I Ching explorations – Part 41 of 64
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| Mt. Moran and Lake Moran - The Grand Tetons, Wyoming |
Situation
Symbolism
Water evaporates from the lake, precipitates on the mountain,
and the mountain vegetation is nourished.
This illustrates a time when the lowly are diminished for the benefit of
those above.
Socially
The prosperity of the people is diminished for the benefit
of those in control. This results in an unstable
situation unless the leaders act accordingly.
Individually
This is a time of material loss, sacrifice, and diminished communications
that one is unable to change. It shouldn’t
be construed to be a “bad” thing – just another phase to experience that one should
approach with the right attitude.
Response
Symbolically
The lower trigram has been formed from Ch’ien.
has been decreased to form Tui.
At the same time, the decrease of the lower trigram is
accompanied by an increase of the upper line in the upper trigram from K'un:
to Kên:
The upper trigram (Mountain) is stubborn strength that can
harden into anger. The Lake is unchecked
gaiety that can develop into uncontrolled passion. To find balance, anger must be decreased by
keeping still and passionate instincts must be curbed, as the lake prevents
waters from overflowing. The weight and
gravity of the mountain holds the joyousness of the lake in check. The result is a decreasing of the lower
emotions (passions) and an enrichment of the higher aspects of the soul.
Socially
The hexagram is directed at showing how is it possible for
this shift of wealth from below to above to occur without causing the source of
wealth (e.g., the productivity of the people) to be permanently
diminished. A proper response from those
in power would be to aid those who have been diminished in means to manage more
frugally. And, a proper response of
those below would be to recognize that at times there is the need to make
sacrifices. In this situation, society should
embrace frugality and work together to fulfill needs without being obsessed
with elaborate and unnecessary consumption.
And, those above should use what has been received to ultimately benefit
the people.
Individually
An individual in this situation is advised to accept the
decline in circumstances and simplify one’s life accordingly: curb passionate desires, economize, limit indulgences,
and quell the anger that may accompany this change lifestyle. One should not continue the pretense of more
opulent times lest one lose touch with the lessons to be learned during this
transitory stage. Instead, scale
personal relationships down to simpler issues and don’t feel ashamed. Simplicity is what’s needed to provide inner
strength for future undertakings.
Outcome
Symbolically
Kên and Tui have been formed from the interaction of Ch’ien below
being decreased to the benefit of K’un above.
Kên and Tui represent the youngest son and youngest daughter. Combined, the two trigrams symbolize passions
aroused but held in check
Socially
The trust of the people will be increased if those above use
what has been received from them for the benefit of the whole. In this way, stability in trying times can be
maintained.
Individually
Simplifying one’s life has benefits to one’s higher nature. Success will be achieved through devotion and
simplicity. Having achieved a certain
economy in the intensity of one’s emotions one will be prepared for the
inevitable increase that follows.
Lines
1. Moderately
help those above in need so as to maintain personal balance.
2. While
humbled, maintain your dignity to provide true service of lasting value.
3. One
finds a comrade but three will splinter.
Two achieve the proper balance.
4. Humbly
diminish your shortcomings and friends will appear to help.
5. Modestly
accept good fortune.
6. If
one’s increase benefits others, supporters are attracted and increase furthers.
Recap
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