An important task: 46>> 52

[joang]

Last week, I undertook an important task. It is a challenging one, but I am determined to give it my best. I asked the Oracle: What will help me succeed in this task?

I received hexagram 46, moving lines 2 and 6, changing to hexagram 52. I consider that to be as clear an answer as I could hope for, and normally I would stop right there. But because this undertaking is so important (not personal), and because many of you good people here have impressive knowledge and experience with I Ching translations other than Wilhelm/Baines, I would welcome and appreciate any interpretations, suggestions, advice, etc., you might care to offer.

Thanking you in advance,
Namaste,
Joan G.

 

[joang]

PostScript.
I see two careless omissions in my previous post that I must rectify. The first is, that I should have stated that the task is important because it is of the Spirit. There is nothing more important than that.

The second is, my choice of words gave the impression that I was only seeking input based on translations other than Wilhelm/Baines. Au contraire, those with whom I already speak the same language may be in the best position to impart their wisdom to me at a level I can more easily understand. I certainly do not want to exclude them. What I wanted to say to the others is that I am, or hope to be, receptive to whatever thoughts you might want to share on this subject.

Namaste,
Joan G.

 

[learner]

Dear Joang,

I have another translation here that might help. The Hexagram 46 -Pushing Upward- is described as the spring, a time when things flourish and all the matters are set in motion.
Therefore, there is a suggestion of expansion and growth.
Regarding the changing line 2, it says: ?if one is sincere the smallest offering is beneficial?. It seems to me that your efforts towards the challenging task will be appreciated. It is a time of advance.
Regarding the changing line 6, there is an admonition. The reading talks about ?pushing blindly upward?. That might mean controlling excessive ambition in a time of progress. The advice suggests that when one is successful it is extremely important to remain consistent, focused on a conscious effort, persevering firmly but correctly, in order not to be astray.

Hope this helps,
Good luck
Learner

 

[ann]

Hello Joan

I take #46 to be very positive and that you are being told that you are on the right path and should continue. Brian Browne Walker's translation, among other things says:

"There is nothing to be feared from others now. Feel free to ask for help from those who are in a position to give it. Be neither subservient nor forceful with those you encounter; simply meet everyone with tolerance and gentle goodwill. Those who look for the good in others find it there."

Line 2:

A goal may be reached, but only if one's character is fully aligned to proper principles. It is always more important to maintain humility and equanimity than to satisfy an ambition.

Line 6:
Disengage ego and ambition. Do not hurl yourself at a closed door. Inner independence is your most valuable asset.

So it looks to me as though your task is absolutely right, but perhaps the way you are going about it needs some thought? Are you being a bit 'bull at a gate'? Could it be that you might upset other people by your haste (unwittingly of course ) Or maybe you're just going at it a bit too fast - you know, more haste less speed.

And of course 52 is all about keeping still when we are being over impulsive. Browne Walker's translation says that you need to quiet the body with three things:
- sitting quietly in a self supporting position with back straight and eyes closed.

- observe flow of your emotions without judgement,

- turn inner conflicts over to your higher power for resolution.

So, that seems to fit perfectly with the moving lines of 46.

Must dash - guests have arrived - I wish you every succes with your Task!

Love from Anne

 

[joang]

Learner,
yes that helps thank you. It confirms the meaning I derived from Wilhelm/Baines.

If this endeavor is as successful as 46 portends, there is a danger that self-importance will rear one of its 10,000 heads and that the ego may try to push the matter too far, into regions beyond my limitations. By remaining mindful of that danger, I believe I can avoid it.

This morning, I found a couple of old translations I forgot I had. One of them is the Taoist I Ching, by Thomas Cleary. Is that where your quotations came from?

Namaste,
Joan G.

 

[joang]

Anne,
thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to write that kind and thoughtful reply. I agree with you about not proceeding hastily. As a matter of fact, the first thing I said when I committed to this undertaking was, ?I want to take my time to get it right.? I have spent the past week preparing (in the background) before starting. I did not even consult the Oracle about it until yesterday. And then I posted to the group. I am calm within now, but will spend as much time as I can in meditation and reading before I begin work.

So, I am still in the preparation stage, keeping the bull firmly in check The Yi Jing, by Wu, which I ordered online before I joined Friends, hasn?t arrived yet, so I took a ride today to a local bookstore and bought the three ICC recommended books, plus a Stephen Mitchell book, Tao Te Ching. I spent my free time today perusing the relevant passages in each of them. They all contributed something, and there was no confusion. The Stephen Karcher book even made me smile where it says, ?Direction: keep your words simple and connected to the facts.? What made it amusing to me was that the past couple of days the phrase ?Keep It Simple Stupid? kept popping into my head whenever I would start thinking about the task. KISS, that is always good advice.

Namaste,
Joan G.

 

[ann]

Oh good, I'm glad it helped as I was a little apprehensive in posting (I am VERY far from being an expert reader!!).

KISS is one of the very best pieces of advice in any situation I find. We often complicate things and see problems where in fact there are none. I know I do.

Good luck with your path Joan

Anne

 

[learner]

Dear Joang,

I had already posted my message when I read your second post, clarifying the Spiritual aspect of the challenging task.
But, in my view, there is no significant difference between spiritual or material subjects, regarding Hex 46, and I tend to believe that the interpretation fits perfectly.
As I can see in your new post now, you have already gotten the picture of the moving sixth line. The core of the line is to avoid excessive ambition, don?t try to forge too much ahead because beyond the limit of our consciousness there is darkness, rather than light.
My quotations came from Understanding the I Ching, by Tom Riseman, a book that I like because it brings the readings to a simple perspective, trying to make clear some subjects that sometimes are elusive to me.
So, it seems to me that you are going towards the right path, provided that you keep your perseverance, being aware of the danger implied in such an important decision.

All the best,
Learner

 

[joang]

Learner, thank you, I really appreciate your comments.

Namaste,
Joan G.