study group in prison

[chigarden]

I would like to ask for help understanding the reading we got yesterday...It was the inauguration of our I-Ching Study group...I arrived at the prison chapel with a cart of translations and commentaries, plans for meditations, discussions on helpers and asking questions.

I had gotten a "feel good" reading of 30 changing to 27 the night before as I ask about my own preparation for class.

Plans rarely manifest as intended in the prison. I am used to adapting and finding a way and finding the good in the middle of change. Today, I was not allowed to call in my class due to what the guard tower decided was conflicting religious services in the chapel at the same time, despite the fact that I had the Inman's encouragement and support. The Inman was going to take the discussion up a level at his chaplains meeting that afternoon and if that gave no result he wanted me to go to the Warden.

Three of us were in the chapel anyway and began without the others. Our meditation time was cut off as others needed to use the phone in our room, A man (a student who was interested in I-Ching) who had been in the "hole" for a year and a half saw me and wanted my attention. Still we persevered and offered up our intentions, prayerfully opened to this ancient source of support, and learned of each others beliefs. Caught unawares of the time and closeness of the end of our class, I abruptly had us shift from talking to asking a question and doing a reading. We asked the I-Ching to "guide us in our initiation of this group."

We got 63 changing with the 5th line to 36.​

We had to officially end class after a quick look at Wilhelm, but two of us were able to sit with the other books while we waited (an hour and a half) for the other students to be released for my moving meditation (QiGong) class.

It was hard for us to understand the relationship between our initial class and the Completion energy of 63. We could hear the warnings of the watching the boiling water carefully and keeping our activities modest and quiet (underground) (36).

"Keep your wits about you" is basic prison advice, and good to hear again. Prison is such a hyper vigilant place, and so full of fundamentalists of all faiths. The guards quickly link QiGong or anything Chinese with martial arts and "The Art of War".

The best we could make of it was: "good start, pay attention, small offering accepted, take care of details, keep quiet". I don't think I should be barging into the warden's office.

So now I am sitting mostly with uncertainly which Anthony says is the problem. When I arrived home my Al Huang's translation had arrived. Now I understand Hilary's recommendations, what compliments! Still its not an easy reading for us to understand.

I would be grateful for comments from anyone with insight as I am just beginning.

Gratefully, Judy T

 

[willowfox]

"asked the I-Ching to "guide us in our initiation of this group."
We got 63 changing with the 5th line to 36."

Hex 63.5 is telling you to be sincere in what you are doing and not to make a fuss over the issue.

Hex 36 says that you are in a very tricky position so don't try to throw your weight around, in actual fact do the opposite by keeping a very low profile. So, keep your views to yourself and stay away from the warden, he won't listen to you anyway. It is most likely that you have some "enemies" in the place, so be very careful in what you do and say. Take no notice of what other people there say to you or about you, let them think that you accept things as they are. But put trust in yourself and keep your plans hidden for the time being because persevering in the face of adversity will over time produce good results.

 

[Trojina]

Hi Judy, my take is its a pretty pragmatic answer. You asked for guidance in the initiation of the group - well you already initiated it didn't you ? Its done hence 63 and idea of completion. I feel the changing line urges you pretty much as Wfox said not to make a big deal out of this. Maybe you think you should make some elaborate preparations, thats theres more you need to do to start this properly etc ? Line 5 urges you to remember less is sometimes more - keep it simple, don't worry. Also possibly the less formality and ritual the better. Sounds like you were interrupted alot yet were trying to create a kind of atmosphere of reverence ? I feel Yi is saying theres just no need for all that, infact it could even hinder. The Yi can be kinda straight talking

I don't feel 36 is a warning of any kind here - theres an issue of concealment thats all. Did you have to be careful of how you presented this course to the powers that be, maybe you will have to continue to keep this in mind. Perhaps the simpler you keep this the less negative attention the group will attract. If you have to contend with issues of approval thats what I see 36 referring to.

Very curious what country you are in - but no need to say if you'd rather not.

 

[rosada]

To plant a watermelon you don't need to bury the whole fruit. I think 63.5 says you've planted a seed and while it seems to be 36. hidden, the light still shines. I think this will be an interesting demonstration of how the IChing promotes itself, something we'd just been wondering about over on the pri-chi-i-ching thread. Even with your minimal set up, perhaps the I Ching is demostrating that's all it needs to light up minds. It will be interesting to hear how the light shines through. I hope you will keep us updated on your class process.

 

[chigarden]

WOW, this is a great support community. Thanks, I wasn't as far off as I thought. To much thinking probably... I am in US, California. Sun's out and Im heading for the garden. Need some more grounding, had another great QiGong class inside today. I look forward to sharing our journey with you all. The guys are excited that they are a part of something bigger too.

 

[stevev]

I once ...

sent an I Ching book to a friend of mine that was in prison, I don't think he read it, but it's a great idea. Well done !

 

[rosada]

Just having the holy book in the room is supposed to raise the chi.

 

[bruce_g]

Welcome, Judy. It's a pleasure to read your story.

I agree with what's been said in response. You certainly don't want to start a religious war in a hot spot. Understatement is the message here. A pastor friend shared a saying: "Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear a word you say." That sounds like a good approach to me. One I've always used as a business mantra is "under promise, over deliver."