Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom
Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).
There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. - Saint Leonard Cohen
The changing to 53 typically carries a symbol of water seeping through cracks, or gradual progress. In relationship to The Vessel, this symbol seems to carry a whole new meaning: exploring the cracks in your Vessel. Not ignoring the flaws in your attempts to "saintliness". Acting with temperance (akin to Buddhist thought). Not abstaining from desires, but not divulging in them. The middle path. A leaky Vessel can still hold the meat, and most of the broth.
I like the idea of those cracks.
Saints are perfectly themselves - cracks and all.
ragini
First of all, hexagram 53 shows us that nothing ever comes immediately if that something is personal growth. It has to be developed. Secondly, hexagram 50 speaks of a transformation, and in order to have spiritual growth we have to transform ourselves through renewal (hexagram 24)
Line two tells us to limit ourselves to our actual achievements. In other words, don't get sidetracked. It is when we divert ourselves, and get off course even for a moment, (see hexagram 24 about slight digressions) we tend to stay off course. The more we do so the harder it is to get back on. By making ourselves like a horse that "looks straight ahead," we negate some of the danger associated with the path.
Line four tells us that if our character is not strong, that we will be "spoiled." If we are not up to the task, we will fail. The problem so often in spiritual growth is that "The world is so much with us." It keeps beckoning to us, and calling at our doorstep. It forces to pay attention to the daily chores, and then the "Prince's meal is spoiled."
Line 5 continues this theme in saying that, "It is important for us to hold to it at all times and not be led astray." The spiritual path is the hardest thing that can ever be done, and it requires constant self abnegation and sacrifice. Lao Tzu said, Every day I invest in loss." In Christian terms, "The way of the cross leads home."
Gene
ragini
Boy, do I ever know the problem of getting off the path. It happens so suddenly, and when things of the world force us to bring our attention to it. It is a never ending battle, (hexagram 7), but as Don Quixote said, "The road is better than the inn."
Gene
Recently I have been feeling rather down, and have been getting the feeling that I should work on developing the strength of character that a saint has. I asked the Yi, how should I do it and got 50.2.4.5 -> 53
I have some thoughts on what this might mean - but am really looking for suggestions and advise from your wonderful people.
:bows:
Wilhelm 58The attribute of the yielding or dark principle is not joy but melancholy -
First, what does feeling rather down have to do with strength of character? I'm not even sure I see a connection between not feeling down and being a saint. Saints never feel down? It shows weak character?
I believe bliss and melancholy are close cousins; more than likely emotions a saint isn't spared.
Wilhelm 58
I see 50 as your belly, your cooking pot, and what you fill it with, how you plan to serve it (use it), and 53 is the steady and daily walk of a saint: not a spiritual giant (hohoho), but a reliable source of inspiration and integrity, even when unrecognized or even disdained for saintly things. He or she no longer serves princes and kings, and has no home of their own.
Miracles occur through a mixture of power and humility.
Hi Ragini,
There is no pain or sadness a Bodhisattva has not experienced. His or Her compassion can't be theoretical only, it must be felt, and felt deeply.
Hi Ragini,
I personally find banging on pots helps, making noises with a guitar, talking to a rabbit or tree; a hummingbird who waits impatiently.
Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom
Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).