe. TIle deepest mysteries are JOW1r1
LOOKING FOR WORK: It can be found. without any teachings.
POSITION: It can be achieved.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL Only by being oJ the highest spirit
Rely on thr- support and strength of friends.
can you be aIT10ng the stuens. the whole beings)
TRADE/BUSINESS: In order for H 10 be proHtable. you
need 10 depend on people'shelp and assistance.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They can be fow,d.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: DilIlcull to find.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: DHTicull to calch. They are

hiding in the Northeast.

LAWSUIT: Make peace.
CLIMATE: It will be rainy. .;\037) --
--)
TRAVEL: In tlle beginiun/1: Ulere is some loss. bul ann
wards !here is happiness. 5\"9) hW3.t1-)
DISEASE: Sevel'e and dangerous.
PERSONALWISH: DiITiculllo achieve.)

015\03710f\\.)

COMMENTARY) GUiDANCE: \"Success. TIle great It'oder distributes his love

to allpeople. He builds Irll1ples in order 10 regain
impartially
One can be amused by beauti/il/ words. the spiTilualJocus Ihal people hal'e 10Sl due to their scattered
One a/so tries to frequently please others miJ1ds. He needsgwal courage. like Ihal which is needf'd 10
by what he says. cross the waler. TIlereis iIl Ihe uPri!clht and Ihe
great help
Are we aware of what we say? .1irm .\"
Much speech is not good.
Less speech is .1cworable. In this hexagram. Wind is above Water. How does
energy
Speedllessness is best. their Interaction Indicate dispersion? In the
belongs to
yearly
Unite your energy to the mystery (If the universe. cycle. Water belongs to Winter and Wind
winds blow over winter ice. the lee
and in the quiet depth within 'Iourself spring. When spring
over the
you will nIpet the totality QJ universal truth))) begins to melt and disperse. Also. Wind blowing
to directions.)
surface of Water causes it spread In all
 15!J1 Huan (Dispersion) 569
568 Hexagram /59/)

ravIne. II does nut receive help from Ihe filth line. which is
The upper tri1(ram. Sun. is Wood. Wood over Waler
also a yang LIne.
symbolizes a boat which. willI the help of Wind. can pass over Uw second LIne is the beginning of the inner
dillkull waters. Is a suitable
TIIUS. now time to go far away . Howe,;er.
Chen. whieh represents Thunder or Ihe feel and I
trigram
or commlmicate who are at a distance.
peoplewith
and caJm. one can successfully
cunnoles movement. Although il is unable 10 help ilself. il
I)
If one Is guided by clarlly
handle Ille aftennath of gathers lis energ,y and helps Ihe ftrsl lme. which is in even
or corred problems and
grealer Iruuble. Even though one has much
avert it will
dispersIon. There may be some wony over losses. so one slrengili.

should be l'areful. Aluiough IlliS hcxagram does not expl'ess go to wasle if nol used 10 benefil others.)
II is for the mosl pari
absolute good fortune. very positive. LINE 3: '\"Dispersing one's the salvation .) the
01
There are many examples of how dispersion is used as an strenglhJor
worW. TIlere is no remorse in tillS:'
aid in br<>aking up \"ongestion. For example.when ominous
clouds gather and create stomly the Wind COInes
condilions.
The third line is a yin line in a Along with
blows Illem away. When one catehes a cold. because the yang position.
and
the fourth LIne. it ts an assistant 10 the leader. the fifu1line.
ventilation between the inside and outside SkiJl has become The third itself tn order to help olllers. First
line renounces
congested.a wanll bath which eauses sweating will break up
rid oneself of everything
must which serves as a barrier to
one
the congestion and heaJlll will be restored. of others. Although can be
the understanding nothing
Dispersionis especiallyvaluable in self-cullivation. When
ambUion or misunderstanding. accomplished for oneself in this position. one can be of great
stronwy inlluenced by desire, benefit to others.)
one must remove the obstruction or Illere can be no real
progress. Once tile \"frozen ice\" Is dissolved. joy can be LINE 4: \"Leaving one's small group. peoplesurprisingly
restored. corne to support you. Great good.lortW1e.\
Sometimes people remain unforgiving or hold a grudge.
Such a condition is more unheaJtily for the grudge bearer
is in its correct position. has no
starts from The fOUTth line hut
than for Its object. Knowing that dispersion the first line. He becomesindependent
correspondence wilh
within. then through forgiveness balance can be restored.To and gains hiWI recognition as a loyallllin.ister to Ille king. He
is to disperse the blockage and dissolve the tension.)
forgive dissolves established bonds in order to completely and
dedicale himself to servirlg others. In return. he is
LINE 1: \"Dispersion begins. Rescue comeslike a strong. seU1essly
benellled.)
Jast horse wilh the cooperation qU;-;ends:') greatly

LINE 5: one's treasures 10 Ihe lVorld

tlrst line is weak. but in Ihis position should be \"DL\"persing h..-lp
The
Tllere is no.laull in this.\
strong. Since It has no correspondenceWIth Ule fourth line.
from the strong
is a siron!!.. wise and abk leader.'nlewild
it seeks sllpport sel'ond line.
is not yet serious, one must
'nlisline horse
Althollgh the danger ad
tn the sel\"ond position is too strong .1Ild amhlhous to
(juickJy Or it will be 100 late. Fortunately, its neIghbor Is a
correspond with It. However. Ihe ruler Is able 10lame hllll.
yang line which carries the weak first line to salety. Sinn' Ihe Ii II h line is the stnllll!. l'enler or Ihe trtl!,ram

2: \"fie /0 rescue. Relliorse) Wind. he exemplifiesthe power of genllt\" persuasIOn and gives
LINE qUickly goes till'
line has al'c\\Uuulaled
of htmself 10 ont\" and all. The IlJth
disappears,\
much wealth and strength and is thert\"fore tn a posilion to

people. He away his an'ulllulations. his

The se(,ond line Is also In 'Ul ineoITeei position. ht\"lp many \037IYt\"s
and his \"sweat.\" Just as sweatinl!. call help l>rt\"ak
FUJ1hennore. lis yang Is hi.ndert\"d hy Ihe stren/-,rth
a physil'al (\"(1sls.Alvin!!. of onl\"self can help l>reak
moving t\"n('r\037
surrounding yln lilies. like a wild horse Irapped witilin a))) through
throLl!!.h a sodal \037.rtsts.)
 /59/ - Huon /Dispersion) 571)
570 H(>xagram /59/)
COMMENTARY
6: ''Vispersillg 0 crisis Ihal could l...wilo bloodshed.
LINE From Three to Five)
OTIC /IIusl kef'pfarJi-om IIl1s dw.yer.\

trouble Dlsp..rsion when human

oe(\"urs intelligence exceeds spiri-
top line is 10 dlsperst' i\\.
when a person or a sociely is unable
Th.. by avoIding
tryinp; lual to
anolher place lar in order 10 avoid capabilily.
One should prepare away
hmction as a whole. Inldledual divergence arises Irom Ihe
Ihe present danger.) have lor underslanding and
dillen'nl (\"apabililies people
knowing Ihings. Ar-gumenls and wan.; breed in the warm bed
of divergence.
Real peace ealU101 he aehit-ved 1Intil Ihe full capabilily of
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) knowing Is adueved hy bOUl the individual and the human
race. Meanwhile. lolerance must be cultivated when dt:al.ing
willI dilrerences. The real basis of tolerance is rugher vision.
PERSONAL FORTUNE: are running smooUl.ly of new religious It'aders wished
Many years ago. a group
TIlings
now. hut he careful a change in your altilude.
a united religious movement. Th..y sought
of
to begin my
MARRIAGE: S..parallon.
father's support and expressed their broad-minded views to
HOUSING/FAMILY: If \\here is a lake ill Ii-onl of Ule house.
rulll in Ihis way:
the owner will not feel at peace.
are tile sanle. Somepeoplecall the uni,'ersal
CHILDBIRTH: II bom or Summer. it will
in Spring be a \"All religions
Tao and so lorth.
boy. If hom in Aulumn or Winler. it will he a girl. divinity God. others call it Allah. Brallman.
Tht\" lotus Hower sits aboveIts root and its stenl and is known
LOOKING FOR WORK: You get it. but afterwards you
Jose il. by diUerent names in dillerent places. but the lotus sits at Ule

SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Though there is top and ts adually the essen(\"eof them all. Therefore. God.
Allah. Brahlnan. Tao and various other naInes really nlean
diHkully in the lJegiru1ing. afterwards it can be acrueved.
the top. the essence. Religious cOll.l!it:1 is totally wmecessarv.
TRADE/BUSINESS: Difficult 10 achieve
should serve people. not 'cause tilem to
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are in Ule South and Religious tea(\"rungs
be fouud.
(\"all fight over differences.
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: TIley will not cOllie. \"A new universal rt\"ligion WiUI an equal view and no prejU-
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Dilncult to locate. dice is needed to brt\"ak. through tile rt\"ligious obstacles dlat
have continually hindered a close and peaceful relationsrup
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: DilIlcully.
LAWSUIT: Takt> action slowly.- Do ;'ot hurry. . among people throughout the world.\"

CLIMATE: II will bt\" rainy. My father g.-eett\"d tht\"ID wanuly and. during Ihe abundant
TRAVEL: Nol good for a'long Ineal he shared with Ulem. he spoke of rus personal t\"ITorls tn
Irip.
DISEASE: this direction. \"I lost my father betwet\"nlate Spring and eady
Dang.....
PERSONAL WISH: II can be achieved.))) Sununer when I was eighl years old. AI Ihatlinlt\". our ,\"illage
and Len uei\037hboring villages were sullt\"ring from a severt\"
epidemic of smallpox. It happt\"ned Ihal my falher was Ihe
only doclor peoplt\" would \\rusl wilh Iheil- young nnt\"s' livt\"s. SO
for tilret\" to four 1ll0ntlls ht\" rt\"fust\"d nu IlUUSt\" call when lI...re
was a ch;Jd witil a high Jevt\"r. Wilhuul com'enl lor his own
healtl.. wll h01l 1 proper rest ur food. he fuught tllis vkious.
lif..-taking dls..ase willi a Bnll will day and night and
su(\"ceedt\"d Nul a singh' lik was Ins\\. Finally. when Iht\"

dlnk1l1l period had been overcumt'. he r{'[unled home one

evening from a house ('all. I1lesial lit sky was husht\"d in)
 I

159/ - Huon (Dispersion) 573)

572 Hexagram 159/)
\037
opposIle: one who ran contIol his own liIe can bring lif.. to all
sil..nce as he approached lhe slone bridge Ule canal.
(\'ossing") others:
He liIied his over-worked legs. slep by weary slep. unUl he \"I paused momentarily to refled on the wise words lhis \\
finally reached the bridge. In Ult. dark of midnight. U1e man had spoken and then continued. 'As a mailer of fact.
old
arched bridge of slippery green slones made il di!Hcull for him
was a doctor. He broughllife to manv fan1ilies. bul
my father
to cross Ihe canal. 'l11e silence surrounded him and every- lost hIs OWl\\. Thus. a lamily of long lineage in Tao has been
thing was peacelul...xcept for a thunderous splash of wat':r. interrupted by hIs deatil. and now I have no way to conUnue
His neaUy-cut slim silhouette dIsappeared from the top of the hIs work or career: \\
bridge. At that moment. ten villages and our neighborhood \"'See.you
ar.. not an authority of lile. A person who is an
lost a good doctor and I lost my father and teacher.
I was foul.teen. I b..carn.. an apprenUce to tailor a authority of life can detenlline and achieve what he is gol.ng to \\
'When
be. No matter how difficult. all obstacles on his path can be
who spe(\"/aJized I.n making religious robes and clolhing for
if he applies his utnlost Tell me if I anI
overcome sincerity.
priests and monks and nuns of dilferent orders. During this
not l'lght:
Urne t had the opportunity 10live in one temple after another
for a master of some religion or another. When I was
\"After inspiring conversaUon. I knew I wanted to
a long.
working becomehis pupil to follow him wherever he mighl
and gu. bul
ninet..en. I took all my eanlings plus my family savings of
becamea when I expressed lny desire to becomehis follower he refused.
severnl hundred pieces of sIlver and o!Hcer.
saying, '1 alll like an unanchored buat. I mil not suitable to
military
I inherited my rank fl'Olll one of my ancestors who had served
in the anny of Ule Ching Dynasty have a pupil. But 1 will make you tilis promise. every - few
(I 644-1911 A. D.'
unit was staUoned on a beautiful mountain with years I will COIne to see you:
\"My
severaJ lamous whu culUvated '''Howwill you know where 1 am?'
temples and many hennils
'''Do not wony. 1 shall meet you anywhere. just as I have
Ihemselv.'sIn Ih.. stone caves there. Th..annv was sen' there
suldiers here:
because of ouUaws who often made this sa\037red place their picked you from aJI10ngthe many
\"I parted frum him reluctanlly. and since I had also
den. To pass the Ume. Ille soldiers would shoot atlnonkevs.
finished my three hundred day5 of killing authority, I was free
bu' sInceil was such a lask to operate 1l1e old-fashioried
to embark on lilY re-awakened spiritual
l'illes, Ih.. monkeys usually disappeared before 111..soldier journey.
1 visited many sptritual
could fir.. a shol. Nevertheless. a rille in hand always 'With my skill in making clothes.
suggested aulllOrity. and in my innocent youl h I vagu\037ly people living in temples, and even some hemuts. 1 stayed
and there for different of time in order to leam
sought to haw' sOllie feeling of authoril V ovel' life and death here periods
\"As I patrolled Ihe different of the mountain. '1 herbology. acuplmcture and the Universal Way Irom tht'
place\037
became lamiliar many spiritual teachers 1 encountered along tile way.
willI almost evelY spiritual person living
tilere. One day. at a place called Whenever 1 heard of anyone who had made some special
Ille Temple of the
Onf'. , mel a traveler. H..was a bt'auufuJ old Il1an achievement in his cultivation. I would go there and insist on
B\037nevolent
a lovely moustache and beard and a strong aura around becoming his pupil. During Uus time I also finished readmg
\037th
his peacelul b..iJIg. After a nonnaJ greel ing I immediatelv all the books my faUle!\" had len.
him as a highlv \"Ten years passed. and all my tt'adlers thought I Was fullv
r\037cognized achit'ved one. and a sped\";l
was fonnf'd. skilled and complt'te!y knowledgeablt' In halll.lIinJ!, all diseast\"s
Inendslnp I'eeling at f'ase. I asked him about With lilY old.
Tao. His slralghllorward answer surprised lIle: To he dn and spiritual probl..ms. wonl rube. oil paper
01 iii.. is to leam Tao.til..subUe umbrella. and three pieces of silver. I went to a town to b e l1.in
aul\037oIitv ulUmat.. trutl..'
I laughed and saJd. '1 am already an auUlority of liIe. If my work. TIIis was th.lrly-(h-e years ago when 1 was in mv
. .
I WIsh. 1\"aIl kilJ almost anything on Illis lIlounlain thirties. I<:very day I trt'<lled patients. and eyery lesuval day' I
lau!l;hl prople. Soon I found it necessary 10 dt'velup cente!\"s
. '''Perhaps you can.' he rf'plied, '!Jut. it seems I\037me that
as many people l'.uue 10accepl
killing IS. nol till: authority 0/ life. When the chi of dealh and temples for my teachings.
extendsIisell 10 someone's hand to ..xenltf' its work unl' and pradke Ihem. At Ihe opening 01 one new l'enter I gave
becomes Ih.. slave of dealt.. An aulhorily of lile I\037 the) the followlJlg talk:)))
 1591 Huan (Dispersion) 575)
574 Hexagmm /59/) \\)

'''Give up !ll(\" pn-Judices of dilfert'nl religions and uUlize people. If this ts what you have fed yourself. how do you
expect 10 conlinue !he work of Ihe dragons. your aclueved
Ihe esst'\\l('t' of tllt'm all. Recogni7e tht' different functions of
forefalhers? Have you really leaJTledspiritual truth? Work on
all It'aehings. Whal one can do. anotht'r cannot. Whal
!his. I will see you in !he fulure.\"
Conlucius oll..rs is on tlle level of Ule p;t'neral relaUonship of \"I knew I could nol keep him for more instruction. I slood
dnd soeiety. Whal Sakyamulli oilers is Ihe consolation
family
!here motionless In Ihe garden as he lefl. while !he large
of ps.vchological \037mpliness \";ld Ult' t'nd of dealh. Whal Lao
crowd somewhere in !he distance was enjoying whal I had
Tzu oilers is Ihe vaJue of remaining pure and lmattached. We
need Ult'm all. There is no reason lor an ardenl follower of just fed Ihem.
at Ihal momenl I rearranged my schedule.
one religion 10 ht' Ihe crut'l enemy of anolher. \"Beginning
I went to a particular mountain
\"We are nol poor cooks. however. who merely llu'ow a Almost every aftemoon and
slayed in seclusion. I meditaled on top of a large slone which
of foods logelher in one dish. We have tlle highesl
variely
had a legendary coruleclion with an ancienl achieved one. I
example from Iht' 1 Ching: Ihe principle of balance. A nonnal knew that in order to leaJTl !he high Iru!h of life. no ordinary
mind is a balanced mind. We shouJd nol allow prejudice or
teacher or book could help me. My teacher had to be U,e old
!he extremt' nal ure of some relIp;iolls 10 obstruct our ,uinds
of him day and night
and cause dilHcuJly in !he practical sphere of liIe or in Ihe man. myoId friend. I !houghl when my
harmonious relalionship of mankind Wilh Ihis principle. I
mInd was clear. and especially when I meditated in seclusion.
shall call our palh Ihe Pa!h of Thr..t'-in-One. Bul it is nol By doing noUling for several years in my meditalion excepllo
limHed 10 Ihree-in-one. The leachings of all greal world Ilunk of the old man. I discovered Ihal my mental capability
improved considerably. One aftemoon. during the good
religions can be melled inlo one greal poliO nourish us.
wealher of autullill. as I was recovering from deep Illeditation.
Howe\\'er. I shall slill call our group Observers of the Pa th of
I discovered an erecl. unusual hUIllan fonn in front oflne. It
TI-u-ee-in-One. Heaven is one.Earth is one and aU religions
are one. In a fWldamental sense. the body. mind and spiril was myoId Ii-iend!
\"He smiled and asked. 'Why do you invite me here?\"
are reintegrated. Not only do we harmonize wi!h all beings
and all world religions. we also mule wi!h all Heavens and \"I knew this was the opportunity I had obtained through
Ear!hs in !he enlire uruverse: the practice of utmosl sincerity over !hese long years. I
'While I was joyfuUy expressing lhis new spiritual
correctedmy posture and knelt in fronl of him. 'Other than
directJon lur humanity. I was 10 see myoid friend. to learn the subtle elemal tru!h from you. I have noUling to
surprised
!he achieved one. among !he lisleners. He was carrying !he beg: was my prompt reply.
same big bamboo halon his back and was smiling calmly as \"He laughed and said: lao Is 100big to put I11to words.
he sat on one of Ihe seals and quieUy lislened 10 mv talk. As One can unly leanl a way to reach Tao:
I wenl over 10 greet him. ready 10 invile him to om home. I '''Thal is whall meant.'
was surprised 10 notice !hat he appeared exactly as he had '''From very ancient times Ihere have bef'n many methods
Ihe day I lasl saw him many years ago. When I r\037ached him. which were Ien tu be passed on. Somf' of those Ul\037thods are
he said he wished (0 see me in lhe garden 10 have a word willI used 10 aIreet people's vision. sue:h as making oneseU
me. disappear. nlaking the Slm or llloon move eastward. t.'ullin!1:
\"NIe, aer'OIllpanylll!1: me to Ille gardell he said: 'Whal Ihe rainbow in half. spilling beans and LIansfoITIllng Ihem
you
leach is on Ih.. concepluallevel. 11le mind Is describable; 'Ihe Into an anllY. movin!1: a mountain from one placeto anolher.
spirit is not. Tao. as a pa!h. began before recorded hislory. emptying water from the ocean and so rorlh. Some melhods
Thus. Ulere are SOIJlf' Illings which ..annul be desn'ibed \037r can cause Ihe lull response of nature. such as sunulloning
wrillen aboul in books. You say Ihal you have gollen the tIlt' wind \037uld rain or thunder 10 subdue an evil demon or

\"ss\037llce
of spiriluaJ learning. bul aeCOl'ding 10 all lnlly summonlng an anllY of spiritual beln!1:s in all importanl
achieved sages what ean be spokell is only Ille dre/1;s. not th\037 event, or ca\\lsing nesh to grow a!1:ainon a skeleton.Someare
essence. You can feed an ordinary horse wiU'- common personal. pradlcal achievemenls such as traveling to the sun.
fodder. bul you l:anJlol fCf'd a dragoll willI lhe food of ordinary) Ihe moon. and olher stal-s; making oneseU' invisible. standmg)))
 {59{. HUWl (Dispersion) 577)
576 Hexagram {59!)
\"'Ifhe appears as the largest body. you will never recog-
tn the sun without ('asling a shadow: taklnl( a single step and nize hiIn. For exalnple. once when ynu were on this nlounlaln
of Illiles; er\037loyin\037 whatever one
yet travelJn\037 t110usands
you felllosi. until suddenly you place.
carne to this particular
wishes Ulat is unobtainable by ordInary people; entering the
EveryUw.g so aUractive and precious to you. so beautiful
was
do to leanl
smallest space. and so fOrtll. Now. what )'OU wish and wonderful. Do you recall how you fell when every1hing
with su('h sublimeness?\" was bathed in sunshine? You were totally enveloped by its
'''1 wish I ('ould meet my faU\\t'r' I ('ould not help but
and directly slale chann. Were you not puzzled that you did not know where
ignore all Ihose other interesting mt\"lhods you were or know how to find this place again alterward? But
In my hear!. To be witll my latller a,l!ain
whal was deepesl
wish tn my lIIe. allhough I was soon 10 you dtd expelienceit. and you could remember everything in
was the only serious detail, rillf1l? A('lually, thai was your father's divine being;
dlsco\\'er II would lake a long period of cultivallon in order 10 You were a('tive In his being. bul
you callie inlo his being.
be lul1illed. you never recognized your father. TIus is why the divine
You are to make this proof
\"He laughed again. wishing
being can be defined as .the biggesl has no exterior.'
vour achlevemenl. Bul. as you lold me. you lost your lather
\"Yes. it has always puzzled me. Thank you for breaking
when youwere a sllIall child.' the riddle. It is no wonder that there are many legends about
Ihere are five wavs of exuvial ion tor one
people going to pLaces as enchanled as a fairyland.
\"'As I leamed. yet not
who has achit-ved himself spirituall.\037. /-Ie could have passed
being able to find il again. Now I undersland this exPerience
01 Ihe five ways to dissolvehis physical bodv:
throul(h anyone of entering a divine being. II is like a rose placed in a room
spontaneous dissolution (instant departure from any posiU';n
the enUre room. One entersthe
wIth its fragrance pervading
one chooses and at any time). water dissolution (to be
of the rose when one sits in Ihe room. envelopedby ils
drowned in waled. fire dissolution (to be bunled in fire!. being
in tlle
fragrance. Now. please. I would like to see my father
weapon dissolution (to let another person use a weapon on
smallest size:
him). and earth dissolution (to make tlw earth split. bury
'''You could nol see him Ihal way either. For example.
oneself and then dose it again without a trace). I am certai\037
He must have when See tilings. he can be riding on your eyebrow: when
my father did nol die an ordinary
you
in yOlU ear. He can be wilh
death.
you hear Ihings. he can be silting
passed through water dissolution.'
any linle and any place he wishes. bul vou cannol see
'''How did you know all this? How could -you know it was you
il is
water dissolution?'
him. It is not his faull Umt you CalUlol see him; rather.
Ihal you have not yet achieved yourself. Your
read father's selTel booksand I can also
one of my YOlU faull
you III any lim..s. There are hundreds
\"'I
recall his He had dearly prepared fa tiler has been wilh
special virtuous
pradice.
and Ihousands of oUler divine beings who have visiled -you.
to enter Ihe Divine Immortal Realm:
bUI you have never been able 10 see Ihem either:
\"'In whal way would you like to meet your fatller? As he
was in I he ordinary world. so tllat you might see him '''Is there a way in which I can meet nlY k-llher as L See
you. Ihe way Iialk 10 you and lom'h you. as;:\" solid facl whil\"h
honorably revered as a human noble? Or would -you like to
mind and senses can reco\037niJe?'
see him as a divine bein\037' my unevolved
'''I would like 10 see him as a real divine one: \"\"The andenl divine methods can enabl..you 10 b(> whal-
'''Do you know tllere are Iwo sentences ever you wish. as weU as allY size you wIsh. Your melhod will
only importalll
which can describe a divine being? The biggesl has no be ready (in you in your inner ro\037m. \\\\'hen you are achieved.
exterior. The smallesl has no interior I shaJl bring you 10 meel your fatiler. Goodbye unlil tl1l'n:
A divine bt'inf.( is a
in Ihe blink of an eye. I hurned home 10
being who can have any size or lonll he chooses. Just as a \"He disappeared

human slretehes and bends his body. a divine my Inner room. 11w divine book was on Ihe desk. Fromlhal
beIng
on. I gave up my conlTpl ual acUV1ties and complelely -
slrel<-hes, becoming larger 1 han II... universe. and bends. moment
beeomlng srnaUer Ihan a grain of sand: devoled myself to real cultivatioll.
\"'I would Uke 10 see hlnl as the largest body.' I n'plkd.) \"Anolher fourteen years passed as I diligenlIy culUvaled
myself. Ont' lale SllllllIler aflenloon. I was at one of our)))
 1591 - Huon (DisperslDn) 579)
578 J-Iexaqrarn 15Y})
111<'w b\"...k 10 tile shore. Nter this experience. I revised my
counel\"f\"d 't'nlfJles. resting hv Uu.' sidf\" of a pond. I WdS
view 01 Iile and o'-'he world.\"
surround..d hy w....ping willow Iree\" wilh their lon\037. pliant
Being a student and pupil of lilY own father. I was
branches d.ulcing p:racelully in th.. genlle bre..ze. I watched as it was being told.
captivated by this wondrous slory I was
the lotus I10wersin '-ull bloom. In tilis greal IranquiUlv. I saw
a bit amazed and uncertain. however. when a small distinct
a lamllJar Hp:ur.. appear on tile sl1l\"bce of Ihe lucid water. voicearoseand said. \"Oh. oh. vour fatiler made a mistake: he
Ilumed and stood up 10greet myoId friend.
Imllledial..ly.
..
He said. '1 ha,'e llIade arranp:emenls with your falher. used the lood worthy of a diagon to nourish the common
He wishes to nlf\"et vnll. We think \\,Oll are readv'. people!\"
The voicesaid tiJis witiJ such loud laughter Lhat nlY ear
'''When? And \037h..re?' I asked \037xl\"lledlv.
IJIust have received this
10 I\\;,,'e no disturbances itched. I could see my father
'''Righl now. And here. Arrange at the saJne nJOlJJent, for he concluded his story like
lor sev..ndays.' message
ti1.1s:
\"I loll owed his insl.n1ctions and made Ihe arrangemenls.
\"From that time on, I corrected teachings from Ihe
Under his furtJJer inslrucUons w.. llI..ditaled Ihere al Ihe side of Three-In-One
my
to U\037e Palh of Five-in-One. Dear
of !hepond. The lall cupola of one lolus was tile destination PaLh
friends. tiJe PaLh of Five-in-One means Lhat the five
we were 10reach and enter. forces of nature within oneself need to be
\"Nter I enlered Ihe cupola it was no longer a cupola. but elementary
hanllonized. It also means tilat the five great hannonious
a eOlllpl.-le llilNerse. I walked wilh IlIV old friend and
and duties of human life should be fulfilled.
occasionally w.. lalked cheerfully. II look' us Ihree davs to relationships
especially the five hlessings of I-Isin \\the divine immortal
r..ach !he ('enler where. on 11... cenlral mounlain. a ngllr\037 was
tradition started before wrilten history): longevity. wealth.
sitting gracefully and comfortably. I hastened lilY sleps until life. This was the
I r..aehed where he sat. With e,..,y pari of my being. I
health. peace, constant virtue, and natural

him. He looked !he same as he had when I was real religion of unspoiled n1.1nds. but how can unspoiled
recognin>d
and Ihen len 10 minds have such great demands? They did not obtain Lhese
eight years old. when he had palled illY head
!\"hev obtained them bv
makehis lasl house visil. I almosl bursl inlo ledrs wilh great five blessings in Ihe relative sphere.

rap lure on Iinding

loils. I mel him.
my fa!her. ..
Finallv. after all IlIV valuable birth and
restore tile
by living
wJspoiled
correcUy
happy
at everym\037ment. if we could
lIund. what then would we have

look my hand and said. 'Lel us travel togeLher to unite?\

\"My lalher
to see Ihe wodd. I arrived not long ago:
\"II se..med Ihal all !he things I wanted 10 sav 10 him
became like ice exposed to sunshi;'e: Ihey suddenlv dissolved
and I1le Ihree of us happily traveled Ih\037 inlerestillg wodd of \037):

the cupola.
ef
--
--)
\"Almost seven days had passed when mv lalher said
Your body is slill important. You hav.. se\037n Ille as YO\"; Ch1\342\202\254h)
wished. and we have had a wonderflll lime togelher. This is 60)
not a deparlure. bul a new conlmunil\"ation
The secrel of iiI.. and Ihe secrel of Ihe universe are vel)'
10 start hereafler.
-
sE::l.f. Re5C-RAI m:..)
ordinary 10 us. bul Ihese secrets are beyond Ihe general
human mind. No dlslurbance should be given 10 oidinary GUIDANCE: \"Self-restraint helps one to progress. Any-
or 10 yourself by lelling of your expertence. This Is a
peo\037l\037
tradJIJOnal
thing overdone cannot last long.\"
pmhlbilion.'
\"I bowed (0 lilY falher, as a human lather, who accepted In ti1.1s hexagram, Water 1s aboveLake. If there is too
my deeply sincere human salulalion. Then myoId friend and) much water in a lake, 11 will ovedlow and cause damage to
the surrounding area. 1f Ule water level is too low. life will be)))
 II)))

[60[ - Chleh (Se!fRestra1nt) 581) \"

580 Hexagram [60/)

be balanced for aware of his liInitations and neither over-extends himself nor ,
undernourished. Likewise, one's energy must be kept. one knows one's
Douri sh.
life to
makes proI11lses that cannot When
in much the same way real capacity. commltInents and goals can be U-.at are set
Aperson's energy can be managed realistic and beneficial. lf one becomes exhausted or quits 1
that Water is re\037ulated by a dam. If the energy becomes too
the dam will break: if the energy is depleted, there will halfway. nothing will be accomplished.
spiritual education. self-restraint is symbolized
full.
not be enough in reserve for times of need. TIlls Is a lime of In natural
by bamboo which is hollow within and has a jOint at regular
self-control. self-discipline and self-restraInt.
intervals. These joints make the bamboo stronger and more \\
This hexagram also gives guidanre on how to correctly
flexible. lf the bamboo did not have joints, but grew in one
govern people with wise laws. reasonable controls and moder-
ate restraints. Restraint that is rigid or harsh cannot be \\.U1segmented ptece, it would never be able to support itself.
The appropriate and positive use of natural limilations 1)
adhered to, will reap negative results and thus will not
in all aspects of life is the primary
endure. and healthy temperance
of this hexagram. Restraint allows one to know
Most peopleImpose limitations on themselves by holding guidance
a narrow of view or unreasonable fear. Both are obsta- one's liInits. By recognizing them. one can be free within
point
cles Fear, emotional them and thus conduct oneselfproperly in any situation. By
that hinder necessary breakthroughs.
all distort clear vision. not expecting more from a circumstance than is possIble.
need, desire, pain and guilt can
Unfortunately, most people never get beyond such self- and by not striving for Impossible goals. one will be able to
conserve one's energy for other needs. Each line of this
Imposed barriers.
Limitation is aaspect of life and can provide a
necessary hexagram offers guidance for different stages of restraint.)
positive impetus growth because of the opport\\.U1-
lor proper
One stays wilhin
lUes it presents for breakthrough. A great tree was once a LINE 1: \"Definile se!frestraint. one's

seedwhich had to push its way out of a shell and then out of house. No blame.\
the earth. Somelimitations serve as a natural guard against
premature action. A child crawls before it walks, How else Maintain restraint, otherwise trouble arises. The fITst line

could it develop enough strength in its legs to support its represents Water at the bottom of the Lake and mdicates that
body? A tree will not bear fruit \\.U1W its branches are able to the Water is well contained without any danger of flooding,
support it. One should Slay calm and not try to exceed one's limitations.
As people grow up in competitive societies, they become Such self-restraint is beneficial, because oneis acting appro-
engrossed in worldly life, seek all kinds of extravagancesand priately. At this time do not be active. Keep yourself safe.)
thus lose their natural self-restraint. They seek extemal
wilh and
power and wealth without developing the inner strength LINE 2: \"Se!frestraint Jlexibility. versatility
necessary to allow a proper balance. Through over- movement. To stay behind one's door is dangerous,\
indulgence they ruin their health by living \\.U1naturally. For
example.when one eats too much, one's intemal organs are This line is the opposite of the fITst one. Here.trouble is
banned. When one speakstoo much, one's l\\.U1gs and mind caused by the Water not gomg \"ouL\" The level of Water m the
become weakened. On the other hand. extreme self-denial Is Lake has reached Its pomt of safety. In order to avoid danger,
also harmful and can provoke rebellion. One who does not it should continue to flow outward normally. A sudden.
sleep properly or engages in rigid limitation also suffers strong flow would be disastrous to the surrounding area.)
hannful consequences.
Sometimes people try to impose rigid self-restraints as LINE 3: \"Lack of self-restraint brings trouble. This
compensation for excesses. like a bandIt who In his later condilion could cause one to sigh over his state of
years practices religious austerities People also try to helplessness,\
compensate for excess by making \\.U1realistic promises d.l1d
commitments to others. Bul one who truly knows himself is)
 1601 - Chleh lSe!f'ReslraJntJ 583)
582 Hexagram {60})

other hand, tf discipline Is too harsh and idealistic. It Is not

TIle third line is at the top of the trigram Lake. Thus, practical and becomesdevoid of meaning.
there Is an abLmdance of water and much Is needed
strength
WIll not create
This line applies 10 a virtuous indivIdual who has set his
to maintain a normal flow so that floodtng standards too high. thus his discipline becomes crnbiUered.
trouble or waste. The third line Is a weak one in a strong Here the 1 Ching that one should not be too severe
\\)
suggests
posttion; if II is not aware of the problem in advance,
It will be
and should moderate one's idealistic expectations to more
too late to controltt later on.)
nonnal. practical standards.
OneJeelsconJident Anyone in a high position should avoid being stubbom
LINE 4: \"Co,.,yortable self-restraint. and InflexIble and should not seek to accomplish things that
a step-by-step plan.\
byJollowing are beyond his abllily. Overly severe discipline brings no real
and
benefit in the long run.)
can mean doing things rhyUullically
\"Self-restraint\"
systematically. Moreover. the practice of self-restraint can

bring about positive results in maintaining a good creative

relationship. The fourth line is a yin line in the correct GUIDANCE)
SPECIFIC
position. which means that one is loyal to the leader in the i
fifth position. The fourth line works well with self-discipline.
to support and cooperatewith
PERSONAL FORTUNE: This is not the right time for
He uses his position correctly
great prosperity. you need to wait.
the leader. and he carries out all his duties efficiently -) and
MARRIAGE: Successful.
successfully.
HOUSING/FAMILY: Good fortune, but beware of thieves.
\\
Good Jortune. CHILDBIRTH:
Peaceful. The baby will be a girl.
LINE 5: sweet se!Frestraint.
\"Ery}oyable.
LOOKING FOR WORK: You need to ask again and again
Everything Jurthers.\
before finding work.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Not successful.
represents a strong
TI1is line leader in the right position. Dillicult to achieve. I)))
Such a person controls and regulates his life by Imposing TRADE/BUSINESS:

restraint in a natural way. By regulating himself appro- SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE:Hurry. and perhaps you
priately, there is benefit. As master of his own life, he gains can fmd them.
the love and of others. Thus, he enjoys the benefit of WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will not come.
respect
his habitual self-restraint.) LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Difficult to find.
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are in the Northwest.
LINE 6: \"Biller self-restraint. TIle level and standards C!/ LAWSUIT: You should make peace.
se!frestraint are too high. Alihough no serious remorse CLIMATE:It will be rainy.
will be created. extremes in practi\302\243e will eventually not be DISEASE: Danger.
able /0 las/longbecause they are an abnormal approach.\ PERSONAL WISH: Dillicult to fulfill.)

TIlis position indicates too much control. unreasonable

discipline and abnormal selJ\037restraint. Thus. dillkulty or
trouble arises. COMMENTARY)
The example of a ruler and his people is a good analogy
for the higher and lower aspects of one's beIng. The top \"To Do is to Be\" and \"TO Know is To Do\
position, the ruler, has better vision than most of the people;
however. ordinary people reject discipline because tht\"y do not DIsciplineand self-restraint are the means of reaching
understand its beneHI. TIle reasonfor their reJecUori Is Ihal achievement. In fact, they are achievement in themselves. In
their percepUon is limited by their short-sightedness. On tile) order to avoid an unnatural and immoral result of discipline)
 [601 - Chieh (Se!fRestrainl) 585)
584 Hexagram [601)

remains etemally positive, creative. constructive. productive

self-restraint. the relationshtp between the discipline and
and
and aIfJmlative. Because the universe maintains its constant
the dJsciplined must be clearly understood.
and vIrtue. II never dies. Creatures die because they allow their
given action is a reaction
to previous behavior.
Any extemal environment to continually alfect their nature and
all behavior and actions are part of all other actions. thus vIrtue. 'l11ey dJe. not from the moment they physically cease
theIr interaction composes all of life's activities. When we are to breathe, but rather in each moment that they lose their
we eat. In this case hunger Is the cause and eating
hungry. constant virtue.
the effect. We eat in order to satisfY our hunger. Then. when
Is Tao? Tao is the elemal
we eat in order to satisfy our hunger, eating becomes the Then what Way. Tao Is the
of the universe Itself. It Is our original. divine. vital
cause and Ihe satisfaction or extinction of hunger becomes constancy
With It. we receIve life. Without it, we cease to live.
the effect. The matter of eating and the satisfaction of hunger energy.
Maintaining Ule enduring spirit of life is the first principle of
are actually of one origin and not two as It may appear.
The one origin Is the life force. The entire universe Is but true self-development. If we remain \\.llldisturbed by the
one life force called primal energy or universal nature. Every changeable faceof life. our happiness will never cease and our
positive energy will never die but will exist forever as part of
phenomenon. including non-existence, is an expressIon of
the universal
this universal life force, which is self-regulated in all events, Way.
big or smalL
In daily primary goal is to keep our enduring.
life.our
positive we are having a good or a bad
In the I Chin g or The BookoJChanges, this life force Is atUibutes, wheUler
called Chyan - . The sixty-four hexagrams express this day. by accepting any extemal change as It Is. Relatively
universal self-reg ulation. speaking, if we maintain our virtue, we can enjoy our good
On a human level. the only constant factor on which we days more fully and we can soften or Illitigate the discoII1fort
can rely is the virtue of universal cyclic change. Among all of our bad days. Through virtuous behavior we Can evenalter
and variations. the basic pattem of change comes possIbly dangerous slt\";ations.
changes
from the interaction of yIn and yang in which the oneness of In the etemal truth of t.miversal subUe reality, to know is
can be recognized. to do and to do is to be. lf our knowledge or our spirituality
primal energy
The relative nature of human cognition is sUI]Jassed by
and morality cannot be manifested In our daily lives through
spiritual power which goes beyond all relativity to t.miversal our thoughts. attitudes and behavior. it meanS that we do n\"ot
to this vision, the in the truly know them. To know something means to I1lentally and
unity. According highest power
responsive universe is the power of virtue. The power of spiritually attain and experience it. For example, true
virtue maintains the constancy of the t.miverse. Without this knowledge of benevolenceis the manifestation of benevolence,
constancy, the universe would be In a state of chaos. All of To know benevolence is to be benevolent.
our activities. good or bad. follow a specific, For instance. a baby may crawl into a busy street because
corresponding
paltem or channel of energy. Regardless of circumstances, of tbe negligence of its Y0\\.lllg mother. and a passer-by may
wWhether we are rich or poor, noble or COllllIlon, whether we reach out to save the baby from danger. To know is to do.
are having a good day or a bad day, we must always maintain This natural logic expresses tbe truth that tbere is no
the same good virtue towards ourselves and others. separation between the knower and Ulat which is known or
We should follow the example of nature, whose constant between tbe doer and tbat which Is done. TIlls truth
virtue provides all beings with the potential to enjoy their disproves the erroneous Idea that tilere is a separation or
lives; however, when people are tempted by the outside world duality between what one Is and what one thinks. knows.
they do not feel content and self-sufficient. When they see does or experiences at any level. Through such incomplete
this. they want to be like this. When they see that, they want underslanding, mankind has dogmatically created concepts
10 be like that. They forsake their own good nature in pursuit such as karma, retribution and tbe law of cause and erred.
of something or someone else. In order to correct the old misintellJretation of natlual
Behind all changing phenomena Is the hidden, enduring trutb, and to reveal the unchangeable fact that we are what
virtue of the wuverse which. as the t.miversal cycles evolve.) we do and think. tiLis ancient book of the unspoUed mind (the)))
 586 Hexagram [60})

I Ching! is presenled as an expression of the spirilualtruth of

behavior. It Is. althe same time. a manifestation
wise and virtuous energy of the ancient sages. When
of the truly
a f;J- --) --)
scent. this Is an act
ITagrant flower emits its beautiful the 61) coone; t:lA.)
complete In ilself. TIle conduct of thewhatfollower manifests
It Is. OtherwIse. it
nature of a fragrant flower. It does
would be impossible io recognize iI as a fragrant flower. In
\037d1FW-h\342\202\254OO)
the absolute realm of spiritual tnIth. to do is to be. To know
is to do. In reality. Illis is absolute truth.
The act of kn\037wing is the activity of mental energy which
GUIDANCE: can make even dolphins and swine
\"FaiLhfulness
fonns Itself Into a specificpattem. The principle \"to know is
tn.LSt you. It encourages one to engage m a great adventure,
to do\" means that the mind projects its mental energy. creat- such as crossing a greal of water.\
Ing patterns and images which are spontaneously reflected
or body

to it. the relative reahn. the form or

is over Lake. This image Is as
mirrored back In
In this Wind
patiems tile mind holds may be classiHed as \"good\" or \"bad.\" natural and
hexagram,
as the changing of seasons, the waxing
\"to know is to do\" Is beyond the relative reahn regular
The principle of the moon. and the changing of the tide. All of
and not and waning
which one may conceptually know sQInething
cycles are expressions of faJ.thfulness.
in
these
necessarily do or be that which one \"knows.\"
Here. two yin lines are surrounded by four yang lines.
To know is different from being aware of
truly something an open heart and a clearmind. These are
it. In the realm of mankind. one may discem something as depicting
at root of faithfulness.
qualities
and one may discem as the Although our original. unspoiled
good and thus do good, something
minds have become distorted, faithfulness can be restored
bad, but not necessarily do it. This is
the basis upon which
The spiritual the of virtue.
practice
human codesofethicsand morality were built. through
In addition to the hexagram's central yin energy. each
reahn transcends duality. In this realm, the mind plays a
trtgram has a central yang line, expressing inner strength and
passive rather than active role, its function being that of a
truthfulness. Because of the position of these yang lines, the
sensitive transmitter and receiver which spontaneously
image of faithfulness
lughly
is greatly strengthened.
knows things without the necessity of previous experience
The inner trtgrams, Mountain==and Thunder =-= also
and without having to discrImrnate between being or doing
or bad.)
contribute to this hexagram's intemal hannony. Mountain
good
and Thunder represent rest and movement respectively. An
appropriate balance between firmness and flexibility. stillness
and action, allows one's faithfulness to influence \037theTs.
Wind and Lake also represent obedienceand joy. In
human relationships, they represenl an older woman exerting
a positive influence over a younger one. By integrating these
good qualities. one can achieve what one undertakes.
The upper trigram, Wind, can also symbolize Wood.and
the central opennessof the yin lInes suggests a boat on a
lake. The lower trigram, Lake, symbolizes Metal. The inter-
action of tlleseene\037/!.ies suggests a metal tool tllat is used to
chisel out wood tn order to make a boat.
Chung Fu also symbolizes a bird's egg. The first and top
lines represent tile shell of the egg; the second and fifth lines.
the white pari; and the tllird and fourth lines. the yoke.)))
 1

[61[- Chung Fu (Falthfu1n\302\243ssJ 589)

588 Hexagram [611)
\\)
This line is the center of the lower trigran1. Though is
Through the failhful nature b.rd. an egg Is hatched and
of the
a yang line In a ytn is in a position of leadership.
II

a new life brought forili. 1ft he mother bird were irresponsible position, it
or careless in brooding her eggs. then what would be the It Is finn and fai1hful principles. thus it Is beneficial to
to Its
the enUre Good cOlI1I11un1cationwith
community. everyone
outcoflle? brings great happiness. The literal translation of this mood is
TIle Image of a binI's egg can be applit>d to each lIne of the
The first line is like the mother brooding over her symbolized by the sharing of a goblet of wine.
hexagram.
The second line shows life slowly laking fonn. like the
The image of a crane used because Is
it is a lake bird and
eggs. lis call can be heard in the autLlIIlI1. the season which corres- \\
embryo developing wiU1in ilie egg. The third line represents
the stage where ilie baby birds mayor may not hatch. the ponds with the Lake. The image of Lake is also associated
outcome depending on ilie moilier bird's responsiveness.The
with an open mouth. Furthennore. this line is at the begin-
iliat ilie birds will hatch very soon: and ning of the Inner trigram, Thunder, which indicates
fourili line Indicates
The top line movement.
the fifth line. that the eggs have already hatched.
is like a litUe bird learning to fly. In ilie beginning U,ere Is The open mouth is like a crane calling out.
activity of the

exhilaration and expectancy, but then it flies too high and Her young and recognize her call from
can hear a great
iliere is sadness. distance, even when she Is hidden. This means that one's \\)

and seasons. Wind is associated

directions with mIluence and service to others are not limited by distance. It
Regarding
ilie Southeast with Lake is associated with the also implies that there is a response to one's heartfelt wish.)
andSpIing.
West and with Among the JIve elemental
Autumn. phases of
to Wood and Lake to Metal. It Is LINE 3: \"One meets one's opponent. There could be either
energy. Wind belongs
a battle or a celebration. The situation
between Spring and Autumn that growth and development could lead to
are completed. However, in the interaction of these Sal11e singing or weeping.\

energiesat their elemental level. Metal destroys Wood. The third line is too weak for its position
Therefore. ilie shell of the egg must break in order f';r the bird and corresponds
to hatch; the wood must be cut in order to mak,e a boat. to ihe top line which is too strong for its position. Therefore,
These examples show how the interaction of all energies even though ihere is a correspondence. it is inappropriate.
has bOUl creatIve and destructive potential. Both are They relate to one anoiher in a confusing manner, lacking ,)))

necessary in Ule process of development as we reconnect high pIinciples.

ourselves with the truth.) The third line relies on ihe top line as its source of
strength. since it has lost Its own center and Is not
LINE 1: \"Faith or single-mindednessbrings peace and independent. Because others are not present to render aid, it

good Jortune. Diverseintentions is indecisive and vacillates greatly.

bring disharmony.\
The third line Is at the base of the lru1er trtgram,
From abroad point of view. !his line is fortunate because Mountain. which connotes stillness. It Is also at the top of
of ils position and eorrespondence with the fourth linc. The ihe lower trtgram, Lake, which represents excessiveness. TIus
fourth line represents one who is single-minded and sell- is a difficult situation and guidance Is needed, but neliher ihe
reliant. However. if hiS sense of purpose and correct
he loses top line nor ihe weak nelghbortng lines can be counted on.
position, he will also sacIifice peacefulness. It is a blessing The 1Ching advises one in this position to gaiher his energy
to maintain laithfulness steadfasUy: otherwise, One is like a to his center and to cultivate Sincerity. Alihough this Is a
woman who is the mistress of two men. Only confusion can difficult time. It Is good for growth.)
result.)
LINE 4: \"The moon is almost fulL The mare nms away
LINE 2: \"The CTW1e calls out Jr-om the thicket. and the from her mate. but qOers her loyalty to the leader No
young respond to her call. This is like saying. 'I have blame,\
something good to eryoy. Let us share it together.\
 1611 - Chung Fu /Falil!fuIness} 591
590 Hexagram 1611)
attainment will be tile natural result One whose faith Is
The fourth line corresponds to either tile neighbortng HIth misplaced only creates trouble and confusion for himself and
line or to l11e flrst line. In ancient times. a pair of horses was the rest of l11eworld)
used to draw a charlol. The fourth line is like the mare: her
mate could be tile yang line in either the flrsl or the fifth
If she chooses the flJl11line. she is beneflied. If she
position.
disregards Ole Hfth line III favor of the fust, there will be SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
misfortune. Fortunately. Ole relationship of the fourth line to
l11eflItll has almost fully ripened. like l11emoon approaching PERSONAL FORTUNE: Be careful, initial prosperity will
fullness. The pendtng full moon suggests l11at the opportun- .
decline.
Ity is an important
one. MARRIAGE: AlUlOugh It can succeed. there will be some
The fourl11 line should advance towards the fifUI seUlessly difficulty and misfortune tn the future which will involve
ral11er than manifest l11eselfishness attendant upon attach-
lawsuIts.
ment to l11efirst line. She should sacrifice personal affection HOUSING/FAMILY: It will last a long time. although
in order to serve tre ftJI11 ltne for a purpose which is lllOre
there be some difficulties.
IIllporlant l11an her own needs. Through such action. one tn
may

can create good fortune. When in conllict over SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTALPOSITION:It can be achieved.
this position
issue oJIatlliJulness. one should choosel11e way
TRADE/BUSINESS: Difficulty.
the righteous
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: They are hard to llnd.
and sacrifice sel11shpersonal views.) WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will come.
No remorse.\ LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: It is hard to ftnd
LINE 5: good people.
\"Faillifulness gathers HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They . are tn the East and can be
flfth ltne is the virtuous
The leader of this hexagram. The caught.
LAWSUIT: If you hurry there will be profit\". If you wail.
influence oJ Us deep stncerity and high prindples. tn addition
force which unites
there will be trouble.
to its ability to communicate. is the central
CLIMATE: It will be windy.
all. One who has l11e stncerity of this line will be successful
ill whatever is undertaken.)
TRAVEL: Good fortune.
DISEASE: Dangerous.
LINE 6: \"The rooster jlies too high. Bravado brings
PERSONAL WISH: Can be achieved.)
danger. Correct this.\

The sixth Itne is like a rooster that wishes to fly to

Heaven. This describesan tnferior person who is attempting
COMMENTARY
to reach 100 high a position.
A rooster who flies from one high tree to another only Reality)
tnvites misfortune. One that stays on the ground can easily
find womlS. A person who thinks Ulat flying is belier than Looking carelllily into the truth of spirituality from its
one that it can only be expressed by
finds == . In
staying low. eVen though that is his position. creates ortgin.

difficulty.
this hexagram. two broken lines are between four s olid lines.
a pure. open and empty Illind. in the last
The I Ching teaches balance. especiallyon the spiritual
which represents
One believes that he must ascend to arli- five thousand years of cultural development. nWllt'rous
path. who SOllIe
IIcial. religious heaven is no dillerent Ii-om a rooster that tries beliefs. customs and doctrines have been createdand estab-
to fly too high. One must be hones!. not deluded. If one lished that have either furthered or deterred the splritual
cuJUvales virtue and health. builds a life foundation growth 01 mankind. The fact that dillert'nceS exist should not
strong
and establishes reiallOnships that are harmonious. spIritual) be the \"problem\" that it oflt'n Is in today's society. Instead.)))
 /61} - Chung Fu IFaiJhJulnessJ 593)
592 Hexagram {6J})
from sadness to pride. Although he experienced and observed
11lUDanity should develop the understanding that these differ- rituals and ceremonies concerning death. after the busy
ences are only varying recognitions and expressions of dHrer-
tnany
days had ended he again expressed concem to his frit>nd by
ent levels of spiritual achievement. asking. \"Did any method work?\"
people are greatly amused and
SplritualJy developed '\"111is is the way it is done. No one questions it. People
enteriained by these colorful differences. lney can enjoy pay for these rituals in order to feel that they have helped
vartation without becoming attached or conlused. but such their deceased ones. This is the only answer I know.\"
confusion has been the cause of many deep conIlicts and
The businessillan said, \"Vou and I are successful busi-
wars among undeveloped people. neSSlnen. We have leamed to be realistic. I do not mind
the truth of religious realily. as It pertains to
Collecting spending the money. but I do wonder which way works. I
of the rational mind. is very valuable. In this
the evolution would like to do DlOre for DIY parents.\"
way. spiritual confusIon can be elilllinated and the true
\"This is not like buying goods for such a good price that
spiritual esst>nce can be reached. Let us follow the inquisitive you should buy more'\" said his friend.
mind of an excellent businessman and leam from his the rich businessman gave up the idea of
Reluctantly.
experiencesin the search for truth.
doing more. but year after year the many religious questions
In a Chinese there lived
cltV a successful As he began
largt>
When he was u-; his teens. he was a Confucian
about death grew deeper in his mind.
businessman. away. and he
fifty. some of his old friends passed
as were many men. He came from a very poor approaching
scholar. young noticed that his body was not as strong as before. so he began
family. and when his parents died he was forced to give up he had never before taken
contemplating things seriously.
his studies and enter the business world. Through hard work
He had many experiences that had helped him solve many
and fortunate circumstanceshe made a substantial fortune
and difficulties in both his business and daily life,
time he reached his forties. In his personal life. he problems
by the but now he needt>d a new idea. If money could send people to
enjoyed nIce houses. beautiful and the comforts of a
gardens
Heaven. he would surely have no problem. but going to
He satisfied himself and his family with things he had
family. Heaven only occurs after death and no one could prove that
never dreamed of in his childhood. His beloved parents
remained deep in his memory, however. and it troubled him
it really happens. Taking it for granted was certainly a great
One of his risk! He did not mind spending money on rituals if thev were
that they could not share and enjoy his prosperity.
old lTlends to him a conventional solution.
effective. but if they were not. then his good soul co\037d be
suggested
will only cost you the equivaleni
ruined. This might be a serious mistake. especially if his
\"U is an easy matter and
wealth were not well used. He also thought that if money
of 'one hair from nine cattle' to send your parents to Heaven.
could buy pennission to enter Heaven. evil people who had
Why don'l you invite all the different religious groups to or who made donations to temples
their rituals to guarantee parents' ascension to grand rituals perJ\"onned
perlonn your
Heaven? This is the way to ful1ill your filial duty to your would also go to Heaven. How could such a place as \"Heaven\"
be so lll1discriminaUng?
deceased parents.\"
the logical conclusion
After careful thought. he reached
\"But which way works?\" the rich man asked. could offer no assurance of going to Heaven,
way. You can see
that
'Who knows? This is our conventional money

yourself Ihat this is the custom when someone's parents Finally. there came the light from his good business mind
f\037r
dIe. They send for Taoist priests. Buddhisl monks and nuns that although money could not buy Heaven. it could buy the
truth of \"reality.\" Thus, he del'idt>d to interview different
and others to perform different rituals that will help the dead
ascend to Heaven. Oneof these meil10ds will probably wOl'k. knowledgeablt> religious people. and other experiencedones.
but who which. since each one claims to be \"the way.\" In order 10 obtain illls \"truth\" from their leanlli1g and
\037IOWS
The nch man decIded to follow his friend's advice. With experience. He would pay them. of COlll'se. as tn any other
help. was able to choose the besl groups for thts business transaction.
som\037
occasIon
h.e
and gl'eat rituals were perfomled for rot.tv- As a good businessman. the adventurousness of this
s\037eclal to him. Though he did not mind paying)))
rune days. As people flocked to them. hIs feelings chang\037d) enterprise appealed
 .
/61/ Chung Fu /Fai1hji.dnessJ 595)
594 Hexagram /61/)

rich Inan received guidance from his advisor on how to greet

the price. the goods must be real and worthwhile. II he could
a spiritual master. In the teacher's presence he should
gather the correct Infornlation to prepare himself for p;oinl2: to only
present a request or a question and avoid initiating
a diHerent world. then the money would surely be well spent.
At least he would be the only one to blame. regardlessof the
conversation Or asking personal questions such as the
teacher's ap;e. because these questions would find no
result. answers. The rich businessman leanled this etiquette and
His Idea was not dllIkult to Carry out: onlv special
to follow It carefully. When the meeting occurred.
needed to be made. A list \037fgood tea':hers who promised
arranp;ements
and practices was prepared. he welcomed his teacher very respectfully. but forgot how to
could their traditions
present
the help of experienced friends. the businessman
conduct the conversation without asking his teacher's age.
Through
Uleo.-Ies and practices of the The teacher smiled and after a long pause. said:
wished to filter out similar
the essential tnlth of \"The ageless past is my yesterday. The endless future is
different religions tn order to extract
to know of all these tomorrow. From this inlmeasurable present. at the point
each. He was so anxious reality the my
of this instant. you I are meeting. The Realm of
different teachings to pay a great smn.
that he was willing and
Since he did not have TImelessness is where I live. where neither tiIne nor age are
with \"essence\" being his only demand. measured. Using no measurement. we can accept peopleas
Urne for a great deal of theory. and in order to avoid
were given. are.\"
only the most inl,Jortant teachings they really
complication. The businessman suddenly the warning he had
His good mind. which had been used so well in the business from his advisor. He immediately
recalled

world. was now applied as a meticulous buyer in the religious received begged forgiveness
market. and straightforwardly presented his wish to learn Tao.
Years and he became very knowledgeable about all The teacher demanded twelve fish of pure gold. each
passed
their histories. doctrines and one catty 116 Chinese ounces of gold) to be placed in
the great religions. including weighing

rituals. He remained self-motivated by his untiring inquIsi- a boat along with other offerinj:!s. The boat wou1d set sail and
tiveness. During the process of leanling. he sOllletilnes be secluded from the worldly life of people. Only deaf sailors
became subject to the prejudices. confusion
and contradic- and servants would be allowed to help in the boat.
tions of particular religions until he was able to attain some After everything was prepared. and on a very auspicious
degree of enlightenment. Due to this benefit. he could deeply day. the teacher and pupil sailed out to sea accompanied by
reflect and clearly understand that all religious confusion and a few sailors and servants. The servants helped prepare the
contradiction w':re merely conceptual. In other words. Uley offerings in the maImer of traditional ritual and then retreated
were merely many different creations of the mind. behind tileir partition at the rear of the cabin. Only the
This was not what he had hoped to fwd. He wanted to teacher and the pupil were left together. They ceremoniously
achieve something deeper and broader than just a general made offerings to the Heavenly Realm. Then. to th\"e
understanding of religions. He nOW knew that ordinary anlazement of the rich businessman. the teacher took the
teachers could not meet his needs. They could only teach gold fish and threw them one by one into the ocean. TIle
him some small things. most of which were theological pupil's first instinct was to stop him. but he dared not smce
designed to accommodate psychological weak- the fish no longer belonged to him.
exaggerations
nesses. The basis of such religions did not go beyond the Finally. he gathered his courage and asked Ule master.
emotional or conceptual level. thus they amoW1ted to no mOre \"May I ventlue to ask the meaning of this?\"
than toys. tranquilizers. substitules. compensation and The teacher's answer was simple:\". just wanted to see the
escape. so he decided to find a teacher who was truly fish swim again.\"
achieved to be his model. \"I aID afraid Ulat probably carulOt happen.\"
Finding such a teacher was very dillkult. Only after 'Why not?\"
was one of \"Lifeless gold cannot be made into living fish.\"
searching fOr Illany years and using maIlY sources
true addevement finally found who would accepl the \"Is It U131 YOlU gold is not good enough?\"
businessman as his studenl Beforethis teacher arrived. the) \"All gold is lifeless. venerable sl...\

-)))
 r)

- Fu (FaiJ/UUlness)
/61} Chung 597)
596 Hexagram /61})
to truly achieve Tao:' the man answered.
\"How
The teacher then smiled and gently said to his pupil. \"I
order
\"In to achieve Tao and become divine within and
am glad you also know that.\"
an
without. one has to complete virtue. one's
Only by realiL.ing
At first the rich pupil was stricken, realizing what and cultivating one's virtue can the secret
of achieving Tao be
expensive lesson he had Just been taught.
bul he iJlulledlately a the teacher replied.
passed on to person.\"
you sir. Hereafter. your pupil
will
said to his teacher. 'Thank ''Your pupil wIll do whatever you suggest,\" said the
not value lifeless things. I will maintain single-mindedness in
busmessnlan.
order to leam Tao from you.\" \"Old you ever lose your virtue as you made those lifeless
\"Beinl( a trllthf. Ll one. what do you already know aboul fish?\"
the achievement ofTao?\" The businessman collected his and
Is more valued Ulan thoughts prudently
thus far that self-cultivation
\"I know
The pllIpose of self-cultivation Is to IJlade the following statement. \"No sir. I assume you are
connnon worship. asking my virtue In my financial
If Ilost enterprises. I have
achieve natural self-mastery. self-discipline, self-dependence. not to sever my root of life from its heavenly
known
self-restraint. self- always
self-continence. self-imp\037ovement. source. and have made a continuous effort to keep myself on
communion, self-command. self-possession,self-realization. path. Within this busily world. I have
self-sufficiency, self-contentment. self-effacement, self- the right changing

and self-surrender. However, among all of these practiced diligence, sincerity, honesty. eamestness, duty.
renunciation
an exact meaning for spiritual prudence, carefulness. fortitude. bravery, temperance. order,
words, none can beconsidered decency, courage and cleanliness. Among my friends and
self-cultivation; they are only a measure.\" I have eamed a reputation as a man of right-
makes self-cultivation different from other paths?\" acquaintances
'What
of. eousness. faithfulness, trustworthiness, justice,
religions. authority exists outsIde
not loyalty,
\"In
popular helpfulness, kindness, gentleness, harmony,
one's life. Therefore, worship Is considered to be the
cooperation,
within,
In Taoism. how- courtesy, consideration. lmderstanding,
politeness. forgive-
most important practice of general religions.
ever, one begins with a foundation of sincere practice and the ness and charity. In my own work ufbusiness management.
that the authority of life is within one's own being. I am a man of fidelity, propriety, correctness, exactness.
recognition and I am also scrupulous in making
One thus achieves the realization of true inner authority. precision efllciency.
Therefore, the of self-cultivation
process is the main feature of money and frugal in spending It. For this, my family has
occasionally complained. However. I believe I am frugaI, not
Taoism.
\"I do not mean that because spirilual leaITling stresses miserly. Every evening before going to bed. I write in my diary
tUITl away from the Divine Realm. as a means of introspection. I have practiced this for many
self-cultivation, one should
I mean that only through one's own self-cultivation can one years. While this is my realization of self-virtue in everyday
this process of growth. one life, I truly know this is not something I did for others. I did
attain spuitual \037rowth. TIrrough
the Divine Reahn. il for myself. and it Is nothing to be proud of. I have nol
can conned deeply with
\"In llie real practice of deep spirituality. one realizes the accumulated any merit for the world. I have been self-
oneself: there Is no real separationbetween the centered wiUI my love. and my purpose in life has been to
divinity williln
nattue and one's own divine nahue. In the practice obtain worldly strength. I was a man of the world. yet I
universal
of popular religion, a divine aulliority Is established outsideof recogni7..e that divinity and Heaven are manifested bv their
one's own being. As llie followers of Ulese religions miss the bowldless, virtuous love: that spirits can be made to r\037spond

trulli of oneness and become dualistic, Ule Divine to sincerity: and that the nature of Ule tmiverse is the
spiritual
Realm becomes even further removed from their lives. In ftmdamental reality of Ule universe. The virtue of nature ts to
practicing self-cultivation, however, one should not put too be truthful. Virtue Is 10ng-endtuulg: power or force Is short-
much emphasis on one's personal,indIvidual divlnlly in order lived. Virtue Is gentle and subtle: power or forceis strong and

not to lose connection with wliversal dIvinity. l\037onspicuous. I am vaguely aware Ulat through spiritual self-
'There Is nothing wrong with the level you have reat'hed,\" cultivation one can restore the virtue of one's Ilahue
continued the teacher, \"what else do you wish to learn?\ regardless of birth. education or social backgrowld. but I)))
 r)

- Fti [FaUhfulnessJ
[6Jj Chung 599)
598 Hexagram [6Jj)
out many evil orders during war; however, such expedient
of my hi\037h social standing. I was
made virlue tlle hallmark actions should not become habitual in one's dally life when
I now know that virtue exists in the honest, plain the war Is over.
wrong. tn various
nature of a human being and can be expressed \"Evil can be defined
and sin as actions or behavior that
is at any given time.
ways. Plain nature invariable occur at iInproper Urnes and places. They are not absolute.
my enlightenment
Is late. I now know that all Evil people and real sirmers are those who become attached
\"Although
Good-
virlue can be SlIJIlmarized into one word: goodness. to once they discover it as an easy way of
Is used e':'Pedient behavior or
ness is the first nature of all beings. When goodness solvmg problems accomplishing their purpose. These
to describe the first nature, It Is the nature of truth. beauty.
expedient measures then become habits. routines. and even-
completeness and greatness. In real-
sacredness. perfection, tually a way of life.
ity. the first nature cannot be specified by any particular \"People who cultivate themselves do not need to work in
virtue. TItus. it is universally virtuous. order to reclaim their original nature; Instead they need to
and sin tllat are caused within the
\"Evil by experiences
of one's nature. constantly cleanse and purify the contamination theyencoun-
social environment are distortions original ter. One must be careful not to let habits take over one's life.
and bad habits are actually a second or
Self-contamination \"In cultivating the Universal Way, one cultivates self-
false nature. One who is trapped in this way of living is on the Universal Way.
integration. In meditating one
referred to as having lost his original nature. Understanding awakens one's oliginal nat ure. Awakening and enlight\037nrnent
this. I know that our original n.lIure is great nature itself. It
the
are not form.s of spiritual loftiness. but come from a thorough
is the path, the Universal Way. Consequently. following realization of virtue.
path is truly self-realization and self-accomplishment. Tao restores the of one's innate
\"Cultivating universality
'The first nature of human beings is the very nature of natural being. It restores pUlity mental and phYSical
one's
Heaven and Earlll and. by extension. the nature of the entire
II reintegrates the fragments of worldly distractions
universe. All correct spiritual education is at the aimed purity.
and de-unifying To be integral is to be one with
experiences.
restoration of tlllS original nature. This restoration does not
the deep nature of the universe.
require one to 'work' on anything. As I was told, the purest \"Because the nature of human beings is the nature of the
is the
guidance of 'non-doing: 'non-making' or 'non-deviating'
universe, the true authority of life is internal. The true source
method. In order to recover our lost nature and
only proper of judgment is also internal and parallels the growth of
the many deviations from this nature. one has to
reintegrate human self-awareness. Punishment and guilt. misery and
eliIninate the contan1lnation in one's daily life. Such contam- are the results of deviating from one's ortgmal
ination is sometimescalledusing 'expedient
suffering
measures' and.
nature. Reward. contentment and true happiness all come
in certain situations. JIlay be the most appropriate or tbe only
from the constancy of embracing one's original nature. The
to react. But persisting in 'expedient measures' can
way
in ancient highest morality is not linked to the demands of society, but
become a means of self-corruption. For example,
from total inner hannony and balance. Thus. high
Chinese society, physical closeness between sisters and come\037
is a result of preaching but of self-recognition.
fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, brothers- \037ot
Way and total integration is indescribable.
mor\037ty
brothers,
was strictly forbidden in order to The lJruversal
in-law and sisters-in-law
avoid temptation and the possibilitY of interbreeding. The
but among all individually expressed virtues, truthfulness
and sincerity are pivotal. With stncerity. one can realize one's
ancient sage, Mencius, was once challenged with the following
Virtue is like a beautiful nower. with one's
question: 'If a sister-in-law fell into a well, should a brother-
true being.
universal nature as its root. The realtzation of virtue does not
in-law reach his hand in to save her?\" Mencius responded
he should, for this was an example of an expedient
come from fragmented. superficial attempts to redefine one's
personality. Virtue must be whole, not partial. This ts called
that
condition, not a nomlal one.
'Universal
\"However, if expedient behavior becomes habit-fonning, Being.'
all know that being virtuous is a valuable thing.
such as helping one's sister-in-law in everyday situalions, \"\037eopk
then troubles may arise. In the saJlle manner, soldiers cany) but lew know that virtue can be the 'secret nleasure' or)))
 'f)

/61{- Chung Fu lFailhJulness} 601)

600 Hexagrwn {61{)
dillerent fronl doing business in Ule ordinary world. One
'weapon' bv which a nation. a family or a person improves needs to be about one's personal cultivation. One
practical
Ulea Inner and outer being. must first fulfill all aspects of life in order to live a life of
'Virtue should be practiced in a secret way as a ,,;ilent
This does not involve enormous material pos-
paUl. OtherwIse. on..might Iw-n virtue into someUIingsuper-
completeness.
sessions. railier, a life of completeness is in itself ilie very
ficial and UIUS not be benefited by one's practices. By taking
of life. It cannot be achieved wiiliout
actions. the mind Is easily dIsturbed and essence being practicoil
credit for virtuous and down earth.
sometimes even destroyed. Examples of this behavior are to

of worldiy conllict. ll1erefore. Ule \"I have come to understand iliat spiritual achievement Is
apparent In sItuations purely personal. One's practicemust be subtle and secret.
subtle. secret virtue is highest.
is only a In oilier words. be a god in ilie Subtle Realm and not a force
\"What I have sincerely done lor many years
be woriliy to in the human realm. This is spiritual virtue. One should be
preparation for this moment. so that I this would
to you for your a spiritual model for people. while being careful not to create
receivetile ireasures of Tao. I present
sir.\"
a strong spiritual iInage. since this only creates conllicL II
inspection. one loses spiritual one's teachings lnay sound beauti-
responded. 'The I about Is virtue.
The master virtue inquire
much more fundamental ilian you might think. It is basic to ful. but iliey have no real spiritual value. Donot be confused
under- by ilie great world Do not mistake scarecrows for
human life and does not involve philosophical religions.
Do not choose a religion
all
eat Do you sleep real iliat will make you
standing. Please, tell me: Do you well? beings.
well? Do you ewninate well? Do you do well with women? narrow and prejudiced. Always respect real spiritual educa-

Do you walk well? These are someof ilie virtues of a normal. tion which can help you grow. Total h\\.unan spiritual growth
life. II one has trouble wltll any of iliese. one may can only be realized through individual spiritual growth. By
healiliy
wonder what were ilie true reasons Uleir life was ruined. I
practicing true piety. which is not misgulded toward a
narrowly defined. limited one can find a
hope you have not neglected
iliese.\" spiritual image.
\"In all honesty. venerable teacher, wllh regard to iliese connection with ilie totality of universal life. By achieving
and unbeneficial clarity. one can transcend shallow cultural and religious con-
very personal U1ings. after years of beneficial
eat well. I have also allows one to be indifferent to ilie
pursuits J have a stomach ulcer. so I cannot llict. This clarity
frequent insomnia. so I cannot sleep well. I alii habllually troublesome. vulgar world of ignorance. obstinacy and
constipated. so I cannot have good bowel movements. I have aggression.
kidney stones. sO J cannot urinate well. In tenns of sex. I aln \"I have cherish ilie truUI in life. I believe ilie
leamed to
Impotent. J have goul in boili knees. soI carillot the same truili of all lives. It is not the
walk far. In truili within me to be
tenns of ..... truth that causes troubles; it is the many inl1exible interpre-
The teachersloppedhim. 'That is enough. You have lost tations of the truth that cause problems in the human world.
the virtue of a basic life. What kind of spirituality do yOU 'The main thing 1 have gained from my search and the
expect to learn from me?\" self-cultivation which 1 now en.joy and can share wiili others
'To achieve Tao,\" !he delennined
was reSponse. is this: depart from the wasteful past. Refine and enhance
\"First,\" Instructed the teacher. \"reslore all the virtues of a the essence of your being in order to live a universal life of
normal life. I do nol need to question you furilier in order to endless boW1Iy.\"
find oul whether you are worthy. Only when you restore the The businessman enjoyed great personal benefits as a
basic virlues shall the secret ofTaobe on passed
to you.\" result of learrling Tao and his spiritualgrOwtJl was much
The rich businessman followed Ole special instrul'tions advanced. One day. to his was paid a visil by
st.rrprise. he
and methods his teacher passed
011 10 him and restored all Master True Gold. On this precious occasion. he sought
Ihe \"virtues\" he had lost. In his later years he enjoyed good further instruction. Aller this visil ii-om his teacher, the man
health. On various occasions. many of his old friends would further laught his friends: \"After learning Tao. we are proud
visit him and ask how to cultivate Tao. He always laughed of our good health. Having good health Is ni(.'e. but it is not
and said: \"As J was laugh!. the spirilual realm Is nol very) tile final achievement. lf so. lions and tigers and oUler wild)))
 '.f)

{6J] -
Chung Fu (FaUhfulness] 603)
602 Hexagram /6J}
We also yang-natured food to 50% yin-natured food. ra!ber it is four
anImals !bat have \037ood health would be achieved. porttons of yang-natured food to one portton of yin-natured
!be view !bat we have culttvated. But are you food. (Note: thIs can be interpreted as a balanced proportion
enjoy high ts low to
aware Illat you are taking advanta\037e of !bat which between alkaline and acid foods.)
build that which is high? Surely. !bere should be no prtde in
\"Also consider the \"lopsided\" but none!beless heal!by
this achJevement el!ber. Moreover. you inllex1bly apply !be balance wiUlin the human body. such as !bevast number of
to all situaUons, which tells me you do
principle of balance red blood cells (i.e.. Ule yung. or nutrittve bloodl working
not truly understand what balance is. hannoniously with Ule small band 01 white blood cells (!be
to popular mIsconception. balance is not wei. or protective bloodl. By virtue of their respecttve
of !bat. !bough It can
\"Contrary
!bat is half of this and half functtons. it would cn'ate havoc if !bey were equal in number.
something
The correct applicatton of
be equivalent and symmetric.a1.
nor an attitude of \"Extending outward Into !be socialsphere.we can observe
balance Is not a \"middle\" or \"halfway.\" many instances in which !be idea of 50/50 should not and
compromise. = will not work. Il would only be a source of misery. for
whJch are begtnn1ng
\"In \037\037-and different cycles exanlple. when a country attempts to spend half or more of its
should beIiandled a\037dingIy,
centers of are budget on nattonal defense and neglects o!ber positive and
\"In \037!\037 and =-= different strength
beneficial causes such as education. transportation. techno-
one is broaa-pwposed and the other is narrow-
formed; logical development and social welfare. In this case. true
pwposeli. _ =-= is given; one under- balance would be achieved at a level closer to 70/30. wi!b !be
\"In :::: and responsibility the lesser share.
other caution. military being apportioned
taken wijj1]iumility . the with
ever reflective of nature. the sixty-four
\"In ;; \037 and
=-= duties are assigned to assistants. \"Analogously.
some with con- hexagrams each express a different pattern of energy fonna-
PrivIleges also shift \"\"f()them. One accepts
lion In which one appropriate point must be found. Only
fidence and others -with- fear.
correct centers are recognized; one when !bat point is discovered and realized can balance.
\"In and
harmony and cooperationexist.
\037\037
suppo rtive of the other of egoless power,
k.in dri\037s\037and
there is an area or zone in which a
\"In \037\037 and _ competition is expressed;one with \"In every situation.
hamlOnious balance of yin-yang is maintained. If !be boun-
a\037essive a om.inance, the other with virtuous resolution.
dcuy for this zone is overstepped. one will meet destruction.
\"In and \037\037 the energy is different, but in the
and the particular transgression will naturally meet its
same formation, Here. the balancing center !.s the fifth
' the se- retribution. Regarding individuallife'- the trouble
line. When the center lines are all strong, = appropriate
and all that he is associated
will affect the person. his family.
cond line expresses safety. l2.u1 In \037\037 the top-line sacri-
with. On a larger scale. the errect is nalurally much bigger.
fices itself for !he rest. In g \037 , notonly does the vitality
There have been many people In history who have Irted to
of the masculIn e energy retUITi. but also that of the femi-
nine in \037\037 ; and. as the vitality of the masculine energy cross the hannonizing boundi'ry belween yi.n-yang and have
leaves, s'Oaoesthe feminine. met destruction as a result of their pnsonal ambition. In all
matters and relationships. this inviolable line of harmony can
\"In all sixty-four hexagrams there must be a balandng
never be ignored.
line. The of this principle is unlimiled. For
people should lean1 how to mut1le
appl.icatton
example: !he proportion of ocean water to earth surface is \"Spiritually developed
their voices and not only lmderstand the Importance of rt'aliz-
70/30. In !his case. it is tile necesscuy and appropriate
balance. Similarly. Ihe hemispheres of !he earth. lIke the ing their virtuous being. but also keep it unknown 10 others.
of building something outwardly. but at all
hemispheres of !he brain.
Never be proud
are not a 50/50 division. Their
Urnes, embody the w1bol\"n. imperishable and Immortal One.\)
lrue equivalence or balance comesinstead from the way in
which !hey Inlemel.
'Thissame general principle applies to everything. In diet
and nutrition. for instance. Ihe correct balance is not 50%)
 - Sh/ao Kuo 605)
162} IMlnor Excess}

proud places himself in a difficult situation. One who is

hLunble receives help.
--
--) The Irnage of a flying bird also represents something that
is unattainable. It can be flying seen
and heard singing. but
,).1& be touched. This implies tinle when one Is unable a
shla..o
--
--) It cannot
to accomplish of great significance. When there is a
62 l<.UO)
tendency toward
anything
excess. one should not beconle involved in
things of great Importance.
mmoR. eKce55) Examples of minor excesses are miserliness. gluttony,
displays of grief or pain, and impositions on others. When
one goes beyond the point of appropriateness, trouble results.)
GUIDANCE: \"Minor excesses cause trouble. It is not safefor
the bird to.!ly high: i1 should stay low. One should not a1tempt LINE 1: \"lhe bird tries to.!ly. Danger. Be humble.\
large undertakings a1 this time.\
The Hrst line is a yin line in a yang position which. in this

In this hexagram, Thunder is above Mountain. When case, means that one should be Inore prepared than one is.

there is a stonn above a Mountain, it is better to keep low. If This line has a tendency to move forward without looking, to
When act before understanding the situation. and to talk when one
a bird Soars too high. it becomes caught in the storm.
inner strength, one should be listening. One in this position Is like a bird that
personal weakness predominates over
to fly before it is ready. the
should not go beyond one's capabilities or position. However, attempts Lacking strength
such times of weaknessare not necessarily dangerous If one demanded by the situation. it meets danger that cannot be
acts in accordance with the natural principles that govem the averted.)
situation. Thus. this Is a time to be humble, not a time to
undertake matters. LINE 2: \"One should stay at one's level. Do not aUempt
important
In this two yang lines are contained within two to reach what is too high.\
hexagram,
yin lines on each side. In quantity, yin exceeds yang, yet in
exceeds yin. The two central yang lines are This is a yin line in a position of leadership. It is weak,
strength, yang
not in a good position for leadership and are unable to control but it is In its right position. Although one cannot achieve
the situation. Leadership requIres strong energy. The yin anything of great importance, there is no problem if one keeps
line in the center of each trigram Is in a position of leader- to what one can do and does not go beyond one's position.
ship, but it does not have the strength necessary to control Tluscan be explained another way. Because the futh line
the circumstances. For this reason, much of the yin energy Is is also yin, Olere is no support from it. Thus, the second line
unrestrained. goes to Ole fourth for help. The literal translation is. \"One
The image presentedis that of a bird flying into a storm. can only attain Ule standard of a grandmother. not a grand-
The central yang lines represent the bird's body and the father. One can only attain the standard of a minister, not a
leader.\" This means that, to one's linutalions, one can
surrounding yin lines are Its wings. like a bird flying proudly due
into a storm with wings oulstretched. Imagine its fate! only give help and support to oUlers without attaining great
The yin lines are also birds who fly too high, spreading achievements oneself.)
their wings too wide. Unable to control themselves, the
higher they fly, the more they are endangered; Oleir pleas for LINE 3: \"Being overly-cor!Jrdcnt. one negleels proper
help cannot be heard at such a distance. However, in a lower protection wid invites trouble.\
place Oley can gather together. Thus, this hexagram suggests
rema1ning low and sUll. One who is 100 ambitioL:s or 100) This line is at the top of the Mountain and is exposedto
Ole Thunder above. l11erefore, one must be careful even in a)))
 1621 - Shicw Kuo (Minor Excess) 607)
606 Hexagram /62/)

Ihls Is a yang Une In a yang

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE)
smaJl matters. Furthermore.
and pride. whiCh
position. but in this situation ils strength PERSONALFORTUNE: Disease Is difficult 10prevent.
in the
are due to egotiSJn. are exaMerated since boththird leaders MARRIAGE: Success is difficult to achieve.
upper and lower trigrarns are weak. The Une invlles
HOUSING/FAMILY: If there are two masters of the house.
trouble bv showing ofT. He feels too confident and line. expresses
Also. there can be no benefit.
himself \037tllOut regard for his le.ader. the second CHILDBIRTH: Dilficult.
he has nol protected himself weU and is thus susceptible to
LOOKING FOR WORK: Although it can be achieved.It
flattel)' from those of inferior virtue.
will not be a high position.
result j;-orn any.forceful acllon SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: Difficult to achieve.
LINE 4: \"ResistancewiU There will be difficulties.
In cOlTecling restlessness there will be no TRADE/BUSINESS:
due to haste.
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: If you go searching witll
faulI.\ someone else. they carl be tound
Une is strong. it Is limited by Us weak WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will be late.
Although the fourth
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LOST: Hard to recover.
humble
lf it c.an itself before Ihe leader in the filth
position.
there will be no problem. Now is an especially HUNTING FOR THIEVES: They are difficult to catch.
position. LAWSUIT: Make peace.
important lime to be flexible. One should not where try to exceed
It wiU be rainy.
one's position. but should modestly remain one is. CLIMATE:

ThIs line is a warning.)

TRAVEL: It is best to stay home.
DISEASE: If it is not seIious. it carl be cured by keeping
LINE 5: \"171e clouds are thick. but it does not rain. One still.
shoots birds in the nest,\ PERSONAL WISH: Hard to achieve.)

ThIs line is in the position of leadership. but it is weak.

Instead of being a leader. it is more Uke a YOlmg pIince whose
talents and are not yet fully developed
abiUties and whose COMMENTARY)

is not as strong
of leadership as it should be. It is
style
for thIs line to enjoy something which has already Avoid Excess in Everyday Life)
possible
been done. However. this Is not the correct time to begin any
new plans or to engage in major undertakings.) When practicing se!f-cultivation. be truthful.
Continually assess YOUT achievement.
LINE 6: \"The birdjlies too high. DWlger.\ With the Sacred Method qf Harmony.
dissa/ve the concept of self.
The lop line exceeds its situation instead of just meeting Prove that beingness Wld emptiness are inlerconnected

it. One should eslablish limits that can be respected and and mutually trWlsfonning.)
achieved. ExcessIveness
and an attempt 10 maintain a high
or lofty position will only invite danger. Life wid death are supe\037/lcial phenomena,
The principle of keeping low is clearly exemplified in this The way oj I!leand death is one. not two.

hexagram as well as the previous one. The spiritual princi- Control YOllr energy.
ples of sImplicity and plainness Carl be appreciated by and true I!lecontinues endlessly.)
contemplating these two hexagranls. They are specific
examples of leaming from the virtue of natuI\"e.) BeClluse your energy is not yet refined.
\037Jou become disturbed
during tlle earLy stllges l!f cultivation.)))
 r
608 Hexagram (62()
r
Eventually. the essence I)

or tile abdominal center appears.. .

to become sweet andJragrant
dlL i
\"changing .
t-hrough the three main points o.f
the spUle. ifu;1t- \\
a,'eaking \\
this energll traJlsformation 63) chichi) i
can have ihe following ben\037/[t. I)

Rising up from the kidneys. . I

into the braUl. CR0551t).(1 \"C,he;-- W\037)
the energy penetrates directly AfreR- I
becoming spiJiluallighl. \\
Ihe energy o.f '!Ie and regeneralion.
GUIDANCE: \"7he 'Water' has been crossed. This is the time \\
I I)
To achieveand constantly maintain the three spheres. after completion. Thulgs go welL SmaIL achievemenl.s can be
(agilE vilaWy. calm mind and high pure spiril) attained. Accomplishments should be protected. OtherwISe.
proves you a shien livin\037. in this world.
10 be good fortune in the beginning becomes confusion in the end:')
Govern 'lour body willI your spuil
in order 10 progress 10a higher level of l!fe. In this hexagram. Water is aboveFire. and all lines are in
You are asked to not only inwardly
cultivate their correct positions. Although Water has no substantial
your spiri1ual essence. fonn. it does have great inner strength. characterized by the ,
bul to live harmoniously in the world as
well.
upper trigram where the yang energy is within and the yin . ,I
Fire, on the other hand. is strong
:
To live in Ihe world. energy Is without. without \\
we must complete the three nalures qr I!le but hollow within. This is expressedby the lower trigram
The combina- \\
(the divine. the human. and the /ranscen.dentJ where yin energy is within and yang without. -J
and becomeintegraled with the virtue oj mellowness.) tion of inner emptiness in the lower trigram and inner
strength in the upper trigram represent a hannonious and
To measure the success qrse!fcu/tivalion. balanced situation.
do not use tlle conceptual gauges qr Water and Fire represent two opposing natural elements.
success orfailure. sharpness or dullness. When they are in good order and harmonized their energy Is
Look only for I he pwity that comes J;-om creative. but when their relationship is unhannonious their

energy becomes destructive. Therefore. true

sublimali1lg confused discrepancies. hannony is not
wilh the subtle confronting one another. but
simply a matter
truth.)
This comesj;-om W1iling of opposites
rather of how they interact. When the elements of any situa-
the ocean.
A broken ship cannotjoumey long on
tion are balanced. they respond like two partners assisting
Pw1irlg}rom the subtle truth one another toward a mutual purpose. If neither is excessive,
for tlle sake CJI false worslup everything is all right. For example. putting Water above Fire
creates deception and exaggeration, in cooking is the correct relationship. However. even In this
which bring only emptiness. situation. if Ole Fire is too strong. Ole Water evaporates and
From an impure world yOU ran grow disappears. Likewise. Water in eXl'ess can extinguish Frre.
to become a tall. pure lotus, Thus. the balance and management of energy is extremely
Forsake aU wasteful wandering.
important.
all nonsensical talk and theones. The tendency of Water is to desct'ud. and the tendency of
Nounsh yourself with the true chi of original oneness.)))
Fire is to ascend. Therefore.when Water is above Fire. their
relationship is one of Integra\\1on. this integration which
It is
forth all life. FurOlennore. since every line In this)
brings
 163} - Chi Chl/AJler CrossingUte WaIer) 611
610 Hexagram 163})
LINE 2: \"The curtain q( a lady's carriage has fallen
hexagram is In its correct position. lhings are now in proper
somewhere wId causes delruJ. There is no need to search:
balance. Nothing more needs lo be done. Completion has
ilwill be found in seven days.\"
been achieved.
Since the movement
natural of universal energy Is cycli- the undertaking has already a minor
In Although begun.
cal. the state of completion is just one phase of a cycle.
problem causes a delay. There is no need to worry. because
natural energy movement. a pel-Iod of fullness is always
in seven days one can start again.
followed by a peliod of decline The I Ching leaches lhe In ancienl tilnes. when a lady rode in a carriage. there
naturallruth thal when something has been accomplished.or was usually a curtain over the window to prolect her from
when a life circwllslance reaches its peak. one should be being seen. If the curtain was missing. she was not to travel
of the coming decline thal will inevilably follow. People
aware at that time.
generally focus on a goal or plan withoul paying aUention to The second lIne is the leader of the lower trigram and Is at
whal is to follow. Even when lhey gel o/T lo a good starl in a the heart of the Fire. Though this line Is in its correct
relationship. a job or any undertaking. few are able to perse- the lower trignun is confronting the upper trigram.
position.
vere Urroughout all phases. One who is consislenUy Inindful
trouble. However. after seven days.
Water. which indicates
will never fall. but if one's achievement or accomplishment the second and fifth lines will meet because the cycle of all six
him proud or overly confident. his balance will soon be
Inakes lines will be complete. Thus. one should keep things in
lost. This is how people bring about disorder after a success.
The I Cl1ing leaches one to give equal consideration to all proper order so that one can proceed when the time is light.)
phases of any developmenl. because eachphaseis impor-as LINE 3: \"It takes three years to achieve victory. which is
tant as the next. Each stage is reality at that particular time.
Every situation or accomplished through the car\037(ul selection oJ qual!fied
and must be dealt with
circUIllslance
accordingly.
in life is an opportunity to 'learn how to people. However. one Jeels exhausted when victory is
reached.\
maintain balance and appropliateness. Though disorder Jinally

approachesafter completion. one can adjust to the reality of

The third line is at the top of the trigram Fire and is also
any new situation by following the guidance of the I Ching. the strong center in the inner trigram. Water. This in\037plies
When matters have been brought to completion. it is time
and clarity in times of danger. A highly qualified
to attend to small details and tie up loose ends. This is not a strength
a difficult task which
time to engage in new undertakings. Thus. the natural person is required to accomplish takes
three years. When the task has beencompleted
cycle and success
of decline can be avoided. Even when aware of this patlem.
be very careful not to employ or trust
is achieved. one must
one musl still refresh oneself. continue one's progres3. and the fruits of the
not let past achievements hinder future
someone of infelior virtue. Otherwise.
prospelity.) labor will be snatched away.)
difficult

LINE 1: \"The wheels are Beware Q[ getting

\"One needs to be preparedJora leak
controlled.
LINE 4: in the boat
wet at the onset q{ crossing the Water. Caution can save
at all times by keeping materials at hand to plug the hole.
onefromfauU.\ This causes one to remain tense:')
One should be prudent and cautious when undertaking a
task. This is illustrated by a young fox attempting to The fourth line warns one to check for leaks before sailing
great
cross the It is able to prevent Its taU
In heavy waters.
Water. By not rtlshirlg. is the second line of the inner trigram.
from wet. Thus. there is in undertaking the The fourlh position
.getUng safety
Fire. and the first line of the upper tligram. Water. This
crossmg. One should restrict impulsive activities and reflect
indicatesa of contention In which appropliate action
on what is about to take place beforerushing into something) situation
must be taken. The fourth line is also like a noble person
who benelits others by being considerate.)))
 (63) - Chi Chi IAJler Crossing the Water) 613)
612 Hexagram (63/)

It depends on some Importm1t

neighhor kills Q cow in making an
TRADE/BUSINESS: per-
LINE 5: \"171e eastern
son's to Ilt' sU(Tessful.
This is no more meaningful than Q sincere. stren\037th
oOering.
that is givenJrom the heQrt.')
SEARCHINGFOR SOMEONE: They can be fOlmd
modest come.
olJeriIlg WAITING FOR SOMEONE: Th\"y will
were completed. ofTertngs LOOKING FOR SOMETHING WST: DiIficult to find.
In ancient Urnes. after matters
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: are in the
were made to Heaven In the form of sacrIfices. They neighborhood
of gratitude and can be caught.
This line shows tile eUeci of two dillerent types of ofTerings:
tile grand display of a slaughtered ox. and a simple but sin- LAWSUIT: Afterwards. peace can be made.
1\\ will rain.
cere ofTertng from the heart. Actions done with sincerity are CLIMATE:

tilan those done for show. TRAVEL: It Is good for people traveling together to go to
always mo,'e valuable the Northeast. One should notlravel alone.
It further indicates tilat during the time after completion.
DISEASE: Dan\037erous.
one must not be wasteful.)
PERSONAL WISH: Difficulty and obstacles.)
LINE 6: \"OnefrnQlly gets his head wet, Danger.\

in the beginning and careless at

People are usually careful
we end. but one be careful during
should all phases of a ven- COMMENTARY

ture. II one is as careful at the end as the beginning. the task The Universal Life)

can be completed and the efTects will be positive. If in

one is careless at the end and becomes No one can neglect the of the material sphere
\"crossing the water\" importance
excited. he may fall in and get his head wet. in maintaining life. TIUs is an obvious fact that people may
Do not cause yourselI to fall into tile Water by being tend to overemphasi7e. taking the view that one's physical life
near success. II so. is the entirety of one's being. A spiritually indi-
overly confident or excited about your developed
happiness may tum into disaster.) vidual knows that the limitation of a lifetime is a limitation of
your
viewpoint that falls short of the total reality of life.
In human life. each individual has a subUe essence that
can be regarded as the core of one's being. TIUs subUe
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE) eSsence exists prior to the physical form and retums to the
subUe sphere after the physical foml ceases to exist. This
PERSONAL FORTUNE: This is the height of your pros- subUe. spiritual essence can be weakened and scattered. or
You nmst be careful about inevitable decline. strengthened through personal life experience.
perily.
however. or sometlling bad might happen. Most people have not discovered this truUI of life. UllIS
MARRIAGE: Haste slow movement brings they make a cheap exchangeby misusing Uleir etemal subtle
brings danger;
good fortune. essence to serve Ule needs of material life. On Ule other
HOUSING/FAMILY: Peaceful. hand. It is also an error for people of spiritual quality to focus
CHILDBIRTH: If Ule baby is born In Ule Spring or Sun}- solely on the subtle and neglect the material. 11lisdoesnot
mer. it will be a girl. In AutlUlln or Winter. it will be a follow the balanced path of life and one loses the OpportlUuty
boy. There will be no obstacle. for wholisUc development. Worst of all. many people become
LOOKING FOR WORK: It takes three atlempts to fmd lost in the confusion of cultural and rt'ligious misconceptions
the right posiUon. and their limited basis in short tenll goals. The following
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL POSITION: In the beginning story relates the rellection of a universal mind to Ule open
there is much hard work. but tinally there can be mind of a highly developed hlUlIan bdng.
promotion to a high and Important position.))) Several mIllion years ap;o. astral beings lived on energy
islands in space. Some of Ulese islands were close to our)
 [63[-Chi Chi (After Crossing Ihe Water) 615)
614 Hexagram [63[)
of lime these beings wit- mlng or Ule leisure of sitting on the shore. Whatever is done
solar system. Over a long period Is done with the highest freedom.
nessed- the small planet Earth becoming a balanced
field of
The time canle for the great meeting. all the
different energies that radiated from far and nearby stars and Although
astral beings lived in different places. had dlffl?rent kinds of
planets.
a place on lives and different appearances. a strong summons was
After some time. this balanced planet became
The simultaneously felt In each of thdr hearts. One by one. they
which a new specimen of life could Ulrive and propagate. all came to KW1 Lun mOl.mtain in the Westem region of China
of this new specimen. which was highly intelligent
appearance gave astral
where gatherings of immortal astral beings often take place.
and which had a perfectly shaped physical body.
They all anived on time and quietly refreshed themselves.
beings such great JoY that they came to Earth to play with
who they had been and the work tlley
Altllough they recalled
and teach these human beings. had perfonlled
Totheir astonishment. the astral beings realized that this
on Earth. tlley had completely awakened from
that the original their experiences of human life. Their total integrity was
new species grew so quickly in Intelligence
no longer be restored.
balance and well-being of individuals could
Before returning to the Divine Immortal Realm. however.
Extreme tendencies became more and more
maintained.
each of them on-eredsome insight on what they had witnessed
prevalent. As humans becanleincreasingly superficial. they
m the human realIll. What follows are their conversations.
This
lives. as
eventually lost the spiritual essence of their
reflected in !he mind of one of their human friends.
improper development caused the astral friends great con- We
as often as should regard it as advice the i=ortaIs have offered to us.)
cem, and most of them stopped visiting !he Earth
used to.
they
One asual fam.ily. however. could not bear to see the Chiao from Ule East of Kl.m Ll.U1 said: I have witnessed
In order to help both the growth and decline of our humanfriends. TIley have
darkening of the hwnan race. mankind
rediscover its original balance. integrity and clarity. this become trapped by their own creations: social systems.
the task of enlightening and other such weapons. TIleir COrmnDn problem is a
decided to take upon Itself religions
family
!heir human friends. Thus it was that some six !housand lack ofspiritual clarity. AUhough they can intelligently handle
small matters. they are W1able to perceive the
years ago. some very kind astral beings came to Earth and whole. They
took human fonD in order to help humanity overcome its enthusiastically pursue e.'<.1ernal Or material e.\"Pansion. which
their naturally well-balanced lives. Greedleads
difficulties. They knew !hal taking human form could hinder only upsets
their own spiritual clarity. but an effort had to be made. them away from their innennost spiJilual source. Unhke the
decided that the two hundred!h <ycle of the ancient developedhuman being,>, modem intellectuals can see
They
the SW1. would be !he in hidden places. but due to the lack C!Jinner
yellowish planet. Saturn, as it orbits very tiny (hings
time for them to meet again. (Oneorbit of Satum aroW1d the awareness, they are W1able to see the vast spiritual truth.
SW1 takes approximately 30 years) and !hat their meeting even !r it was a cart of firewood right in front C!r their eyes!
place could be the top of Kun LW1 mOW1tain. the designated Being able to see a detail in the material sphere can be us\037/id.
station pOint for space travel. They also decidedthat after bill insisting that whal one sees is the total truth is a serious
!heir meeting they would restore themselves to divine immor- mistake that can creale W1necessary co,!/lictand dishWTTlony

tality and play nO more in !he hwnan realm. among human societies.)
For six thousand years. these astral beings had many
hLUDan l.ives. They were good swimmers in the stream of life. Vi. from tile Southeast of Kl.Ul Lun. said: I am concerned
Just as a swimmer holds his breatil and submerges his head thal our human.1i-iends have misdirecled their emotions toward
into the water. then lifts his head up into the fresh air. they the dark side of I!le. It is not religion or piety thal creates
would complete each life <ycle. occasionally leaving the water problems. but war-like religious stnlctures that encourage
to take a resl and sit on the shore. With such attained free- dominwlI ing. Cl!-l9ressiue doctrines and ignorwtl prejudice that
dom. onedoesnot become at!ached to either the JoY of swim-) eventually lead their.loUoweTS into an abyss.)))
 /63/ - Chi Chi IAjler Crossing !he Waler) 6J 7)
6J6 Hexagram /63)
the highest spiri1ual level: a serene mmd and the stability oj
PiEty. like W1Y humW1 emotion. can have a po:,itive ,,-Oect if pure spiri1ual energy.
U nc:t. i1 can Divine beillgs to dWerent situations,
it is well-balanced W1d correctly guided. respond d!lferently
W1d the ent.,-e human
negatively influence both W1 individual They can respond in ways thal comrnunicate certain mes-
race. sages. or in ways thal cue only understW1dable to a particulcu
With their spiritual Jocus misguided W1d misuse d . our
person. The appearW1ce q( a divine being is a message or a
humW1 have lost their naluml directiOn and seek the corrunwlication ill ilself. However. a deJinite Jorm or single
friends
temporWy relleJ thal some religiOns qlTer. 1111?y cW1not see that interprelalion cwmat be ascribed to a divine being. In most
the most impOr1Wlt element q( a religiOn should no.t be Jear oj siluations. if a person is developedenough. he will be the only
someremote W1d omnipotent god. The positive basIS oj all tme person who receives and understwlds the message. To
is sinceri1y. notfecu. Whateverform sincerily or piety become dogmatic is harmful.
religion
takes is supeificia/. A religiOn is only aframework or house Jor The highest Divine Realm. as achievedby W1Clent devel-
one'spiety. Once this is .mdeJ\"Stood.then. one cw. understand oped people. is called the 11u-ee Purities: The Fonn oj the
!hal piety within and between all people IS the the Formless. The Image oj the Imageless. TIle Shape oj the
.swne; .only
difJerence is ill ils vwious e.>.pressiOns and
mte.rp\037etatlDns. Shapeless. This means thal the diville.fonn is not limiled. the
Without sinceri1y. all religiOus worship. sacrifice. qlTermgs. a.nd divine image is not a single im.age. wId the divine shape is not
Tiluals become meaningless. Thus. competitiOn or contention one defmile shape. The Divine Realm reflects an im.age that
among religions isfundamentally groundless. does not wecu while. pwple. or any other spec!Jk color or
garment. Nothing can be d<;./medin the tme Divine Realm..
Bing. fTom the South of Kun Lun. said: if
our human The Divine Realm is the true origin. the mother, of all unages.
is !heir own internal.
.friends knew that piety b\037undless allJorms and all shapes.
treasure. and if their piety were then correctly guided a\037d Recent converts. or people who are born into a particular
conducted. they would discover the universal truth qf all/ge. religion. are usuaUy not objective about their religion. They are
No one should beJorced to acceptonly one interpretalion of affected by stories that temporarily correspond in some manner
the truth. It is more appropriale to respect true sincerity. A to their own emotions and life eJlperiences. As strong sympa-
sincere person is a devewped person; discrimination cannot thizers and firm believers. they reinforce their emotional
affect one of pure piety and sincerity. Although stories can patterns and follow the pwticulcu destiny of the religion they
describepiety, they are only stories. Religious conflicts exist have chosen. TIle direction C!.f their lives is not based on
because people insist that their inlerprelation is lhe only one.
spiritual growth or deep individual awareness.
Ordinary religion is only a means qf interprelation. The high The general purpose C!.f established religion is to teach
truth is indescribable personal sincerity.
and societies that are oppressed tend to respond to people to worship a single spirilual image .for the pwpose of
People au1horily and power rather than to guide them to achieve true
religions thal promote rigidly narrow views. Wilhout a nega-
spiritual growth. Individual development is curbed by dogma.
tive environment. some peoplemight not engage in individual which causes people to eventually struy./;-orn a liberal-millded.
spiritual growth. However. they should not settle for the kind meditative and re.flective spiritual path.
qf worship where only a single element of piety is expressed.
UnJortunately. piety is usually accepted only when it is
but should inwardly their divine nature.
recognize
practiced accordillg to a dearlyestablishcd aIld accepted way.
on the shell of what God looks like.
External religionsJOcus However. this killd of practice becomes Ihe source C!.f religious
what kind of robeGod wears. what kind of crown is on God's
TIlUS. a complete spiritual
cor\037fusion and cor!/lict in the world.
head. what God holds in his hand. ele. But the Universal Way educa/(oll must have two elements. which are C!.f equal value
values the purity and sublle integral that is beyond description the practice C!.fpurepiPt\" guided by
or interpretation. Awe IS mer'ely WI elementWlJ passwn or
Jar individual deuelopment:

the personall!/ delleloped awareness. wid selJ cul/ivatioll Jor

emotion that supports religious establIShment C!.f an
harmonized development.)))
external image C!.f authorily. True piety and a pure mind.
however. enable olle to remain inwardly celltered and achieve)
 1631 - Chi Chi IAjler Crossing Ule Walerl 619)
618 Hexagram 163})
that is naturally.lr-ee and has less
armed so-ength; the people
of KLUI Lun. said: TIle spiritual
Ding. from the Southwest stay open-minded. Jree. natural and hannonious.
ql the hllJnan world is indeed e.,-pressed in Us Those who extend their minds direcHy to the reali1y oJ the
con}i.lSion
the emotion qJ sincerity or
religions. Religions have distorted spirUual realm and who are not perplexed by the outer Jorms
thus. followers nelJCr have the opportuni1y to correctly
qf religiDn. should be respected. They CWI live wuhin a rigid
piEty:
reach the exquisUe reaWy qJ spiritua/truth. worldly structure wi1hout losing their clarUy oJ mind. Even
When oTle's sincerity is aimed at a target such as God or while wnassing material weaUh they CWI value the spiritual
one must be developed enough to know whether that
salvation. truth wi1hDut becoming lost.
is the correct way. most religions promote
directiDn Although
Even wUh Most religiDns
.
do not guide people in the direction oJ
the emotion qJ sincerily. it is usually misguided. splrUual They practiJ::e enslavement instead oJ
one needs the righ1 direction. However, one does not growth.
a developedperson can
piEty.
is the gateway awakening or enlightenment. Only
need to travel for. OTle'sown true essence to
embrace the universe.
the high spiri1ual realm. A pure human mind is
like a mirror.
When oneernhraces the UIliverse. one becomes harmonized
and describable imagesare Us rdleclioTls. What one projects
and connected wUh all divine beings. One does not need to
into the mirror is the image it will re.llec/. in order to obtain their response. It all depends upon
pray
Many people have misused the good name of religiDusJai/h whether one uses one's mind broadly Or narrowly_ Spiritual
as a /oo,-,orexpressing their mischievous quali1iEs wid narrow- connectedness is only one measure oJ what one can achieve.
mindedness- Making a public dee/aratwn and spec/acle oJ The Universal Way can open the eyes oJ i1sJollowers to the
one'spiety does no/ indicate real spiritual growth. Such people true purpose oJ spiri1ual development. It can also pass on to
have been known to criticize. attack Wld murder those Qfdt[{er- them methods Jor their spiritual set(-cultivatiDn which will
en/ beli\037(s in order to demonstrate their piEty. In reaWy. they allow them to reach Lrue spiritual realUy. Engaging in such
are totally los/. is indeed personal and real.and is the way to reach
tnle piety. a practices
Piety mus/ he righ(/i1Uy expressed. WUh
true Divine
true piEty, one wiU
the Origin.)
person will never he evil or cruel. WUh

be gentle. wUh true piEty. one wiU always cherish and

always Hsin. from the Northwest of Kun Lun. said: There is some
maintain purUy and clwily.) minds as to world began.
dispute amDng modem how the
Those who the view Q( idealism believethe world
hold was
Geng. from Ule West of Kun Lun. said: TheJalsebelieJs oJ
created God.Those who hold the view of materialism
our humwIJiiends have led themJar as/ray. The Diville Realm beliEve
by
theworld is based On matter. However, iong ago some
exists aoove the humwi realm. hut a narrowly-deJined spiritual
ancient achieved human beings discovered that the oriyin and
realm is nol a true expression oJ the Divine Realm
The Divine Realm. or Subtle Origin. is indescribahle. hut a potency q( the UIliverse is chi. The first stage of pure existence
reli- is neither mind nor matter, but chi. Mind and matter are
society or individual should always be open to variDus
merely dtfFerent expressions Q(this primal chi. Existence is not
gious interpreta/iDns. AU interpretations Jail shorl Qf the but Thus.
the a matter q( d!Lferent origins. qf development.
ind\037finable subtle truth. but they can neverihelEssJIl.rther existence can be developed as mind and matter.
growth oJ human understwlding. even though they represent
A natural, truthfill Mental energy is a more highly developed stage qf chi
only a certain level Qfmental development.
It is the essence Qf the
and sincere mind is alJoveall interpretations and is the totali1y derivedJrom grosser, material energy.
extemal material shell. HOIJ.Jever. essence cannot be without
oJ spiritual tmth.
A social design that was given the tenn 'rellgion' by earlier
its gross base.
leaders, cannot be goodJor aU times wid all people. Any
The of chi has no Joml. It is the original Jorm oJ
oriyin
the oriyin of the UIliLle,..se canllot be deJirled
that imposes rigid pattems 011a societymust everythirl!/. Thus,
system inevitably
as being either matenal or menIal. it is simply chi_ Disputes
lEad to sufFering. pressure and tensiDn. An!} ben\037(i1, including
is ullimalely I}y the resulting
between materialists and idealists. ther\037Jore, have no basis.)))
military 'strength.' null!fied
deadlock of u!/lexible condi1iDns. Compare this to a society)
 1631 - Chi Chi IAfter Crossing the Water) 621) 'I)
620 Hexagram 163/)

on such partial moral strengths q{ the W1cient developed ones before Ihe
bul are merelylimi1ed poiT1ts of view. Insi.<;ting To unspoiled people. subtle Idw is the
ilwentiDn of religion.
views becomes thp source q(disilllegrationJor hWTlWl society.
miT1d. W1d the mind is the subtle law that true knowledge is
Slw.dardsJor evalualillg success and achievement ill the
born withill.
world today maystress malerial progress. bul if material religions. on the other hWld. make people behave
nature. then imbalW1ce occurs ArtiJkial
progress goes agail.sl human out of Jear qf being pW1ished by Heaven. This lear is
a crisis will develop. In any age. the principle of balance
decently
and
preached W1d is the degradation oJ hwnan spiri1ual :1
be the highest guideline. It should also be applied to widely \\':)
should
digni1y. TI1US. people are losing the Irue knowledge oj their
general religiDus practices. Religious li{e has many diJJerent deep inner root o{ W1iversal Ii/e. Fortunately. the heal1hy
levels: s<xial. personal. emotional and spiritual. Fundwnen-
one must ancientJai1h has beenpreservedin Ihree ditTerenl sources: Lao
laUy. if one is to avoid the downfall q{
humw. nature.
Tzu. O:mJucius W1d Mo Tzu. Lao Tzu interpreted the jai1h in
become aware enough to rise above all d<xtrines that damage
Heaven as keeping to the original nature. ConJuciJ.J.s' philo-
lhe origillQl nalurainess W1d oneness oJ humw. nalure. Only
oJ the ancient Universal Way sophy oJ humanism was based on the Jact that heavenly law
the unspoiled. natural JoUowers
is not beyond human nature, And Mo Tzu pul it into the
can maintain the direct embodiment W1dfu!{illment of truth in
their live!'.
solemn practice oJ W1iversallove.
Ancient developed people recognIZed Heaven as their
if one seeks individual realization q( everlasting spiri1ual
subtle Interpretations oJ Heaven as a dominiDn
Ii/e. the melhods still exist. The palh q{ total il1legralion is not
supporter.
W1d physical health and that is diJJerentJTom what the W1cienls knew came from later
only valuable for spirilual. mental Heaven (fien) is Ihe universal subtle law residing
but i1 cW1 also prepare one for high achievement. religions.
development.
above all ruling forces. Mo Tzu elucidated it thus: \"Heaven
Actualization q{ such achIevement has been proven by OUr
desires righteousness and detests lll11ighteousness. !( l lead
ancient humW1JTiends who achievedthemselves through these
people under Heaven 10 live a l!le oJ righteousness. l do as
trulhful methods.) Heaven desires: then Heaven will respond to me with what l
Ren. from the North of Kun Lun. said: In very ancient desire. What l desire are blessingsand ben<,;lit. Whatl detest
times. divine immortals could communicate with the unspoiled UTe calwnities and harm. !{ l lead people to live a Iile oJ
and evil doings. then I do not do as lleaven
minds of their human.l;-iends. All beings. including humans. troublemuking

are born oJ Heaven. No group of peopleis especially favored

desires, bul as Heaven detests. How do l know what Heaven
desires and detests? By the Jact thai under Heaven the one
by God. nor are there iI.dividuals who are God-Jorsaken.
who is righteous lives a natural Ii/e. and Ihe one who is
HeavenJavorsthose who are virluous. regardless of their tribe
or religion. unrighteous usually dies unnaturally. One who is righteous
e'110Ys lYe. one who is unrighteous SI!L7ers. One who is
Through virlue and spilitual development, spiritual
ascensiDn can be altained. However. it can never be achieved righteous receives peace. and one who is unrighleous s'-!Oers
by ernotiDnal worship or begging God to grant one's wishes being disordered. Heaven desirespeople to live happily and

because one cannot litem oneself not die unnaturally. Heaven desires peopleto be setFs'-!L7lcient
accomplish l1I1/ortUTIale!y.
due to the present confuswn q( people. they cannot Jollow the and joyrul and not s'-!Crer Jrom seW created poverty and

education thai their immortalIriends gave them. dYJicul1ies. Heaven desires people to live peac\037lull!1 and not
In W1cient times. the divine immortals taught their human struggle in disorder and conJusiDn. This is how I know that
Heaven desires what is righteous and detests what is
friends that universal harmony is the basic virlue or Ii{e.
Obediencewid hUlTTWny were originally expressed towa-'d ihe unrighleous.\"
This was law engraved Ul the minds
wholeness called Heaven. TIlis Jailh. handed down bel'ore the iIlVlSible \037(these

recordedhL<;tory. recogniZed two very iInportant elements; the developed people. Can one sepamle heavenl!J nalure -'rom
omnipresence \037rthe subtle law (fien LI). W1d the uni1l1peded humwl nature? The social code qr annent developed people
individual conscience. which is able to know the existence depended upon setf-recogniZed natural moral law: as a resull.
\037r
the subtle law without searching Jor it. These were the sole))) Ihere was mulual understwldiIlg Wld consideratiDn amDng all)
 {63J - Chi Chi (AJler Crossing the Waler) 623
622 Hexagram {63J)
directly and applied Ule principle that heavenly law is
people. Even t1l0ugh there were leaders in the ancient system the .hu,,:an realiz\037d
mmr!. and the human mind is heavenly law. TIley
of government. society was naturally ordered without being mal1ltaUled naturalness without deviation from the /TuLh A
Modem people may think the olr! a balanced. broad perspe\037tive
speciJically organized. sh<:,\037'd keep
nalural societies were baJ:kwarr!. yet they were more normal in d\037veloped
w,thout
pers.0n
becoml1lg reh91\037)usly dogmatic. Humanism, Or univer-
Modem people may think the old. sallove, be one s contribution to the world. .
a healthier. hwnan way. should Th' th
societies
natural were random and unorganized. yet they were essence of the \037'dividual in human society and it shoul\037 :e Ut\037
Modem people may think the old. natural enllre
naturaland orgw'ic. goal of the human race.)
sOCIetieswere ine.Okienl. yet they were relaxed.
Modem
l11ink l11e old, natural societies were unsystematic, of Kun Lun. said: The
peoplemay ?wel. from the NorUleasl important
yet werejle>..ible. of ancient developed people was their holistic
did not function as a
they acluevement.
The ancienl faith of humanism comprehensIOn qf the universe. This wholeness is tile basic
q{ law or religion that forced its demands chi as Tai Chi's with
regunented system of primal numerous small
on people. Thejoundation of ancient society did not depend on \037xp\037e\037sior\037
whether mind or matter. 17te
emperors or offidnlsfor the establishment q{ order; it depended mdlStmgulS\037able
at
. \037ualities.
Chi is the foremost foundation
sYr:ID01 ofT
IS .
which was Ch.' Q of the
on an invisible moral force in every individual. universe before it develops into the distinguishabl h
fimher established within l11e fomily. Family discipline was Tai Chi is many: Tai Chi is one. II can be the s\037\"::t =ci
q{ social discipline. Parents
took
l11erealfoundation responsi- the universe before any shape isJonned In
q{ their children. and the
elders took subt\037est ent\037ty or
bility for the behavior totality, Tar ChI IS the boundlessness
\\:)))
qUhe universe.
responsibilily for the yow'g. Through man({estation comes the dim\302\243nsion of mind and
For almost 5.000 years moral law was the foundation of in the ul1ima1e development qf both.
Even whether
society. Until the present time, though the dynasties have ,:,atter.. both are still completely within Ute
has not. in the Subtle Law of ideologlCal.o\037 m\037erialistif:.
scope of T ar ChI. In its pure. original state. mind
changed. tile social code Failh
cannot be
Heaven and humanism was the real ruling power q{ the malter. nor can matter be separated from mind.
separatedJrom
unspoiled mind. Ancient leaders were not the real rulers; on Nonetheless. an art(fkial. intellectual wi:rs made as
separation
the contrary. they were the ones who eryoyed tile good nature
the resull q{ a partial .vision q{ Ute man({est level. On Ute
q{their people. 171e real leader on tile spirilual throne o{ China subtlest level, chi,
.01'.first stage q{ pure, original e\037istence,
was universal humanism, The society developed nctluraLly. carowt be called or However. it can develop as
mm\037 mat.t\037r.
stage by stage. matter or mmd. II IS not diJJerent to begin with; it is only
However. the seeds q.f COil/Us ion in thinking sprouted like perceived as being dUrerent.
weeds. and tI,e Old Sage, Lao Tzu. saw correctly that the The growth qJ the universe is like the growth (){human I(fe.
declineq{humwl nature was inevilable. He beckonedpeople .
In its.early stages, there was indislinguishuble oneness. akin
to return to their original nature. for when one returns to the
to iTt/ancy. when
neill_leI'
the mind nor body considered itself
mind simplif:ity. there is neilher -
confusion nor
q{ separate or dWerent
true each other.
.from
contention. In tile second stage, spirits becmne active on Ihe gross
Surely. human l!le is now much more highly developed
maler-iallevel.Spirils were no more than fhe subtle esse;\\ceoj
than animal Ii/e. so why don't hlilllans have peace? Although
the gross. bulky material base.
wild animals are not more highly evolved than humans. thell
In tile third stage. dWerent levels ()( spirits Jonnalired
have no organiZed wars. Cornpetilion and war have made ail themselves wilh hamlOnious energy to become /ife To take the
divine beUlgs sad to see the backward directiDn qf human
Jorm oj lije is to .follow tile cydes Q;'I(!f>w.d de;.u\037, To remain
nature. If/he 11IillWn race conti/lUes to.lollow the darkness 0/
a spiritual beir.g is to keep enforcing one's t/\"lle essence and
ils impuLsive blindness. il may lead ilse!f to the point qf se!i:
elimination.
thereby to surpass the cycles of life and death.
In the.fvllrth staye. the appearcUlce oJlumwn life was the
17le natural.laW. q/ humanism or universal 100Je is the
prqjection wld.fonnalion of high spiriluul beings.)
mellow Fuil of ar.d.for all people. Ancient developed IJeople)
 /63/ - Chi Chi /AJler Crossing the Water) 625)
624 Hexagram /63!)

t!-ivm.e n\037.'ure.
fie must then realiYe fhe universal divine nature
In the Jilth stage. the partial development oj humanity's m hIS ljJe love wilh the principle q(
awarmess broughtalJOut the divergence q( milld Wld body.
Smce
\037JYe\037endil,g.uni\037er-sal
hIS life-bemg IS also a lire-being o( the universal
The result q( this dualistic vision was conJi.tsion alld con.llict. h\037'ance.
dWUle nature. he must his love equally.
In the sixth stage. the orig'nal humWl nature was lost by \037ive Ther\037Jore.
oj Ihrough rea.hZallon oj unwersal divule nalure through one's
confilSed creations and social cornpelilion.
The dow'1(all \\ I
self-cuUivalwn. hwnan Wld divine nature are reuniled as one.
huTnUTlkiIld l)oTtends dWlgers whirh are beyond humanity's
Thus. WI achIEved one recognizes himself as bemg the same \\
capabilily to hUTldle UTld control. vast destruction is as God.
In the seventh stage. ill which A child's heart enjoys all kinds 1/ is
and social awarenessJiIlally develops. d!Uerellt Ihings.
<!f
approaching. individual never bothered hy conceptual d!fJerences. People. whether
o( humWl preservation is recognized.
and hurnWl
TIle value or old. should meet each oLllEr wilh the heart oj a child.
beings aga\0371 appreciate the truth oj immortality. . yOl\037J1f!
IS the
I!fe aJi.er
ThIS
mosl. unportUTlt element humanoJ the
spirit and the
This is where the further development oj humUTl
oj humanisITL The spiritual goal oj a human
oj worldly pleasures! is
mterpretatwn \\
\"death\" /the death ca':'sed by pursuil be\037t
bemg he the a child's heart and a Jully
in one's lijetiInes to cultivate.
revealed. Possibilities eJlist
to enjoy ever-
and
shou\037d
healthily developed
restor\037ion ?-(
mmd with high intuilion and inSight.
develop UTld dU\"ect the subtle essence in
order

lasting spiritual Jreedom.) Syh. Irom the Lower Region of Central Land. closeto Kun
close lo LWI. said: dealh naluT\"e purifies all /lves. Peo Ie
Mu. from the of the Central Land. TIu\"Ough
Upper Re\037ion accelerate this \"pur!/icalion\" wilh misdeeds directed (owc:'dS
KWl LWl. said: In order to give real hope to our human
and others. TIle
friends. it is necesswy .lor them to .locus
on cuUivaling their t\037lems,!lves .content q{ their /lres is that oj \\)))
external characteristics - what .followUlg the aemWlds oj theU\" blind impulses wilhout e.>.per-
intrinSi\302\243 nature. AU human
has made true ulller groWUL EvenluaUy. Uley will be weeded oui
one holds in SOCiety, how much money one
iencing
position by wars oj cO'}lpeli.tion. wmaluT\"al and disease.
or plans to nlUke
- is not our concenl. Thereis
only one true accidents

concern: the quality 11 is the quality of a person. People ql se{/-awareness. however. contillUally purify
oj a person.
oneself. that is
themselves ql rely mg on the cycles q{nalure to do il jor
way one cul/ivales. develops
achieves
them. TIley ulste\037
the wid
cultwate inner spiritual wisdom whi\302\243hproduces
Ihe true measure ofnobilily. This is the only way to be ranked
the true growth to awaken thcm./rom blind impulse.
among the Divine Immortals. r.lecess\037
Needless to say. if one seeks spiritual maturily. there is By respondmg to .force with Jorce. the hunlUn race has
led itse!f deeper and deeper into new problems and
nothing above the spiritual disciplines of the Universal Way. \037f in.e\037ilab.l!J
one seeks continual life wilhoul u!lluencing or acceptuig the d!lhcultles. Can our human Jriends return to their original
am \037lever rehu1l to (J rustic. nalural I!le. but
intemlptio n .lrom the
transJonnalion qflives. the highest secret naL,:,\".e? They
This is all mdwlClual human .friends can maUltmn their good humWl
of the Universal Way is what one should acquire.
reveal. nature. As Lao Tzu says. \"Reachillfl the Truth calls nol {or
the truth we can
but rather .for retuming
of taking an uldirect
OUT\" mUlds. to sunpl\037illl
Man!) aniInals have the peculiar habit cornp/lcaLillfl -)
there is and er!jo!Julgpeace.\"
route home. They prefer the winding palh. However.
no such detour Jor a human being to take bf!.lore reaching his
or her own \"home.\" Studying aU the religions in the world may
beJme !I a person does not become entrapped b!)them. How-
ever. it is mostly a waste ill terms q{ tire
spiritual maluratlDn
necessanJ Lo arrive \"home.\" Urle who leads a lik q{serf
cuUivation will have the opportwlityfor .lull. spiritual growth;
one who dogmalicallyfollows a reli[/ion wil/no/.
Orw who wishes to restore his divine Tlature Lhrough serf
cullivalioTl /IIust first recognize that his TlaLure is the universal)
 - ,r.
We! Chi (B eJore
/64/
Crossing the Water) 627

Looking back over th

Is established. dIsorder ':::n\037\037tf history. after social order
-Jjt --) follows. A new order is
A:- ;-1\"r-
then be created. only to be \037
--) dIsorder. This cyclegoeson \037
0 J' owed by another time of

6f) W61 ch1) --) What Is good fortune?

necessary within Ule nat
orever.

\037at
Is bad fortune? Both are
of life; Uley exist in
order to makeone underst\037d !;:\0371\\ey
does not value an y P arti cu1 ar SOCia].
gs dUferenUy.
.
The J Chin g
W\037) r enVlronmental
CR0551rn;
\037he- over any oUler. Instead It em ha .0 change
\037\037R6' sIZes valuing and adapting
one's innennost light t\037 all h of a One shou1d
crossiTlg the Water. thiTlgs go well It neither wony nor be overly aita\037\037es ed to any cyc.le.
sItuation . re g ard-
GUIDANCE: \"Before above the less of what It is . A bad ti me IS .
the see d 0f a good tinle; UllS
is like a yoW1!} fox whiL:h cannot keep its tail
to cross Is the etemal way
to keep it dry; thus it must
wait of nat
Water U1 order one identifies wiUI
when the strewn bed is dry. if the extemal changes. O1\\e is al\037\037' Whe\037
lost m troubles. Is it not
duTiTlg the season
is its taU dry. belter to adjust one's lrmer virt ue In order to . ys

yOWlg fox rushes ahead and unable to keep cope with the
outside? In this wa y one will outliv e all troubles.
there will be trouble.\ . . By.
mamtamlng a caUn mind . one will be abl e t 0 experienceUle .

This hexagram is the opposite of the preceding one,

and
spectrum of events without ' b' emg af feetedby Ulem.
in which Water energy descends Nothin g can av ol d 0r escape the c.'Yc I'lC I of change that
\"After Completion,\" But in this hexa- the J Ching rellects. Eve rythin g IS . \037\\V
Fire energy ascends, creating harmony.
Is above. Water contmually - changing .
do not integrate.
Fire Within chan g e . h owever. there reIuains
gram.
is below,
the opposites
and every line is in an incorrect position. Since insubstantial \"substance\" B'd y I
.'. an unchanging.
with the invariable
Fire flames and Water flows downward. the two
essence of universal nat\037 be in conLact
upward
no and move away from one this subUe source of \037u.
\037\037Iymg
constanUy
energies have interaction
fol-
with on\037.th I how can
Chi Chi (Hexagram 63) deals with the time
superficial changes. alterati\037\037 s and
suc\037 hannony.
varIations be so deeply
another.
Wei Chi offers guidance for the
lowing completion. while
troubling?
time just before. this To notcorrect Ule attitudes of oth ers In .
an aggressive way
hopeless. However, if within
Is the most important thin
appears in ill e. To correct oneself and be
situation one applies one's strength
Everything toward . .
unpromIsing constant towards one's tru\037 b emg IS
circumstances and achieving one's goal. an op- and peopleare not your w essen\037al. C?Uler Ulings
Improving be By follo\\Vlllg UIIS principle.
wIll provided.
portunity
for accomplishment
and the changing altitudes of \037ny. around you will not affed
this time matters should be handled carefully
balance PeoP
At
feeling Is one of disinte- your emotional os\037e call u weakened by too
prudently. Although the overall
much love; on the other han d . Ule I lar d s h IpS that
e. or Ie exper-
each individual line Is still able to integrate with
gration. for harmony iences can be strengthening Thr gl th
its corresponding line. Thus, the potential
and success still exist. As stated in the Tao Teh Ching: 'The I\037::
I\037\037\037
also :.;nu\037\037l:e
S\037\037\037l\037
\"Misfortune Is the root of good fortune, Good fortune \037:n d;::s\037\037s:\037v\037l\037e\037:,l. shness of Ilature, those who have
b een over I y protected become weak.
can be the root of mIsfortune,\"
The Image of this hexagram is that of a young fox In human relationships, never try to 111'.lke
one should
.
a frozen stream. Because of his inexperience, he emo t ]onal Pets 01.1t 0r one s partner or ehildren. otherwise Olle
crossing
Is not as cautious as he should be and gets his tail wet '1' tl
lem..
All people need independent growth.
the crossing. \"Getting wet\" means run- SPO\\; s energy is too aggressive. the world will be in
before completing
The lower trigram (Water) indlcales \037eople
tunnOiI. If their energy Is too weak ,vth e r e \\,\037l u l U e no progress.
ning into trouble. .
danger becauseof inexperience. while the upper trigram (Fire) Wh en eIther extreme manifests. doubts and Jealousies
and Together they indicate the and weaknesses alw<lYs comt' into play. When
expresses clarity strength. strengths yil\037)
completion of a task. The opportunity Is there.)))
 /64/ - Wet ,r. Crossing
Chi (BeJore /he Water) 629
628 Hexagram /64/)

and LINE 4:\"The proper per-sonIs sent to

energy is expressed negatively. Il becomes jealousy Is achteved conquer. The victory
in three years an d
When yang energy Is
expressed negatively. Il great rewards are received.
SuspIcIOn By being upright. , one W il/ overcome
becomes aE(gresslon and dominance. However. by removing dYficul1tes,\"
negative elements. good energy will naturally produce a sense The fourth line Is a
of well-being inone's life. In Uns way. a happy and
there Is some
yang lin
\037
in a yin position, hence
relationship can be achieved. whether Il involves lim.itation All is s in
harmornous
a couple. family. society. nation or the entire world. If order to meet the challe\";ge an\037n\037 s lp included necessary
ar \037\037\037ngth in achiev-
to the Interplay of yin and ing the goal. If stren . g th can be gathered
humanily can properly adjust r
Jorward and remorse will di sappear.
. one may move
yang. harmony will naturally be restored. Before lakin g ac ti on,
Ihe cycle of sixty-four hexa- h owever, w h at was previousl d be correcled. Such
This hexagram completes action requires courage
The I Ching always gives transcendental tn.ths. One f:n \037:ust
p. ty and perseverance.
grams. results will not \037h ow unmediatel
of them is Ihat an end is really Just a beginning. Inwinch the Although
ac evedb
hi y overcor.l
'
.. .
m g diJIi lC ul ties.)
y . th e g0 al can b e
natural cycle of energy. a new beginning resides in that
has Just been accomplished.) LINE 5: 'To be upright. is to h ave goodJortWle. No regret.
LINE 1: \"11,e young Jox gets Us tail wet crossing the The inner light oJ a .rinh\"\" leous person overcomes all)
Water.
obstacles.\"
NogoodJortune.\

Is weak and Although the fifth line whi ch IS .

Hrst line
The is a person who
like in the position of
and a proper sense of timing.
wisdom leadership is a yin line in' a it is
hel p ed by fue str ong second Ime Th e fifth I'mesupported and a
inexperienced. lacking y\037g
position.
He is like a young planning to croSs the Water
fox who.
. represents
or his capabilities, hLUllble, civilized
without accurately gauging the distance faithful and' enlightened person. One
tail wet.) should depend 0\"; his wisd om t 0 accomplish the mission.
gets his

LINE 6' .
LINE 2: 'To stop the vehicleJrom nwving ahead is COITeet, \"On e 10al Is the Water and gets his head wet
Ill.to
b bec\037miIl
Good Jortune.\
Jiat
overexcited
er He foses self-control iIl
aJter successJuUy crossiIlg the
his rapture. How can he
The second line. a yang line trapped between two yin keep h'. IS success long7')
lines, that this is not a good Ume for action. One
signifies
should apply the brakes, Inaintain oneself correctly. and not Since this line is at the to f th h he is about
to accomplish
become restless.) sometl1ing gr:a\037
. '.
\037e so excIted
\037\037ram. by his
achievement at he sacrihces
.e an he creates
th self-diSCi p lin d
LINE 3: \"IL Is not timeJor a
crossing. GoingIurLher brings trouble for himself. a Yan As li'ne m a ym. posltlon, is over
danger. One should make preparations jor crossing the con11dent and will sure Iy b e umlliated by
\037
losing the trust of
great Waler /aler.\
hi A Chinese proverb regarding excessive
d\037porte\037s:
g says. When happiness is enjoyed to 1.t S ex tr eIne,
lower There ' -.
This line Is al the of the K'an. sadness results.\" Prudence at the b egmrun g 0f a matter and
lop trigram,
.
to be a wilh the sixth line. which
completion of one's work Is in)
appears correspondence always required
would suggesl tllat ills heading out of and danger into clarity \037\037e\037e
\037\037\037
tllal the goal can be achieved. But since the third
saletyand
line is also the base of the inner trigram, Water. It is
of the tllt\" goal cannot
incapable handling situation. Although
be accomplished singlehandedly, it can be accomplished with
outside help.)))
 /64/ - Wel Chi /Before Crossing the Water} 631)
630 He.\".-agrarn /64/

GUIDANCE)
cOlnmunity held Ule same Lffiorganized faith which had
SPECIFIC evolved naturally, nol by human design.
This was long ago, when people
FORTUNE: Now is a U'me of tunnoil, and enjoyed a good.natural
PERSONAL life. Many years later, suddenly with outstde
I f a time to be carelli!. worldly conlenliun, Ihis simple
confronted
in Ule beginning, community slIuggled to
\037;\037\037 Alth\037ugh there is difficulty maintain its own natural way. However. as new leaders
can be ad'ieved later.
it adopted new philosophies and new ways, the peoplebecame
HOUS lNG/FAMILY: Not harr11')nious and fu I . peace losl. It seemed as though. there was
P ful If the lower line changes, the no one len who could
recognize the original faith.
a \037;;e If \037y of the lines of the upper
CH\037\037\037I\037\037H\037e
trigram I was taught the original faith by my dear Father,
it will he a girl. Mother.
move. and ageless Master. II had been handed
FOR WORK: II can be lound. down by the un-
LOOKING spoiled anctent mind to provide help for those who needed il.
SOCIAL/GOVERNMENTALPOSITION: II comes) later.)
Today, an unspoiled mind no longer exists because of the
is for1l1nate. created by human
W l li<\"h
'
Di 0 lCU I
.
III Ole
'
begu lllln g: Iater
conlusion cultures and religions. My
TRADE/BUSINESS: Iy is no exception, but
experience nlY faith. which was derived
SUC(....ss. from unspoiled nature itself. keeps my mInd whole.
Wi.11 re I um of illeir
SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE: TIley I make the following simple notes in order to retain
the
own accord. original guidance from the natural Divine
not come. Realm in my
WAITING FOR SOMEONE: They will
memory and as a means by which people can dissolve their
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING II he found.
LOST:. c.an human prejudices.)
HUNTING FOR THIEVES: He is nght 111 Iront of yLu and
can be caught. . .
LAWSUIT: II is good 10 make peacein UllS
be a The Natural State of Heaven is Impersonal)
CLIMATE: Rain. Afler the weather clears.II1stance\037
there

drought. The original, unspoiled human mind understood that

TRAVEL: Suilable for short distances only. Heaven is impersonal. However, as II became tainted and
DISEASE: Danger. confused, so did its view of Heaven, which became
PERSONAL WISH: II can be achieved.) and anillropomorphic. personal
A pure human mind is an extension
of Heaven. All images of Heaven stem from later mental
development thai was narrative in nature and that did not
reflect the natural source of life.
COMMENTARY The value of faiUI in an inlpersonal
The Unspoiled Natural Heaven lies in its not
Religion named or insisted upon
being by the human mind. By con-
knew trast, ordinary religions are based on human and
Long. long aJ!,0I was in a vast land people concepts
lives.
whe\037e explanations, thus providing opportunities for p...ople to take
nothing olher than their honest
Th\037y
lived
\037y eame\037t sides and engage In all kinds of savagery to defend
means. They shared Ihe same undel-slandmg Utat if one does or spread
one does not do their doctrines. Any religion U,al deviates [rom lhe 'mper-
like wh:it a person does to them, then
nol
sonal purity of divinity will evenlually b...come a source of
ilIat to another.
a war confusion thai will spread contention.
In this community. nO generation had ever started
One who cherishes lllith in an il11v...rsonal Heaven lives a
or made any part of their livelihood Ihrough association
words were monosyllabic,
wi\037 life of unselfish al\"llievemenl. He does not gather people in
war. Their-Ianguag... was siInple:
The lonner was a his nallie or tead, them to worship him or try to dominate
the most COllllIlon being \"Oh\" and \"Ah.\"
them in any way. Just as Ule heavellly bodies offer UleiT light
peaceful greeling lor all occasions. while Ihe laller
\":as t\037e Wlthoul asking- anylhing in retum, oile's devotion and work)))
firsl sound In everybody's name. All of Ih... people 111 L1ns)
 164/ . Wet Chi (Before
632 Hexagram 164/ Crossing 'he Water/ 633
wiUlOut of recognlUon or reward. words and concepts experience from reality. the
ar\" offered expectation s\037parate
same way. 1l10denlfaith
In
When on\" trulv knows that Heaven or God has
no nanl\" but has lost sight of the natural iruUl
that the ancient developed ones once
can be r\"ferred to by all names. one a(\"hteve\037. the \"Being of and followed.
We must recover the real nature ofrecol!;ni7ed
the non -partial \"Being of Wholeness.) life that Ule ancient
Heav..n.\"
developed ones revered.)

Heaven Has No Name)

Heavenly Loveis Impartial
If human concepts to deseribe
we use Heaven. we limit it
and make It partial. One's concept of Heaven is I.inlited by The ancient faith believed Ulat God is imparliallove God
and conllict does not love people because they
one's knowledge and vocabulaI)'.thus confusion are as yellow as gold or
are created. The ancient. natural failil III Heaven is iInper- because Uley are as white as jade. God loves all colors and
no color. too. God is irnpersonallove.
sonal and has no particular name. So it is wiUl all Gods: Uley The love of men ts partial
carulOt be defined by conceptual allempts. and limited: the love of God is
TIle first hWllan beings had no names. All natural lives not. One has a great responsibility to repay Heaven for this
love and not beconle prejudiced.
are without a name. Why then must God have a nanle?
As

soon as God is defined. he ceases to be universal. A name is The secret of inviting God's love IS to be natural and
God loves
no longer the truUl. God represents all beings and all t\037ngs virtuous. the natural and virtuous.)
and should thus have no particular name. To nanle God IS to
fragment the Universal Divine One.)
God Has No Myth)

Heaven is Limitless) The of Heaven is natural. It did not

e\037sten\037e originate in
the narrativemmd of human beings. Mythology Is a primitive
The natural faith of the unspoiled ancient mind realized attempt to explain the phenomena of nature. Surprisingly.
that God has no particular shape or fonn. bul the distorted the ancient faith in Heaven has no mythology. From ancient
modem mind has since dressed God in distinctive robes. In wriUngs engraved on the bones of oxen.we know of certain
order to dress God. Ulere must be a suHable tailor and the rituals and the specific purposes and times that olIerings
best cloth. How ridiculous! Giving gender. race. age or other were made. but there was no authorized of God and
story
personal attributes to God is ludicrous and lmUue. Heaven.
Human mental development has becomeone-sidedand Therewere. however. many myths that mankind devised.
conceptually Lainted. People no longer respond to the bare Oneof these was about the firstl1Lunan. a man called Pan Gu
truth without a mental explanation. In ancient times. people or \"Disc Head.\" According to the mv1h. the sky and earth
did not need interpretations. because they had their own were originally like a great egg.
Pan Gu worked \037n this lump
direct correspondence with Divine Beings. No concepts separ- of energy with his ax to fonn tht'
sky. the earth. and so forth.
ated real beings from perceived ones. thus becoming Ule first man and ruler of the universe. This
Modem pe'oplehave a chronic need to use their minds to Is not a myth about Heaven. but about the origin of human
interpret Ihe fads of their life experience. TIleir livt's depend beIngs. II originated long aner the period of untraceable.
on their minds' interpretive systems to explain Ule Ineaning of ancienl times.
everythin/-(. even their feelings. Truly. they do not live real The I Ching system used \"lines\" to tell how the wllverse
lives; Uley live by thinking. TI1l1s. Uley have destroyed their began. how it is now. and what it will be like in the future
real nalure. 'lnev live in a distorted. conceptual world instead but the I Chirl\037 is not a myth. It Is an expression of a dlrec\037
of the real one. Even the simple fat\"! oj love or makJng love is spIritual experience of the natural growth and development of)

conUnuously dellned and described to the mind. All these)))

 /64/ . \"'et Chi (BeforeCrossing the \"'uteri 635
634 Hexagram /64/
was
God is the Model of Virtue)
nature and mankind. 1\\ is a wordless interpretation. and

thus the iirst direci way of expressing the truth.)

aspect of the natural
Nlo':l1er laith in Heaven was the
recognition of God as the model of
virtue. In later times. God
a of The ancient faith was prac-
is Heavenly \037ecallle mod\0371 d?mlnation.
Human Nature Nature ticed by Fu-Slu who illterpreted the natural truth by the Line
system. by Shen-NlUlg. the developer of agriculture. and bv
Anotiler trait of the ancient natural falth is Its belief in the other ancIent sages who served
e mankind. TIle troubles of th-\"
oneness of Heavenly nature and hunlaIl nature.
-n:u ,:wnan world benune their troubles. yet they did not hesitate
nature is Heavenly nature: tilere is no dIstinction or
resign when their work was done. for they were not attached
to

se aration between them. The concept of Heaven and \037lan as to positions. They never thought ill tenus
The Idea of of capitalizing
\037 separate entities was a later development. on thel\037
theIr Influence by becoming powerful leaders. The tenn
God aIld man as lowly Is a divergence from the ''TI'' was used as a for God and for virtuous
d'vine Utie
leaders. Ti
separation and multi\037lici\037
of has been Incorrectiy translated in
In.1th\037s -/ne duality. late\037 English as \"emperor.\" In
have fonlled our hlU1lan nature mto a Chinese. however. the character for Ti is tile iInage of a stem
generations comr;::y
cated mold. but originally it was the saJIle as Heave by which fruit or a Hower is sustained. Thus it is the emperor
nature.) (TI)who serves the people (the fruit or flowersl. In broader
terms. God Is the stem from which all hunlan beings obtain
the sustenance of life. This was !be ancient
simple faith.)
One is Many/Many are One
of natural faith in a wuversal
Anotiler essential aspect God Provides His Model in the Human World)
is that. \"One is many. and many are one.\" ReligIous
divinity
conflicts over the questionof many gods or one God.\037oly- Ancient developedpeoplewere pure people. Those who
theism vs. monotheism. came about in later
generati?ns, served tile public were capable and virluous. They received
along with philosophical conflicts about monism Or pluralism.
no salary for accepting this responsibility: tiley fre\037ly ollered
But the ancient unspoiled mind was not confused. It knew their talents and capabilities to society. Therefore. people
that its manifes-
clearly that the Subtle Origin is and trusted their leaders as elder sons of Heaven, UlOUgh every-
Therefore. one IS many and. at the same
\037ne
tations are many. one was considered a son or daughter of Heaven.
Urne many are one. In later tinles, uSlupers stole the naIlie \"Son of Heaven\"
When the Divine Realm responds to different people at
and used it to rule people. Therefore. no single person.
it is multiple. In its
different times for different purposes.
Therefore. in the unspoiled
group. or class should be entrusled with Ule same responsi-
unmanifest state, it is one. bility as the ancient leaders. No one can believe Ulat modem
ancient mind. there was never confusion one God
about
\037r dictators are the elder sons of Heaven.
many gods as there is today in modem religions. One GodIS For spiritual reasons, one must be responsible
many gods are one God. If we talk about many
personaUy
many gods: for oneself. People c.an no longer naively place their laith in
gods we are referring to the different responses of the SubUe leaders. if a good lead..ris chosen.there Is safety:
Generally.
Rea\037 to a particular group of people at a particular If not, then people find Ihemselves In dilIiculty. Therefore. we
\037e.
The divine nature of the universe is one. but Its responsIVe must restore Ille authority of virtue in our own and live
being
function Is multiple. To insist on one God.or on many \037o\037s. in hannony WiUI other people.)))
is to take a partial. limited view of the oneness of DlVUle
Nature.)
 {64J - We! Chi (Before
Crossing the Water) 637
636 Hexagram J64J)
A Carrect .
Way \"e IS the
of La.. Natural Religion
Natural Faith Has No Particular Rituals)
In the
ancient natural faith
re Ii'/!,Ion was
Ano1l1er quaUly of the ancient natural faith
was freedom than the correct way of life. Th\037 nothing other
all the ancient no need to eslablish
of worship. Conli..ciusgathered and organized anyUling else.
the correct w\037re ,;,a\037
for
hfe was
forms of worship and presented them as the only correel ways later HOles.when the correct wa y yo. good faIth. In
of hie had been losl.
to worship. Although his purpose was to exemplify the established religion
. a part fr om th elr lives people

ancient way, it Wlforhmately limited hlunan piety to formal When there Is a common res p. \037. .'
or hie. ect
lituals and -thus harmed the naturalness and oliglnality of the reach an agreement. but when everyone can
religions are established on
ancient wlspoiled faIth.
to follow an
the basis of diIferences
. n lli cts .. co
arise . S 1I C h re Ii'gion is)
Duling ancient Umes, no one forced people untruUlful because it is unnatural.
form of worship. Their worship was free. The
organized
diversilv of Illeir worship of natural differences of
grew out
expression. however. linked and U1llfied by Ule
they were all A Natural Life is the
sanle belief in Heaven. There were no problems or conflicts Blessing of Heaven
over dilferences. because a real faiUl and connection with The ancients .
recognized that worldly bl esslngsare the
Heaven existed.) rewards of Heaven. To be heal and sleep well. to
have a balanced mind and live ,;:y..to \037at be blessed
Heaven. To receive life is th\037 b\037e\037\037\037; eaven. To live
0i\037\037o .by
Everything Under Heaven is Equal) is a blessing in itself .
peacefully WI'latever happens in a
in Heaven was
nonnal I'
life is alread a b essmg. One does not need to
look
Another trait of the ancient unspoiled faith
eI h ere \037 \037
or h appmess. This only -) leads to ima gin ary
the absence of distinctive social classes. Some societies of sew.
h appmess.
later generations have had a strong fai111 in Heaven. however.
they have also created strong distinctions among people.
God loves
Class distinction is not the ultinlate truth. Natural Religion Did Not Start
everybody.
There are no special classes worthy of divine
WIth
.
the Preaching of a Particular Book
favor.
God does favor the virtuous; the practice of
however. There was no book
there are from which to preach 111e ancient
virtue does not belong to any class. Certainly
lillspoiled . f\037th Heaven. This
natural distinc-tions among people. Some are wise and some dIvlne
of.
faith was practiced by
while seeking gUldance through a responsive system of
less developed. and some have great potential.
are
is change. Important engt'aved on ox bories which
events were
others will never attain greatness even if the opportunity been
contll\037uously discovered in excavations.
have
ofTered. but these are merely differences. not classes. Such
Book QI History was compiled by Confudus from
difIerences are natural. represenl the essence a person .Tlle
\037Clent doculll.ents that described l'ommunities.
They
one or IIlany lifetimes. Surely. tilere Is wars. signi-
develops throughout ficant ceremonIes. celebrations.and more. Tht'V also revealed
a difference between a phoenix and a crow, but dillerences
the simple ancient faith
to base respect or disrespect.
in Heaven. We know that the
are not the basis on which virtuous leaders of ancient so'-:iety were as the
Social classes are an arUficial human recognized
preference or dislike.
eldest sons of Heaven. Public decisiuns. however. were nut
establishment and thus a violation of nature. TIley go against
In the natural fa1Ul. no such
made by these leaders. but were left to unerring divine
the Heavenly Way. unspoiled
guidance.
distinction exisls.)
thOS1' Umes there were no distineUons. People
Outing
knew thai of all lire was nature.
UtC source Out 01\" resped.
Ihey called th1s nature Heaven or '(i\" (Godl To distinguish)))
 /64/ - Wel Chi/Before Crossing Ihe
638 Wa/erJ 639
Hexagram/64/
above aU things. Behind all
they lived. they called it Earth.
Ear!h was Ule small h Is SubUe Law. It
of t h e um:m
Is the ultimate activity
where law
. 0 f h urnan life.
Heaven: tile Imiverse was !he bIg H.,aven.
uruverse and
Olvlnation reveals an aspect
of th S e
This was the only faith for 5.000 years of recorded Law and provides
guidance in understanding an d
\037btle
new standards were established. making a decision about a
history. until recenlly when particular event.
These-new standards have brought mUl\"h conli..slon.) On Ule basis of these princl PI es . one can
behavior and actions wi!h or WIth out decide one's
divlnatlo
.
Guidance) peop I e h ad a strong faith in !he Subll n..didAnnot
Clent

A Natural Religion Seeks Only Divine

beyond !heir own \"lines\" of dut Th' er\037w.
They go
Oivine nor inlpulslve. On !he contr';;'. it :a:\037h \037asonnel!her.blind
The natural unspoiled religion always sought and experience. It is only thro \037t expenment
tribes I e XPene n ce that correct
guidance divination. Many ancient Ulroughout
interpretations and ilIustrationsu\037:
through
them make t l ie S u bU e Law can be
!he world used some system of divination to help
{;oun. d W e need to rebuild our own ('aJ !h so th at we t<>o can
decisIons life. This syslem of inquiIy expresses high li ve h annon I ous I y and in accord wi u ' !h
in
aU knowledge. Its me!hodis e SubUe Law .
wisdom since it can encompass C ertaln Iy there can be no harm II 0 win g the examples
in {;\302\260
as as scientific and as logical as exact
of our ancient ancestors. WIthout
systematic.
It is a profoundly dialectic system. a tr Ue an d natural faith .
math\037matics.
a peop I e b ecome lost. When the ancient on eS rece. d'
What is the henelH of such system, however? Though from !he Divine Realm. they had no fe ar . Th ey hl\037e gl.Udanc.e
modem educated we are impulsive Illest of the a d no conSl-
we are people. d era tI on 0 f personal benefit or even of ,,\302\243 tile or d ea th . They
time. and this leads us into difficulty. Indeed. all wars are Ule mt egrat d th Ii ves with the SubUe Realn 'an d receIved. the-
.
eelI' .
result of impulsiveness. As we reflect on our actions. in the mstruction
. the Law either
unrea- through divination or
hope of curtailing our impulsiveness.perhaps
it seems .of \037ubUe
theu own discoveries of invaluable Thus
sonable to exalt an ancient system above modem technology. throu\037 principles.
is that U'e
lived whole-hearted lives rather than fragmented ones .
One important advantage of divinaUon. however. t\037ey
Since they had a closerconnection with n atur e. th ey enJoye .
d
of divination has a calming effect. which to some
activity
in ilseU'. This is how ancient many thi ngs. \037eir \037nds were not tTapped in thought. The
extent tames Ule impulsiveness modem livmg IS not real living. It is only fom,alized
people subdued and educated !hemselves. w\037y of.

the acUons of human beings. it is not a

thoughts. 1JnagmaUon. and interpretaUons of a system
- that is
In contemplating not a true systenl.
of and who is worse. RaUler. it is a
!,?U consider
question who is better When the wholeness and sinlplicity of
matter of who is more reasonable and who is more iInpulsive; natural religIOn. you can see that it is modem man who has
this is what makes the d11Terence. The marvelous aspect of becOlne superstitious through the magnitude of fragmented
ancient socieUes was that optnions and decisions alfecting the
or leaders alone. doglIla in !he hwnan mind.)
public were nol detennined by individuals
hy the subUe guidance receivedUlrough
but divination.
With this understanding. the differences between natlual
seen. Three Elucidations of Natural
faith and religious doctrines can more clearly be It Is a Religion)

question of faith in the natural Subtle Law or in hwnan Before any book was wrttten or any religion wasdevel-
dogma and doctrines. The ancient faith was not dogmatic.
oped. a natural faiU, exIsted and was practiced. Later.
On the contrary. it was founded on the principles of appro-
and was influenced social
pIiateness and balance in response to change. This Is the religion developt'd by specific
backgrounds and problems. was Ule response to a
of !he ancien I Ialth in \"always seeking Religion
essential point
\" particular hwnan situation; it does not represent a true laith.
correctness This is we valut' Ihe unspuilt'd natural
natural why Tellgion.
Ancienl developed people. willI llieir unspoiled
understood and believed that !heuniverse became Unspoiled r..ligion has no partit\"ular book. Actually.
history is a book that tests the
lilith. truly
Law. which Is)
human faith of all religions.)))
manifest and was arranged through Subtle
 640 Hexagram /64/)

we value evt'ry life experience Ulat is

Generally speaking. and
cOnIlt'c1':d with tht' intt'mal and extenlal dev{\"lopment
of human life. Whalever is true and natural is
e,'olution
10 doubt Ulls.
where God restdes. TIlere is no need
particular book. no matter how profound. represents
Any
of Ille Heavenly Realm.
nothing more Ulan an interpretation book. if it
An accurate account of hIstory can bt' a religious
as wt'li as great mistakes and
records all actions: grt'at deeds
reJlecUng on such events. hUInan bt'ings
transgressions. By
how they spoil them-
can better undt'rst..nd their condItion:
selves. how they destroy Ihemselves. and how they deviate
from their true nature. All good books illustrate the natural.

Heavenly Way and thus serve in Ihe discovery

and rediscovery
of the n;'tur\037. correct way of life.
of Ule natural truth
In China. three corred elucidations
were presented. each somewhat differently. by Lao Tzu.
back
Confucius and Mo Tzu. Lao Tzu served to guide people much
to UIeir natural root. During his time there was already them-
divergence and deviation. He taught people to restore
selves through nature. because only nature can provide the

correct direction for life. Anything interpreted by the later

spoiledmind is mislearung. love. or \"ren.\" Within the
Confucius valued humanistic
is ren: tht' essence of life.
pit of an apricot. peach or plum
This means that all life is life-centered. Therefore. In order to
realize personal life and to enjoy co-existence one must realize
lUlinanistic love.
Mo Tzu expressed two main elements with his teaching:
the will or universal love. and non-
following Heavenly
aggression. three teachings are
In tenns of the ancient
these tradition.

pIimary
and
illustrations Heaven. Thereis also value
of God
in the good interpretations of other religions. However. it Is
to make some adjustments in order to avoid racial
necessary
and other artificial prejudices.
the oneness of spiritual truth. together we
By seeking
assist the transfomlation of human society and help establish
lotal progress for the enUre hwnan race.)))
 FIVE EXAMPLES
OF ANCIENT I CHING PRACTITIONERS)
I
The Virtuous Leader, Wen Wong
The Widely King Wen)
\037 \037,\037\037--#
\037;
{- Accepted

J: \037

\037 Ii 1:-
\\-4
_
\302\267
'f-/ I like to introduce an ancient
would
sage whose profound
virtue not
only helped lay the foundation for the Chou
/.1] - \037 \037 \037
\037 \037
(1122-249 B.C.I. but who also provided
t1J 1. ;f \037
Dynasty a virtuous
vJ.. legacy for all of Chinese culture. He is commonly known as
... Wen Wong.
\\-.[/ , ti' :\037 1 ,,'j
The 1 Ching. as we know it today. as a complete
JfL \037 system of
sixty-four hexagrams, was the work of Wen Wong. He recom-
.} \"1 \037
.J.i: g-' piled earlier versions of the text and re-organized the ancient
j !J\037
.\"J
knowledge, making
an entire lifetime
excellent
to the daily
improvements. Having devoted
of the 1 Ching, he was
{ijf.; ;. I{ \037n t},-{ highly qualified to do this.
practice
Thus I have chosen him as the
tt
I4 /ft')
\037i
. first example of great 1 Ching practitioners.
\037
\037 ./\0371 Included in this introduction are two talks
i given by
Maoshing and Daoshing on 13. 1983, during the
: rfb \037 -b
\037';lp::f
..
Chinese
Breath ofTao in
New Year's
Malibu,
celebration at
Califomia.
February
the Shrine

They too will

of the Etemal
give you a
t!!1-
:; A. 1fi 1!- good sense of the the virtuous King Wen.
life of
\037.\037
family's ancestors were descendants of the Yellow
Our
o
1.-. 1.- \302\267
J,i.1
Emperor. This branch included the original supporters of
A\" Jt Wen Wong who later became feudal lords on the land of Ni.
\037
--It \037
\037L
a.),. ., Hereafter. we adopted Ni as our family name to differentiate
-f.
,\\.. ourselves from other branches of the Yellow Emperor's
t;\037
\037z..;ihe; ;- \037 descendants. Wen Wong was a descendant of oneof the origi-
nal leaders in agriculture, Shen Nung, whose influence in
\037 I
1:1 f- \037/J..r -if \037 ,1{j
agriculture helped to build the foundation of Chinese society.
f\"\037 \037
\037
King Wen's grandfather was a fam1er named Gu Gung who

A
1 1V .)
\037 !1 \":J' was elected leader of his community.
and expertise in farming
Under his leadership
there were abundant harvests year
after year. People were well fed and had a surplus. A nearby
tribe. however, was jealous ofGu Gung's success and wanted
his land and people. When the people heard of their neigh-
bors' ambitions, they became very angry and planned to
defend themselves, eVen ifU meant going to war, but Gu Gung
said, \"Since ancient times people have chosen their leaders
because of their ability to benefit everyone by their leadership.)))
 Five Ancient 1 Ching PracLUtoners 645
644 Five Ancient 1 Chtng Practitioners)
one very important .
and land. Neither the thing: virtuous leadershi!\"he world can
Now another Irlbe wants my people be built with computers high s d . an \037.
people nor tJle land belong to me or to those planning to but without virtuolls leadersit fusion.
Invade. How can I be the cause of a war and harm the people Virtuous leadership is essentialc\037\037u\037\037\037s y be destroyed.
eaSl.\037uclear
to th e
me?\" So Gu Gung gathered a few of his helpers of a. counlry. prosperityrYand lon g evit
who elected
and. along with his fam.lly. left the land. Many more people moruous
. When a leader is vi rt uous an d Jollows
or d er 0f nature the har-
followed hIm to the new settlement. and an even larger com- the whole world will b e ill.' h arrnony
people will b ecome peaceful: thus
ThIs was of the State of
m1.IDlty was fonned. the beginnIng But how does one becomevirtu';us and achieve this? It all
Chou.which was fonned naturally.these like many other coml\\lLilli- starts within oneseU. A person must
he will love others. When a person considershishimseU th
natural comm1.IDlties first love
ties all over China. Although
elected kings and dukes. and the emperor was as precious. then he will consider
own me \037\037
eventuaUv it is not
death the well-being of \\)
electedby the leaders of these smaller comm1.IDlties.
that as equally precious. To be virtuous means to follow
really accurate to refer to It as a feudal system. although oth\037rs
one s own tr:ue nature and to serveothers the way one serves
we have.
tenn Is the closest modem equivalent becanle oneseU. This is my goal; I hope it Is yours as well.)
After Wen Wong took his position. the comn11.IDlty
even more successful than during his ancestors' tIme and the
even more renowned and respected than
\"state\" became (from Maoshing's lecture)
before. During this time. the empire of the Shang Dynas\037y been taught that to use virtue
The last emperor of this
I have in leading or guiding
B. C.) was fast declining.
(1766-1121
forsaken and the laws of people is the most bene\037cial way to organize a society and
had spIritual guidance a
dynasty that he filled the manage c\037:\\U\037lry. Chinese history we find a good example
In
nature. He was cmel. lustful. and so coITUpt of leade.rship In Wen Wong who used his virtue to guide and
the trees in his
pool in his garden withHewine.
and draped
heavily. tortured tile
his people. The foundation of his education was his
courtyard with meal. taxed people s\037TVe
sincere life long study of the I Ching. Beforehiln. there were
Wen Wong.
innocent. and was despisedby those he governed. already two versions ofI Ching:
with the fanners. even though Lien San. developed by Sheng
on the other hand. shared work
He taxed the peoplejustly. Nung. and Gai Tsen.developedby Shang Tung. After studying
he was recognized as a feudal
lord.
to feed hungry travelers. He these works lor many years. Wen Wong decided to further
and even had ample provisions
was respectful of the old and frtendly to the young. No one in organize the I Ching based on the new social development of
locked doors at night because no crune his time. His insightful reorganization was called Chou I.
the stale ever their

existed! Because of his virtuous leadership. many wise men w.hicl\037

has become
t.he
I Ching as we know It today. Through
him. his diligent work WIth the I Ching. his wisdom and virtuous
cameforward to support
personality were developed. By observing
Once. two nearby states had a dispute overtheir bound\037
natural phenomena
When they arrived In around him. he discovered the that could help
and they came to Wen Wong for advice. guidelines
the Slate of Chou. they were surprised to see how tolerant his people follow the most natural course of spiritual life. He was
between their fields. No- then able to teach others how to use tlle I Chillg and thereby
fanners were over the boundaries rise abovedifficult
to be aggressive. They also saw how by avoiding things that 1111ght go
considerate situations
needed
of the .two against tile hannonlous order of universal
body
the young people were to the elders. The heads nature.
dispute and realized Under his leadership. when a person commUted a crune.
states were embarrassed by their petty
their imrnatUIity. By following the good examples
set by the that Is. when he violated the natural hanl.lony. Wen Wong
State of Chou. they were able to establish peaceful
a and d\302\243ewacircle at the location of the crime and made the person
between their two slates when InsIde the ci\302\243cleand \302\243efiectupon the matter until he
mutually respectful atmosphere stay
With this
could see his mistake and was willU1g to repent.
they anived home. allows us to have fom) of correctivepunlslunent was
the\302\243e crtme In
In modem society. advanced Icchnology ha\302\243dlyany

we want materially. from computers to high his land. Peoplewe\302\243e

able to sleep without dosing or locking
almost anything
can destroy US many
speed Jets. 10 nuclear weapons
than their doo\302\243s.)))

times over. It seems we have almost everything. yel we lack)

 Five Ancient I Ching PracliliDners 647
646 Five Ancient I Ching Pracltlioners)
.
you use to rule your life? Your emotions.
of alcoholic lower desires.
Wen Wong also restrIcted the producUon
had been
or your wisdom? Sometimes
your
h ear a small voice from your
beverages. becausehe saw how ofthe Shang Dynasly
alcohol. At thai tIme. group
heart. Be careful' What is u?'0u
e of this voice? Is il from
weakened through lhe mIsuse the villaInous Jou or th
and luxurious sporl of lhe \037g \037\037urce King Wen? If Ills the
had become the favorite virtuous King Wen Wong's
hunting
would invile hundreds of people to a\037.
with universal order. If you foll:\037eili e small
u\037sen in hannony
and lords. They ?,ouVOIce
\037e
of the tyrant
kings
01 their sportIng games
parties and in Ule course King Jou, however, you Will be ui
Wen wong disliked lhis
their hunting to and emaciate
wreak havoc on the fannlands. yourself. Everyone has two Sid\037s. \037d0 ru \037busein his mind
would
and
kind of negligent indulgence and banned it entIrely. heart: one good. one bad. Her e we emphasIZe er\037
the good side.
Because of hIs virtuous reputation. Wen Wong attracted that of Wen Wong.
all of those who
many virtuous people and humbly welcomed
Everyone is here on the planet E rtJ I WI.th one purpose:
chose to follow him. Sometimes he would not even have time survival. Different people use dillere\037 l ways t 0 ensure their
to enjoy a meal because he would be so engrossed
In listening
s urvI v.al an d many do not finllly adh ere i0 U Ie
Eventually his repu- strength of
to the virtuous advice of these people. virtue. From the truth of histo ry you can see that
throughout ancient China. More and more th ou gh J ou Wong was
even
tation spread
and his influence became physically stronger and had a gr eat
people began moving
to his land,
empire. he was the one who was de<e
widely
Wen
accepled.
Wong
..
loved the natural liIe. Thai IS the
reason he small Ieaderof . a small
sm all .commuruly .
f mally
I' at e.d
communit y . H ow can th eeaeroa
W en W ong was a

win the heart of a whole nation? The

I d f

of all his people. His own life was simple and

valued the lives and satisfying.
evil king really o.\"erthrew himself, by abusing himself and his
virtuous. and lhe people's lives were peaceful power. As.splnlual people. we too worship power: nol the
Today, after thirty-one htmdred years, even though his physi-
power of evil. bul the power of virlue.
In the
cal life Is over. his virtuous model is everlasting. the physical aspects ask we can reach a peaceful world order. We
.People \037ow
modern world. peopletend to emphasize are only begin by re\037chlng a peaceful order within ourselves; this we
of life. With all our modern technology. people
Where does this lead? To can do. this IS withoul our own domain. First begin byaskin
looking for sensory pleasure. yourself, \"Do I rule myself well?\" always lalk abou\037
unsatisfying and depressing virtuous.
lives! Tohave true fulfillment m People
bul do lhey lalk aboul how to survive? There are lwo
We musl live lives survival.
our lives we must learn to be we cultivate or altitudes loward earrrlng a living. One is 10 use our
spiritual lives. When
ways
without stress: peaceful.
life Itself and enjoy the lives we own energy to make an honest living. 10 produce whal can
virtue. we learn to
appreciate our life. The other way is to htmt; thai is. to coruluer
have received from Great Nature. This should be our goal. support
m our hearts and our by force Or depend on luck. Theway of the hunter is the lazy
and Wen Wong can be an example
way: only when he is hungry
that we can all benefit from the good example he does he hunt.
work. I hope The first way of survival is by honest work. as in fanning
was given to us.) Or mduslry. Step by step. one depends on one's conUnued
work until resulls come.
As for the second way. many people are still hWlting!
lecture}
{from Daoshing's
countries. we are all kings in They do not like to sit at regular work. They are only looking
Although we are not kings of tradition. we do not for opportunities to come into power. \\Vhen we look at the
our own lives. the natural spiritual
value on bemg a
In
world leaders of today. how many of them are honest workers?
to be rulers, nor do we place high there are some eanlest workers Ulem. but
asptre
but it Is valuable to learn about respected and virtuous Certainly among
ruler,
mainly they are hunters.
leaders.
Sheng DWlg Physical power is easy to recognize. but spiritual or
There Is a famous classicnovel called Fung
is diiTicult to recognue. You may recognize a
groupS: one tmder the leadership virtuous power
which tells the
story of two it. but
and the other under the leadership of person's strength and not be able to compete wiU. just
your tongue. whidl one
of the tyrant Jou Wong. as your teeth are mud. stronger than
Wen Wong. Flmg Sheng Dang shows tiS, in a metaphorical
Which part of your mind do))) lasts through old age? Therefore. we Ulusl never rely on our)
way, how to rule our own lives.
 r

Five Ancient 1 Ching '\\

Practitioners 649
648 Five Ancient 1 Ching Praditioners)
This Initial spirit Is what w e v al ue. not wom out
that represent a Spirit tha t IS . .
reliJ1.ions
to win. but on patience and tolerance. Virlue
Is wom out from cons t ant
strengths which can be aUa1lled by Ii on. or .rom ' perseeu-
much more enduring than that constanUy perseculin other people. If you lose !)
strength. TIns is what we can leam from King Wen. your initial spirit. you feel p. Or what value is your pa1n?
There are many kinds of religton. but sinc.. most sImply If It has any value. It is to re\037\037. 111d you to rema1n true to
your
to dIe. th..y are not very useful unless you are initial spirit.
prepare you With initial spirit. one thin g w
the principle passed down
already wom ou!. I recommend When you are youn an\037 .must. not. It neglect is
from Wen Wong. It does not teach you
to go but to stay and completion. is easy to
life. to revere the heavens and to exalt Ihe jump from one thing to another h\037p h37\037patient
live. to embrace h..re and
virluous nature of mankind.) there. scattering your good en\037rgy . Th e \037Iyd1gg\037\037 of uutial spirit
may be there. bul the virtue of c I
virt\037.'e
.s not. Through
cultivation you will come to real17\037\037aetiO\0371 t Wlthout the virtue of
(Master Ni resumes] completion. the initial spirit of 0 ur tr ue =.ture cannot mani-
ones worship inJtial spirit. Initial means new; fest its goodness in the world. \037)
Developed
is new. I will illustrate InJtial spirit two ways. So, my dear friends this is wh t Kin oller:
everything
I wenl to a lake called Jen initial spiIit and a sens\037 of comple\037on tW\037 e so
One day. over ten years ago. :
v
ha\037to ued the
Lake in Asia and took a walk along its shore. Along These
the virtue.
strength of q ualities . w hi c h Wen Won g had . I
SUIllmer houses and. as it waS rain-
Ching
t 00 h ave engraved in my bones . an d I WIS. h .or <
you to have
way there were beautiful
so I would not gel we!. Inside I al so. m1.-.,. IS why I recommend Wen Won g a s our e-ITstexam-)
ing. I decided to slep inside
IlliS

one group of young people. and another group of pie of a responstble life.
discovered
of TIle young people were enjoying themselves
people all ages.
rain and were not dismayed or
frustrated.
despite the heavy
At the same time I could hear
the other j1;roup complaining. II
to come here?\" Can you tell
Tzu Ya. The Hennit
\"Bah. why did we choose today Chang Fisherman
which group mainUlined their initial spirit and winch was
If we have our InJlial
wom out by life and had lost theirs? anew. This the story of another great man who lived early in
day we are bom
. i\037
spirit. how can we complain? Every
then
Chinese history. around 1154 B.C.. during the Shang Dynas-
If we have oW' initial
and anything ran happen.
the
spirit.
of life.
ty. Emperor Jou. Its last emperor. had once been a man of
we can enjoy everything. and experienre joy
strength and bravery. but in his later years he became
This is
At times all of us have some tronble or complaint.
over ow'
by las\037iviouS pleasures. He filled his ponds not
as long as we do not let ille matter hang heavy c\037rrupted
With water but wme. and dallied away his days with women.
not let ourselves become dominated by
okay feel-
heads. We should He was for having women pose as swaying trees. full
or and make these fanlO\037s
ings of disappointment. dismay frustration
if we can
of flowers. whIle he luxuriated among them. The faithllli and
ow' daily manner of life. It really is not necessary trusted ministers left by his father fied to advisehim against
maintain our initial spirit. such excessive enjoyITlents. but the only reward for thdr
to go to
There are alsotwo kinds of religion. One tells you truthfuhless and straightforwardness was. to be execuled one
other says. 'We have just begun. We Can you see how this man of excess graduall)' el'oded
a better place, bul the one.
We like n...we love il...lhis is
Wd\"
want to keep lhrngs going!
There is to
his support and \037'aused the \"ridgepole\" of his govelTUllenl10
b\037
about?
So what do we have
nothing 28 .
to complain
You Ihere sag to the breaking point. as Ulllstralcd in Hexagram

complain about! We are brand new 10 life! IIlay say

\"Great Excess?\"
are new to life.
is a lot of difficulty in your life. but when youWhalls the truill
ministers of the royal courl was a talenlt'd
One of the and
have the courage to meet thaI difficully.
person naIned Chang T:ru Ya 0154-1115
you value is fnlstration or dis- spirituallyach.leved
of your complaint? Of what your
B.C.). He recugnized that Emperor Jon had reduced his court
Unless cheaply. When
mayor defeal? None! you sell yourself to a pack of fawning sycophanls who appeast'd him in order
you are new. noilling can trouble you.) to benefit from his weakness (Huw common this is to all)))
 Five Ancient I Ching Prru:lilioners 65 J
650 Five Ancient 1 Ching Praclilioners)
themselves. /hey qUJeUy acce t the proper moment to serve.
dictalors!'Seeinghow hopeless the situation was. Chang Tzu ShLUlning excess. they accOI\037 Pec:
Ule RIver
hshed great things; thus /h ey
Va Iled the courl to become a hermit fishennan on mundane were able to hit the ,ar g et dea d center .
Wei. People of truth rarely abandon Ihemselves the to M any eminent milit.axy adv! sers were spiritually
Chang Tzu Va became known as man who people who ollered /heir wi s dom and talent arhieved
authority.
could fish wlUl a slraighl hook. TIlis waS a metaphor lor his found Itself In Irouble. when
only society
altilude: opportunJlJes came to him like
schools of fish. With deep and b .
honest lramJng In Ule 1 Ching.
bul only Ihose fish willing
10bite Ihe \"Slraighl hook\" would be King Wen was able to consul\037\037r
versed
\":\037 out any fonn of divin-
WI
from
any crookedness. he al
first sutlered aUon. In this manner h
taken. Refusing cc about an
after many years of \"slraIght of peace that last\037d ;orsu 80 Oessfully brought
poverty and hw'ger. However.fish. epoch years.)
he caught /he big King Wen. the revolutionary
wlU, all the other leaders 10
fishing\"
leader whose son had allied
overllrrow the corrupl Emperor Jou. III
Wen. who was being held prisoner by Ihe tyrannical Fang Li. The
King
Soon afler. he was awak- King's Advisor
Jou, was fmally released.
Emperor bear with
ened by a startling dream In which a terrifving he asked his mini-
I would like to inlroduce Fan L' another great and wise
wings Jtullped on him. The next moming man who lived during a time whe\037 n:.
they told hJm It
were
whal thls powerful dream meant. and
countries
sters w-dlTing. The country called ( w\037y
s\037\037
he would be able \037cldentally. is my
Yu ch.
whom home province) had been co
was an inlage of a slrong personality
as general to fight against his enemy, Emperor Jou. whichIs now called Shan gh aI n\037red
by ItS neighbor Wu.
to trusl . e king of Yu. havin g been
embarked on a hunting trip and even-
King Wen immediately
he encountered an old cap t ure d an d enslaved.was search' \037
arrived at the Wei River where his kingdom. However. since he \037;s \037a:;,n\037an\037:o enemy resto\037e
tually
a few words will, the hermit. s
Cish':nnan. After exchanging household, the chances of Successwere ill
Wen knew at once that this was the man who had
two ofhis talented
King Tzu Ya minist:r\037''-''ere sWI faithful
appeared in his dream! He promplly requested Chang : Fang Li. a spiritually developed one. and Wen
to \037rtunatelY.
him as his
to rdum with him to his courl where he appointed of Chang Chung. These. clever advisors suggesteda plan to Yu. First
son. with the aid
highest advisor. Later. he must convmce the King of Wu that he had abandoned all
King Wen's
succeeded In revolting against 1Ile wnighteous of restoring his throne
Tzu Ya hope and appear willing to continue as
Jou. a should the opportmlity artse. he must
Emperor First. sla,:,e. .Then. Se1Ve
Two principles can be learned from Ihis story.
the king 111 a way that would gain his gratitude and favor.
before one's real talent has been fully discovered.
one should
Such an opp\037rtunity soon appeared. King Wu became
It to oneself while to refine one's virtue and
keep continuing ill, and h,s doctors could not the problem
Second. talent should be put to use only for a g\037avely diagnose
knowledge. W1thOut accurate analysis ofIlis stool. Unfortunately. sut'h
of self-aggrandizement.
good purpose and willlOut
\037
thought
are stories
tnduded its being tasted dire('tlv. but e\037en the
Part of the treasures of lllis spiritual tradItion \037 a:'al\037SIS
Ku Liang. BOlh had king s WIves and trusted ministers relused Ihe job. AI this
of people like Chang Tzu Ya and Chu Unle, Yu was keeper of the king's horses. Soo.-\"1. a message
for people and helped remove their misery. They
carne. andYu was askedif we would penonn this task. See-
as described in the Tao Teh
sympathy
also exemplify true leadership how lIlis opportunity would se1Ve llis greater pl;.Ul. Yu
Tzu Ya IJVed about 700 years before ing
Ching, although Chang Because Yu's humility in bowing to such dis!!,rdce.
the Tao Teh ChiJlg was written and Chu Ku Liang's Me was agreed.
Wu Irusled
01.
him and de('ided to grant him tlis freedom.
much later. However. as achieved masters. both had a special King
He lurther nollo l'hallenge Yu's kil'gdom as long as Yu
from the fruits of their agreed
in conmlOn: detachment
splritualtrait mission, they did not would render all surplus ('rops to him. TIle motive behil,d this
After lulflUing an Important
labor.
so rarely seen was 10 prevent Yu and his people from ever having
detachmenl. de\037and
accept any of the glury. Such
lnere Isso much su11tdenl to fI!!,ht ifthere wdS no slora/!,e ii, Ow \\JanIS.
from the Heavenly Realm. strength
todav, emanates
alienUon 10) One 01 King Wu's InslghtJul rnillislers wanled him Ihat by)))
10 learn II-om these men. WllilOUI calling
 Five Ancien. , Ching PrClchlioflers 653
652 Five Ancient I Chlllg Practilioners) If)
of hIs
When practlring the priJ\\('lple 01 no .
to the mountain. Ule seeds n-excesslVeness. one
letting the \"tiger\" retWTI shollid always remember and follow th e examples of Masters l')
destruction be planted. nevertheless King Wu
such as Chang Tzu Ya . Fan\",.., LI an d CI lU Ku
Liang '. Wh en.th e
would surely
persisted out of gratitude. wor l d was In danger. Uley came to hel W I.
Yu retWTIed home. he followed
the Ulelr
When the King of was finished. they washed Uleir h\037ds and
\037en servu::e ,\\
advice of Fang Li and Wen Chung.
He first combed the entire behavior exempWled great au' \037ell..
ali t y wh.ch IS ollen
TheIr I)
well-trained girls to send to spirl!
country for dozens of beautiful.
'
lacking In today's . world ;
but whtch I S .,rea u V needed .
King Wu. Although the King ofWu suspected that they were Fang Li was the student r Wen Tzu. the
of Chi Zan' g \302\260
resIst their beauty. TIlt\"\" most famous spy
spies. he could not
conquered number one student of Lao T7u . He co,u\" d 1m d ers t and a s.t
among them went to Wu and said. \"Great King. you lion as dearly as something In the palm 0 f h' IS h an. d He
I ua-
weak woman like me?\"
our whole cOlmtrv. why do youthefear a women and drInk the or ganJ.L. ed th e pnn\037lp I es 0 f the I Ching so concisely that Chu
\"
III
So King let himself enjoy lovely Ku Liang could wnte on a feather-made fan.) I
Every day his weakness
Wu them
delectable wines they otTered. I)
hours and sleep.
Increased as he passed his In sensuality
Yu deprIved
Meanwhile. back In his own country. onKing top of firewood IV
himself of all personal pleasure and slept TIle Liberator)
of his \037ouse. he \037ung the Chang Liang.
and grass. From the top beamremind himself of his .o\037deal.
bitter gall bladder of a bear to
DurIng Chou Dynasty (1766-1121 B.C.I. the C01UlUy
the army and cIVIlians
the
After ten years of rIgorously traininp:
His power had called China a culturally. socially and polilically
alike. Kin\037 Yu conquered
his neighboring rIval. no,:\",
unifed
w\037s
this time. there were many small counu-Y
He had avoided all excess
and gone nation.. At. own
become Indonlilable. states.
ea\037h
WIth ItS king. Heading all these states was \\,i)

straight for thetarget. .

carne a central Ihe Emperor. This arrangenlenl was similar
his mission successfully.the lime hgure.
structure ofUle United
After completing
advisors. Fang Li was a truly to thepolilical Slates today. Near tile
to reward his two faithful end 01the Chou Dynasty. the power of the central govenlment ,\\
tirnes of diificulty. people
achieved man who knew that durIng a but during times of ease became weak. and Individual states began fightirlg in order to ,I
come together to accomplish goal. also knew gain control over each other and the central But I)
to compete for benefits. He
that goverrunenl.
in the year 248 B.c.. after a long perIod of confusion. the
onc\037 \"
they separate
is time to leave. Thus.
Master Far.lg Li :,
a task is completed. it IJInes State of Chin tinally succeeded in rt'uniting the l'!)UntIv.
his name and became a q
changed bu.siness1narl. \037hree It all to the Chin was a small. rustic state. it was more s\037table
and tirree times he gave
When
he made a greal fortune real for raisiIlg cattle Lhan promoting agrIl\"ulLure. Thus. aggres-
poor. Because he was
an achieved rnan. he
\037ew the.
and to him worldly life was Just. a game. sive and forceful qualities developed among its peoplt' and
\\t))
of money. he mtended so that It
mearling
the world with clean hands and produced good generals. warriors and fighters
entered
He had
same Wen ClllUlg. however. prepared 10 eventually succeeded in conquering Ule surrounding coun-
to leave the way.
of succesS. Wen Chung n'as\037ned. tries. Present day China was named al\"ter Chin by forelgnt'rs.
arId bask in the glory
stay
years. we h',iVt' accomphshe\037 People living in China called their nation the \"Middle Land.\"
over many linal\037y
the benef1Ls. The First Emperor ofChin. a cruel conqueror. was Ule first
Let me stay with my king to enJoy
\"Sl\037wly.
somelhinl!:.
was thought to be a tirreat
to to ascend the Urrone by the strength ami vigor of llis person-
Shortly Ulerealler. Wen Chung
instead of helng dppolnted or rt'cognized by a prt\";ous
the king's power and was slain.
ality

If Olle wishes to become spiritually developed. one must emperor. Indeed. In the virtuous l'ulture of dndent China.

One's should be done without tht're were none like the lust Emperor of Chin.
leaITI to take gains lighUy. duty
The power of China as a unllied was sOlin
game is over. oneshould
nation
concern for personal gain. When tht' remain unattached to the enhanced and expanded. After adlieving his goal. the
move to another plateau and his o\\'..n life and
The worldly mode should only be used to support Emperor eventually bt'gan contempldting
rewards.
achievement.) death. Being an ambitious maIl. he sought physi1'al iunnor-
work of spiritual
the true
tality. which Is a shallow. Incomplett' understanding of true)
 If

Five Ancient , .
C/illig Prnd i1iollc-rs 655 \\\\)
654 Five Ancient' Ching Pracltltoners)
Emperor inlllledialel ordered the whole country
hl\" was able lo locall\" a lhe attacker.
y
to I ook for
.

immortality. Bf'ing a man of powe\\\".

, L'
book Illat conlalned the secret of everlastIng life. Chan 1-\\ lang.who was full of.
and con'Vl.TI ced
spilitual in ancienllllvstical words lhall! was necessary to repay leeth vl\"ngean('e
the book was w1illen with Willi and bl ou d WIlh
Unfortunately.
to one senlenc.e: \"'The one blood. . was e'lsIl c. y
.
dl scovered a s t h e instigalor
and he was only able undl\"rstand
is Fu.\" He Inlerpreled Ule .assassInation
All his str englh and
of this
who shall come to dl\"stroy Chin allempl.
part of China. energy had been
word \"Fu\" to mean a tribe from the
northem spenl on this misadvenlure and now public rewards were
his emptre. he olTered everywhere for his ca lu
to havl\" perpf'lual proll\"etion for of his whe\037e- 1)
and Wishinp;
10 build a great wall thal would abouts. Wishing only 10 sa\037e \037\037s
mobIlized Ille whole c\"Ounlrykilomelers and thereby thwart any 10 a nlral called
e
\037\037fknowledge
\037d escape arrest. he
strf'lch for Illorl\" lhan 2300 retr'.'ated place Sh\037 -Pl.feeling hopeless and
of allack. Ironically. il was not the northem tribe contused. \"
possibility him. but his sec'ondson.whose
naJIle One day.
of Fu whieh
while taking . h e caIne to a bridge Ulal
a walk
destroyed
that the enenlY was right ill his crossed a stream bed As he approached.an old man
Ii
was Fu. He never realized
called oul
dry
to hinl. \"Hey fellow
II
the stream and fetch my I
house! called Han. there
In northenl CIIina. in a small eOlUltrv 10 take \037hoes!\"
At first. Chang Lian\037':\037st\037
by the old man's
\\)))
\037ho decided and continued walkin g. :!alled
lived a young mall nan1ed Chang Liang
was no way ms\037lenc\037,
I he thought again and
of Chill. Since there decIded. I am no longer an I . of the royal
revenge 011the firsl Emperor Chang
noble court,
all amlY 10 remove the Emperor by
force. a refu\037ee.
to orgaJlize H\037 was
I
an1,now
Mavbe ::\037\037\037t d help thIS old man.\"
assassin hIs secret plan. So Chang Lian g went d own to thl\" dry s tr earn.
Liang sought an
for
who had a repu- picked up
Il\"d to a man named
Chuan Chu. UIe shoes and brought Ulem t Ule 0I d man. The old Inan
eventually Chu's ,?
Chang Liang discovered so he decidedto
Ulat Chllan said.. \"Put them on m
tation for bravery. . y fe et . S uc 11 a g es I ure was very
greally. h UI\\11ll a t ing lor Chang Liang
mother was very weak and suffered and UlUS treated her like
his
' H \302\260we ver. he swallowedhis plide
her life comfortable. and anger and submilled to th e 0ld Illan .
help make
own moUleJ\". are so
The old man then said \"Sev d from now. very early
One day chuan Chu said to Chang Liang, in\"You the world. m the nlOnIing. cOlne back to \037\037s\037ys . pot. and be prompt. I
not fmd a beUl\"r friend reward you with somelhin
to me. I could
I
shall gyou may need for your future
kind
Please.if you have any request. jusl ask. would do anything
career.\" ll1en he quicklv left.
into water or fire for you.\" .
Since going into hiding Ch
you wish. I would go \"I know of your fan1e as a brave man.
had continuously
Lla\0371g
Chang Liang said. tried to devise a way to' llmsell
a:l.\037 and overUlrow 1I1e
and I admire your courage. I have
a secretplan to assassinate Emperor. bul as he w';'sh
\037ave
he U1Oughl. 'What
the brutal Emperor chin.\" can I lose by meeting Ule \037\037;\037I\037\037,\037I\037'es:. . 0 e wenl to the deslg-
his sincere offer and
The brave young man. afler making it. His only nated spot al the a pp ointed h our. W1len he aniv e.d t l Ie 0Id
. \"
of the plan. agreed to do man was already. Ulere an d SaJ.d H owc.ana y o un g person
hearing the delails take care of his moUler. which \"
was thai someone his lik e you )l\" so nl\"/1:Ii..ent as to b
I ak .a promise to be prompt?
request
to do. Chuan Chu Ulen prepared I was here long bef\037\037\037o\037 T ry r\037
Sl\"ven days. At that
Chang LIang promised concealed near his breast.
a thai could be if you do not lruS' \037gaJn.1Il lale, you will find
weapon. spearhead thne,
\037
bemg
left to cany out his vow. Ulat may inter:s\037ll\"o y u.
and the Emperor of somethilig
laler. Chuan Chu ht'ard that
Lian h:a.d no hope U1at the old man could re.1Uy
Some tillle
tile West to Tai San. a sacredmoun- Chang \037
olTer hi m any Uling 01 value. However, he felt Ihal to de\037line
Chin was traveling from
to make
in the East. looking for secrel spiritual books such a requesllrolll all old man of di/1:nity was l/1:nobl .
tain
Since the Emperor'S caravan was very long. stron.\037
h.. wenl to the arran/!,ed
himself immortal.
while Ule caravan
so agam spot. \"This tillle t\037;
decided to fulfill his mission ?I\037ce Ulan the appoinlt>d hour. but was \037ur-
Chllan Chu chariot was within
d earber
\"
to Imd Ule old man alre'ld U Ie
ar\037IVt m\037.lCh \037 '''''.Oll are Iate ..)
was passIng. Hidln\037 until the Emperor's wiUl all his strength pnsed
,_
y lh\037
\302\253\" r ...
\037

reach. Chuan Chu threw the spearhead

TIle) oId man said. fry again In seven days.\"
feU dead.
al the larget. The Emperor's firsl minisler
 F'ille Ancienll
rs Ching PrOCWwners 657
656 Five Ancien' I CIting Pradifione
He who wishes 10 conquer
. ..LId f I the strength ollh.. old man's words and does nol know
the world is
ignorant
ChangUang(OI Nter the victory of himself well.
Ins hearl wi !h et\037leir slmplieilv. To compete
piercing an d elf importance he decidedto To teach the u:ith
the ignorant is ignorant.
his own prl d I\"
old Ignorant requires a kind hand
overcoming ses;arv to con;p'lvwith the and
make whatever eIlor\037s wer\037;\037 reat'er tilaJl anything he had enduring strength.
even If !hey g. slubborn and the ignorant
request. ' ti 13. t I t was not the old man . III
man's who Th\037 wUl bury themselves
ever done b e.ore. He knew
' IT!the ashes of their
Llne d . b ut something deep
WI th amhitwn
was ma ki ng h u n so delenl
would h im if they do nol
that had 10 be re \037 onne d and that prepare develop receptivil!l.
himself
for a new phase of life. earlier. he decided 10
A truly greal conqueror learns
The next tinle. Instea d of. arriVUlg I 1.
t When !he old man found }rom the non-COmpetilive Tao.
wait at !he spol the whole I11g wish to trl- thal cares .for aU
him a package an d s a\"dI
\"If you
him . he handed chance. wilh wlifonn gentleness
t I Ie so.. lr ng e'vil one. VO l , have a By and inunulable silence)
umph over
contam ed in this 'package you times. shall \037ecol1le
!he book fut ure
These treasures
studying
f \"'\"I\"S and .enlper ors U l Iallknow . ?\" .
mmd .helped Chang Uang unlock his puzzled
the teacher c: IUI\". k e.d \"Mav . your name.
S11\". and once agam left hull WI!h the great task of over-
Uang politely as . the Urrowing !he cruel and
Chang
'When voU sue eel\" d in overcoming ruthless Emperor of Chin. He was
The old nlan rep Ii I\"d . Ku Chen in the nor th 0 f able to bring about this leat and establish tile new Han
at !he foot 0 {M 0 unt
tyrant. meet me Dynasty 1206-219 A.D.).
Chi.\" studied the book. Chan\037 was grateful to the teacher
Uang who changed his
Lian. g ultentlV
From timt day on. Chang dlScovere d 'and applied to his
life frOlll one of
abject failure to one of great success. At
!he he
These are great
tnlths tiInes. he went to the foot of Mount Ku Chen in the nor'.h of
life; Chi in search of his teacher. but as Ule highest teacher is not
identiJiable. he could only discover d huge piece of vellow
. I order cannot be violated.
The ulllversa I mora .' stone which resembled the old man's natural
and ambUwu p eople s dignity and
Although strong nobility. In his honor. Chang Uang entitled the book he had
alleinpt to compete . received. The Hook oJ Old Man Yellow Stone. In pral'tical
wUh the silent sovereignty oj Tao. temls. it is an introduction to special llsesof Ule I Ching.)
no one has
yet succeeded. .
Nor wil/there be W1yone in theJutuTe

who will succeed. V

Chu Ku Liang. The Mowl/ain HennU)
It is JOalish to Jight strength w.Uh st\037ength
to replace evil with evrl:
or altempt
than the bps? In Chinese history there was a period known as Ule lime
Are the not stronger of the Three Kingdoms
teeth
(200-264 was an era of /!,reat
A.D.) that
Bu1 which last longer? turbulence and confusion. llluch like today. During that time
oj Dealh. there was a wise hennit named Chu Ku Lian/!. who U\\\"ed on a
To be headstrong is to lJe th\037 disci?'e
mountain ridge called Wu Lu Kang. whi('h means \"Mountain
To be gentle is to be the pupil oj L!fe.
Ridge of the Resting Dragon.\" As you lIlay know. a dragon
signifies good enerpy or high talenl.
The biggest enemy Qf:hwnW1ljJ\037 Chu Ku Liang had been trained as a military strategist
does not exist outside onesdf. . because of hts keen awareness and intelligence; however. he
enemy ?J hwnan '!(e
No. the biggest chose to live a simple. natural lilt- on the mountain as a
exists wUhiJl onese{J.) lanner. In those days. a good cOlllmander and strategist
thoroughly understood the coslllologil\"al aspects of nature and)))
 I)

Five Anew n I I
658 Fi,'i? Ancient I C/ling Practitioners) Ching PrOClilto ners 659
m,u,euvers. Todav. most '.
This \"'to ry d
b e seli-assertive\"munsUate s Iwo prln(\"iples. First. on e should
could properly applv them 10 withoui laking
no\037 when
Bel. a man of resper lsl I' tryingandto a<\"l:omplish I Cil\"ge goals. Lu
are headsl\037ong and fight hlindly
)ility
\037ener.u'\"
evaluation or astrologleal humblv seek ass''S anee power w as WISe enough to
lmJversaJ sublle law. hlslorical of his .
t from a man 'of
into consideration. Because high moral intelli!ience S econdonce goal has heen
Superior talenl and
influences
achievement. lalent. knowledge and wisdom. Chu Ku Uang and worlllY. Olle sho\037ld Wi\037 . deemed
virt uous
he cullivaled g)y offer once'
chose to stay in his mountain hermilage where Uang was a dev I

and relished a lile of repose.

rural life and r\037n\037\037\037\037\037
;\037\037leanp\037eferred e
t\037\037\037\037r\037e\037e
\037h\037l\037\037
Uen Fu\" was a poem that must be prepared 10 uUIiz e hi power. But a man ofWent
\"11le Song of the Greal Hennit s talent if the \"
like Illis:) 1)
Chu Ku Liang wrote and liked to sing. II goes order for Chu Ku U
whether the g\037e'\037\037\037S\037 .
\037e people. honorab':;,g \037Ju\037ge Ie g \037\037
purpose correct . he h a d to
Wllo was theJu-stto awaken listen
.
carelully _ to th e Promptin g s 0f h Is deep insig,llt
Lu Bers annv b e (ore
/lIe dream q/l!!e? seTVlIlg The
his part and Lu B e I\"'\"S were approaches and attit u d es on both
.Ii-om
I can onlL} I.Je aware ormll own awakening. . just and correct. Therefore . th elr .
As IIiJliSh mL} sleep tn the wam. spring r':;oming. combmed forces were - abl e t 0 cooperate
the beaut!!i\" red SWI. things. and accom pli s h great
.li-ornthis humble hut
light qrmy lU .
the e Y ears later, Chu Ku Lian Ihe chance to
slowly rising. enlightens me.) enjoy respect and fortlUle.
A.D.. Lu sup\037eme
In 2\037\037ad Bel was still 0 th e
throne after rul e d th e .n
who had haVing . country since Ille iniU aI VI C t ory.
IlIoITling a group of ardenl young soldiers. effected by. Chu Ku L lang .s strat a;'
One
Ihe counlJy from its now Lu Bei WaS dyin e.,..cgeruus years before . b u t
undertaken Ihe lask of liberating
hut. They . g . Hi s son was still t 00 YOUT'..g to assume
conslanl lurmoil. arrIved oulside Chu Ku Liang's th e position of ElnperOT. Lu Bei .
and. having amassed a large
IlIat Chu Ku
him before he died and d u . \037s\037ed Liang visit
they .
anllY.
had greal courage err conversation he told Chu
successfully in several areas. Lacking a
Ku Liang, 'You are an in t e nng
had already lought Ku and were told . lli gent man . M y kin gdom was buil t
brilliant strategist. they sought
Chu Liang W1 th - your hel p . but n ow I =11 \037,
did not wish to meet gOin\" \" arId my son will be
where to find him. bul Chu Ku Liang an orphan. If you would like to h aw\037y,
them. would like to have the kin dOl .el? hIm then do so. If you
was an insighlli.LI man lt IS yours. for this is also a
The leader of the group, Lu Bei, in trying to
falr request.\" TIlese wer: th east n'l words Emperor Lu Bei
who recognized the hermit's worth. He persisted
spoke to Chu Ku Liang.
Liang. despite Illeollleramen's perception
of
influence Chu Ku Throughout his life Chu K Li ng never
a mere civilian with small frame and role as an assistarll. Even af\037l tle becarne sought
to alter his
Chu Ku Lianl!: as
Nevertheless. old arld weak . he
slender body. too weak to even bind Kua chicken. hut to show the still guided the =u '>\037 \037r
ly 0 n SiX eYI> d'U Ions to protect the
Lu Bel returned three limes to Chu Liang's kingdom. Now he decided to .\037t'e
and help the empire
outside in Ille snow.
his sineere intentions. Standing
by
herm.il
on the door:) establishing the Len year o Idr\037marn On the throne. Twice he
he repeatedly read from the engraved words wrote letters to the boy_kin sta\037 he a fanner
from the mountains but w\037uld ff th\037ts help. was,only
Your father,\"
I am ind!OerenLto worldly gaill. he wrote. \"apprecialed me and \037
\037r
to help. I humbly
so I keep to my simple life. offered my knowledge and life N:\037e\037me at father Is gone
I can reach Jar spiritually.)
keep calnl. so that
Y.Olrr
I and you are on Ille Hrrone ' I c\037nu nue 10oner my faithfulness
men, and
10 you. I am old ' arId Lh e wor Id Seems Lo have becollle stron a
Chu Ku Liang agreed to hdp
these . ' ....
be s.t
\037
AIi I \037 \"
Finally, an uO IS 0 I ler I w ill' continue to fight for you
sUl'cessfully on'upied Ihe rich lands of S7e- Imtil the end of my da,'s.\"
my
together they evil
chuan, a very important base for resistd-nee against the Clm Ku Lian\037' 1m' e II
mainly of villagt'rs and 1au s iI If he
forces. The
growinl!: army consisted
of had wtsllt'd ;
10 bel:ome \037:,t..,. l le W ler\"::\\
\"11.1d l\037ot
llPortan\037.
lave b een a kin g b u t
local farmers. but willI the support. planntI;g and teaching hI s Joy was self-l'ulUvation arId the r ealiz2 U on 0f VU\"tue.)
..
Chu Ku Liang. lhey accomplished greal lhings.)

l)))
660 FI'l<? Ancient I ChiJlg Practitioners)
\037
natural life. his spirit
Because he led a simple and detached hislorv can R
Few people in human , ''
Lives Iranscendenlally. CI;u Ku
still
Chu Ku Liang adlieved. ,, '
,,, ,'
that
equal tJu' spirit ualmeril soul. He sel a E(oodexample for me.
LianE( 10ll(\"hed my YULmg
I respect Ihe vil'lue of hiS accomplish- , :\\
as well as lor others. lask loday is no dUlerenl Ihan
altadunenl. Our
menl WitJl0Ut the responsibility for spilitual
Chu Ku Liang's as we shoulder
were derived from a
\\)

il1i..g r aUoTl.
His wisdom and virtue U>)
Lifelime sludy of tJu' I Ching.)

Part Five:
Epilogue)

'
\\

I
!))
 Epilogue)

In thIs age of deviation

from our original nature. distortion
and confusion have become more and more prevalent
each passing year as With
\037 ' theological.
conflicts become more pronounced. conceptual. and physical
At this time a call is
sent forth from an Ancient One.
\037 -t.. 'fif k. \037\037jJ \037
being
back. Come back to your
He beckons:\"Come
true nature.
another. Return to the oneness Stop fighting one
--t:.) of the unnameable universal
origin.\" Some hear his call and live
(\\tj iiJ1....\037 \037 \037
but those who cannot hear it
quietly. happily and peace-
fully.
\"7,.) go further on their path of
\037 divergence and deviation.
I\037\037 \037) choosing conflict rather than peace.
\037 I have heard many times. 'To be or
: -4
..\037
question.\" In the Universal
not to be. that is the
1 The real dilemma is \"how\"
Way. this question is not mean-
r))) ingful. to be. Indeed. this is the
\037) real and a solution
question. can be found.
I\037 A
do not
\037\037! w_\037 .) agree the real problem is how to be. then simply reflect
If you
on the
state of the world at the present time.
'*' \037
1c-\\
\037 1 \037J,
\037)
fLJ Although there have been all kinds of systems and consti-
\"J tutions to regulate how to be, have any of them actually
l!j.\037
\037
\\::.-
''1) j J1\037
produced
greater
harmony?
because
On the contrary.
of the proliferation of
the confusion
systems. However.
is only
the
\037 \037
.., ./\"' Universal Way. through the experiences of different times and
:r- 11:- different places, has found the key to
one's true nature: the plain truth of lifeliving
j\037\037
in accord with
-1...) ./' ,) \"-\037J.:j) is to live virtuously.
1.. .. '.
harmoniously, simply and naturally. This is the way to have
\037\037..)
'\" \037,) a happy life. It is the essence of a natural
...) spiritual life.
I'\037)
'. There are three basic principles of life which serve as the
(q -c..)))
foundation for individual and collective health:
I<fJ \037 freedom from
' Lt- 'J;... ignorance; freedom from tension: and freedom from
7)7)
\037!- \037
v\" Becausewe all need to fulfill the basic responsibilitiespressure. of life,
: jJ
1-\037 evading tension and pressure in our institutionalized world is
\037.1\302\243 difficult. These tensions and pressures have reached a level
j. that is damaging to the health of the human organism. Even
\302\267
1k \037- .\037. .,\037 -;(. a spiritually developed person who lives in the modem world
-
V'L.I
fi I'
and works to be free from ignorance must continually work
\".
\037
(1) on eliminating tension and pressure.
The deviation of humankind from its true nature origin-
r ated with the development and of different
divergence
religions. Some peopleare evil because their religion is evil;
some people are aggressive because their religion is aggres-
sive. Such religions are misinterpretations of the natural
truth based on an incomplete and thus incorrect understand-
ing of human problems. Therefore,the priority of today's)
 664 Epilogue)
EpUogue 665
findIng the sol uti on so diffi cul t. Peopleare s .
cultural and reJ.j\037ious leaders should he 10 dew'lop sclf- In correct beliefs and folloWing
lo start 311{'Wand Ilollo convictions inherit e\037 f rom their
awareness. to be courageous enough ancestors. who the ChllldlSh
ves were
been If conven- With such an only deve
be confused by whal has previously tau\037ht. Incom \037se d Inaccurale partiall
an lo.ped.
tIonal and inaccurate views continue to oLJscure people\"s realm and of hum\037 \037\037\037
UJe. th ese' ma
view ol th e sp lri tual
Ihe trulh or
Uley will never be able to see
b een m I sguidlng e
\302\243I
equate traditi ons h aVe
splr1tual vision. peopl or
\037
generations. If w e
teach it to olhers. follow their exam p i e. th e
world will surely remain Incontinue to
Obviously. human beings today have highly developed People hold rigidly to th darkn
inkllects. frequently blind to the nalural spiritual grew up with. and \"isms\" ;;::. y
yet Uley are Their worl\037 7s\037s,edco\037cepts
As a consequence of this eombination of a highly- kinds of unnatural th .
WIth and lim' t \302\243I
Ie b y all
Alth ough they ma y thin oughts m
truth. and h annonious .
developed int..llect and underdeveloped spiJitual knowledge. k th ey are b Prill Clp I es.
control their lhlnds when a conllicl ar1ses iz \302\243I
an \302\243I
civilized, such things 0 11 \037comIng more spirituaI-
people cannot TIle primary reason Ulat aUleistic eclion. Only when
\302\243I:
ead them in a
negative
between thought and faiUl.
h anded down from their people
s\037 i;,
have arisen in Ule world is bec\037use people are disap- rough all the confusion
regimes ance t and reassess the limita-
conventional beliefs. tions of modem
pointed in
world views: one worships a the omnl-present
knowledge \037 \037sey
truly a chance to
Look at the two opposing find truth ?ave
an aUleislil\". totali- The
doJnlnant god. while Ule oUler enforces lalter One
dIscovery of these .s\037lritual
tradi\037\037ghspmtual
techniques.
treasures can
tarian state. The former is childish. the ignoranl. guide people to rediscovertheir
child true and natural bein g .
is bom of a limiled view of the universe. the oUl;'r is Ule One may think tha t th I.' Univer sal W
and an incomplete understanding of
is nothing wron . ay Is just another
of hUlnan arrogance na\037e.
There
g names if they reflect
One is a misunderstanding of the actual spiJitual
science.
view; the other
however. they frequenU ;th not. The tenn 'Tao\" is
indicates something unnameabf e, .0
re\037ty;
and is altached to a primitive
dualistic .
world
nlaterial attachment. able, Everythin ' mdescnbable and indelin-
is an Intoxication wiUl g has l tS own way Y I.' t all
have led the human race into a world of '. ways follow 0111y one
Both viewpoints way that exists for all time s. Thi slscalled' \"
T ao or simply the
Inunoralily and deviation. Each calls
not
the oUler slaveI}-.
to some degree.
but I '
w ay.
\"
I t Is undiscrlminalin and' ..
mdistinguishable.
do not know any system that is enslaving Natural splrttual teaching g represents
let it be as natural as the self-awareness
has to be a system.
and original of human
If there nature and th I.' splrtt of wuver .
are not to relum to simplicity. Ulere Tod ay, however ' conce p t ual con1lJ clsand cosa!nf USlon integration.
possible. If people willing .
amon g
will be even more enslavement to come. h uman bein g s are un preced ented! vi 0 1ent.
To deeply inqu.ire into Ulis problem. we must ask our- y The following
parable from the ancient M as t er LeiTzu illustrates the splrtt
Can excuse ourselves
selveswho is truly responsible. we
can be
of my work.
from social responsibility at all levels? Spiritual truUI There were two big mountains .
. Tai- Slung and Hwan-Hou.
lean1ed through veIifiable methods which ancient achieved which encompassed sevenh
I am willing to miles and reached
ones developedover many generaUons.
mcUlods
a height of fifteen thousand \037\037re\037square
1.'1.' '
ley lay south of the State
of materialism with
of Chi and north
challenge Ule modem myUI
but Ule problem is not
of the pace 1 call ed Ho-Y ang. 11 lere. facing
passed down from my forefathers. the two mountains lived an Id later known as Ule
10 work with a group of
materialism alone. I am willing \"Foolish Grand p a of th e N 01\037,o man..
ul M ounl.\"UI1\" At th. at
.
into the he
qualified scienUsts to conduct thorough research
was closeto his ninetieth y I.'ar. Aft many .' years of lime.
life. and to offer the methods of .
the ancient detouri.ng
in.Jth of human around tileSI.' two 0pposmg e\037
he finally decided he
of those elements that
sages which are keys to had had enou h .
the knowledge rn\037unta.ms,He summoned hIs family
and ultimately constitute W'e. My goal is to
not leave the
truly and told them \037'Le\037convenlence.all our strength to level these two
world behind in the darkness of rigid monotheislll or the mountaIns Th u\037\037e b e able to reach Ihe southenl part
ignorant
atheism of social lynultS. of the stal\037 of yen w\037 th I.' s l lore of River
u an Han directly\"
The fundamenlal error comes from dualistic religions. Everyone agreed with the old man except his wtl-e. who)
hWllan is what makes)))
This. being the root of diJlir-ully,
 666 Epilogue) EPilogue 667
scIence wJ th out
'Wllh your slrengUl you (\"annol ..yen move a
small losing of the whole and
o\037leded:
How (\"an you expect to do anyl hing aboul
two moun- essence:
hLmlan
and 10 live WIthSlghl the enomlOUS pressure ils subUe
hili! Ignorance wJth
tains? And whal will you do wJth all the
and stones
dirt -you
Is essenUal 10 be fullv .becmn\".'g emotionally br
d\037\037::\037e\037
\037\037t WIth modem
remove?'\" the wJthoul knowledg: \037l\037
'Throw them lar away inlo Ih.. Ocean of Bo.\" was ?,ean\037
01 human
dam;'gin UJ\037\037:\037
s of the spiritual
sL3.rled loward IIle mlegnty life \037d th unIVersal
r\037cogniUon
w1iu1.lmous replv. Then th.. grandpa Each indlv:idual nature.
son and grandson. They carried lools to who Is see
mounwins wJUl his conlinue his for..fathers' wor:\037ng or I.he nalural truth should
break stones and dirl and simpl.. bamboo containers
dig
10
sake 01 Ihe world
hIs own sake and \037 th
Ocean of Bo. A neighbor's child of All
cany Ihem far away 10 the Ihemselves and e\037olve t\037e\037\037:sho.uld methodically cu\037\037val:
seven or eight also joined Ihem and relunled
hmne only once a developed ' a1idlly of nalural truth . T0 be
to winler. person I S no I 10 ass UTIle world
a year as the seasons changed from summer 10 Ihe river laughed al
th e guIse of reli g ion . n or I 0 leadershi p und er
A dever old man who lived dose
are so huge and you are so seill esslyserves those wh 0 start any new \"isms.\"
lrul Y wJsh to become S iri t ua 11
Ins lead . it
them and said. 'The mOLmlains malure. Where an d h Ow a p V
unwise. With limited life and strenglh. you will not even
such and how the entire
spiritual starts to work i's
lei alone all Ihe . .person
be able 10move a big tree on Ihe mounlain. wh\037re
to liberate Ilself from
hum
th e d ar \037
race needs 10 work in order
dirl and Ihose enonnous rocks'\" of blind impulse,
answered wilh a rance. slubbonmess and aggresslOn. ?SS igno-
The Foolish Grandpa of North Mounlain
If human life h as not tumed away
''Your mind is narrow and slubbonl; you dearly .
fr om ItS natural
course.
th en why does one .'
Though I will cease tny work
long sigh, indi VIdual
cannol see Ihrough Ihe mailer. spiritual need 10 call oul and
will slill be here 10cany on.
ask people to retum to nat ? lfhuman
sOInedav. mv son and grandsons its natural, nonnal qualiU eS\" society has nollosl
too. This will conlinue, generaUon ur\037 en why does a
My son 'Will begel
children needto ask people 10 rec spirilual person
will nol grow d er the value
aner generaUon, ceaselessly. The mounlains fee! discoura ge.
of the
on:l People can onlv. ordinary?
be leveled.\" The Never
larger. so there is nO reason Ihey soluUons to Iheir n a t ur ru needs w Ilen th reali7e work oul
carmol
more.
cleverold man L'OU1d nol say anything and fearing thai the central goal of human 1iJ; I s IiberaUon
ey
frolll ignorance and
that the
A deity overheard this c\037nv\037rsaUon. darkness. When this Is ac\037eved. a beauUful
nol his work. wenl 10 lell the Supreme and peaceful W'e
old man \037ould stop was
The One. however. without tension and pressure can be achieved.)
Divine One aboul it. Supreme Divine
ordered
of the Foolish Grandpa and
moved by Ihe sincerity
of 1I1e gianl Kua-O to carry bolll mOLmlains
the two sons
to be carried east of Ihe Norllliand and 1I1e
One was
away.
Ihe slale Thereafler there were
other 10 soulh of ofYung.
or big rocks belween 1I1eStale
the
no more obstrucUve highlands
of Chi and the south shore of the Han River.
In this spirit. I welcome others who are as \"foolish,\" naive :
conUDue the
and as innocenl as I. in IIle hope that they mighl I)))

of worldly spirituallnlegration.
In the Universal Way.
work
we value purily and naivete. More importanUy, to become
the naivete
sophisucated In a posiUve sense, willlOut losing
iru10eence of one'S nature is Ule highest spiritual
and original
It will not do to merely withdraw Ii-om possible temp-
virtue.
its beauty
taUons. Think of the white lolus flower Ihat derives
Ii-om the mud without becoming muddy.
Its meaning ('an be
implemented
in modern life: to live in a modenl city without
one's Innennosl serenity; to Lmderstand InOdel-n)
losing
 LIST OF FIGURES

Chapter 2 I. A
2.
PerfectlyStraight Line 5
A Naturally Line
3. Straight 5
A Perfect Circle
4. A Natural 5
Circle
5. A Ufe Lived 5
6. Naturally 6
Stressful Situations
7. Stress 6
in a Linear Fonn
8. Extreme
6
Stress
9. 6
Idealistic Baseline of a Life
10. 7
Baseline of a Natural Life 7
II. Rising Causes
12. Falling 7
Falling Causes Rising 7
13. Any Extreme Causes its
14. A Opposite 7
Natural. Peaceful Life 8
15. Life under Tension or Pressure
16. A
8
General Ufe Span 9
17. A Shortened. Curved Line
18. 9
Even Sharper Curves
19. 9
Comparison of Lmes With Natural
and Extreme Curves
Chapter 3 20. The TwoForces
9
21. Yin and
II
Yang Expressed by a Slope \"
22. Yin and
Yang Expressed by a Circle 11
23. The Four
Phases of Universal Energy
24. 11
The Four
Phases Expressed by a Slope
25. 12
The Four
Phases Expressed by a Circle
26. 12
Eight Phases. Pre-Heaven Arrangement 12
27. The Ruling Line of a Hexagram 13
28- The Eight Natural Forces
14
29. The Complete
Cycle of the Eight Phases 15
Chapter 4 30. The Five Phases of a Cycle
31. 18
The Role of the Central Force 16
32. The Ten Heavenly Stems in Linear Form 18
33. Ten Heavenly Stems in Circular Manner 18
34. The Ten Heavenly Stems as a Cycle 19
35. Twelve Earthly Branches in Linear Form 20
36. Twelve Earthly Branches. Circular Manner 20
37. The Twelve
Branches Applied to the Daily
Energy Cycle 21
38. The Twelve Branches Applied to the Months
and Seasons 22
Chapter 5 39. The Early Stages of Natural Development:
Stage I 25
40. Stage II 25)))
 670 List of Figurt>s List oj Figures 671
26 85. Seasonal Var1aliolls
4J. Slag\" III wit h
42. The- Ba GU3 Ocl....ht:'dn)[) 29 86. Chart to C..d<:ul 1t\" ..S t\037n15Twetv\037 Branches 72
87. and Branches 78
:iO Shnllarit1\037s f yaearly
43 The Proc\037clinl! H.t\"g,n.\"ssion Cyclic Phases and
The Progression
30 W(';stem Te\037l1s
44. Proceedin\037
35 88. 79
I...... Shih Vlagranl Two Views of ill e
45. Th(\" Traditional FOllr Dire(tions
35 Chapler' 7 89. The Great D\".pper
80
46. The Mal!ic Square 90. over 300 . 000 years 83
The TraditJonal Hu Tn Diagraul 36 Th e Polaris Svst(\"IU
47. 36 91a. -
84
48. Delall of Hu To Th.. Big D'.pper in the Four Seasons
D.,.laU of Hu ro
37 91b. The Yea.-Iy Rotation of 85
49. 37 92. the Big D- 85
COlubilul.lons PyraJllid H\" in Relalion to Twelv eases
50. NUlner1cal
93. I\037\037\037'\" 86
51. The Five Natural Phenoluena Expressed e Dlpp.cr
T\037g Sun sPath on the Edlplic
38 94. The . 88
NUlncI1eally :38
Cydll
Rdahonship An )ong t h \037Earth
52. The Onte... of Mavenlenl Sun. and
North Star
39 95. The Earth Cyc I \037and Sun 89
Chapter6 53. The Tai Chi Symbol
40 Cycle in
54. Ea('h Tal Chi Slands Ind\037pt\"ndel1t IaUon to Polar1 S
H.\037

Two Vivtsiuns
42 96. The28C onste II abons
91
55. 94
43 97.
. e 28
(Individually)
56. Four Divtslons Th C onstellalions (Skv- Charll
44 98. 95
57. Division of the ']wo Phases lh\037 Four Grou P s of 28 Constellalions
44 .
Division of the FOUI- Phases and Th el\\\" Subtle Rays
58-
Tai Chi Syrnbol in the Four Phases 45 99. -
Correlat Ions of Constdlations to
96
59. 45
60. Yln and Yang in Ihe Lunar Cycle Ll)e Days of the Wt'\"ek
98
in Yearly Cycle 48 lOll
61. Lunar and Solar Ent\"cgies
48 101. :rhe Dally Conslellalions
rhe Davs of the We..k in T..mlS
100
62. fwo Phases of Natural Enr-c!{V
49 of
63. Four Phases of Natural Energy Energy (HexagmrusJ 100
of Naillral Energy. Yang Group 49 102. Th..Days of the Week in Terms
64. Six phases
49 of Energy (Unesl
65. Yin Group 50
101
103.
66. Diagram of ProportionateE\"'-pression 51
gualilies
T\037le
and Forces of the First
67. Ine Eight phases alld Seasonal Changes FIve Planels
105
51
68- Five Elementarv Phases of Nalural Energy 104. Wu Chi Tu 106
52 105a. Pre-Heaven Order of
69. The Ten Celt-sUal Phases
Energy 107
of Five- phases wilh Ten SlelllS 105b.
53
70. ]nlegcalion 54
Posl-Heaven Order' of E nen\037 107
71. Relationships Found in Celestial Stems Chapter 8 106. E nergy Channels of th.. Human Bodv- ill
Branches 55
72. The Twelve Terrestrial 57
Natural Energy I.....nguage III
73. Harnlonious Order 57
107. COITt\"spondr-n{'\037 0'- th\037Ten StenlS wilh
74. EnJo.-cing Ord..r Organs of
Ih.,. Hum.'ul Bodv III
Order
59 lOR
l\037'e
lhe Gt-neral Sph...\"\",, of Chi CircuLabon
75. Persecuting
60 112
76. fen Stems with Ihe Twelve Branches IOY. I he Energy l.angllag.. to Ihe
77.
The
The Twelve Brandl\"\" with th.. Ten Stems
60 M..ndlans
appli.-d
ilt the Hlllllan Body 120
.
78- The Sixty Cycle Enerill' Phase: Six Groups Chapter II 110. .
he lnnr-r Trigral1ls 202
01 Ten
61/62
79. CrossRt-(erence SlelllS 10 BraJlches 63
Chart.: Part 11 Ill. Guldt'\" for Flndillf!, lh..... Hr-x..\037\"\037lns 213
Five Elemenls 64 112.
80. Sixly-Cycle Interadion of 65
The Sl>.\"iy Four H\"K\"g.-ams 216
81. sIxty Inlemdlng Phases in Cyclic RotaUon 66
113. Post-Heav.,.n (pmd,,'al Ord..rl 375
82. The Spiral Unfolding of Ihe Sixty Cycles
of Cal<-ndars
68
83. Comparisun
fj9)))
84. The Energy Calenda.-
 About Ni
Hua-Ching
The author, Ni, feels
Hua-Ching that it is his responsibili-
ty to ensure that people receive his
correctly, thus, he puts his lecturesandmessageclearly
and
form. He doesthis for the clear classes into book

spiritual unity.
purpose of universal
It will be his great
happiness to see the genuine
progress of all people, aU societies and nations as
become one big harmonious they 1
the goal that inspires him to worldly community. This is
of fulfiUing his speak and write as one way
personal duty. The teachings he offers
people comefrom his own growth and attainment.
Hua-Ching Ni began his
spiritual pursuit when he Was
quite young. Although spiritual nature is innate,
to express it and
learning
suitably usefuUy requires worldly
rience and a lot of expe-
training. A hard life and hard work
have made him deeper and
This is the case with all stronger, and
perhaps wiser.
people who do not yield to the
negative influences of life and the world, He does not
intend to establish himself as a special individual, as do
people in general spiritual society, but wishes to give
service. He thinks that he is
just one
same plane of life with the rest of person living on the
humanity.
He likes to be considered a friend rather than have a
formal title. In this
way he enjoys the natural spiritual
response between himself and others who come
in extending together
the agelessnatural spiritual truth to all.
He is a great
traveller, and never tires of going to new
places, His bookshave been printed in different
languages,
having been written at the side of his
professional work
as a natural healer - a trained
fully Traditional Chinese
Medical doctor. He understands that his world mission is
to awaken
people of both east and west, and he supports
his friends and helpers as Mentors.
the world
All work
together to
fulfill
spiritual mission of this time in human
history.)))
 #BSTRE - 256 pages,
ofthe Universal Way by the Ni Family) soflcover with 42 pholo-graphs. $17.95
Teachings
The Time Now a Better Life and a Better
Domain 01 the Universal Heart - By Hua\037Ching Ni and Is. for
World _ Th
The Majestic how achievement on hand to serve individual
the power of unive\037allove and Wisdom an\037 \037s \037ne self-preservatio\037 \037\037:::: \037
Maoshing Ni. In this book,
own hfe through deepened splntual
to integrate these life forces into one's
spiritual culUvation to help othern. It is
from the teachings of Lao Tzu ::\037\037\037\037
\037;::V:\037\037\037\037\037n:UI\037:
of the time, to
awareness are examined. In addition to drawing bright future for the huma n raee and to
prepare ourselves to create a
for all who are
and Chen Tuan, Master Ni offers his own inspiring guidance dilemma by conjoint effor!
overcome our modem day spiritual
seeking spiritual growth through
an integral way of life.
#BTIME - 136 pages, softcover $10.95
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has writtan an inspiring account and the Light - This is the

The Centermost Way - Master Hua-Chirg Ni :: \037ruth,
\037\037\037:\037\037
story of the first sage who
the course of The life of this young sage links the
of human spiritual development, from its ea\037iest steges, through achievement of :\037s\037o spiritual
a of n \037o\037\037
\037h: es and demonstrates
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specialist
Enrich Your Life
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its personal spiritual and social implications By
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a centuries old tradition Immortals, Volume 2: Chen Tuan _ The second
emperor of the entitled Masler Chen TUan \"Master of
of natural life that transcends cultural and religious difference. \037ung Dynasty
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Strength From Movement: Cultivating Chi By Hua-Ching Ni, Daoshing Ni,
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and Maoshing Ni. Chi, the vital power of life, can be developed and cultivated Gold\037n
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the -
within yourself to help support }AJur health and your happy life. This book learnmg Way This volume begins with a lfa(jjtional treatise by
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ua-Chlng Ni discusses the natural
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' informati \302\260
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Stepping Stones for Spiritual language -
#BAT T 467 pages, hardcover. Hua,Chlng Ni .
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of) ::a/ears There are
of the Buddhist elopment. sections on ancient invocations, natural
celibacy and)))
 basic atUtudes and caused by some spiritual teachin
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Tao, the Subtle Universal energy. To The Eight Treasures' Ener E
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in their
People
real progress will be thorou hi . through years
and suggest how to go beyond y the
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WI.thout by Important discourse in
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ura \037\037ded recommend that
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b
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energy To be used With or
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the natural an \037\037alanceof the universe
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 Ph.D. Unique to the Ni
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one's vitality. \037.ongeViIy and Healing a Broken Heart - B
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Y
breathing.
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flow is quite
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imbalance and disorder of \"having a head heavier than the
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 See Tav the Subtle Universal Law \"
I Ch apter 9. section on
Bibliography) Divinati on.
.
See TaOlsl Inner View of tb e U .
m'Ve'rse. Introduction.)

For Further Information) \\)

Chi (Energy))
one's own mind and
trulh is ./Sed for examining Book of Changes .
It is said /hat the h.ghest essmce of \037ee
10 Human Life:'
and the
Unchanging Tru/h, Ch ap ler 8: \"Natural
_ Chuang Tzu) Energy
body)
See Guide to Inner Light Ch
interest to individuals studying ,apler 2, pages 36-50 and 98.102 f or d .lSCUSSlOn
\"
of relala! materials of chi. on
The following is a re.ding list These malerials are available throllgh cuhivaling
the Universal Integral Way, lista! by topic.
Communications.) See lmernal 7b e N.drural
Alchemy' ..
SevenStar Way to /mmoYlalit\"\\J.
\037J Concluding
Instruction.\" for descri p tio n of t h e
movement of chi.
See Life and Teach'
Breathing) Ings ofT.wo Immortals, Volutrn? fl. Chen
Tuan, Chapter 4:
\"Inlemal En ergy
III, Part 3: \"Breathing Regulalion.\" Conducllng and Orbil Circula\\io\037.\"
See Crane sryle Chi Gong, Chapter
See 8,000 Years
Reaches Sou\\.\ of Wisdom ' Book II, Chapter 60: \"The Main
See Power of Natural Heahng, Chapter 10: \"Brealhing Culli v \"
ating Ch.\" Principles of)

Book of Changes (I Ching)) Chi Gong)

book conlains all of lhe commentar-
This .
See Ageless Counsel Jeff Modern lift. See Crane Sryle Chi Gon \"
in Ihis book, plus a preface
which gives more g by Dr . D aos hmgNl.
ies the hexagrams
following
informalion .boUl the I Ching.) See Lifeand
Teachings of Two lmm I: Kou Hong,
69.74 for discussion of chi Chapler 4, p.)
\"Hua Hu Ching: Chapter 55.) gong an:::::,\037s\037:::,olume
See Complete Works of Lao Tzu,
Chapter 3: \"By
Realizing Your Ulmnate
Potential,
See The Gate to Infiniry: Diet)
Effective.\" (Scheduled for publication
Spiritual Learning, Y011 Become
Summer 1995.)) See 8,000 Years of Wzsdom Book l , C hapter 35: \"Introduction to
Diet\"
\"'
Chapter 36: \"Foods in Ge\037\" an d C hapler 37: \"The Heal\"
Chapter 3.)
Food\" . lng P roperoes of
See Gentle Path of Spiritual Progress,
is lhe Core of the
Lift, Chapter I, \"Harmony .
See Harmony: The Art of Tao of Nutrition by Dr. M aos h 109 Ni and Cathy
It) MeNe.&Se.
Universe.
Chinese Vegetarian Delights
6, \"Realizing by Lil y Ch lIang and Cathy)
See The Key to Good Fortune: Refining Your Spirit, Chapter McNease.
Through Tao, Chapter 9, \"Being
Heaven in Ollr Lives.\" or Internal
Growth
commentaries.)
Heaven and the Heavenly Being\" for similar 101 Vegetarian Delights b y L\"l
I Y Ch u.mg and McNease.)
Cathy
2, Chen Tuan, Chapter 2,
See Lift and Teaching of Two Immortals:
Volume

\"Chen T lIan, Master of Inlegral Truth.\ Exercise)

13, \"Read to Improve

See Strength from Movemenr: Mastering Chi, Chapter Your Body 'Umh Dao-In b y Hua-Cbing Ni
AtI\037ne (book and videotape)))
Yollr Practice.\ av.ulable).
 N i (book and videOlape available). See Workbook for Spiritual D e'V
Crane Style Chi Gong by Dr. Daoshing Improve lhe Quality ofY Our M\",!opment
of All People . Ch a.ptcr 3: \"Wark to)
Exercise
md.\"
aDd Eight Treasures: Energy Enhancement II)
Eight Tmuure5 videotape
book by Dr. Maoshiog Ni.) Pract.itjoners of Tai Chi Movement
Ni.)
tWO
T'Ai Chi\037 videotapes by Maoshing :\\
HArmony/Trinicy Liftand Teachings ofT-. wo I m11WTlals:
\\i
Volume I' K,ou H
\"Guard Yourself from the Hidden
9: ong by Hua-Ching Ni !)
See Power ofNaru,-a1 n He4ling, Chapter of Merry-Go- Lift and Teachings OJ
Elements for spi.ritual prActices and description ,cT-.wolmmOl14I.s: \037
Votumell , Chen'uan .
Negative by H ua- C h.ng Ni.
Round) See Esoteric Tao Teh Chin for .
g mformatioo 00 the life Of L ao T zu.) \037\\)))
Chi Gong videolape by Maoshing Ni.)
SeIfHe4ling
Spiritual Classics)

Health and Healing)

'.
A ttalnlng Unlimited L;/;
'Ie (The Book of Cbu ang Tzu) by
Dr. Maoshiog Ni.) Hua-Ching Ni .
Chinese Herbology by G Ie te Works
of Lao Tzu by Hua-Chio' g Nl, . .
1: \"Chi Gong as a Medical Therapy.\ an\037e Hua Hu com:umog the Tao Teh Ching
See Crane Style Chi Gong, Chapter Ching.

3: \"The Human Body and Esoterzc Tao Teh Ching

See the subtle Uni\037>ersal Law, Chapler
Tao, by Hua-Ching Ni.)
4: \"The Art of Preserving
Heallh.\
Universal Law\" and Chapler
Hua-Ching Ni.) Spiritual Practiees:)
Power of Natural He4ling by
. . .
Awaken Your Lil: .
,e S.ptnt Wirh Comp lete M e d ttarton
by Hua-cbi ng N' I.
Meditation) Eternal Light by Hua-Ching Ni.
8, pages. 94-106.)
See Attune Your Body with Dao-In, Chapter '.
Gentle Path OJ
.CSptntua I
Use Progress by Hua-Ching Ni.
Chapler 5: \"How to
See Enlightenment: Mother ofSpirituallndepentknce, Power of Narural
Medilarion to Attain Your Enlightenment.\ Healing by Hua-Ching Ni.
'
See Eternal Light, Chapter 10: \"Guidance for Deep Meditation.\ Story of Two Kingdoms by H ua- Ch .ngNI..

VOI\"'1Ie I: KOI' Hong, Chapler 3: Taoisr Viw of the Uni\037>ersearn1 the 1m mortal
See Life and Teachings of Two Immortals, Realm by Hua-Ching Ni .
\"Instruction for Good Medilation.\ ..
Workbook fi or S.plntua I D\"\"\",Iopment '
1 A II p,COp,e
oC .
b y Hua-Chong Ni.)
Volume II: Chen Tuan, Chapter 3:
See Life and Teachings of Two Immortals,
\"Essential Guidelines for Medilation and Sleeping Medilalion.\
T'ai Chi Movement)
See Story of Two Kingdoms. \"Taoist Indoor Meditation,\" pages 106.111.)
See TdO, the Subtle U>1J'versa! La \",' .
C IupterS'\"T' at Ch'I
\037,
.an d Ch uan, Unive\037aI Law
h e Law of Individual
t. Being\" ....nd Ch apter 6: \"The Application .and
PractIce of T'ai Chi Chuan.\"
Mind)

Ni.) SeePowerofNatural Healin ,Cha .\" .

Key to Good Fortune by I-Iua-Ching Eight Treasures,
ChI Gong and T ai Oi Mov\037menl:: C D1SCUSS1':U \037bout
hapter 8: V LSual Enetgy Connects)
Ni.) with Internal Movement.\"
Mystwsm: Empowering the SPIrit Within by I-Iua-Ching