Connection

In keeping with the info in hexagram eleven, we must argue that the ultimate goal of the I Ching, or all spiritual readings and teachings, is that of ultimate connection and oneness among all things. Scientifically, we can explain this with the concept of the "big bang." Whether the big bang is actually a fact or not as to the original creation story, there is an element of truth in the concept. For at one time all was one - nothing more than an infinitely small point. There was no space, no time, and no object, only consciousness. This consciousness decided to create the illusion of separation in order to experience diversity. Nevertheless, this is just an illusion. There is no space nor time, no diversity, but consciousness nevertheless has created this illusion. The Chinese, if I remember right, called this original oneness, "wu chi." This "wu chi divided into yin and yang and the ten thousand things were created.

Therefore, hexagram eleven line one tells us that "when ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to its kind." In other words, on the more esoteric level, the line is telling us that everything is connected, and when we study and analyze one thing, we are studying and analyzing all things, and that we should understand there is unity among all things. Nevertheless, due to the created illusion, there is diversity within unity. So the text also says, "each according to its kind.

On a more mundane level, getting this line can indicate that when we uncover something, we may find that there are many roots to the problem, and end up discovering more than what we were first looking for. It indicates that "birds of a feather flock together." Another way of looking at it is when we attempt to accomplish something we will attract those who are of like mind, although they are still diverse beings. When we look for problems in relationships, or within ourselves, we may find a complex of interlocking problems that all interact to create the issue we are facing.

Back to the more esoteric, we can look at hexagram thirty to discover how everything is connected together. The hexagram is called in the Wilhelm Baynes version, "The Clinging." In it we discover that everything "clings" to everything else. It is like "The web that has no weaver," (except that weaver is simply consciousness, the "wu chi").

It is important to remember this in our spiritual journey. For the conscious mind, relating to the ego, does not recognize the oneness of all things, the interconnectedness. Therefore its natural tendency is to try to control. The subconscious is aware of its interconnectedness. In fact, the deeper level of the subconscious is not specific to the individual alone, but is a part of the greater whole. In other words, it does not belong to just one person, but is interconnected with all persons and things. Therefore, the small I is just an illusion, the bigger I is the reality, and it is everything, not just the individual we think we are. When we go deeply within ourselves, we find that "the ribbon grass is connected to the sod." The sod is earth, the yin element. The earth is the protector and nurturer of all that exists, and it is "all connected." True spiritual discipline is related ultimately to this one concept, that we are all connected. That is the ultimate, and the only reality.