More on Eleven to Thirty Nine

When the first, second and fifth line change in hexagram thirty nine, the relating hexagram is hexagram thirty nine. Some of the qualities of hexagram thirty nine have already been discussed. We all have, however, times when it just does not seem that are goals are reachable, and it is futile to go on. If those goals do not accord with our inner "Tao," then it is true those goals must be abandoned. But if we know, assuredly, that that goal does pertain to our inner "Tao," and we are doing what we are destined to do, then those goals should never be abandoned. We must understand however, that to reach our goals, we must have unity within, between our conscious and subconscious minds. The second and fifth line give us some hint as to how to accomplish that. Each must be aware of the value of the other, and acquiesce to that value. In other words, there must be no hint of feelings of superiority or disdain toward our partner, (whether internal or in relationships). We must recognize at one at the same time the equality and yet the differences between our partner, both inner and outer. In the same way the conscious mind must "not neglect what is distant," (the subconscious mind with its vast repository of information). The subconscious too must recognize the logical nature of the conscious mind and respect it. When we come to agreement between conscious and subconscious vast projects are possible, defined by "crossing the great water." But the yin force must submit itself to the guidance of the yang force, and the yang force must underlie and support the yin force. In this way the great forces unite, and in union achieve such power that "one may manage to walk in the middle." When yin submits to yang and yang underlies and supports yin, as line five says, "This brings blessing and supreme good fortune." If there were ever a good "New Years resolution to make this year, it is that we will meditate to unite conscious and subconscious mind, and watch how our lives change enormously for the positive.