question about 'Brightness Hidding' 36

[jiang]

Recently I obtained ‘Brightness Hidden’ in the context of a social situation in which I have the unpleasant feeling ‘to be not seen’ by others. Because of this I was hit by the Key Question in the I Ching by Hilary : ‘If nobody looks, who are you? (pag 122). This question seems to situate the problem in the neglect ('nobody looks') of others and what it does with your identity. On the other hand, the text of the Gua seems to say that it is good, not to be seen, because in the current situation it is dangerous and can hurt you. So the problem implicit in the Key Question (nobody looks), seems the solution in the Gua text. Confusing for me! Is my reasoning wrong? Any thoughts on this are very welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[jching]

I believe IChing is expressing how you feel about the situation, i.e. as a place where your brightness is not noticed or where you are not comfortable showing your brightness. Also, I got this hexagram when I was feeling sad and depressed. If your were asking for advice, then Hex 36 may suggest that you should hide your light, i.e. stay under the radar. It really depends how the question was phrased.

 

[pocossin]

What was your question when you cast?

 

[jiang]

Pocossin, It was a rather an impulsive cast, I had no particular question in mind. I believe I was thinking something like 'what is this all about?' I believe your interpretation is right to the point, jching, 'not be seen', and 'not want to be seen' can go together. A also recognise the depressed feeling. Thank you both!

 

[meng]

Several years ago, I believe it was Kevin who asked something like: "what am I?" or possibly what is this body? and received 36. If you find that thread in the archives, I seem to recall it being an interesting discussion.

But what I came away with and what it's developed into as an image and concept, is simply that we are light beings, contained within an earthen vessel.

How that applies practically, according to how it's consistently played out for me in real-time, is that 36 doesn't necessarily mean I must clam up, box myself in: emotionally, creatively, even socially. While attending such social occasions and advised to 36, it's usually had more to do with my freedom than to the limitation. In fact, I'm free to be a social butterfly. I'm just am careful not to overload others with my internal life, and personal affairs.

There's a chameleon quality to 36, and that's sans any negative connotation. It's blending in, and not blasting or overwhelming others with what's going on inside.

That's how I see it.

 

[jiang]

Thanks for sharing your insight Meng!