I am not a Bible reader but of late, I have found inspiration in the I Ching which, its followers believe, is “a living, breathing oracle, a patient and all-seeing teacher who can be relied upon for flawless advice at every turning point in our lives.” Reading the I Ching has gifted me with a gentler spirit, accepting with serene humility the trials and brickbats thrown my way. Through the I Ching, I would like to disengage myself from the wiles of the world – to replace hatred with kindness, jealousy with selflessness, and the thirst for material things with rugged simplicity that can only come from a special kind of happiness within.
Using the I Ching entails shaking three coins, with the heads and tails having equivalent points. These are added up and formed into six lines stacked on top of each other. The resulting hexagram has a corresponding text to guide followers through the day.
And so far, my I Ching yesterday went like this:
See yourself as a young tree now. The ground round you is fertile; sun and water and wind are plentiful. By maintaining your focus on moving upward toward light, clarity, and purity, you can reach great heights. If you become entangled in inferior things, you will not enjoy the full benefit of this gracious hour. Stay balanced, innocent, and correct, and good fortune is assured.
In a time such as this, it is wise to adopt a stance of outer disengagement and inner perseverance. Do not focus on or interact with the negative influences around you; this only strengthens their grip on you. Step aside, yield, let go, allow people and events to pass without attachment. Direct your attention inside, to your inner light, your devotion to what is right, your conversation with the Higher Power.
Progress may be slow, but there will indeed be progress.
My friends who are interested in the I Ching may like this book.
Recent Comments