54.2.3.4>36 what does it mean?

[spica]

I asked, should X apply for this university? Am not sure what answer I hope to get, but I got 54.2.3.4>36.

I am really not sure if the i ching is saying yes or no. 54.4 says a delayed marriage.. but is it to this university? 36 can mean perseverance... but on what?

please help..

 

[rosada]

54.4 talks about a delaying and 36. Darkening of the Light suggests persevering in one's intention to go to college - but all that makes it sound like this college is not the one. But I don't do well with yes or no questions. The answers always seem to me to just mirror back the situation - in this case simply affirming you are wondering if X should apply or holdback, but not necessarily telling you what they should do.

rosada

 

[spica]

Thanks Rosada.. they do mirror what X is wondering...
however, when X asked if they have the capability to succeed in what they wish to do, hexagram 46 was gotten.. it seems like a positive hexagram..

 

[my_key]

should X apply for this university? Am not sure what answer I hope to get, but I got 54.2.3.4>36.

HI spica
I'd agree with Rosada not the best of worded questions, so here's a differnt spin on it.

X is currently hiding his light under a bushel by applying to this University.
X should embrace the things he truely loves to do. This course is beneath his true abilities, it's like he's applying here out of some misplaced loyalty and underselling himself. He needs to hold off and go for the right opportunity where he will be able to do himself proud.

That seems to tie in nicely with the Hex 46 answer as well. I wish X the best of good fortune.

( If X is not a he I apologise)

Be Well
Mike

 

[spica]

My key,

thanks for your answer. however, the uni X is applying to is far beyond, not beneath his capabilities... X is hiding his light under a bushel because he has no clue how to rise to the occasion.....

 

[meng]

X is hiding his light under a bushel because he has no clue how to rise to the occasion.....

You answer your own questions with this.

First, whether someone "should" do something or not may not be something the Yi has an opinion of. What is this "should" people ask Yi for? Wouldn't we be the best judges of what we should and shouldn't do? If not, then that is where a question can be productively asked.

In X's case, he truly sounds like he must feel like a stranger in a strange land. And he's trying to fit into a positive model by seeking entry into a system which, as you indicate, is well over his head. I don't see how his light is going to shine from that. I think it could cause him to retreat his light into introversion and depression.

There's got to be a better way.

 

[spica]

Hi Meng,
thanks for your input.
The thing is, he follows the positive adage that "nothing is too big, and you deserve the best". He wants to aim high and sees nothing to lose.
He tossed another that said hexagram 35 when asked if he would succeed in the school.
Eventually the choice is his, though...

36 was pretty forboding and did mimic a dark depressive phase of not being good enough.. but all applicants think they arent good enough...

 

[meng]

Hi Meng,
thanks for your input.
The thing is, he follows the positive adage that "nothing is too big, and you deserve the best". He wants to aim high and sees nothing to lose.
He tossed another that said hexagram 35 when asked if he would succeed in the school.
Eventually the choice is his, though...

36 was pretty forboding and did mimic a dark depressive phase of not being good enough.. but all applicants think they arent good enough...

Oh, well then he's spirited about it, which sounds good to me. And naturally 35 is as well. He deserves the best, huh? Does he get to pay for the best too, or does that fall to you? (just being cute here)

36 isn't always a depressing mood, nor even total withdrawal. I applied it that way based from my impressions of what you had said. More often, for me at least, 36 can mean a way of blending in inconspicuously. Movement and activity doesn't need to stop entirely either, only cautiously executed.

 

[spica]

Hi Meng,
No, I dont pay for them.. if its what you're asking.
the reason he wants to apply for that place is because of a matching interest area, not the prestige of the school per se... but the prestige will be a hindrance of course...
yes, the activity needs to be cautiously executed..

Thanks for your help

 

[my_key]

My key,

thanks for your answer. however, the uni X is applying to is far beyond, not beneath his capabilities... X is hiding his light under a bushel because he has no clue how to rise to the occasion.....

Hi Spica

I hope that you really read it carefully. "Should" in the question pre-supposes a certain direction that the answer is expected to be going in. Maybe turning 'should' upside down may shine a bit more light for your friend.

But then again this might be barking completely up the wrong tree.

Be Well

Mike

 

[spica]

Hi My key,
what do you mean by should being upside down - do you mean ask the question of 'should not' instead of 'should'?

 

[my_key]

Hi spica
I'm not sure what I mean. It's just that 'should', 'ought', 'have to' etc all come from a place of constraint there is an element of guilt associated with the use of the words.
"He should apply to that university" is to my mind a statement of huge pressure as opposed to "What would you like to do next in your life?" which is pressureless, freeing and empowering.
Maybe you could turn the whole situation upside down by asking "should not" or maybe there is another way.

Be Well

Mike

 

[spica]

Hi My key,

you're right, this is not the best way to phrase the question..
I asked more open ended questions and the answer seemed to be more positive.. thanks for your insights .