wednesday, october 19, 2011

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☴  Jen hexagram ~ Gradualness  ☶

the I Ching master casually and calmly threw his coins before an increasingly impatient querent, slowly saying "ahhhh.... hmmm mm mm..." when each line of the hexagram appeared. 

"please hurry" said the querent, i don't have much time"

"time is what you make of it" responded the Master distractedly, then continued ahhing and hmmming until all coins were thrown and all lines were drawn. finally, he looked up at the man waiting to hear and said,

"Wood is above Mountain in this hexagram, signifying gradualness. this is what you need to hear today, good Sir, for patience is often a much needed element on a virtuous path. Mountain speaks of quiet and serenity, while Wood in this case, suggests a tree slowly growing on the mountain top. they are enabled in this hexagram to interact harmoniously. this says to me that any union in which you consider engaging will assuredly be successful, if you allow it to develop in an organic and natural way. however, should you attempt to rush the growth of the tree, and push circumstances beyond their natural flow, this union, relationship, or involvement of any kind will most likely not sustain. it will not be able to endure the pushing of elements. allow yourself to observe the circumstances of any situation and come to a point of full understanding before getting into any involvement. this may seem difficult to you at this time, however, it will save you much distress and wasted time as the path progresses. if allowed its natural course, the sapling on the mountain will grow to a glorious, strong tree. if, on the contrary, you attempt to help it grow by pulling on the roots, it will become traumatized, stunted, and perhaps ultimately die.

gradual, organic progress can take you to much higher levels in relationship with others and in relationship with your own spirituality. do not rush in this instance. discern well when to move and when to wait. do not be too impatient or you may well hinder any cultivation you have begun. you will find that if you calm yourself, and hold true to the deeper workings of your soul, instead of the hectic outer workings of the world, that patience and serenity will come to you in gradually, exponentially, increasing ways...."

the i Ching Master gathered his coins and looked at the man who by this time was totally still and in his own thoughts. "come" said the Master, "please sit down and spend a little precious time having a cup of tea with me.... it can only help."

learning the art of slow yet consistent movement

with many blessings

saxz ∞

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