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Sunday, June 18, 2017

2nd 8 Recap

 I Ching explorations – Interlude 7

This is a recap of the 2nd group of eight hexagrams according to the King Wen sequence:  numbers 9 through 16.

9 (Xiao Xü: Little Accumulation/Restrained) represents a situation when weak or small elements have been collected.  This accumulation of the small eventually leads to success, but for the time being, it yields no outcome due to restraining forces.

When many gather but action is restrained, proper conduct is required.

10 (Lü: Conduct) provides guidance for the proper conduct and etiquette of the lowly when engaging the elevated.  The underlying message is one of proper conduct whilst fulfilling one’s duty.  The image of a meek person treading upon the tail of a powerful yet gentle tiger symbolizes the proximity of the weak and strong and the good humor that results from proper etiquette.

When proper conduct is cultivated, peace is possible.

RESTRAINED ACCUMULATION becomes PROPER CONDUCT

      
11 (Tai: Peace) indicates a time when Heaven is on Earth and prosperity follows.  Society has reached a phase in the perpetual oscillation between light and dark when social harmony, peace, and community are at their zenith, the good in humanity is in control, and evil aspects are changed for the better of all.  However, prosperity born of peace and unity must inevitably transition back to stagnation born of separation and discord.

Times of peace are inevitably followed by times of discord.

12 (P’i:  Discord, Standstill, and Hindrance) reflects a time when Heaven and Earth are at polar opposites, evil elements control the center, and the good have stepped aside into seclusion to bide their time and hide their worth.  But nothing can be blocked forever and through fellowship it is possible to break away from an impasse.

From the depths of discord we seek fellowship.

PEACE is inevitably followed by DISCORD



13 (Tóngrén Fellowship/Community/ Harmony) advises that when we seek common ground and work together while not dwelling on minor differences we are able to carry out great undertakings and achieve great gains.  Through the suspension of self-serving motives and working together with one heart, social aims can now be achieved.  In such times, people pledge allegiance to leaders.

Through fellowship and community, abundance and leadership follow

14 (Dàyŏu:  Great Possession / Enlightened Leadership) suggests that when we achieve great abundance, others take notice.  To sustain the success, we must keep the ego in check, focus on the service of others, and recognize that one’s success is often due to the collective efforts of others. Ancient Chinese proverb says, “One loses by pride and gains by modesty.”

An enlightened leader should remain humble and modest

FELLOWSHIP AND HARMONY lead to
 GREAT POSSESSION / ENLIGHTENED LEADERSHIP
                  


15 (Ch’ien:  Moderation & Humbleness) represents the fair and equitable balancing of societal extremes that produces the just and equitable conditions that are needed to achieve productive societal order.  When one achieves balance in mind and body through moderation, delightful enthusiasm follows. 

One in great possession who is humble inspires enthusiasm

16 (Yu:  Enthusiasm) shows us that when actions are in harmony with the energies of the times and follow the path of least resistance, others resonate with the common vibration and share in the collective enthusiasm which is essential to great achievements. 

When one is humble and enthusiastic, people will follow.

MODESTY AND HUMBLENESS lead to ENTHUSIASM
 

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