43 – Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness) aka Eliminating (as in Evil)

I Ching explorations - Part 43 of 64

Tui (Lake – The Joyous) over Ch’ien (Heaven – The Creative)

Flooded Pittsburgh:  9/18/2004

Unflooded Pittsburgh

Situation

Symbolically

A swollen river or, in the case of Pittsburgh on 9/18/2004, three rivers (the Allegheny [seen entering the photo from the top], the Monongahela [entering from the right] and the Ohio [formed at the confluence and exiting stage left]) overflow their banks.  Similarly, water from the Lake has risen above the Heavens and bursts forth with precipitation.  Both situations represent a release of accumulated energy or tension.

Socially

This hexagram corresponds to a time when the righteous eliminate the evil through resolute action.  The virtuous have been held in check up till now by the unethical and have banded together to resolutely push upwards and force them from their position of power. 

Individually

The I Ching counsels that, “Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has the power to obscure reason” (p. 166, Wilhelm/Baynes).  “Passion” is represented by the dark yin line at the top (that same passionate, earthy, feminine force that is entering the situation from below in #44).  The passionate and earthy yin has the power to distract the rational and intellectual yang lines below.   

Response

Symbolically

The river bursts over its banks and the cloudburst releases a downpour.  Making a resolution is like dispensing with hesitation by taking a confident step beyond the existing barriers or letting the bow-string fly from one’s fingers.

Socially

The proper response at this time is to force out the weak/dark energy but only with the proper attitude and spirit.  There’s no doubt about what must happen, so it should be accomplished with calm and cheerful resoluteness.

This attitude of joyous (friendliness) on the outside (from Tui) and strength within (from Ch’ien) is the fundamental advice on how to deal with this situation (p. 167 W/B).  Although a compromise with evil is not possible, we are advised not to struggle directly by force because that simply entangles us in hatred and strengthens the opposition.  Instead, the I Ching tells us to address our own weaknesses and strive to fight evil by doing good.

This advice seems to have some similarity to the practice of shunning where an individual or group is consciously removed from association with their peers.  Rather than physically combat or retaliate, the response is one of avoidance and isolation.  Perhaps there’s an element of “turning the other cheek” as well.  As we strive to be better people ourselves, we focus not upon the evil deeds of others, but upon doing good in our own lives and trusting that the evil among us will not find purchase upon which to perpetrate further misdeeds if we simply refuse to associate with them.

Individually

In this situation, one must push the passions, worries, misgivings, and uncertainties aside and allow reason to guide your decisive action.  Expose the evil nature publicly to gain support from others.  Be courageous, resourceful, and determined.

Personally, avoid excessive selfish accumulation because eventually the pile will collapse:  gathering (#58) is followed by dispersion (#59).  Instead, begin to distribute while accumulating.  Similarly, to develop character the superior person does not build up rigid ways of acting and thinking but remains open to self-examination and the ideas of others.

Outcome

Symbolically

The levee breaks and the cloud bursts.  The tension has been released and will now swing back toward equilibration and normality.

Socially

The negative entity that has limited the ability of the virtuous to push upwards is forced out through gentle and non-violent means.  The virtuous are not entangled in the negative energy that has kept them confined but rather causes the negative energy to dissipate by being exposed to the harsh light of public awareness.  By alerting others to the situation, it is possible to harness the power of peer pressure to isolate and negate the harmful tendencies.

Individually

Through self-analysis we recognize weaknesses in our personality and gain control over their influences on our thinking and behavior.  It is easy to allow emotions to control our behavior.  It is harder to see clearly to the heart of the matter and make rational decisions, especially when one is challenged by negative influences.

Lines

1.  Your spirit is willing but your body is weak.  The time is not right time.  Chill.

2.  Remain vigilant and raise an alarm if needed.

3.  Avoid participating with evil but go along so to as hide your intent to thwart it.   

4.  Don’t be obstinate – listen to reason and seek the support of others.

5.  Like weeds, negative forces in powerful positions must be dealt with firmly.

6.  This evil must be rooted out.  Do it thoroughly so as to leave no seeds.

Recap

Negative energy must be banished.  Remain joyous outside and strong within.  Be resolute in the knowledge of what must be purged and go about the task with clear purpose of mind.  Don’t be swayed by emotions.  Indeed, be cheerful in your disposition because you know your purpose is just and right.  Whether you seek to purge a weakness in your character or a negative influence in a place of power, you must shine the harsh light of day upon the subject and openly acknowledge its evil.  Do not become entangled in its choice of weapons, however, for that simply gives it strength.  Remain serene but dispassionate.  Resolutely eradicate the negative influence.