A. Hexagram forty- one is Sun or Diminishing. Another interpretation is Decrease. The lower trigram is Dui: open, swamp or forest. The upper trigram is Gen: bound or mountain.
B. The Judgment
1. Decrease combined with sincerity Brings about supreme good fortune Without blame. One may be persevering in this. 2. It furthers one to undertake something. How is this to be carried out?
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
C. The Image
1. At the foot of the mountain, the lake: a) The image of Decrease. b) Thus, the superior man controls his anger And restrains his instincts.
There is as noted by this hexagram loss, given the situation
as it is. According to the conditions of the time, it is fitting that the strong
should be diminished, and that of the weak be strengthened. With this we are
seeking equilibrium which will create harmony and freedom from errors, and
above all, the superior man should without whim, curb his desires and restrain
his wrath.
One man walking alone is good, because if one meets two
others along the way there will be communications problems when it comes time
to make crucial decisions on the furtherance of the way. One walking alone will
not so much create doubt about his correctness and which way to proceed.
Again, three men come, one goes and find friends of his
own liking, people who have no reservations about his motives, albeit, if three friends did arrive, where he went, there will be cause for doubt due to the complexity of their friendships. Not unlike the Three Wise Men.
On Sunday Dec. 4, 2022 @ 10:00 am, meet us at Church for discussion on this situation.
1. [6] The very beginning of an enterprise in a time of
Great Potential is when great caution must be exercised, because the beginning
determines the foundation upon which further progress will be built. If the
beginning is faulty, further efforts will be difficult or impossible.
2. [9] During extraordinary times, extraordinary events
occur and unusual steps are in order. Making an alliance with those of humble
position may be unusual, but it has the potential for unconventional gain.
3. [9] The arrogant and unheeding meet only failure in a
time of Great Potential. Such a man cuts himself off from others who could
assist him. Because he must rely solely on his own resources, he is unable to
cope with the opportunities presented and meets with disaster.
4. [9] By enlisting the aid of those from a humble station
in life, broad support for the opportunities that Great Potential brings is
possible. But if a man diverts this confidence placed in himself to his
personal ends, he is discredited and meets with failure.
5. [9] If the potential appears great but is in reality only
superficial, the energy expended may appear to produce results, but they
quickly dissipate. While nothing is lost, little is gained.
6. [6] The difficulties encountered in a time of Great Potential may be overwhelming, and success may be beyond reach. But it is never
wrong to expend great effort in a worthy cause. Even if success is not one's
lot, to make such a heroic effort in a great cause can never be justification
for censure.
A. Hexagram 22 is Bi or Adorning. Further variations include Grace and Luxuriance. The lower trigram is Li: radiance or fire, and the upper trigram is Gen: bound or mountain.
B. The Judgment
1. Grace has success. 2. In small matters It is favorable to undertake something.
C. The Image
1. Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of Grace. 2. Thus the superior man proceeds When clearing up current affairs. But he dares not decide controversial issues in this way.
“The orator, he has the ear of the people provided, content, the end goal, behavioral temperaments, within a range of days/years are consistent with the image the orator wants to project.” -Jim B., Jan. 22, 2019 #mycal8
A gentle wind gathers clouds, but still, there is no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of smaller forces accumulates, making this a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
The ebb and flow of events are like waves in the sea, and there are periods of low tide. At present, more sweeping actions are impossible or inappropriate, but small matters ultimately lead to bigger and better things when attended to with success. When the tide is rolling in, by all means ride the waves; when they are receding like they are now, however, focus on the little things.
When you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence prepare the way for stronger moves in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions—they are unlikely to work. This is a better time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Gentleness is the key word here. Regarding whatever is on your mind right now, gentleness—combined with determination—is likely to generate more progress than brute force ever could.
Supreme success! Like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a person whose fortunes have turned for the better shines brightly now. At the core of true success lies unselfishness generosity and modesty. It is the tendency of a flexible or yielding nature to draw powerful forces to it, especially when prosperity begins to manifest. When this added power is wielded with grace and dignity, we have supreme success and great abundance!
Ah, but be careful. Along with any accumulation of wealth or influence can come an increase of pride and arrogance. Fight this tendency if you want your good fortune to continue. Stay attentive enough to manage your affairs well. And remember that while prosperity beats the alternative, it is only one element of a satisfying life. A lasting prosperity is one that honors the highest values and furthers the collective good.
Natural advancement is represented by growth in springtime, when new plant life pushes upward through the earth. The emphasis is on upward motion, a movement from obscurity to influence, with growth that is supported by adaptability and an absence of obstacles. Constant, flexible growth is the key attribute of a plant pushing upward. This reading suggests a period of promotion and prosperity for you.
The wise person, in harmony with fate, is sensitive but determined. Make a sincere effort to apply a determined effort against the forces of inertia by bending around obstacles that arise, and good fortune will follow. By remaining tolerant and flexible, you will retain the conscious innocence that best fuels growth and advancement. Willpower and self-control are necessary to manage growth properly, but an inner enthusiasm for life is what drives it.
A. Hexagram 61 is Zhong Fu, or Center Returning. Further variations are Lower Truth and Central Return. The lower trigram is Dui: open, swamp or forest. The upper trigram is Xun: ground or wind.
B. The Judgment
1. Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. 2. Perseverance furthers.
C. The Image
1. Wind over lake: the image of Inner Truth. a) Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases b) In order to delay executions.
"Legge: Inner Truth denotes the highest quality of man, giving its possessor the power to prevail with spiritual beings, with other men and with lower creatures. There are two magnetic lines in the center and two dynamic lines above and below them. The magnetic lines represent the heart and mind free from all preoccupation, without any consciousness of self. The two dynamic lines immediately above and below them are each in the center of their respective trigram, and denote the solid virtue of one so free from selfishness." Credit | James DeKorne's Official Website - The Gnostic Book of Changes - Hexagram 61
Our Calendar Of Days (online.church)
On Sunday we talked about "Limitations". We will meet today to discuss the word for today, @ 10:00 am Est, the topic will be about "Inner Truth,"
Bottom. [6] The root causes of stagnation and decay extend
back into the distant past. The habits that produce decline become
well-established over time. But it is the nature of decay that it is
unacceptable. Everyone recognizes it, even if only unconsciously they know that
something is wrong. Therefore, the decay is not so well-entrenched that it
cannot ever be corrected. But it must not be ignored. Only when one retains
clearly in mind the idea of how things should be can the correction be made.
2. [9] Decline that arises out of inadequacy should not be
condemned too severely. After all, a person should not be treated with contempt
for something over which they have little control, something they could hardly
help doing. The idea is not to execute judgment and make people feel guilty,
but to improve the situation. And that is best done through kindness,
encouragement, and every form of assistance that will enable those who have
allowed things to decline to make them better. They must be shown the way, and
helped to acquire the means to follow it.
3. [9] It often happens that, in pursuing the correction of
long-standing mediocrity, a man pushes too hard. This naturally causes some
unhappiness and even resistance. No one is perfect, not even the corrector of
imperfections. But no great harm is done. It is better sometimes to push too
hard than not hard enough. All will be forgiven when the situation is finally
made better.
4. [6] Permitting mediocrity that is long-standing to
continue cannot bode well. These things are difficult to correct, and it is
always easier to let things slide and to continue with the same inadequate ways
that have been used in the past. Everyone is used to the careless ways they
have always worked with, and changes will require a major overhaul. If
circumstances are such that increased responsibilities are bringing greater
demands, while intrenched inadequacies are beginning to reveal how really bad
things are, and then a person still is too weak or indifferent to change them,
things will only go from bad to worse. This is a prescription for disaster.
5. [6] If a person lacks the ability to correct
long-standing corruption, he should not just ignore the problem. Anything he
does will be better than leaving everything as it is. He should solicit as many
suggestions and as much help as he can find. Even if he cannot completely
correct the situation, any improvement that he can bring about will be
recognized and be to his credit.
Top. [9] Not every man need be a crusader or a reformer.
Even a superior man, who is fully capable of correcting the decline he sees all
about him and leading the way to reform, need not become involved if he chooses
not to. But this does not mean that he should feel free to take the easy way
out, sit back and criticize, and leave it to others to do the hard work of
reform. As a man of superior dedication, it is not his option to do nothing.
Rather, he should work on the refinement of his own character and aspire truly
to be a sage, together with whatever dedicated activities such a path may
require of him. This might well mean as much or more hard work than the job of
the reformer. And this, too, has benefits for mankind.
Bottom. [6] The struggle with obstructions and difficulties
is over. Normalcy returns, and new opportunities present themselves. The man
now has time to relax and recover his equilibrium. He can make plans for
progress and good fortune.
2. [9] Inferior men are still around, but their time is
past. They can easily be removed from the scene, and then the struggle is
completely over. It is not necessary to take vigorous action, which might
instead spoil the time of recovery. Taking the high ground and adhering totally
to what is right will provide the personal strength necessary to complete the
final phases of deliverance.
3. [6] When a man of modest means escapes from difficulties
into an easier lifestyle, he may feel tempted to make a display of his newly
acquired freedom. He may even want to boast of his good fortune to perfect
strangers, and brag about the advantages he now enjoys. But this would be a big
mistake, because it attracts those who are naturally envious of anyone who
thinks they are well off -- those who would wish him ill and would like to
deprive him of whatever they can, if only out of meanness. If he continues with
such a pretentious attitude, he is sure to meet with misfortune. A man more
accustomed to an easier lifestyle is more circumspect. He enjoys himself
quietly without expecting strangers to appreciate his favorable situation, and
he attracts little attention or envy.
4. [9] When a man's progress is halted in the face of
difficulties and obstructions, he may find that inferior men associate with him
because they are in similar circumstances, even if permanently. It is easy for
the man to think that these are reliable companions just because they are
similarly situated and their fate seems to be the same. But when the time of deliverance
comes, and the man is able to move ahead out of these unhappy circumstances, it
is important that he abandon these characters he had begun to identify with.
They are not suitable companions for the higher, more accomplished circles he
is destined to move in. If he tries to bring them with him, other people who
would be of real assistance to him, and who could help him accomplish his
goals, will become wary and inclined to stay away. Superior people do not want
to associate themselves with someone who surrounds himself with disreputable
characters.
5. [6] When a superior man who has been through a period
when his progress has been stymied finally is able to free himself and
experience deliverance from his former circumstances, he will find that the
inferior people who have attached themselves to him during his period of
decline are not so easy to get rid of. He feels some obligation towards them
and tries to be accommodating to them, but they interpret that as a desire to
continue the association, and they seem to take advantage of his lack of
resolve. It is necessary, therefore, that he become clear in his own mind that
he definitely no longer wants to continue associating with the lesser
characters. Once he acquires that inner certainty, it will be obvious in his
general attitude. The lesser people will soon get the point, and will leave him
alone.
Top. [6] The possibility exists for the man to move out of a
difficult situation that has been holding him back, but an evil person in a
powerful position is preventing the man from moving on. This is all that is
holding him back, but being evil, this person will not relent and must be dealt
with. It is necessary, therefore, for the man to take whatever steps are
necessary to overcome this evil obstruction. Once this obstacle is out of the
way, everything proceeds smoothly.
Bottom. [9] A man may attempt to overcome the adverse times
in spite of the fact that his influence has diminished, but he cannot. The
forces opposed to him are stronger than he is. He is forced to back down and
avoid the conflict. There is no one who will receive him and give him
encouragement. Since he holds to his principles and stays focused on his goals
in a time when all are opposed to him, he is forced to remain isolated, to rely
solely on his own resources, and to endure being an outcast.
2. [6] The superior man is in a subordinate position, and he
is held back by those above him. Nevertheless, he is able to do some good to
the few that are still his supporters, in spite of the difficulties. He helps
as many as he can and is unconcerned about his own problems. Such selfless
generosity brings good fortune, and he finds success in spite of the difficult
times.
3. [9] The superior man persists in his struggle to
accomplish something, and, apparently by chance, he gains the advantage over
the inferior leader. The darker forces, long entrenched, are finally overcome.
But the superior man must move carefully and make changes slowly. Old ways,
well established, are difficult to replace, and at first, the new is very
fragile. Drastic changes would likely end in chaos and disaster if introduced
all at once.
4. [6] The superior man gains insight into the very heart of
the inferior man's operation. He sees the inner dynamics, the way things have
been managed, the way business has been conducted, and realizes that there is
no chance of correcting the situation. This is truly a bad situation, and there
is no possibility that it can survive. The best that he can do is protect
himself and his associates by withdrawing completely from the whole operation
before the full extent of the disaster becomes generally known.
5. [6] The superior man recognizes fully how bad the
situation is, but he is not free to abandon it. He is compelled to stay on,
even though he does not believe in it, even though he knows that no good will
come of it all. All that he can do is maintain his own integrity and allow
himself to be present, but not a participant. If he remains true to himself and
acts with great caution, he will prevent himself from being caught up in the
developing danger.
Top. [6] The inferior elements seems invincible. It is so
powerful, superior men seem helpless before it. It has succeeded in winning
against decency and seemingly has completely vanquished the superior man. But
it is at just such a time that reversals occur. Evil has exhausted itself, and
its reign is at an end. When evil finally achieves what it set out to achieve,
it no longer has anywhere to go. There is no more momentum, nothing more to
keep it going, and it collapses on its own emptiness.