Hello
Hexagram 7 line one was mentioned which goes to hexagram 19 as well. Just a quick mention about timing. It is apparent that the I Ching is very much about timing. We can see it in the sequence of the hexagrams, and we can see it in the progression of the lines. The first line relates to the beginning of a time sequence. In hexagram one, line one, we see that there is "a hidden dragon," and we are couselled not to act. In hexagram 2 line two, we see that it is the time when things begin to freeze over, and we must make note of the seasons. Since hexagram seven line one is yin, we look especially to hexagram two line one to understand its meaning. Line one of hexagram two says, "...solid ice is not far off." in other words, we are seeing the beginning of the forces of decay. In hexagram 7 line one, we are once again required to "look to the order of things." If the order is not good, disaster strikes. We cannot move forward until the fundamentals for union and for discipline are setup, so to speak. In a relationship, this could mean that we need to look at the signs of the relationship to determine where it is going. And in determining where it is going, we can look to the requirements for making that relationship stronger, for until the basis for unity is assured, we can make no progress in attempting to "close the deal" so to speak. We must "get our act together." Until we have unity and discipline within ourselves, we cannot expect it in relationships. It is only when we have taken control of ourselves, and controlled the hidden dragon that lines within, that we can have any success. "An army must set forth in proper order.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Hexagram eight
There was a question asked me about hexagram 8, lines 1,2, and 5. It sounds like a reading. I will try to discuss it here, although I am not sure what the context is for the question. As a rule, I only do readings minimally except for situations of spiritual growth. However, there is a place for them. But to answer, I really need to know what the question is. Nevertheless, I will discuss the context in these lines just a little bit.
Hexagram 7 and 8 are both about unity and forming relationships. But in hexagram 7 the context is forming relationships at least partially through coercion, as the context requires for an enforced unity for the good of all. Hexagram 8 is about developing unity too, but only among those who have a common quest. In hexagram 7 unity is developed through coercion, in hexagram 8 it is developed by common interest. Both require a strong leader. But the leadership in seven is different than eight because the context and the requirements for unity are different. In hexagram 8, we join because we want to join. We see a commonality of interest in a time of peace, and a goal that can be reached through WILLFULLY working together.
Hexagram eight deals with multiple types of relationships, hexagram 7 more with relationships formed to overcome an obstacle, relationships that might well break about once the job is done.
With that in mind, the various lines develop the concept of relationship more fully. Both of these hexagrams show some elemental promise for individual relationships, but hexagram 8 has greater validity in this area. This is because, while in both hexagrams, the two central lines correspond, in hexagram 8 the central lines are correct.
Since, in hexagram 8, the first line is yin, we take as the cornerstone of our interpretation, the first line in hexagram 2. Hexagram two line one says that "When hoarfrost is underfoot, solid ice is not far off." This means that the situation is just beginning to develop, and line one in hexagram 8 tells us how to make it develop properly. Line 1 in hexagram 2, again, also tells us that we must pay particular attention to the signposts along the way, to see that we are following our course properly. In hexzgram 8 line one, as well, we must follow the signs within ourselves to make sure we are properly pursuing our relationship with the utmost fundamental sincerity. Sincerity is less important, although still valuable in enforced relationships such as in hexagram 7, but here, it is of the utmost importance. We must check ourselves daily, to find any trace of an ulterior motive, or any form of selfishness, for that motive will eventually wreak havoc on the best of relationships. It is that lack of selfishness, and coming together for the common good, that brings people together in an unenforced union. This is a natural thing, unlike the arbitrary and contrived unity in hexagram 7.
There is a principle here, an undying, eternal principle that is given to us in these verses of the I Ching so that we might come to a greater understanding, and a deeper appreciation of the role, and of our purpose in the universe. The universe is governed by principles, principles that some might say amounts to "God." I prefer to look at it as the natural laws that are not made by a creator, but are one and the same as that creator. All existence has life, and all existence has awareness, therefore, it is impossible in the long run, to get away with anything, for here we are compromising ourselves with universal law, which is both totally impersonal, and yet totally personal, at the same time. This principle, in the I Ching is called "The Sage," in the Bible it is called "God." Call it what you will it is law, and it is awareness. If we violate this law, we automatically pay a penalty for doing so. The Wilhelm Baynes commentary says of this principle that it has the power to attract good fortune to all those who abide by it.
Line two goes deeper into the meaning of principle, and which principles we should follow in the pursuit of developing relationships. (This hexagram should be read in context with hexagrams 61, 31, 32, 53, and 54 at the least.) It is important that we do not pursue relationships to the point that we lose our dignity. (See the image in hexagram 28 and 36.) We must not throw ourselves away. This is true in all forms of relationships, but in personal relationships, it is important that one does not, in order to please the other person, do things that one would not normally do, or feel comfortable with, or even with the motive of impressing unduly the other person.)
Finally, the fifth line, the upper central line, and the ruler of the hexagram, hint to us how to properly choose who belongs with us. Ultimately, in a free society, as opposed to the situation in hexagram 7, it is the other person's choice, whether they join you or not. It is like that old saying, "if you love someone, set them free, if they come back..." (See hexagram 38 line 1) We must choose those who choose us, and let the others go their own way.
When these three lines change, we have hexagram 19, which speaks of approach. When we follow the instructions given to us in the book of Changes, we are more readily willing and able to approach others in a spirit of harmony. When we prove ourselves worthy, the universal sage approaches us, assuming we have approach in the right spirit. Not only do we approach, but the text speaks of "joint approach," for those we have harmonized with are themselves capable of a deeper unity, a deeper understanding and a commonality of relationship. And together we approach the universal sage, and become one with the spirit of light, or the universal light. We are deeper, happier, and more mature individuals when we have developed the relationships that are proper for us. (See the Wilhelm/Baynes commentary on hexagram forty five, line 2.) "There are secret forces at work, bringing those together who belong together." This isn't mindless commentary, this is how the universe works, and this is how the Sage reaches us, and brings us into fellowship with him/her. There are always, always, secret forces bringing people together, and separating others who do not belong, (See hexagram 59.)
Gene
Hexagram 7 and 8 are both about unity and forming relationships. But in hexagram 7 the context is forming relationships at least partially through coercion, as the context requires for an enforced unity for the good of all. Hexagram 8 is about developing unity too, but only among those who have a common quest. In hexagram 7 unity is developed through coercion, in hexagram 8 it is developed by common interest. Both require a strong leader. But the leadership in seven is different than eight because the context and the requirements for unity are different. In hexagram 8, we join because we want to join. We see a commonality of interest in a time of peace, and a goal that can be reached through WILLFULLY working together.
Hexagram eight deals with multiple types of relationships, hexagram 7 more with relationships formed to overcome an obstacle, relationships that might well break about once the job is done.
With that in mind, the various lines develop the concept of relationship more fully. Both of these hexagrams show some elemental promise for individual relationships, but hexagram 8 has greater validity in this area. This is because, while in both hexagrams, the two central lines correspond, in hexagram 8 the central lines are correct.
Since, in hexagram 8, the first line is yin, we take as the cornerstone of our interpretation, the first line in hexagram 2. Hexagram two line one says that "When hoarfrost is underfoot, solid ice is not far off." This means that the situation is just beginning to develop, and line one in hexagram 8 tells us how to make it develop properly. Line 1 in hexagram 2, again, also tells us that we must pay particular attention to the signposts along the way, to see that we are following our course properly. In hexzgram 8 line one, as well, we must follow the signs within ourselves to make sure we are properly pursuing our relationship with the utmost fundamental sincerity. Sincerity is less important, although still valuable in enforced relationships such as in hexagram 7, but here, it is of the utmost importance. We must check ourselves daily, to find any trace of an ulterior motive, or any form of selfishness, for that motive will eventually wreak havoc on the best of relationships. It is that lack of selfishness, and coming together for the common good, that brings people together in an unenforced union. This is a natural thing, unlike the arbitrary and contrived unity in hexagram 7.
There is a principle here, an undying, eternal principle that is given to us in these verses of the I Ching so that we might come to a greater understanding, and a deeper appreciation of the role, and of our purpose in the universe. The universe is governed by principles, principles that some might say amounts to "God." I prefer to look at it as the natural laws that are not made by a creator, but are one and the same as that creator. All existence has life, and all existence has awareness, therefore, it is impossible in the long run, to get away with anything, for here we are compromising ourselves with universal law, which is both totally impersonal, and yet totally personal, at the same time. This principle, in the I Ching is called "The Sage," in the Bible it is called "God." Call it what you will it is law, and it is awareness. If we violate this law, we automatically pay a penalty for doing so. The Wilhelm Baynes commentary says of this principle that it has the power to attract good fortune to all those who abide by it.
Line two goes deeper into the meaning of principle, and which principles we should follow in the pursuit of developing relationships. (This hexagram should be read in context with hexagrams 61, 31, 32, 53, and 54 at the least.) It is important that we do not pursue relationships to the point that we lose our dignity. (See the image in hexagram 28 and 36.) We must not throw ourselves away. This is true in all forms of relationships, but in personal relationships, it is important that one does not, in order to please the other person, do things that one would not normally do, or feel comfortable with, or even with the motive of impressing unduly the other person.)
Finally, the fifth line, the upper central line, and the ruler of the hexagram, hint to us how to properly choose who belongs with us. Ultimately, in a free society, as opposed to the situation in hexagram 7, it is the other person's choice, whether they join you or not. It is like that old saying, "if you love someone, set them free, if they come back..." (See hexagram 38 line 1) We must choose those who choose us, and let the others go their own way.
When these three lines change, we have hexagram 19, which speaks of approach. When we follow the instructions given to us in the book of Changes, we are more readily willing and able to approach others in a spirit of harmony. When we prove ourselves worthy, the universal sage approaches us, assuming we have approach in the right spirit. Not only do we approach, but the text speaks of "joint approach," for those we have harmonized with are themselves capable of a deeper unity, a deeper understanding and a commonality of relationship. And together we approach the universal sage, and become one with the spirit of light, or the universal light. We are deeper, happier, and more mature individuals when we have developed the relationships that are proper for us. (See the Wilhelm/Baynes commentary on hexagram forty five, line 2.) "There are secret forces at work, bringing those together who belong together." This isn't mindless commentary, this is how the universe works, and this is how the Sage reaches us, and brings us into fellowship with him/her. There are always, always, secret forces bringing people together, and separating others who do not belong, (See hexagram 59.)
Gene
Friday, February 15, 2008
The end times are not the end times
What I am really trying to say here, despite the catchy little title, is that there is an end time in creation, and we are apparently experiencing the start of that now, but there is also an end time for each and everyone of us, as we leave behind our earthly bodies, and return to the stars in a body of light. The things that apply to end times as a whole, also apply to the individual. For apocalypse originally came from a Greek word meaning, to reveal. Hence the apocalypse of Jesus Christ is also the Revelation of Jesus Christ, or more specifically, the revelation of "the Christ within." Readers may or may not find that a tantalyzing statement, but more will be said on it later.
Gene
Gene
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A copy of my post at onlineclarity.co.uk
A copy of something written in response to questions on onlineclarity.co.uk about what the year 2012 and the new age is all about.
What happens will depend on the level of understanding of the people on this planet. People talk about a thing to fear, and that is not it at all. There is nothing to fear. There is no death, it is an illusion, as are all things. What happens depends a lot on what our governments, and its institutions, the military industrial complex, and everyone involved, other governments as well, does to uplift humanity rather than sacrifice it. Actually this is a very exciting time, one when we get to see the culminating of one age, and the start of another. A most excellent age I might add.
I must say, there are those in positions of power, and not everyone in power, but some of those in positions of power, who do not wish the best for mankind. If there is any kind of destruction, it will be in response to the war making machines on this planet who's intent it is to wipe out most of humanity.
I have been preaching for a long time that we are all one. No one wants to hear it. But how you hear it, and how much of it you hear, will position you for better or worse in the new age. Not because of some angry God, but because of natural law and karma.
This runs counter intuitive to everything we see and hear. To the natural mind, it doesn't make sense, because we see diversity and separate objects all around us. But believe me, and this is very, very important. When we recognize the oneness of all things, we recognize that sunspot activity is only a natural result of the energy we put out. If we put energy into war, we have sunspots, and vice versa, because it all acts in a form of singularity. If we have governments that are trying to enslave people, as governments around the world are doing, the natural environment picks up on that energy, and mother nature begins to act up.
The new age can come peacefully or not. It doesn't have to bring within it the strain of negativity and disaster. It depends on how we recognize our oneness, and when we carpet bomb entire nations, we are doing it to ourselves because we are all one.
Any changes that happen within the earth are not meant to hurt individuals within the earth, it is the natural outcome of the type of energy produced by man.
We were just missed today by an asteroid that came as close to us as one and one half times the distance of the moon. A few days ago, there were some scientist who thought it might hit us. There was a fifty fifty chance. It didn't. Is that by chance? Or because millions of people visualized it bouncing off an imaginary circle around the earth? I don't know. It could have been both. But I have seen mass consciousness make many differences in people's lives and the life of the planet. We are thinking positive thoughts, but I can guarantee you there are many people who are not. They want death, the want destruction, and the want the earth cleansed of the people the call, "useless eaters."
Why is this happening? it all goes back several thousand years ago, when "the gods" interfered genetically with human dna, and created what amounted to a master and a slave race. The dna is slightly different. The so caled master race was denied their prize of the enslavement of mankind by various means, but they never gave up. They are still among us, some of them know exactly who they are, and they are still trying to enslave us. They will stop at nothing, including mass murder, but they will be foiled again, because of the coming earth changes, If they don't change their ways. That is what it all depends on, is the thoughts of men.
The whole idea of a 2012 is not for destruction, it is not meant to be destructive. It is happening because the minds of men are being evolutionarily modernized, we are becoming aware of our oneness, and our place in the universe. We are becoming enlightened.The new age is a wonderful thing, not a bad thing.
Gene
What happens will depend on the level of understanding of the people on this planet. People talk about a thing to fear, and that is not it at all. There is nothing to fear. There is no death, it is an illusion, as are all things. What happens depends a lot on what our governments, and its institutions, the military industrial complex, and everyone involved, other governments as well, does to uplift humanity rather than sacrifice it. Actually this is a very exciting time, one when we get to see the culminating of one age, and the start of another. A most excellent age I might add.
I must say, there are those in positions of power, and not everyone in power, but some of those in positions of power, who do not wish the best for mankind. If there is any kind of destruction, it will be in response to the war making machines on this planet who's intent it is to wipe out most of humanity.
I have been preaching for a long time that we are all one. No one wants to hear it. But how you hear it, and how much of it you hear, will position you for better or worse in the new age. Not because of some angry God, but because of natural law and karma.
This runs counter intuitive to everything we see and hear. To the natural mind, it doesn't make sense, because we see diversity and separate objects all around us. But believe me, and this is very, very important. When we recognize the oneness of all things, we recognize that sunspot activity is only a natural result of the energy we put out. If we put energy into war, we have sunspots, and vice versa, because it all acts in a form of singularity. If we have governments that are trying to enslave people, as governments around the world are doing, the natural environment picks up on that energy, and mother nature begins to act up.
The new age can come peacefully or not. It doesn't have to bring within it the strain of negativity and disaster. It depends on how we recognize our oneness, and when we carpet bomb entire nations, we are doing it to ourselves because we are all one.
Any changes that happen within the earth are not meant to hurt individuals within the earth, it is the natural outcome of the type of energy produced by man.
We were just missed today by an asteroid that came as close to us as one and one half times the distance of the moon. A few days ago, there were some scientist who thought it might hit us. There was a fifty fifty chance. It didn't. Is that by chance? Or because millions of people visualized it bouncing off an imaginary circle around the earth? I don't know. It could have been both. But I have seen mass consciousness make many differences in people's lives and the life of the planet. We are thinking positive thoughts, but I can guarantee you there are many people who are not. They want death, the want destruction, and the want the earth cleansed of the people the call, "useless eaters."
Why is this happening? it all goes back several thousand years ago, when "the gods" interfered genetically with human dna, and created what amounted to a master and a slave race. The dna is slightly different. The so caled master race was denied their prize of the enslavement of mankind by various means, but they never gave up. They are still among us, some of them know exactly who they are, and they are still trying to enslave us. They will stop at nothing, including mass murder, but they will be foiled again, because of the coming earth changes, If they don't change their ways. That is what it all depends on, is the thoughts of men.
The whole idea of a 2012 is not for destruction, it is not meant to be destructive. It is happening because the minds of men are being evolutionarily modernized, we are becoming aware of our oneness, and our place in the universe. We are becoming enlightened.The new age is a wonderful thing, not a bad thing.
Gene
Thursday, January 03, 2008
An invitation from the sage
In hexagram 35, it is said that the ruler "invites him to a greater intimacy." When we learn our lessons in life, when we do the things that are right, when we love and act in harmony, these things are noticed by the intelligence of the cosmos. When these things are noticed, we are invited by the cosmos to a greater intimacy, and there is thereby sharing a greater wisdom, a greater teaching, and a greater understanding of the orders and laws, and the general nature of the workings of the universe. We get this hexagram when we have done well. The conditions that are noted in the W/B version of the I Ching are that the leader is uniting others together in the name of his Lord. This can mean that we are integrating different parts of ourself, and that we are acting in accordance with the nature and laws of the universe. When we receive this hexagram it normally can be assumed that we have done a good job in some way.
Gene
Gene
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Help from above
The I Ching is replete with promise of help up above. We do not see that if we are only concerned with the material realm. We read "helper" as some friend, or some such, and in strict divination, this is often the meaning. But there is a deeper level here, and let me tell you, one would be wise to always look for a deeper level. "Seek and ye shall find." But we must seek with the right attitude and the right heart.
Throughout the I Ching, we are being told of this divine help. We often think, "I am not getting any divine help, I must do it myself." Yes, you do have to do it yourself, there is no other way, but we must also be "receptive" (hexagram 2) to the will of heaven. To the "energy" of heaven. For it is through the divine "intake" of heavenly energy, (chi) that we improve ourselves. This is a major part of being spiritual, being open to a divine energy that replenishes us. This energy is stored in the "Tan Tien," which is not something we will go into detail about now.
Needless to say, we are reminded of how the sage, the spiritual advisor relates to us, in passage after passage. Some are more clear than others of course, but we see it in hexagram after hexagram. In hexagram one, the spiritual advisor is tireless in his work to help us. In hexagram two the advisor is receptive to our needs and our desires. In hexagram 3 the advisor helps us to separate the wheat from the chaff and to make sense of things that are initially disorderly, and on and on and on. Hopefully I will get into this later. For here I will just finish up saying, that in hexagram 8 line 5 we learn that the sage is receptive to those who are receptive to him. The sage is open to those who are open, and he exerts no pressure, to get people to join him or learn from him. He simply makes himself available, as the sage is available in hexagram 48, all one has to do is to draw the water.
More later,
Gene
Throughout the I Ching, we are being told of this divine help. We often think, "I am not getting any divine help, I must do it myself." Yes, you do have to do it yourself, there is no other way, but we must also be "receptive" (hexagram 2) to the will of heaven. To the "energy" of heaven. For it is through the divine "intake" of heavenly energy, (chi) that we improve ourselves. This is a major part of being spiritual, being open to a divine energy that replenishes us. This energy is stored in the "Tan Tien," which is not something we will go into detail about now.
Needless to say, we are reminded of how the sage, the spiritual advisor relates to us, in passage after passage. Some are more clear than others of course, but we see it in hexagram after hexagram. In hexagram one, the spiritual advisor is tireless in his work to help us. In hexagram two the advisor is receptive to our needs and our desires. In hexagram 3 the advisor helps us to separate the wheat from the chaff and to make sense of things that are initially disorderly, and on and on and on. Hopefully I will get into this later. For here I will just finish up saying, that in hexagram 8 line 5 we learn that the sage is receptive to those who are receptive to him. The sage is open to those who are open, and he exerts no pressure, to get people to join him or learn from him. He simply makes himself available, as the sage is available in hexagram 48, all one has to do is to draw the water.
More later,
Gene
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