#35 Chin / Progress & #36 Ming I / Darkening of the Light

#35 Chin / Progress – Fire (Li) over Earth (K’un)

#36 Ming I / Darkening of the Light – Earth (K’un) over Fire (Li)

Fire over Earth over Fire...Theme:  A Time to Proceed – A Time to Step Back

Aspect	#35 Chin Progress	#36 Ming I Darkening of the Light
Situation
Symbolically	The rising sun spreads its energy across the earth.	The sun’s light is obscured by the earth.
Socially	A wise leader makes progress in the company of helpers.	A dark entity has power over the wise and able thus causing them harm.
Individually	An enlightened individual benefits the entire society.	One is confronted with forces that threaten one’s convictions.
Response
Symbolically	The rising sun emerges from darkness and casts its pristine light afar.	The sun’s light is temporarily hidden by the dark but never fails.
Socially	Join forces with others to achieve great things.	Let things pass – don’t challenge now – keep a low profile.
Individually	Monitor the needs of others, be supportive and communicative.  Foster altruistic motivations in dealing with both peers and those in authority.	Appear to be agreeable with adversaries while hiding one’s true convictions.
Outcome
Symbolically	The sun’s brightness expands gradually over a widening area.	Darkness hides the light, but its virtue isn’t snuffed out.
Socially	Progress is being made!	If one does not compete, the world cannot compete with him.  (Lao Tzu)
Individually	One’s altruistic behavior results in beneficent influence and spiritual growth.	By acknowledging evil as a natural component of life, one develops sound character.
The Lines
Top Line	Proceeding aggressively may be warranted, but not toward those with whom there is no close connection.	Bad times have consumed the good upon which they have thrived and must now, of necessity, give way to the light once more.
5th	Continue in righteous progress – act with gentleness, reserve, and moderation.	When unable to combat and forced to tolerate extreme darkness, conceal true thoughts, redouble caution, and cling to the light within.
4th	Progress is made but by dubious means that will be discovered.  Beware.	One achieves a clear understanding of the dire and hopeless situation.  Leave the scene before matters worsen.
3rd	Progress is made with the help of others – no regrets.	The light has a chance encounter with the dark and seizes control.  Changes must be made gradually.
2nd	Communication with one in authority is blocked.  Persevere and remain virtuous.	Although injured by the dark, one’s attention is on helping others which brings good fortune.
Bottom Line	Remain calm, perfect your work, and be generous when others lack confidence in your ability.	One attempts to rise above obstacles and encounters hostility.  One chooses to suffer rather than compromise principles.
Recap
The inverse hexagrams in this pair represent opposite situations.  In #35 - Chin, the light force is ascendant.  Like the sun’s rays spilling across the countryside that inevitably encounter shadow, those with pure intent who meet with rebuff should maintain a virtuous and high-minded sense of social progress.  By so doing, one will be supported by others and one’s example will be spread forth.  Just as the sun’s radiance chases shadows away, the brilliance of one’s mind and virtuous example enables one at this time to achieve great progress in inner development, have a positive influence on those in authority, and effect positive social change. #36 Ming I, by contrast, characterizes a time when one’s inner light should be hidden.  This is a time when darkness is ascendant, times are hard, and one is not in a position of strength.  Rather than be swept up in the pervading dark energy, the I Ching councils that one should withdraw from the fray, bide one’s time, and maintain a gentle outward composure while nurturing one’s inner flame.  By hiding beliefs that are currently unpopular, one avoids aggression and evil finds no fuel.  In time, the dark will dissipate and one’s light will be appreciated as the cycle continues.

#35 Chin / Progress

#36 Ming I / Darkening of the Light

#37 Chia Jên / The Family & #38 K’uei / Opposition

Theme:  Productive Social Order : Balanced Opposing Forces  

#37 The Family:  Wind over Fire

#38 Opposition:  Fire over Lake

Aspect	#37 Chia Jên The Family	#38 K’uei Opposition
Situation
Symbolically	The influence that goes out from within the family is like the wind that’s created by fire.	Two incompatible elements:  hot fire rises above and the humid lake falls below.
Socially	When the family unit, as the smallest unit of social relationship, is in proper order, larger units built upon it will also be in order.  In traditional culture, the husband’s role was outside the home and the wife’s was inside.  This hexagram reflects the importance of faithfulness, loyalty, and respect in social relationships.	Two parties are opposed, estranged.  Opposing parties cannot carry out great undertakings in common.
Individually	One’s behavior should be consistent with familial roles based on respect and propriety.	An inner duality or conflict causes indecision.
Response
Symbolically	Hot air rises from the fire and fulfills its nature by becoming wind.	Fire (illumination) seeks clarity above while Lake (pleasure) finds satisfaction below – when in contact the two elements, fire and water, retain their own natures.
Socially	When all members of the family fulfill their duties the family travels the right path and a basis for moral practice amongst larger social units is established.	Affirm friendly relations – emphasize cooperation and seek common ground while respecting differences and retaining one’s individuality.
Individually	The individual should make the needs of the group equal to one’s personal needs.	One may appear indecisive as one weighs conflicting options.  Attempt to see both viewpoints clearly.  Maintaining one’s individuality aids in avoiding stalemate.
Outcome
Symbolically	Through the wind generated by fire, the fire exerts influence outward.	The two elements deviate – that is their nature.
Socially	When all families travel the right path, the world will be stable.  If there is a conflict of roles and people are not willing to defer, social problems may occur at this time.	Opposing forces neutralize each other but mutual accord can be achieved by diplomatically respecting differing opinions.  Gradual changes in small matters may still be accomplished.
Individually	When the individual treats organizations as family groups, finds the proper role, and fulfills those obligations, ones goals will be more easily achieved.  Choosing a role for which one is suited will help ensure that one’s efforts have meaning. One’s influence on others must proceed from within.  As flame depends on fuel, so too must one’s words depend on one’s convictions.  “Words have influence only when they are pertinent and clearly related to definite circumstances.” (W/B 144). And, words must be reinforced by one’s actions.  “If words and conduct are not in accord and not consistent, they will have no effect.” (W/B 145).	By dispensing with preconceptions, we’re able to appreciate differing viewpoints and gain a broader perspective of the natural interaction of universal forces and a sense of oneness in a world of contradictions.
The Lines:  note that here and for forthcoming I Ching posts I will adopt the convention of inverting the line-by-line discussion such that the discussions appear in the same orientation as the lines themselves with the bottom line at the bottom.
Top Line	One sets an example for the family and one’s influence thereby extends well beyond.	One has become isolated by mistrust but eventually perceives one’s errors in judgment and tensions are relieved.
5th	A loving leader is trusted.	Opposition may obscure one’s awareness of a sincere helper.  When recognized, go to meet and get to work.
4th	Balancing income and expenses brings good fortune.	Despite opposition one finds a kinsman who can be trusted.
3rd	Balance indulgence and severity but err towards the severe to avoid chaos.	Through difficult times, if one clings to what one knows is right, things will improve.
2nd	Remain gentle and steadfast - meet the immediate needs of the family.	An unexpected informal encounter presents an opportunity.
Bottom Line	Establish firm roles when the group is formed.	Seek not to reunify parties by force – be patient and guard against being forced into anything.
Recap
	The family is viewed as the fundamental unit of social organization.  Mutual love within the family produces harmony. Familial relationships appear in larger and more complex organizations.  Understanding one’s position within an organization from the perspective of the family may help one to more easily achieve one’s goals. Familial harmony demonstrates how larger social and political groups can achieve the same.	Two energies present opposing forces.  There is no judgment of good or bad, simply a mutual respect for polar opposition. Through observation of these extremes we recognize the multiplicity of combinations possible from their union.  In so doing, we gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the world around us. By seeing both sides objectively, we appreciate the inherent values in each and move toward cooperation.

#37 Chia Jên (Jia Ren) / The Family

#38 K’uei (Kui) / Opposition

The Beautiful Game

First, with apologies to my international readers, I'll use the common North American convention of referring to the real football as soccer and the North American version as football.  And, by way of brief disclaimer, while I've lived entirely in the U.S., played football not soccer growing up, and didn't know anything about soccer except Pele till my kids started to play, over the last 20 years I have come to love The Beautiful Game and believe it to be superior to football for spectators and skilled players.  For unskilled players though, football is the way to go.

The Pace of the Game

Football is a series of short high-intensity bursts of brute strength and athleticism punctuated by time outs, huddles, commercial breaks, injuries, referee challenges, and cheerleaders.  The flow of the game is intermittent, as the opposing forces surge against one another en masse.  In between blows they regroup and ask themselves "what the hell just happened!?"  Coaches can stop the action with time outs and red-flag challenges.  Then the television networks impose their breaks to accommodate the advertisers.  Add to those scheduled interruptions the numerous stoppages for fouls and penalties that result from over 367 rules, and the playing time for a one-hour contest generally stretches to a three-hour commitment.

By comparison, soccer is a nearly continuous flow of action during two 45-minute halves.  Except for brief restarts associated with fouls and injuries, the occasional issuance of cards, and the less-frequent substitution of players, the action doesn't stop.  The ball moves up and down the pitch as players attack and defend in accordance with the 17 basic rules/laws of the game.  Rather than clashing soldiers attempting to overpower one another, soccer is all about finesse.  It combines passing, running, and shooting with teamwork, stamina, strategy, and skill much like basketball but with no hands on a field that can range from about 10 to 25 times larger than a basketball court (that variability in pitch dimensions being one of the endearing quirks of the game.)

Coaches can only stop the soccer action with the referee's permission and then only when the ball has left the field and is in their possession.  Players can't call "time out" when they're confused about the right play call or have run out of time as often occurs in football.  When you sit down for a soccer match, you can count on two 45-minute periods of action with a brief 15-minute half-time with a few minutes added for injuries for a total of no more than two hours (that's 75% action compared to 33% for football).

The Look and Feel

From the vantage of one's living room, these games have completely different looks.  Football seems to be all about intimidation.  From the glossy helmets, body armor with over-sized shoulder pads, and skin-tight pants, the uniform seems all about celebrating the physique of weekend gladiators.  With the war paint under the eyes, the face masks hiding the rest of their features, and team emblems emblazoned on helmets and jerseys, players take on the anonymity and uniformity of soldiers - their relative bulks and the now common lumberjack beards and mops of long hair being the only differentiation.  And bulk differences are extreme!  From the 5-foot 9-inch running backs weighing in at about 200 pounds to the 6-foot 6-inch tight ends and the 300-pound defensive linemen, the range is extreme and severe obesity is not uncommon.

Soccer is more about agility and mobility than confrontation and power.  Soccer players aren't decked out in body armor and helmets (except for the rare padded head gear to guard against concussions or face shields worn while recuperating from facial injuries).  The uniforms (kits) are limited to shorts, jersey, shin guards, socks and shoes.  One small complaint with the kits, a newcomer can easily mistake a team's name for some European airline, an electronics company, or a bank since they're more prominently displayed than the team logos.  That's fine with me though - I'd rather have them get advertising revenue like that than from the persistent interruption of beer commercials.   And, while height differences can also vary by a foot from short attackers to tall defenders and keepers (although there are exceptions) you will never see an obese soccer player!  The average professional player is about 6 feet tall and weighs between 155 and 175 pounds.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to amateur participation, especially for those who haven't grown up in a culture that worships the ability to manipulate a ball with one's feet, football is a great sport.  There's nothing quite like the Turkey bowl on a crisp November afternoon while the turkey is roasting.  As long as no one gets seriously injured (more likely in football than soccer to be sure), it can be a blast.  And, there's always flag football to increase the finesse and speed quotient while reducing the injury quotient.

In contrast, for a person who grew up playing sports when the ball was bounced, carried, or hit it can be extremely frustrating to be limited to using your feet to dribble and pass the soccer ball (no way I'm going to risk a neck injury using unschooled heading "technique").  While helping to coach community soccer, I saw first-hand how difficult it is to acquire foot skills (let alone heading) and appreciated the importance of learning them while young with constant reinforcement so it could become second nature.

Thinking about it from the other perspective, I imagine it is equally frustrating to a natural soccer player and be forced to hold onto a strangely-shaped ball while not being able to kick it along the field, being faced with attempting to catch the long bomb on the run, or being chased by players intent on crushing you.  From an amateur player's perspective, to each his own - I concede there are merits to each.  In my opinion, the most important thing is to get the kids out there playing something (our soccer association motto was:  "Just let them play!")

When it comes to being a spectator of professional football or soccer though, my allegiance to North American football wanes.  I can't stand the constant interruptions, the inane penalties (now even restricting the ability of players to make contact in certain ways so as to make this brutal sport less injurious - I think that's the owners finding ways to protect their investments), and the overall time sink of a single game.  From the vantage of my recliner and the wizardry of HDTV, I can't think of a much more beautiful sport (except The Masters at Augusta perhaps) than soccer. 

Some day I hope to update this commentary after having sat through a live viewing of ManU battling Bayern Munich or Real Madrid at Old Trafford in Manchester England for a Champions League title.  I'm certain that will only deepen my love of The Beautiful Game. 

Samuel William Gleue (5/19/93 - 1/24/13)

I am grieved by the passing of a young friend of the family.  Samuel William Gleue passed away suddenly from an accident and left behind heartbroken parents, two older and two younger siblings, a large extended family, and many friends.  Words could not do justice to the emotional toll we all felt at his memorial service:  we absorbed the minister’s words with mute anguish and stifled sobs.

Sam was one of my son’s best buddies in elementary school.  They chased each other around the house, yard, and neighborhood as only 8-year-old boys can.  I remember him as the quintessential towhead freckle-faced “Dennis the Menace.”   Sam was a fearless bundle of energy that bolted off in any direction at the slightest suggestion.

It’s with strong recollections of those happy childhood years and sensitivity for the raw void that Sam’s departure has created that I offer these thoughts on a parent’s love for a child.

We want the best for our kids, but we want them to do the best they can as well.  We guide, nurture, coach, and instruct and in return expect them to give it their best shot.  If they don’t even try, it doesn’t alter the depth of our love, but it may alter our attitude.  I’d be disappointed if no attempt had been made at all.  Having removed the opportunity to participate, the child remains in limbo and unable to grow from the experience of either success, failure, or draw.  It’s understood that a child needs to find his own way, experience her own setbacks, and learn his own lessons – sometimes the toughest part of our job as parents is to push them onto the field and stand back as spectators.

A parent sees in a child, especially of the same gender, all that he or she might have been.  There is potential to do the things that have not been achieved, to complete the work that has been started, to live the dreams yet to be fulfilled, and to avoid the pains that have been suffered.  But a parent should know it cannot be so.  The child has her own path to follow, his own potential to realize, her own dreams to dream, and his own pains to endure.  Just sharing in them should be reward enough.  Shared experience strengthens our love.  Living together, working together, solving problems, playing games, traveling, helping each other, and simply being together brings us closer together and enriches each experience.

Like my own son, Sam graduated from high school just about 18 months ago.  Like at our celebration, his family had probably compiled a photo montage to chronicle his growth from childhood when things could be fixed with simply a hug to young adulthood when troubles had become exponentially more complicated yet the opportunities seemed limitless.  I suspect that his parents were equally proud of his many accomplishments and while worried about the uncertainties of the future were cheered by happy memories of fun times they’d had together.  As they anticipated a growing and natural separation and independence they would have counted on there being many wonderful times yet ahead to share.

As is true of any loving parents, it would have been hard for them to step back and allow him the freedom and space to discover his own way, to learn his own tough lessons, to suffer his private pains, and to celebrate his individual victories.  But step back we must as we relinquish control and in turn trust in their accumulated wisdom, the good in others, and the alignment of the stars to keep them safe.

Now that fearless bundle of energy has been extinguished and his path remains untrodden, his potential remains unknown, and his joys remain only in the shared memories of those he touched.  A shooting star has passed through our constellation, caught our imagination for a brief time, and left a warm afterglow to balance the chill of his winter departure.

Rest in peace Sam.

39 Chien / Obstruction & 40 Hsieh / Deliverance

39 - Water over Mountain

40 - Thunder over Water

Theme:  Obstacles Present : Obstacles Removed

Aspect	#39 Chien (Jian) Obstruction (Difficulty)	#40 Hsieh (Jie) Deliverance (Relief)
Situation
Symbolically	Flowing water (K’an) meets an obstacle in the form of a mountain (Kên).  It did not suddenly appear, but is inherent to the water’s path.	From thunderclouds (Chên) pours down rain (K’an) to relieve atmospheric tension.
Socially	In times of hardship, an organization needs a great leader, loyal officials, and unified people.	Now is the time to resolve or bypass complications of adverse social conditions.
Individually	An obstacle that we’re incapable of overcoming alone appears in our path.	It is time to clear the air of personal emotional turmoil and adversity.
Response
Symbolically	If the time is not right, keep still like the mountain till the time is right.	Difficulty in the lower trigram (K’an) stimulates the upper trigram (Chên) to action.
Socially	Do not turn and run from the challenge.  Join forces with friends of like mind to overcome it together.	The superior person forgives misdeeds that lead to difficulties, washes everything clean, and moves on.
Individually	Build up strength and align yourself with a strong leader - don’t blame others for obstructions, look within and seek to enrich and educate yourself.	Don’t overdo in the triumph over obstacles.  Return one’s affairs to the regular and intended pattern as soon as possible.
Outcome
Symbolically	After a pause, water increases in volume and strength, eventually overcoming the obstacle.	The ground is cleared for new growth
Socially	If we pause and gather our comrades, obstacles will be overcome.	You may now successfully resolve complications caused by adverse social arrangements.  Solutions to political problems are no longer elusive
Individually	An obstacle that is overcome is good for self-development.  Overcoming inner conflicts often alleviates exterior troubles.	Anxiety and strife give way if one takes firm action.  One has a fresh start – past difficulties should resolve themselves.  Once one dispenses with the emotional ruts of past difficulties, one has an excellent opportunity for personal advancement
Lines
Bottom Line	Wait for an opportune time to face the challenge.	Difficulties begin to lessen.  Relax.
2nd	Duty calls – raise the sword!	Having focused inner strength on deliverance, one is fortified against evil.
3rd	Hold back for now and stay with those under your care	If once needy and now flush but one retains a needy attitude, disgrace.
4th	Hold back for now and gather helpers for later	Stay distant from fools so true allies can come close.
5th	When one is called in an emergency, friends will rally to help one succeed	Demonstrate earnestness by making a clean break from negative influences.
Top Line	Having overcome one’s own obstacles, one returns to rescue others	Forcibly remove negative influences.
Recap
Summary	This hexagram contains guidance for overcoming obstacles that are inherent in the path we have chosen.  Unless compelled by duty or emergency, one does well to not push forward into danger nor idly sitting by, but instead yield, acquire aid, understand the inner conflicts that strengthen this obstacle.	After hardship, relief follows.  In this situation, movement is necessary to surmount obstacles.  After a difficulty has been removed, return to a place of rest lest one’s indulgence creates new hardships.
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I’d be interested to hear if you like this table format or if you prefer the prior narrative approach or the earlier dialogues.  Thanks for any feedback.

Happy 257^th birthday (J. C.) Wolfgang (T. G. A.) Mozart!