How does a 'shocking revolution' solve my dilemma?

[dharma]

Roughly three weeks ago, some changes were put into effect in my community that will create serious problems for me when the winter snows start to fall. As a result I find myself forced to deal with something that I can't ignore at this time (howevermuch I'd like to). I have explained the problem I am confronted with with all the relevant people involved but they are digging their heels in on this issue and are unwilling to consider my position at all.

(I think they're hoping that if they ignore me long enough I'll simply go away... are they in for a rude surprise or what!)

Aside from speaking person-to-person with a few on the lower-rungs-of-the-ladder, so to speak, I have also sent out two formal registered letters to the head individual in charge, but I am getting nowhere in my attempt to reach some kind of compromise with him.

My last recourse is to take this through the legal system because the truth is that my rights are being infringed upon and all the paperwork supports my postion. They are not respecting the conditions of our contract by introducing these changes at this time. I will proceed in this direction if I don't hear from them by early next week. So...

I asked Yi: (How) does going to court solve my dilemma? 49.3.5 >51

I would appreciate any insights, suggestions and advice anyone has to offer and in return I will continue to let you know how things actually work out with this.

p.s. The 3rd line talks about something happening three times - what could this possibly mean in my situation? Appealing to them in a legal sense would be MY third formal address [to them] - is that it? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Dharma

 

[learner]

Dear Dharma,

It seems to me that Hex 49 third moving line does not literally mean something happening three times. In my view, it is more like appealing to them in a legal sense, as you say, would be something that you should do only after all your attempts to arrive at a solution for the problem have failed. There is a warning in the line about the danger of haste and excess, with the advice to discuss the problem thoroughly with all the people involved and being sure that you are trusted before taking effective action. However, when all the means for solving the problem have been unsuccessful then it is time to bring about the revolution described in Hex 49.
The changing fifth line talks about acting in a decisive manner and it might mean in your situation going to court to claim your rights. And there is a chance of success here.
I suppose that another aspect of fifth line should be taken into account. Since the line describes a change of attitude, perhaps you could achieve your goal before taking the case through the legal system just showing absolute determination to succeed, revealing that you will proceed in this direction in order to have your rights respected.

Hope this helps,
Learner

 

[gene]

Dharma

I like line three. It says "repeated and well founded complaints should not fail of a hearing." Sounds like a class action is what will work best.

Gene

 

[gene]

Dharma

To me, the repeated just means you are sure you have a valid complaint. Sounds like you do.

Gene

 

[theoldman]

For Dharma
I thought, one candle lights another,so not mention about THREE.
BTW, please don't bemoan the inevitable. Live in here and now. And be adaptable.
Sounds like you have to do the THREE (though it will not work). But that's the only way, YOUR way, as far as you can do.

 

[theoldman]

PS
Shall I takes humility? Is it is a pain for me if you laugh at my old rag as an offering for help?
No,it will soon be a pleasure to my mind as I've done my best.

 

[dharma]

Thanks so far to Learner, Gene and Theoldman for your thoughts. I haven't heard anything yet but I remain pretty confident that it will all turn out in the best way for me in the long run. I am taking this all like some sort of 'exam' that I've been preparing for for some time now so I feel somewhat psyched by the whole challenge.

More than anything I am curious how Yi sees the whole situation and how I can use this opportunity to learn it's language better. Knowing that this is all going to come to a head in some way or another very soon, I've decided to pose a few more questions and see how the casts compare to the actual reactions and responses that play out in the days, weeks or months ahead.

Play along and share your thoughts and ideas with me - whatever you have to offer will be added to my arsenal for success. Remember, I have the Moon in Aries.. the she-warrior has been activated!

How strong is my position, really? 37 [5.6] >36

What response can I expect this time? 38 [2] >21

What kind of offer will he propose? 23 [2.3.5.6] >48

What's the best way to respond to any offer I get? 64 [1.6] > 53

How does the situation ultimately change for me? 53 [1.2.4] > 2


I get the sense that he will realize he is in a very tight corner, hasn't much of a leg to stand on and that he will soon show up unannounced at my door to try and negotiate a completely new contract with me. I think Yi is advising me to take my time before agreeing to anything and that whatever I get in the way of a compromise will be temporary somehow.

Of course, my interpretations are based on a biased confidence of the facts as I know them however, people have been known to 'cheat' and it is this sort of thing that I hope Yi will reveal in advance should it be a concern. Would anyone be kind enough to contribute any spare bows 'n arrows that they may have into my armory?

Thanks,
Dharma

 

[learner]

Dear Dharma,

My friend, that is a reading for sure! You have food for thought now *grin *
Well, I am going to give an interpretation based on personal experience, as always, exactly the way those lines have recently predicted events in my life and guided my last decisions.
I have been quite lucky in my readings and the results have been accurate. I wish the same to you.
Therefore, this is my personal view regarding your questions:

How strong is my position, really? 37 [5.6] >36
- Quite strong. It seems that the hexagram describes your community and in this context you have the means for being respected and trusted. Your strength lies in the community.

What kind of offer will he propose? 23 [2.3.5.6] >48
- It might be a chaotic negotiation, perhaps a kind of ?two steps forward, three steps back? and probably with moments of great difficulty for you. However, the situation evolves from decay into a positive outcome.

What's the best way to respond to any offer I get? 64 [1.6] > 53
- Step by step, like the little fox crossing the great water. You should carefully analyse all the details, being attentive and realistic. In this way, you will bring order to the situation and succeed. There is the suggestion of optimism and good prospects through the lines going to the top.

How does the situation ultimately change for me? 53 [1.2.4] > 2
- Hexagram 53, again, appears to confirm the gradual development. Ultimately, no misfortune is indicated (thanks God) and you will achieve a stable and safe position but somehow it seems that it will be something temporary, until time has come to get a permanent condition.

Hope this helps,

All the best,
Mirian

 

[learner]

Dharma,

Ops, I have just skipped one question and would like to add a comment on the Hex 38 second changing line.

What response can I expect this time? 38 [2] >21
- The second line explains that in a time of disunity, as described in Hex 38, the normal conditions do not exist, being an informal meeting suitable, something like ?accidental?.

It is really interesting because when I was dealing with a situation of misunderstanding, trying to be in contact with a person ?something almost impossible to be achieved at that time- I just bumped into the person in the street, by accident, and eventually we could talk.
It just happened after having the Hex 38 second line, when I was trying to figure out what that might mean.

All the best,
Mirian

 

[dharma]

Mirian,
Here's what finally happened:

Yesterday evening there was a message waiting for me from one of the people relevant to my situation, asking me to call back. I called the office, was asked if we could talk and an appointment was arranged for this morning. It was an informal meeting, as you suggested, but everything went very smoothly; everyone was sooo nice.

To make a long story short... we will not be settling this in court at all. My contract remains as is but serious renovations commence this Thursday and they will work through to next week to restructure and remove the problem from out of the way. So I have only another week of being put-out and then hopefully I won't have to think about it anymore.

While I was at it, I mentioned a couple of other things and those things will be dealt with as well - better lighting (immediate) and a huge back fence-border (next spring) for added protection for all residents on the street. Ha! and they say one person can't make a difference.

So Mirian my position was indeed strong as you said, they could not get away with what they were doing and I got what I wanted and more. Respect for the environment, stability and safety in the community all were the whole point of the dilemma that I felt compelled to head. Gradually, the situation will be corrected for everyone's benefit not only my own.

Thanks so much for holding my hand and offering me some positive and supportive ideas that helped me wait this thing out with more patience. I appreciate it greatly!

 

[learner]

Dear Dharma,

I am really happy to hear such good news from you. It is so interesting how the I Ching addressed your situation. It is proved an excellent idea to ask several questions, as you did, in order to have a broad view of your position and the whole context of the negotiation.
That also reminds me of you first question, when you received Hex 51 fifth moving line. And, by the way, the Hex 38 second changing line is definitively amazing! It seems to me that this line holds a strong trend of foreseeable events.

So, what can I say? Enjoy your achievements! You really deserve them, because your claims are legitimate and your rights must be respected.

Good luck in your now protected environment!

All the best,
Mirian

 

[learner]

Just rectifying the typo:

? when you received Hex 49 fifth moving line?.

All the best,
Mirian

 

[malka]

Dharma,

I've been away for awhile so am just now jumping in. I'm so glad to learn this situation had a happy ending for you. It sounds like you remained focused and centered as you moved through this.

Blessings,
Malka

 

[dharma]

Thank you Malka.

Yes, I was very focused and determined and would like to be able to say that it was 'no sweat' but that would not be true.

The focus and determination necessary to avoid falling into extremes of emotion (anger and/or self-pity) were uncomfortably intense at times making the past month of my life a vividly impressionable time I am not likely to forget. I continually had to remind myself that it was a challenge of my own making (though I could not see how exactly) and that the gift lay in it's fulfillment, not in it's outcome (whatever that might be).

The whole process was an incredible exercise of self-empowerment and I'm glad for having had the opportunity to prove myself to myself. However, the pressure is off now and for that I am glad too.

 

[malka]

Dharma,

I admire your ability to hold the notion that the "gift" lie with the fullfillment, not the outcome. I'm curious though, what does it mean that the challenge was one of your own making?

Enjoy those empowering experiences - they last!

Blessings,
Malka

 

[dharma]

Hi Malka,
you said: "I admire your ability to hold the notion that the "gift" lie with the fullfillment, not the outcome. I'm curious though, what does it mean that the challenge was one of your own making?"

Even if I consciously have not created the circumstances in which I find myself in, by accepting any challenge that I am presented with as one of my own making I can more easily assume responsibility and tolerance for the issue at hand.

Although maintaining focus is essential for dealing with any of Life's demands, it is even more critical when the demands exceed the norm. Otherwise one risks tainting their concentration with potential feelings of resentment for having something 'imposed' upon them from without. And ultimately this subjects one to depression that accentuates denial and powerlessness rather than the authority and strength needed to overcome the hurdle that confronts one as effectively as possible.

 

[malka]

Dharma,

Thanks for sharing an interesting view. I'm not sure that I share all of it, but you have given me something new to think about. I do agree that focus and concentration (or what I'd call being present) is empowering.

I also tend to beleive that things just happen. Then, it's my responsibility how I dance with those things that happen. I am not responsibile for the thing itself, it "just is." I also don't believe the universe is "personal" in other words, I haven't been selected to receive a certain experience. The experience just is all on it's own. I beleive I'm fully responsibile for how I respond and react. And this response and reaction comes from the identity I've created about myself, informed by my conditioning, past experiences, and hopefully...cleansed a little by my meditation practice and committment to being as present as possible.

Well, this is how I try to live. Sometimes it's not so easy.

Again, I'm glad things worked out well for you, and I'm impressed with your approach.


Be Well,
Malka