I Ching Explorations: 1st 8 Recap

This is a recap of the 1st group of eight hexagrams according to the King Wen sequence:  numbers 1 through 8.

1:  A Time to Initiate & 2:  A Time to be Receptive

3:  A Time of Difficult Beginnings & 4: A Time of Youthful Inexperience

5:  A Time for Confident Waiting & 6:  A Time for Dispute

7:  A Time to Exert Collective Force & 8:  A Time for Unity

#1 (Ch’ien / Heaven) corresponds to a time when ideas spring forth, grow, mature and blossom with fruit, and endure through rejuvenation and continuity.  At this time, one’s energies are aligned with the cosmos and great things are possible.

But Initiating is incomplete without a Receiver.

#2 (K’un / Earth) corresponds to a time when it is appropriate to accept, submit to, and be receptive to the situation.  When one in this position is willingly led or guided by another, great freedom can result and great things can be accomplished.

Receptivity is incomplete without an Initiator.

From the union of spirit and substance (heaven and earth) come living things and all new things can find Difficulty at the Beginning.

#3 (Tún or Zhān) / Difficulty at the Beginning) denotes the early stages of life following the union of the primal forces of Heaven and Earth.  This is beginning of something new and full of potential that advances resolutely despite the initial challenges and difficulties inherent in pushing one’s way into the world.

As the infant grows, the Follies of Youth are inevitably exhibited.

#4 (Mêng / Youthful Folly) advises that with awareness of one’s lack of knowledge, trust in a wise advisor, and disciplined effort, the empty spaces in one’s knowledge can be filled like many individual pools until they flow together with purpose.

Youthful entities require Nourishment and nurturing to grow and mature.

#5 (Hsü [Xü] / Confident Waiting [Nourishment]) refers to a strategic and intentional approach to biding one’s time while a significant event, crisis, or danger passes.  Having inner certainty of achieving the goal leads to perseverance and the ability to stand up to one’s fate.  Inner confidence and unrelenting truthfulness allow one to endure and meet fate resolutely.

Waiting for something critical can lead to conflict and disputes – thus what follows is Dispute.

#6 (Sung [Sòng] / Conflict [Dispute]) conveys the intent to argue, litigate, dispute, or accuse.  These actions all involve the use of words - not physical contact.  In terms of social interactions, the conflict considered here is one of opposing opinions, beliefs, or ideologies.  The hope is that through advanced planning (so as to avoid the confrontation in the first place) or through mediation and arbitration with the aid of a mutually-respected third party, coming to blows can be avoided.

Where there is a Dispute, a multitude capable of exerting Collective Force is sure to gather.

#7 (Shih / The Army [Collective Force]) corresponds to a need to organize and activating the latent energy of individuals into a unified force.  When individuals are healthy and strong from having been nurtured and protected by a benevolent entity, their power can be directed by a wise leader to protect the whole.  Working together to overcome a challenge can have a calming and peaceful effect on the masses and lead to solidarity and Unity.

#8 (Pi [Bì] / Holding Together [Unity]) corresponds to a a time when member of a community feel united.  This is a time when individuals find value in joining together to benefit society.  A wise leader welcomes those who willingly seek to join and seeks no quarrel with those who do not.  Harmonious unity of effort leads to prosperity and the desire to store up and Accumulate.