I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Six

Sung (Pro: Soong) - Opposition

Yielding and uncertainty underfoot.

Even though you are without blame opposition confronts you. With awareness avoid combat. Once it is accepted that the possibility of conflict lies within this query, care at the very beginning may avoid its emergence.

To feel that ones own truth is the only one, is a certain path to conflict.

It is not indicated to engage in any lawsuit or opposition as it is unlikely the outcome will favour us. Within such conditions it is wise to plan any moves carefully and to steer a middle course. It is not a good time to take risks or start new endeavours.

The conflict may be within. In which case seek transformation of this inner turmoil until integration is reached. In any period of difficulty, the greatest effectiveness is from a position of confident awareness. Whatever the outcome, it is not helped by whirlwind emotions and biting irritations.

One cannot grasp water firmly in the hand. Circumstances are like water in this enquiry. Attempting to be in firm control will only bring frustration. When crossing water the wise build a boat. Adapt to the needs of the moment and frustration can be overcome. Compromise may be the boat.

You can succeed if you avoid confrontation. Failure follows attempts at positive conflict. Delay new ventures, seek direction from the wise, or those in authority powerful enough to cause both sides to retire with respect.

Key words: Avoid the possibility of conflict by recognising things are naturally pulling in opposite directions.

The Moving Lines.

1. By not pushing forward in a dispute you can find a favourable outcome. Don’t say too much, but be clear in the things that are said. If there are insults, don’t join the fray. If there is need for a push, make it when the outcome is clear.

2. The force against this is too strong. There is nothing to be gained by continuing the conflict, except perhaps to boost ones ego. By not continuing much can be saved. To continue means to lose more than the battle.

3. Determination in a rightful course may bring initial difficulty followed by success. The qualities and skills gained by personal effort, even if plagiarised, cannot be taken away.

4. You could perhaps win this conflict. But in your heart you do not wish to. The restraint can lead to lasting peace if you can accept your own decision to refrain.

5. Let a fitting third party decide this issue. Although there is initial conflict, it can lead to success. If you are the honourable person, you will win the good fortune.

6. You could win a victory in this issue, but the prize would be lost, stolen or dishonoured. Little credit would be gained. Best to pass by.

Hexagram Seven

Shih (Pro: Shrrr) - Allies

Marshalling ones allies and resources with order and direction like an army wins the battle of life.

This query may have to do with organising a large number of people, gaining their support and confidence, and directing their activities. It may also refer to potential hidden within a situation and bringing it into expression.

To handle this wisely leads to success. There are difficulties the company or situation must be led through, but this is not outside of your ability.

All the personal and worldly assets you have need to be carefully assessed and used. Leadership is important, but this can refer to the attitudes and principles from which personal decisions and actions arise. Like a wise and humane general, consider the best course and implement it.

The image of the hexagram is the groundwater under the earth - a vital resource, but chaotic and disorganised unless carefully accessed. A trying time may therefore be indicated. This can be met by wise leadership, controlling the way things are being done and resources handled.

There is a great deal to gain here if you can use the materials at hand as if they were a mineral wealth needing to be dug up and made use of in an orderly way.

Key words: Strength through wise use of resources and people creates leadership and success.

The Moving Lines

1.The efficient group develops from discipline and a clear goal. Without these the group or person may wander aimlessly.

2.Lead through the example of supporting your own superiors and caring for those in your charge and sharing their lot. Then trust will arise. Honours received are you as representative of the group.

3.A serious setback is faced. If this be a contest, then defeat is imminent unless leadership and contact with ones central issue is restored.

4. It is appropriate to halt and retreat. In any campaign a period of retreating is part of the overall strategy, especially when faced by an overwhelming opponent. In this way strengthen the position. Confrontation would be foolish.

5.When the forces that might overthrow one are loose, it is important who is chosen to lead. The situation must be met with discipline, not a free-for all. Those with longest experience should lead, or what has already been tested used. Let the younger support.

6. Victory is won. The one with exceptional ability should lead. A small attitude or person in positions of power would lead to mishandling.

Hexagram Eight

Pi (Pro: Bee) - Unity

It is wise to seek co-operation in dealing with an assembly of people. This leads to good fortune. Consult the oracle again to clarify your relationship with the company.

Co-ordination within the group brings good fortune. It ensures the support

of those who follow. With good leadership uncertainty in the hearts of the many will be eased. Those who remain uncertain and do not give allegiance will suffer a loss. Latecomers to the affiliating process will lose advantage.

Holding together a group activity needs many qualities. Accord is needed between those who organise and those who participate. Find ways of creating or encouraging unity. Direct the flow of events and use the resources at hand. It is a very fertile situation if this can be done.

Those who are troubled need to be given direction.

The image of the hexagram is waters flowing together. With human society or groups within society, good leadership aids the group to work together well. The ideal is to find ways to complement and aid one another so each is fulfilled. If you do not have the qualities of leadership in this issue, seek to be part of the company as a general member. But join with others in a group in which you can both give and receive.

Key words: Unity within diversity and recognition of your place within the whole.

The Moving Lines

1.Unexpected good fortune arises. Be confident and develop it in others. Sincerity creates the bed of the stream through which the clear water flows.

2.Give sincere support or non at all. If you support for your own selfish ends alone, you may hit the target, but you miss the central point.

3.Be careful of who you associate with. There is a possibility of joining with the wrong company, leading to misfortune and commitment to those not of like mind.

4.There is contact with one who is central to this issue, a leading figure. Do not hesitate to express your feelings of support openly. But remain true to oneself also.

5.Unite with those who come of their own will and accord. Let pass those who have no will to join. This leads to a fuller commitment and unity.

6. If nobody takes responsibility and leads, the company will not function. This leads to misfortune. Perhaps the right moment to give allegiance was let pass.

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