I Ching's Sense of Humor - Or Something

[jillc]

I just requested a "progress report" on an ongoing situation. I received a smart slap in the form of Hex 4 with no changing lines.

Its evident pique may be in order, as I've been given consistent replies indicating advances are being made, the outlook is excellent, etc., but not to expect immediate results. As someone just posted in another message, sometimes things do take time to manifest. But I really felt chastised.

It reminded me of my mother's irritation when I asked about something just once too often... (But in my defense, I hadn't inquired for several weeks.)

I've often thought my task on the planet this time around is to learn patience. Seems I still have a way to go.

 

[ann]

Yes hex 4 IS a slap isn't it? I have sometimes got it when I really didn't understand the answers I was getting, so asked again for clarification. That really made me feel good! Good luck with 'the situation'.

 

[candid]

Hi Jill,

May I suggest not to feel too terribly chastised, for that may not be the intended purpose at all. You may have heard the expression: When the student is ready the Teacher will come? Isn't it possible that you're now ready and that the Ching's answer may have been to draw your attention toward the Teacher? Perk your ears, so to speak? Or, it may be your calling to teach someone else. Meng councils both the teacher and the student.

There is a line which I always pay particular attention to regardless of whether it speaks to the Teacher or pupil: "Water is something that of necessity flows on. When the spring gushes forth, it doesn't know at first where it will go. But its steady flow fills up the deep place blocking its progress, and success is attained."

Keep on keepin' on.

Candid

 

[jillc]

Hi Ann and Candid

It's good to know others have had the same reaction, Ann, and thanks for your good wishes. I remember receiving 4 another time in exactly the way you describe.

And Candid, perhaps you are right. I have felt lately, somewhat tentatively, perhaps, more open to instruction, more willing to go with the flow -- which, I now recall, was the advice of another hexagram addressing this same question not so long ago.

Hmmm....

Jill

 

[eubie]

Hi Jill, I was just thinking when reading your message - I've had exactly that feeling about a hexagram only to discover that it was also hexagram 4 that I got. I had indeed asked the same question just once too many times, it seems. Now I recognise that I need to take the time to appreciate a reading and allow it to settle with me before asking more questions.

Euan

 

[hitchhiker]

Hi, I've just joined the board and wanted to share. I'm very new to I Ching. I came to it from a small freeware Palm software, which I found uncannily accurate. Then I discovered this site and tried out the computer which was equally insightful.

Anyway, earlier today I asked a silly question on my Palm program: Which program was better? and lo and behold got #4 changing to #44; moving lines were 3, 4 and 5.

I don't have the proper Wilhelm translation yet, but the book that I have translates the moving lines as:
3: Wait, this is not the time to plant or embrace.
4: Give attention to your vision, the direction in which your mind is focused. You must have a foundation for your mental image. You must be practical. Your imagination must be disciplined, controlled and directed wisely and judiciously. Your dream or idea will never see the light of day unless it is felt as true in the deepest recesses of your mind.
5: ... let your mind be open and receptive to the truth that thoughts are things, that what you feel you attract, and that what you imagine you become. ... To believe is to accept something as true and to be alive to that truth.

I am suitably admonished.

Blushes,
hh

 

[willow]

There is that saying, "When the teacher arrives, the student is ready."

 

[louise]

Hi Willow, i thought the saying was "When the student is ready, the teacher arrives"

 

[willow]

Interesting. I've heard it both ways, which I guess is a teaching in itself. The first way is the one I have the most trouble with -- "Not now, let me just keep preparing!"