What does it mean?

[jml]

Hello everyone,

Could someone enlighten me as what does it mean or interpret when the oracle says 'it is advisable to see the great man' and 'to cross the sea'?

[hilary]

Hello Jml,

Thank you for the excellent question! Hopefully there will be plenty of perspectives on these two phrases coming up.

Seeing the great man (or the great people, or the great person - the Chinese can mean any of these) - I think this can have several different meanings depending on your particular situation. Where can you find the 'greatness' that gives you a higher vantage-point on the situation? The quality of mind that enables you to see beyond the immediate circumstances towards your ideal? In practice, often this means 'find someone who has attained that ideal, someone who knows the way there and can help you.' In hexagram 6, for instance, seeing the great person in the midst of a dispute might mean seeing a marriage counsellor. It can also mean finding a helpful book or a role-model.

But then... how do you, personally, recognise the 'great person' who has this ability to lift things to a higher level? I think this points to an internal touchstone, what we might call a 'Higher Self'. When there's no external figure who can act as the model, you may be able to go straight to this original 'great person'.

Crossing the sea - well, actually it's 'fording the great river'. It represents a big commitment that involves taking a significant risk. The river is fast and dangerous - you need to be very sure that the other side is where you want to be.

There are two historical stories behind the image. One is of the Zhou people setting out to conquer the great Shang dynasty. Crossing the river on their way meant being sufficiently confident in their mandate to make the change that they would take risks and enter new territory.

The other is gentler: every Spring, the young men would gather on one bank of the river, and the young women on the other. There was much song and dance, and the couples would wade the river to join with one another.

OK, everyone, what have I missed out?

[candid]

Well met, Hilary.

The only thing I?ll add as a side note is that the image of The Great Man, Person or Noble One demonstrates how the Ching is so much more than an ordinary oracle. Its truly a guide to self-development. By constantly being reminded that greatness can be found within ourselves, we gradually grow toward our own greatness ? as the greatness of a mighty tree is contained within the original seed. Sometimes, I?m amazed that Yi sees this greatness in me when I, myself, have lost sight of such; those moments when I say, ?aw come on, Yi, gimme a break! This more than any one person can reasonably be expected to endure!? Yet, I then learn that we can indeed not only endure it, but continue to gradually grow, expand and prosper as a result of the trial or challenge. This can only be accomplished by seeing the greatness contained within the seed, and this enables us to cross the great water.

Candid

[jml]

Hi Hilary and Candid,

Thanks for the explanation.

JML

[ann]

I'd just like to add my thanks because I keep coming up with 'the great man' and 'crossing the water' at the moment. I'd decided that seeing the great man was kind of keeping my eye on the ball, keeping my goal in sight, and that crossing the water was really about keeping plodding (splashing? :-} )on with the journey. In other words, don't give up. I did appreciate your views too. Synchronicity is a strange thing!