63 Unchanging. What to do in this situation

[AnitaS]

I have decided to break away from a spiritual path which now appears tarnished by human error. Taking on a rather materialistic view. I'm disillusioned. Should I stay or go? I asked what I ought to do in this situation and drew unchanging 63. Does it mean it's finished. Move on? I have a meet coming up at the temple today as usual. I help clean the main hall after which I conduct prayer as Conductor 2. I was so happy doing this again after a huge gap of five years. But it is against my integrity now to continue. Time to bid farewell?
Thank you.

 

[liquidity]

I'm confused by your question. You say you decided to break away, but then say you are cleaning the temple as usual. And then you say there was a gap of 5 years.

Well, is it as usual, or is it after a gap of 5 years? These are completely different.

Was breaking away from the spiritual path "tarnished by error"? Or was the spiritual path tarnished by error?

You say you were "so happy" cleaning the hall but now it's against your integrity to continue. Why is it against your integrity to continue?

 

[Matali]

Why are you so disappointed ? Did someone disappoint you in your temple ?
When I read your story, I think there is a difference between the spiritual path and a temple. In my opinion, spirituality is above all in our heart, our soul and our way of seeing the world and life so precious, about love....
Secondly, I agree with Liquidity, I do not quite understand what you are saying : "I was so happy to do this again after a huge five-year gap." What happened ? Why are you no longer happy to do it ? Then, the hexagram 63 UC is a step... but I'm not a UC hexagram specialist ! Also, I do not understand the hexagrams 63 and 64 very well... they are for me steps...
Any way, keep the faith

 

[AnitaS]

Sorry Matali and Liquidity for trying to cram 20 years of my practice into a paragraph! And many thanks for your patience. It's been a tough path. Very challenging. I was thrown out a few times because I had high aims and had to be polished but did not become a diamond. My last exile lasted five years. I would get chucked out for taking a puff of a cigarette or shrugging off some admonishment. And I never resented it because I knew the motivation of my mentors was pure. I was considered one of only two devotees (the other an Indian sanyasin) capable of attaining enlightenment. Well finally I got fed up and turned to Mahayana Buddhism. But because I moved my home just to be near this temple which I helped build, I wanted to get back. Doing both paths was not difficult as they are similar but it is sometimes a matter of choosing a certain action over another. Such as do you give to a beggar or not? One says you cause the beggar to create the karma of debt by giving. The other, especially if you take the bodhisattva vows like I did, tells you to give whenever you can. I chose the latter once I became Buddhist. I like both paths. So I returned to this temple. All was fine and easy. My tough mentor had left and someone else was in charge. Another Japanese sanyasin. Very immature and indecisive. Lately she decided to give the task of conducting the major prayers as on new and full moon to someone who offers huge amounts to the temple but lacks the ability to conduct prayers. She cannot be heard. I sent in my note of resignation today telling the sanyasin that no one has ever before made a devotee conduct prayers based on how much they can offer. I see a materialist trend which disillusioned me. But she apologises. Says it was the wrong decision and I'm always welcome. So I will continue. My tough mentor although hard as nails also loved me immensely. She had great integrity. The current one will hopefully learn. She is new to making such administrative decisions. On the other hand I'm also disillusioned by Buddhism. Not The Buddha. But the ism. The sex scandals involving a certain famous rinpoche in the west was sort of waved away by a teacher whose retreat I had attended a while back. Sexual abuse by the guru is not a laughing matter but he wrote a satire on it. Undermining the revelations of the women who revealed the pain they endured when sexually exploited by the rinpoche.
But I love The Buddha and his teachings. He has given us many comforts. For example, you can chant a mantra over any dead being - I do it for cockroaches too - so that they are purified and can return in a better rebirth.
I was thinking I was not going anywhere any more. Not to the temple, not to the Buddhist centre I frequent. My home, and my environment will be my house of worship. I would keep all my spiritual commitments but I would do it all on my own. After all, I've been on this quest for over 20 years . I hope it is all clear now. But as I said, I will go back the temple. There's a reason why it is just across the road! Thank you again.

 

[rosada]

I read 63. After Completion as advice on what to do next after one has completed something. For example, if you have completed one job you then have to decide what should be your next job?

 

[AnitaS]

Thanks Rosada but does it mean it will end in disorder again?

 

[rosada]

When you stop putting energy into something it falls apart. Like putting energy into being an artist. The artist has great happiness when a painting is completed but after that he's got to start another one or he's no longer an artist. In this situation it seems to me to be saying to consider how this group is supporting your spiritual practice and how even if you decide your time with them has "completed" the important thing is that you continue on your spiritual path.

 

[Trojina]

Knowing the history somewhat, I was here when you wrote about this place often in 2002 even, everyone was trying to tell you then it was quite abusive really. For example at this temple they would sometimes tell you you weren't good enough to pray there and stuff like that. Finally you come to an understanding so it's complete.


Often 63uc can indicate a right choice, a right decision. The question however was 'should I stay or should I go ?' I think perhaps you have already left, you have already made a decision haven't you. You may still be there but you have made a decision. Or maybe the decision is to stay ? Either way you have made a decision.

All you need to do now is to notice what decision you have made.

 

[radiofreewill]

Hi AnitaS,

"Should I stay or should I go?"
63uc ~ Let this be the last step on your journey of a thousand miles.

From duality to Oneness, there is Completion (63) and perfect order for those who hit the mark. However, within perfect order are the seeds of disorder for those who miss the bullseye of Oneness and fall back into duality Before Completion (64).

Here's a meditation from Jonathan Star's translation of Verses 63 and 64 of the "Tao Te Ching":

Verse 63

Act without acting​

Give without giving​

Taste without tasting​

​

Tao alone becomes all things great and all things small​

It is the One in many​

It is the many in One​

​

Let Tao become all of your actions​

then your wants will become your treasure​

your injury will become your blessing​

​

Take on difficulties while they are still easy​

Do great things while they are still small​

Step by step the world's burden is lifted​

Piece by piece the world's treasure is amassed​

​

So the Sage stays with his daily task​

and accomplishes the greatest thing​

Beware of those who promise a quick and easy way​

for much ease brings many difficulties​

​

Follow your path to the end​

Accept difficulty as an opportunity​

This is the sure way to end up​

with no difficulties at all​

​

Verse 64

A still mind can easily hold the truth​

The difficulties yet to come can easily be avoided​

​

The feeble are easily broken​

The small are easily scattered​

Begin your task before it becomes a burden​

Put things in order before they get out of hand​

Remember,​

A tree that fills a man's embrace grows from a seedling​

A tower nine stories high starts with one brick​

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step​

​

Act and it's ruined​

Grab and it's gone​

People on the verge of success often lose patience​

and fail in their undertakings​

Be steady from the beginning to the end​

and you won't bring on failure​

​

The Sage desires that which has no desires​

and teaches that which cannot be taught​

He does not value the objects held by the few​

but only that which is held by everyone​

​

He guides men back to their own treasure​

and helps all things come to know​

the truth they have forgotten​

All this he does without a stir​

Many Blessings!

 

[moss elk]

I have decided...

I asked what I ought to do in this situation and drew unchanging 63

You made a decision.
Then second guessed yourself.
Then Yi said, "Already Complete"

 

[liquidity]

The judgment for 63 says, per WB translation:

"After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning good fortune, at the end disorder."

It sounds like you've decided for the moment to stay. Success in small matters -- like the new mentor's apology for her recent actions about giving prayers based on donations.

You should be aware that the seeds of new disorder ARE there. Perhaps if you can watch for them, maybe you can deal with them early.

And that goes with the image: "Water over fire: the image of the condition in After Completion. Thus the superior man takes thought of misfortune and arms himself against it in advance."

 

[AnitaS]

Hi AnitaS,

"Should I stay or should I go?"
63uc ~ Let this be the last step on your journey of a thousand miles.

From duality to Oneness, there is Completion (63) and perfect order for those who hit the mark. However, within perfect order are the seeds of disorder for those who miss the bullseye of Oneness and fall back into duality Before Completion (64).

Here's a meditation from Jonathan Star's translation of Verses 63 and 64 of the "Tao Te Ching":

Verse 63

Act without acting​

Give without giving​

Taste without tasting​

​

Tao alone becomes all things great and all things small​

It is the One in many​

It is the many in One​

​

Let Tao become all of your actions​

then your wants will become your treasure​

your injury will become your blessing​

​

Take on difficulties while they are still easy​

Do great things while they are still small​

Step by step the world's burden is lifted​

Piece by piece the world's treasure is amassed​

​

So the Sage stays with his daily task​

and accomplishes the greatest thing​

Beware of those who promise a quick and easy way​

for much ease brings many difficulties​

​

Follow your path to the end​

Accept difficulty as an opportunity​

This is the sure way to end up​

with no difficulties at all​

View attachment 3334​

Verse 64

A still mind can easily hold the truth​

The difficulties yet to come can easily be avoided​

​

The feeble are easily broken​

The small are easily scattered​

Begin your task before it becomes a burden​

Put things in order before they get out of hand​

Remember,​

A tree that fills a man's embrace grows from a seedling​

A tower nine stories high starts with one brick​

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step​

​

Act and it's ruined​

Grab and it's gone​

People on the verge of success often lose patience​

and fail in their undertakings​

Be steady from the beginning to the end​

and you won't bring on failure​

​

The Sage desires that which has no desires​

and teaches that which cannot be taught​

He does not value the objects held by the few​

but only that which is held by everyone​

​

He guides men back to their own treasure​

and helps all things come to know​

the truth they have forgotten​

All this he does without a stir​

Many Blessings!

That is beautiful. Thank you. The writer of these verses is one of the lineage masters on this path.

 

[AnitaS]

The judgment for 63 says, per WB translation:

"After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning good fortune, at the end disorder."

It sounds like you've decided for the moment to stay. Success in small matters -- like the new mentor's apology for her recent actions about giving prayers based on donations.

You should be aware that the seeds of new disorder ARE there. Perhaps if you can watch for them, maybe you can deal with them early.

And that goes with the image: "Water over fire: the image of the condition in After Completion. Thus the superior man takes thought of misfortune and arms himself against it in advance."

Thank you. Yes disorder will keep popping up because those in charge are no longer as able as my tough guide earlier.

 

[AnitaS]

Knowing the history somewhat, I was here when you wrote about this place often in 2002 even, everyone was trying to tell you then it was quite abusive really. For example at this temple they would sometimes tell you you weren't good enough to pray there and stuff like that. Finally you come to an understanding so it's complete.


Often 63uc can indicate a right choice, a right decision. The question however was 'should I stay or should I go ?' I think perhaps you have already left, you have already made a decision haven't you. You may still be there but you have made a decision. Or maybe the decision is to stay ? Either way you have made a decision.

All you need to do now is to notice what decision you have made.

Not abusive Trojina. Just demanding because I had a high spiritual goal. She loved me Enough to teach me in the only way I could learn. To her it did not matter how much you offered. Because it was merit for you. You were not doing the receiver a favour. You would not have the merit if the temple did not accept your offering. And you certainly wouldn’t be able to conduct just because of your generosity. It depended on your ability, your heart. But there is human error sometimes. Which does not make the Path worthless. The Path is always pure.

 

[AnitaS]

Knowing the history somewhat, I was here when you wrote about this place often in 2002 even, everyone was trying to tell you then it was quite abusive really. For example at this temple they would sometimes tell you you weren't good enough to pray there and stuff like that. Finally you come to an understanding so it's complete.


Often 63uc can indicate a right choice, a right decision. The question however was 'should I stay or should I go ?' I think perhaps you have already left, you have already made a decision haven't you. You may still be there but you have made a decision. Or maybe the decision is to stay ? Either way you have made a decision.

All you need to do now is to notice what decision you have made.

TrojIna yes in a way I have already left. But I will continue as far as I can because I want to work for the Maitreya.

 

[AnitaS]

When you stop putting energy into something it falls apart. Like putting energy into being an artist. The artist has great happiness when a painting is completed but after that he's got to start another one or he's no longer an artist. In this situation it seems to me to be saying to consider how this group is supporting your spiritual practice and how even if you decide your time with them has "completed" the important thing is that you continue on your spiritual path.

Very true Rosada. I will continue wherever I may be.

 

[Matali]

Sorry Matali and Liquidity for trying to cram 20 years of my practice into a paragraph! And many thanks for your patience. It's been a tough path. Very challenging. I was thrown out a few times because I had high aims and had to be polished but did not become a diamond. My last exile lasted five years. I would get chucked out for taking a puff of a cigarette or shrugging off some admonishment. And I never resented it because I knew the motivation of my mentors was pure. I was considered one of only two devotees (the other an Indian sanyasin) capable of attaining enlightenment. Well finally I got fed up and turned to Mahayana Buddhism. But because I moved my home just to be near this temple which I helped build, I wanted to get back. Doing both paths was not difficult as they are similar but it is sometimes a matter of choosing a certain action over another. Such as do you give to a beggar or not? One says you cause the beggar to create the karma of debt by giving. The other, especially if you take the bodhisattva vows like I did, tells you to give whenever you can. I chose the latter once I became Buddhist. I like both paths. So I returned to this temple. All was fine and easy. My tough mentor had left and someone else was in charge. Another Japanese sanyasin. Very immature and indecisive. Lately she decided to give the task of conducting the major prayers as on new and full moon to someone who offers huge amounts to the temple but lacks the ability to conduct prayers. She cannot be heard. I sent in my note of resignation today telling the sanyasin that no one has ever before made a devotee conduct prayers based on how much they can offer. I see a materialist trend which disillusioned me. But she apologises. Says it was the wrong decision and I'm always welcome. So I will continue. My tough mentor although hard as nails also loved me immensely. She had great integrity. The current one will hopefully learn. She is new to making such administrative decisions. On the other hand I'm also disillusioned by Buddhism. Not The Buddha. But the ism. The sex scandals involving a certain famous rinpoche in the west was sort of waved away by a teacher whose retreat I had attended a while back. Sexual abuse by the guru is not a laughing matter but he wrote a satire on it. Undermining the revelations of the women who revealed the pain they endured when sexually exploited by the rinpoche.
But I love The Buddha and his teachings. He has given us many comforts. For example, you can chant a mantra over any dead being - I do it for cockroaches too - so that they are purified and can return in a better rebirth.
I was thinking I was not going anywhere any more. Not to the temple, not to the Buddhist centre I frequent. My home, and my environment will be my house of worship. I would keep all my spiritual commitments but I would do it all on my own. After all, I've been on this quest for over 20 years . I hope it is all clear now. But as I said, I will go back the temple. There's a reason why it is just across the road! Thank you again.

Thank you for your testimony. Namaste

 

[marybluesky]

Hello;

63uc here means it's over, go to other goals.