Intro and 40.3.6

[titania]

Hi Everyone,
I've been throwing the I Ching on and off for many years now. Currently, I'm using LiSe's lovely text as my primary source. For me the I Ching is like a wise friend who is more apt to provide insights that help me find the answer to my question than to simply give me the answer itself. I find LiSe's translation and commentary particularly well suited for this approach.

I happened on Clarity some months back and have used it as a regular resource ever since. I've finally gotten up the courage to join and ask a question of my own. It involves a romantic relationship that began about a month ago. The man is a very talented artist and teacher of art, and it was in the latter role that I first encountered him, a couple of years ago. Our contact has been sporadic for the past year until we finally got together last month.

I asked whether I should approach him now regarding my own artistic work. He mentioned it during our first date, and, as usual, his comments were remarkably perceptive and helpful, but it hasn't come up since then and I've been hesitant to broach the subject. I threw 40.3.6 => 50. Overall, it seems like a very positive response, Release (of my artistic blocks) leading to a Cauldron where I can transform my experiences into something beautiful and nourishing to the spirit. Line 3 concerns me though. In asking the question I was thinking mostly about the guidance he could give me, but there is also the potential for more practical help, such as introducing me to the "right people" in the business. That would be a very 40.3 situation, and if that's all the I Ching is saying that's fine. (It's not something I'm looking for at this point anyway.) What worries me is that it may refer to the guidance aspect as well, that the relationship could grant me the interest and attention from this excellent teacher that my work did not inspire on its own. 40.6 isn't really clear to me either, but perhaps it is saying that if I keep my aim firmly on the bulls-eye (or the bird's eye as LiSe puts it), that is, on progressing to the point where I can create something of real value, that this will justify the humiliating, 40.3 aspect of the situation. Does this seem like a reasonable interpretation, or am I just seeing what I want to see? Also, does the reading provide any additional insight into how I should approach this with him (assuming I should)?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[diamanda]

I asked whether I should approach him now regarding my own artistic work.
I threw 40.3.6 => 50.
Line 3 concerns me though.
In asking the question I was thinking mostly about the guidance he could give me, but there is also the potential for more practical help, such as introducing me to the "right people" in the business.

40:3 shows someone who is in a lowly position, laden with weight, and yet they
want to ride in a carriage. By doing this, they are inviting robbers, misfortune,
and humiliation.

"a man who has come out of needy circumstances in to comfort and freedom from
want. If now, in the manner of an upstart, he tries to take his ease in comfortable
surroundings that do not suit his nature, he thereby attracts robbers. If he goes on
thus he is sure to bring disgrace upon himself."
"when a common man uses the appurtenance of man of rank, robbers plot to take
it away from him"

So far it sounds like a really bad idea to speak to him about your work.

As about 40:6, it speaks of a raptor/vulture/hawk, "a powerful inferior in a high
position", who "withstands the force of inner influences, because he is hardened
in his wickedness". By the sound of it maybe this man isn't as good as you believe
him to be? Either he is the hawk, or someone else in his environment is - or even
this could be your own ambition? In any case, there is something very nasty in a
very high position, and it has to come down.

By the sound of it you're better off not pursuing this course, but go for a 50 course
instead. Make a new start. Create something new by cooking it slowly. This could
refer both to your art, and to your brand new relationship. A month into a love
story does not sound like a good time to bring 'business' into it. 50 holds promise
of great success.

[titania]

diamanda,
I'm afraid I was unclear in my original post. I wouldn't even consider asking for "business" help unless I felt my work really merited it and was confident that he felt the same way. It's nowhere near that point yet. All I was asking the I Ching about was whether to solicit his advice and guidance in improving my craft. That could potentially lead to business help someday, but even if it couldn't, I'd still be eager for his guidance.

Either he is the hawk, or someone else in his environment is - or even
this could be your own ambition? In any case, there is something very nasty in a
very high position, and it has to come down.

My ambition is the only one that seems to fit. I've been dabbling in this art for most of my life, but it's only in the past year or so that I've started to take my work seriously, and I'm growing more and more impatient to create something worthwhile. I don't think it's a bad ambition, but blind ambition is always dangerous no matter how worthy the goal.

By the sound of it you're better off not pursuing this course, but go for a 50 course
instead. Make a new start. Create something new by cooking it slowly. This could
refer both to your art, and to your brand new relationship.

Thank you so much for this. That wasn't an interpretation I'd even considered, but I think you're exactly right. I need to stop being ruled by my hunger and start giving both my dishes the patience, care, and attention they deserve. I'm starting to think you're the sharp-eyed archer of 40.6, except, of course I'm the only one who can knock that bird of prey off my wall. Still, you've pointed me in the right direction and that's a wonderful start. I'm very grateful for your help.