Hexagram 2 changing line 4

[mrs eskimo]

Not sure how to interpret this. My question was about how to respond to an email (from an old girl friend). I have been avoiding talking to her. She is asking why I am avoiding her. My belief is that If I tell the truth it will just lead to more trouble, on the other hand she lost her husband last year and has many troubles, on the other hand I find it difficult to pretend things are alright - so I do nothing. The supporting hex is enthusiasm. I can't make sense of it. I am interested to hear what others think. I'm new to this

 

[precision grace]

Hm I can see why you are confused. I would say that Yi either answered "This is what you are doing" (ie being silent, avoiding action) or suggesting that you carry on doing that. Which I find a bit strange as ignoring people isn't nice, but who knows what your personal circumstances are, perhaps it is the best solution - only you can know. And then Hex 16. Hm. Of course, it could be saying that your silence is encouraging her enthusiasm ..

Maybe a follow up question along the lines of "What would be the outcome if I tell her the truth about why I've been avoiding her?" could help clarify matters?

Edit: one thing i would add, if I may, is that if you believe that telling the truth would lead to more trouble, than this is likely if nothing else because your thoughts will lead you to behave in such a way or say things in such a manner as to invite more trouble even without taking into account the other person's attitudes. Just something to bear in mind.

 

[sooo]

I have been avoiding talking to her. She is asking why I am avoiding her. My belief is that If I tell the truth it will just lead to more trouble

Your reading supports your belief. Reticence is implied in line 4, and is literally spelled out this way in Wilhelm's commentary. Neither way is comfortable, however, and line 4 isn't an order, it's a consequence. So you can choose to "face the music" and deal with the shake up, or avoid her, and still be effected inside. Comes back to you choosing which way suits you better. Line 4 is like a door, which can open or close the throughway of hex 2.

 

[mrs eskimo]

Thank you so much for responding. I need to think about what you have both said. I took your advice precision grace and asked the follow up question and received 14 with line 1,4,5, changing to 57. I haven't had time to ponder that anwer yet. I wanted to say thank you first. And by the way I had a bad reaction from this friend years ago when she divorced and I wouldn't agree with some of the things she said about her ex-husband (they were literally factually untrue not a matter of opinion) but I know what you mean about 'thinking' something into existence, that can happen. I usually would not mind to 'face the music' but I know she is in a really vulnerable place right now.
she must know what she did. Your interpretation Sooo, seems right except I'm no further forward than before I asked for advice,...I need to think a bit more...Many thanks again

 

[sooo]

Your interpretation Sooo, seems right except I'm no further forward than before I asked for advice,...I need to think a bit more...Many thanks again

In the strictest sense, line 4 speaks of being closed and reticent. I just believe that free will always takes priority over mere obedience, and that there's more than one way to approach a situation.

Fwiw, I read 14-57 (especially the lines) as supporting your options and free will, but completely justifying reticence.

:bows:

 

[mrs eskimo]

I feel 'not saying' is the only option. I felt nervous about it though, this interaction with the iching and you has calmed my fears. Thank you, I appreciate your help.

 

[patro]

my personal opinion about how the yi answered you is.....
answer to her but by writing and asking about somenthing others. just talking.
avoid throuble and avoid to explain her because you avoided her.

 

[mrs eskimo]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts -I am not likely to respond in the way you suggest. My friend is asking why I am avoiding her- but she has done something to cause it and she will know the reason. It is no use her pretending otherwise. If I felt there was any doubt that she did not know what she had done I would write and explain but that cannot be so. Until I can be different and not mind 'the cause' I can't be friends with her. It has been useful to get other people's take on things though, it helped to settle what is really right for me to do.
It was good of you to take an interest in my proplem.

 

[deusa]

THe Yi here described mr.esquimo’s feeling: he was closed and reticent...
Can’t understand 16, though...