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- Joined
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Hexagrams 19 and 20
- Thread starter soshin
- Start date
Hexagram 19, Approach, and hexagram 20, Contemplation, deal with the proper relationships of the Higher Self.
The I Ching works on the cosmic level. It works on the natural level. It works on a societal level.
It works on the species level. It works on the microscopic level. But what brings most of us to read it is that it works on the individual level. It is a blueprint for the path of the maturity of the Higher Self.
A little discussion of the lesser selves is in order. One could divide the lesser selves into many categories. But for simplicity sake let?s just divide them into the basically positive and the basically negative. We all have an abundance of both, so I am not picking on anyone in particular. The negative lesser selves are basically destructive. They include (but not exclusively) hate, anger, envy, greed, jealousy, deception, drugs, resentment, escape, and many others. The positive lesser selves include (but not exclusively) ambition, romance, pleasure, art, construction, creativity, and many more.
The one thing that all lesser selves have in common is that they gravitate around the self as the center of the universe. This is not good or bad as such. It is the human condition. The difference between the lesser selves and the Higher Self is that the Higher Self realizes that we are not the center of the universe, but God is.
The action of the Higher Self is to do what is right, not what serves our lesser selves.
Now a word about God. Anyone who talks of God has a distinct problem. God means many things to many people. Some cultures, including the Buddhists, do not accept a deity. And even amongst cultures that do accept a deity, the understanding of that deity varies greatly. Yet most cultures do recognize that there is some force that transcends what we can understand. They might call this force different names, and describe it in different ways, but it always takes the emphasis off us as the center and indicates some other force as the center. We can call it God, or Higher Power or any of a multitude of names, but the force remains the same.
If we combine all the lesser selves into one collection, we are presented with the hierarchy of the proper relationship as described in these two hexagrams. We have the Higher Self in the middle. In hex 19 we have the relationship of the Higher Self to the lesser selves: that of approach, teaching, and slight condescension. In hex 20 we have the relationship of the Higher Self to the Higher Power, that of contemplation.
In hex 19, Nine at the bottom refers to a time of ascension. Our good work is having success and we should continue forward. There is a caution though that we should not get carried away with our success. This line is linked to hex 7, The Army, in which a strong man (our Higher Self) has taken control of the masses (our lesser selves). There is a warning in this hexagram also that the masses will come along willing as long as the cause is just.
Nine in the second place talks of a time when all effort comes from the correct place and no admonition is necessary. All things will further. This is linked to hex 24, Return which talks of a time when the people (lesser selves) come together in the open and in harmony with the time. No selfish motives translates to no mistake is made.
Six in the third place talks of the tendency when things are going well to take credit and ignore the path. It is easy to do, yet if we are vigilant in paying attention we can catch ourselves quickly and progress further. This is linked to hex 11, Peace which is also twofold. If we realize that peace is a temporary resting place and not a place to dwell, we can recharge our energy and still move forward.
Six in the fourth place speaks of the approach of a lesser self into the circle of the Higher Self. One of the constructive lesser selves is functioning for the good of all. This is indicates growth. This is linked with hex 54, The Marrying Maiden, which speaks of a younger woman coming into a house where she is not the chief wife. The lesser self, since it has achieved good must realize that although it has been embraced by the Higher Self, it can not supplant the Higher Self. Likewise when our Higher Self becomes strong, it can not supplant the Higher Power.
Six in the fifth place refers to finding the right helpers and giving them the freedom to perform their tasks. The Higher Self does not direct the lesser selves but enlists them as volunteers. It is vital that they come willingly and perform freely. This line is linked to hex 60, Limitation, which speaks of the necessity in becoming strong to accept our duty voluntarily. It is in accepting our limitations that we expand our possibilities.
Six at the top speaks of a sage who returns to the world for the purpose of aiding those aspiring to wisdom. This would indicate that no matter how far along the path we are, there is still room to learn. This line is linked with hex 41, Decrease. Decrease is not seen as something bad, but something in keeping with the time. It is a time when simplicity brings great success. When there is simplicity in the outer world, it follows that there is increase in the inner world. Though the sage has decreased his oneness with his Higher Self by coming back to the chaos of the world, he does so to serve the Higher Power.
In hex 20, distinguishes between the insights of a child and those of someone more mature. The cliché is ?old enough to know better?. But we are not talking about chronological age; we are talking of spiritual age. The Higher Self acts like a beacon and guides the lesser selves in a direction (the good). If we do not know the way, getting lost is part of the process. But if we know the way and through obstinacy insist on straying from the path, then humiliation. This is linked with hex 42, Increase, which talks of a man ?who when he perceives something good in others, he imitates it and makes it his own. And when he perceives something bad in himself, he rids himself of it. And thus he rids himself of evil. This ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.?
Six in the second place speaks of a person who because of limited understanding sees the world mostly from the perspective of self. One can have a successful life as such, but does not develop the Higher Self. This is linked with hex 59, Dispersion, which speaks of the need for religious strivings to counter egotism. The Higher Self can not develop properly without a proper relationship to the Higher Power.
Six in the third place speaks of a time when one looks inward for the answers rather than to the outer world. This is differentiated from concern about self (egotism). This refers to the process of understanding our relationship with the world and with God. This is linked with hex 53, Development (Gradual Progress) which is self explanatory.
Six in the fourth place refers to man who has knowledge that can ?make the kingdom flourish?. Yet it is not the place of such a person to command (as a king) but to help as a guest. We might use the example of art. Art has the power of inspiration. If we keep in mind what we are inspired toward, we move forward. If on the other hand we confuse art an end in itself, we become sidetracked from the path to our Higher Self. It is important not to confuse our position even though we have abilities. This line is linked with hex 12, Standstill which advises us to fall back on our inner worth rather than be rewarded with revenues. Perspective, perspective and more perspective.
Nine in the fifth place speaks of the different types of self-examination. The self oriented examination is simply how the world affects us. The correct self-examination is what our effect is on the world. If the effects are positive, then we are acting correctly. If the effects are negative, then we need to examine further what we are doing. But this examination is of the lesser selves not the Higher Self. This is linked to hex 23, Splitting Apart, which refers to a time when the only course of action is benevolence. Our Higher Self seems in retreat from the lesser selves. But this is an illusion. While its influence may be small, it remains like the mountain, unmoved and stable until times change.
Nine at the top refers to the contemplation of the Higher Self. It speaks of a time when the ego is left behind and the Higher Self is exalted. This allows the Higher Self to join closer to the Higher Power. This is linked to hex 8, Holding Together (Union) which speaks of a state where each individual feels a part of the whole. Here we have momentarily achieved that union.
The I Ching works on the cosmic level. It works on the natural level. It works on a societal level.
It works on the species level. It works on the microscopic level. But what brings most of us to read it is that it works on the individual level. It is a blueprint for the path of the maturity of the Higher Self.
A little discussion of the lesser selves is in order. One could divide the lesser selves into many categories. But for simplicity sake let?s just divide them into the basically positive and the basically negative. We all have an abundance of both, so I am not picking on anyone in particular. The negative lesser selves are basically destructive. They include (but not exclusively) hate, anger, envy, greed, jealousy, deception, drugs, resentment, escape, and many others. The positive lesser selves include (but not exclusively) ambition, romance, pleasure, art, construction, creativity, and many more.
The one thing that all lesser selves have in common is that they gravitate around the self as the center of the universe. This is not good or bad as such. It is the human condition. The difference between the lesser selves and the Higher Self is that the Higher Self realizes that we are not the center of the universe, but God is.
The action of the Higher Self is to do what is right, not what serves our lesser selves.
Now a word about God. Anyone who talks of God has a distinct problem. God means many things to many people. Some cultures, including the Buddhists, do not accept a deity. And even amongst cultures that do accept a deity, the understanding of that deity varies greatly. Yet most cultures do recognize that there is some force that transcends what we can understand. They might call this force different names, and describe it in different ways, but it always takes the emphasis off us as the center and indicates some other force as the center. We can call it God, or Higher Power or any of a multitude of names, but the force remains the same.
If we combine all the lesser selves into one collection, we are presented with the hierarchy of the proper relationship as described in these two hexagrams. We have the Higher Self in the middle. In hex 19 we have the relationship of the Higher Self to the lesser selves: that of approach, teaching, and slight condescension. In hex 20 we have the relationship of the Higher Self to the Higher Power, that of contemplation.
In hex 19, Nine at the bottom refers to a time of ascension. Our good work is having success and we should continue forward. There is a caution though that we should not get carried away with our success. This line is linked to hex 7, The Army, in which a strong man (our Higher Self) has taken control of the masses (our lesser selves). There is a warning in this hexagram also that the masses will come along willing as long as the cause is just.
Nine in the second place talks of a time when all effort comes from the correct place and no admonition is necessary. All things will further. This is linked to hex 24, Return which talks of a time when the people (lesser selves) come together in the open and in harmony with the time. No selfish motives translates to no mistake is made.
Six in the third place talks of the tendency when things are going well to take credit and ignore the path. It is easy to do, yet if we are vigilant in paying attention we can catch ourselves quickly and progress further. This is linked to hex 11, Peace which is also twofold. If we realize that peace is a temporary resting place and not a place to dwell, we can recharge our energy and still move forward.
Six in the fourth place speaks of the approach of a lesser self into the circle of the Higher Self. One of the constructive lesser selves is functioning for the good of all. This is indicates growth. This is linked with hex 54, The Marrying Maiden, which speaks of a younger woman coming into a house where she is not the chief wife. The lesser self, since it has achieved good must realize that although it has been embraced by the Higher Self, it can not supplant the Higher Self. Likewise when our Higher Self becomes strong, it can not supplant the Higher Power.
Six in the fifth place refers to finding the right helpers and giving them the freedom to perform their tasks. The Higher Self does not direct the lesser selves but enlists them as volunteers. It is vital that they come willingly and perform freely. This line is linked to hex 60, Limitation, which speaks of the necessity in becoming strong to accept our duty voluntarily. It is in accepting our limitations that we expand our possibilities.
Six at the top speaks of a sage who returns to the world for the purpose of aiding those aspiring to wisdom. This would indicate that no matter how far along the path we are, there is still room to learn. This line is linked with hex 41, Decrease. Decrease is not seen as something bad, but something in keeping with the time. It is a time when simplicity brings great success. When there is simplicity in the outer world, it follows that there is increase in the inner world. Though the sage has decreased his oneness with his Higher Self by coming back to the chaos of the world, he does so to serve the Higher Power.
In hex 20, distinguishes between the insights of a child and those of someone more mature. The cliché is ?old enough to know better?. But we are not talking about chronological age; we are talking of spiritual age. The Higher Self acts like a beacon and guides the lesser selves in a direction (the good). If we do not know the way, getting lost is part of the process. But if we know the way and through obstinacy insist on straying from the path, then humiliation. This is linked with hex 42, Increase, which talks of a man ?who when he perceives something good in others, he imitates it and makes it his own. And when he perceives something bad in himself, he rids himself of it. And thus he rids himself of evil. This ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.?
Six in the second place speaks of a person who because of limited understanding sees the world mostly from the perspective of self. One can have a successful life as such, but does not develop the Higher Self. This is linked with hex 59, Dispersion, which speaks of the need for religious strivings to counter egotism. The Higher Self can not develop properly without a proper relationship to the Higher Power.
Six in the third place speaks of a time when one looks inward for the answers rather than to the outer world. This is differentiated from concern about self (egotism). This refers to the process of understanding our relationship with the world and with God. This is linked with hex 53, Development (Gradual Progress) which is self explanatory.
Six in the fourth place refers to man who has knowledge that can ?make the kingdom flourish?. Yet it is not the place of such a person to command (as a king) but to help as a guest. We might use the example of art. Art has the power of inspiration. If we keep in mind what we are inspired toward, we move forward. If on the other hand we confuse art an end in itself, we become sidetracked from the path to our Higher Self. It is important not to confuse our position even though we have abilities. This line is linked with hex 12, Standstill which advises us to fall back on our inner worth rather than be rewarded with revenues. Perspective, perspective and more perspective.
Nine in the fifth place speaks of the different types of self-examination. The self oriented examination is simply how the world affects us. The correct self-examination is what our effect is on the world. If the effects are positive, then we are acting correctly. If the effects are negative, then we need to examine further what we are doing. But this examination is of the lesser selves not the Higher Self. This is linked to hex 23, Splitting Apart, which refers to a time when the only course of action is benevolence. Our Higher Self seems in retreat from the lesser selves. But this is an illusion. While its influence may be small, it remains like the mountain, unmoved and stable until times change.
Nine at the top refers to the contemplation of the Higher Self. It speaks of a time when the ego is left behind and the Higher Self is exalted. This allows the Higher Self to join closer to the Higher Power. This is linked to hex 8, Holding Together (Union) which speaks of a state where each individual feels a part of the whole. Here we have momentarily achieved that union.
cal val
visitor
- Joined
- Apr 30, 1971
- Messages
- 1,507
- Reaction score
- 20
Wanderer...
LOL...
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>
If on the other hand we confuse art an end in itself, we become sidetracked from the path to our Higher Self.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>
I suppose this means we should avoid saying Jean Paul Sartre's name aloud when you're around, eh?
*titters*
Love,
Val
LOL...
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>
If on the other hand we confuse art an end in itself, we become sidetracked from the path to our Higher Self.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>
I suppose this means we should avoid saying Jean Paul Sartre's name aloud when you're around, eh?
*titters*
Love,
Val
Hi everyone
A very good series, this one of the hexagram pairs in relationship to the higher and lower self. In hexagram 19, one of lower rank is approaching one of higher rank for the purpose of receiving instruction. In 20, the one of higher rank is overviewing, and in the process of giving instruction to the lower rank. 19 is chen doubled. This hexagram tends to rise. 20 is mountain, (ken) doubled. This hexagram tends to stand still, and has a view as one would have from the top of a mountain. In sacred scriptures, mountains often refer to advanced spiritual development, and the insight and wisdom that come with it. The key to the change from 19 to 20 is line 6 in hexagram 19. Here the sage returns to the world. Because the inferior has had the tenacity, and the willingness to seek him out, he goes back into the world to help those who are still seeking the way. Hexagram 19 refers to the seekers. Hexagram 20 refers to those being sought. (In a sense at least.) Line four of 20 tells us that the higher self must not be used as a tool, but should be an honored guest, and allowed independent action. In the 6th line of hexagram 20 we have the highest level of contemplation, such that, in a sense, the higher self, or the teacher, retreats back into the heavenly world. (All that is related to the ego is discarded.) With the view that the subject has in line 6, it is he/she that is able to make the wisdom judgments needed to perfect justice in hexagram 21.
Gene
A very good series, this one of the hexagram pairs in relationship to the higher and lower self. In hexagram 19, one of lower rank is approaching one of higher rank for the purpose of receiving instruction. In 20, the one of higher rank is overviewing, and in the process of giving instruction to the lower rank. 19 is chen doubled. This hexagram tends to rise. 20 is mountain, (ken) doubled. This hexagram tends to stand still, and has a view as one would have from the top of a mountain. In sacred scriptures, mountains often refer to advanced spiritual development, and the insight and wisdom that come with it. The key to the change from 19 to 20 is line 6 in hexagram 19. Here the sage returns to the world. Because the inferior has had the tenacity, and the willingness to seek him out, he goes back into the world to help those who are still seeking the way. Hexagram 19 refers to the seekers. Hexagram 20 refers to those being sought. (In a sense at least.) Line four of 20 tells us that the higher self must not be used as a tool, but should be an honored guest, and allowed independent action. In the 6th line of hexagram 20 we have the highest level of contemplation, such that, in a sense, the higher self, or the teacher, retreats back into the heavenly world. (All that is related to the ego is discarded.) With the view that the subject has in line 6, it is he/she that is able to make the wisdom judgments needed to perfect justice in hexagram 21.
Gene