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The I Ching Book of Merit

rosada

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Visualizing a kids' club that met once a week to study the I Ching and earn merit badges for learning verses and doing some deed that would signify understanding the meaning of the line. For example

1.1 Hidden dragon, do not act.

Can you be so still that people forget you are there?
Describe how you did this.

1.2 Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man.

Find someone with traits you admire.
Introduce yourself and get their autograph.

1.3 All day long the man is busy. At night his mind is still beset with cares.

Plan an activity. See how many details you can consider before the event.
Did it work out as planned? Why or why not?

1.4
Do it again. Create a goal and reach it. The point is to pick a challenge that will be neither too hard nor too easy and to complete it in the time alloted.

This is as far as I've gotten.

Rosada
 
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cesca

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What a great idea!
(I'm going to let it simmer in my mind for a while)
 

rodaki

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love it!!
not very confident about my understanding of all lines but I'll give it a try :bag: . .

1.5 You chose the right challenge, used your knowledge and time in the best way and you've earned a merit badge. Along with it, the group decides that you deserve to use 'the secret'. 'The secret' is the key that unlocks the closet where the group leader keeps all the tokens you and your classmates had to give up every time you misbehaved or showed up unprepared -it's filled with improvised games, paper planes, handicrafts and all kinds of drawing material!! On top of it, the group leader declares the next hour as playing hour and assigns you as the group leader for that time . . what are you gonna do with all that?
 

rosada

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I like it, I like it.

1.6 Describe a situation where you had to step down and let someone else take over your position. Was it a smooth transition? Why or why not?
 

rosada

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Now I'm thinking we should put together an I Ching Book of One Liners, that is, a common expression, or bit of folk wisdom for each line. For example:

2.1 Things are going from bad to worse.

2.2 It is what it is.

2.3 Do what you're told.

2.4 Don't ask, don't tell.

2.5 Always wear clean underwear.

2.6 Lead, follow or get out of the way.
(hmm.. not sure that really applies. Suggestions?)
 
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bamboo

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hmmmm, no so sure I'd sum up some o' those 2 lines sooo succinctly, Rosada, hope you don't mind a few tiny exceptions.


because 2.1 is not always leading to negative outcomes, i'd say

2.1 be careful what you wish for now, because it will probably come true

and 2.2 is such a beautiful strong line, Id be more likely to think it's something like:

2.2 You are who you are and that is more than enough

2.5 Sometimes not being the leader is a very lucky position.

3.1 Are you truly prepared to begin a new adventure?

p.s.: think your 2.6 is great!
 

rosada

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All suggestions, comments welcome and appreciated bamboo!

Maybe instead of making each line of The IC Book of Merit worthy of a badge, the challenge should be to experience each of 64 adventures and note the 6 stages of each.

Badge 3. Learn a Foreign Language.

1. Total Immersion Method. Go to a foreign country and just do it. Maybe you can get a few people to help you.

2. Maybe a translator to do all your talking for you (not recommended).

3. Okay, then teach yourself at home from a book, or if you don't have a book just make up a language. (really not recommended).

4. Hire a tutor.

5. Practice a little each day till you can speak like a native.
Wonderful!

6. Now learn another one. :eek: :eek: :eek:

rosada
 
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rosada

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Badge 4. Certified to be Home Alone.

1.
Be at least 18 years old.
Too old? Okay, 12.
What, you think that's still too old?
All right 7 but only for an hour after school during daylight.

2.
First you have to demonstrate your ability to:
Be kind to your siblings.
Be respectful to your mother.
Complete chores without supervision.

3.
Don't talk to strangers.

4.
Or friends either for that matter.

5.
Have a nice day.

6. The Famous Last Words Line:

OMG!
What happened?
Just tell me the truth.
I promise I wont get mad.
 
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rosada

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Update: I don't think we should require merit badges to be earned in order - so if anyone has an idea for how to earn a merit badge for any hexagram please feel free to post it - but if a Chingaling were trying to do these exercises in order I think it make sense that after earning the badge for being home alone without a babysitter, the next badge would be for explaining all the things that got broken, lost or destroyed while earning Badge 4.

Badge 5. Wait Until Your Father Gets Home.

Assignment: Demonstrate calm confidence while awaiting inevitable future.

5.1
Wait outside.

5.2
Make light of the subject.

5.3
Stop obsessing about it.

5.4
Oh God, he's home.

5.5
Can't this wait till after supper?

5.6
Let's not talk about what we did today.
Let's ask Dad what he did today..
 
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bamboo

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Badge 6 : Learning to present your case.

line 1: choose your battles wisely. your friends are not the boss of you.

line 2. Back off and think it over.

line 3. Using an old argument to make a new point sometimes works, but don't get too cocky.

line 4. if the answer is "no" , live with it. you'll be better off.

line 5. sometimes your argument is totally valid. trust yourself; but be polite.

line 6. if you whine and cajole, you might just get your way. but will it be worth it?
 

rosada

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I like very much how you have stream lined hexagram 6 here, Bamboo.

I'm going to write out Wilhelm's translation with your words next to it in hopes this will give others a clearer sense of what we're doing and perhaps inspire more participation. I wish everyone would post their own version of each hexagram here.

Badge 6 Conflict

"Learning to Present Your Case."
-Bamboo

CONFLICT. You are sincere
And are being obstructed.
A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
It does not further one to cross the great water.

Through all his transactions the superior man
Carefully considers the beginning.

6.1
If one does not perpetuate the affair,
There is a little gossip.
In the end, good fortune comes.

"Choose your battles wisely. Your friends are not the boss of you."
-Bamboo

6.2
One cannot engage in conflict;
One returns home, gives way.
The people of his town,
Three hundred households,
Remain free of guilt.

"Back off and think it over."
-Bamboo

6.3
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance.
Danger. In the end, good fortune comes.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works.

"Using an old argument to make a new point sometimes works, but don't get too cocky."
-Bamboo

6.4
One cannot engage in conflict.
One turns back and submits to fate,
Changes one's attitude,
And finds peace in perseverance.
Good fortune.

"If the answer is no, live with it. You'll be better off."
-Bamboo

6.5
To contend before him
Brings good fortune.

"Sometimes your argument is totally valid. Trust yourself but be polite."
-Bamboo

6.6
Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one,
By the end of a morning
It will have been snatched away three times.

"If you whine and cajole you just might get your way, but will it be worth it?"
-Bamboo
 
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rosada

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Okay, now you have me thinking about my own take on Badge 6. As I'm studying these lines I'm particularly looking to see if there is a symmetry that would make memorization easier:

Badge 6. Conflict Resolution

"Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff."

6.1
Don't take on a battle too small to be worth winning.

6.2
Don't take on a battle so large you have no chance of winning.

6.3
Review the contract, what you agreed to.
(Don't try to read something into the contract now that wasn't there to begin with.)

6.4
Understand the other side's point of view, what they agreed to.

6.5

If you are right - good fortune.

If you still feel your position is the valid one then
Turn the matter over to an outside mediator.
If you are right they will find in your favor.

6.6

If you are right - bad fortune.

Even if an outside mediator agrees,
The conflict will not end if the other party does not also feel the resolution was just.
---

To earn Badge 6, demonstrate your understanding of the importance of having a clear agreement at the beginning of all transactions.

-rosada
 
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bamboo

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Badge Seven: Getting your sh** together. or - setting a goal and making it happen.

1. is you in, or is you ain't? get your act together because you're taking it on the road.

2. If not now, when? click your heels together three times...and begin.

3. uh-oh. Lose the baggage or you'll never make your destination. what's holding you down?

4. Even a winner knows when to take a break. Don't give up...but you need to chill for awhile.

5. Empowerment! you are the only leader of your life. small people will bring you down. Finish what you started.

6. Well done. Now put the finishing touches on your work. And no, it's not a good time to go party with your friends...yet.
 

rosada

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Again I want to post Bamboo's comments next to Wilhelm's cause I know we'll see the connections quicker this way:

7. The Army

"Badge Seven: Getting your sh*t together or - setting a goal and making it happen."
-Bamboo

THE ARMY. The army needs perseverance
And a strong man.
Good fortune without blame.

The superior man increases his masses
By generosity toward the people.

7.1
An army must set forth in proper order.
If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.

"Is you in or is you ain"t? Get your act together cause you're taking it on the road."
-Bambo

7.2
In the midst of the army.
Good fortune. No blame.
The king bestows a triple decoration.

"If not now, when? Click your heels together three times...and begin."
-Bamboo

7.3
Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon.
Misfortune.

"Uh-oh. Lose the baggage or you'll never make the destination. What's holding you down?""
-Bamboo

7.4
The army retreats. No blame.

"Even a winner knows when to take a break. Don't give up..but you need to chill for awhile."
-Bamboo

7.5
There is game in the field.
It furthers one to catch it.
Without blame.
Let the eldest lead the army.
The youngest transports corpses;
Then perseverance brings misfortune.

"Empowerment! You are the only leader in your life. Small people will bring you down. Finish what you started."
-Bamboo

7.6
The great prince issues commands,
Founds states, vest families with fiefs.
Inferior people should not be employed.

"Well done! Now put the finishing touches on your work. And no, it's not a good time for you to go party with your friends...yet."
-Bamboo
 
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rosada

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I noticed back when we were doing the memorizing threads how what ever hexagram we were focusing on seemed to manifest in my life. Now I'm having the same experience here, but it seems as if Bamboo's interpretations more than Wilhelm's or even my own are what's happening. For example, while typing out hexagram 7 I had to leave the house just as I was at line 7.1 which Bamboo describes as taking the show on the road. Weird...
-rosada
 
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rosada

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My thoughts on a badge seven. I've been volunteering at the local junior high today and so I'm seeing 7. The Army as a classroom of kids.

Badge 7. The Mastermind Alliance.

hmm..far as I've gotten. It's late and I'm tired.
Tomorrow,
Rosada
 

rodaki

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I looove this thread :)

I 'm definitely not able to keep up with you guys in writing but it would be great if others, more experienced (or more talented :D) than me joined you, these one-liners are a great way to look into the hexagrams -way to go Rosada and Bamboo!

:pompom:
 

rosada

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Oh thank you, rodaki! Now please chip in when ever you wish.
Hexagram seven is exactly where we need to build the team effort!

In all my efforts to memorize the I Ching or to spot a coherent storyline in the sequence of the hexagrams I always seem to get stuck around hexagram seven. It's as if while the first hexagrams are pretty straight forward in their progression, by hex 7 there are too many possibilities - too many ideas shooting off in different directions. Maybe that's why hex 7 is about getting the "soldiers", individual ideas, impulses, lined up and focused in the same direction. As bamboo says, here's where it's time to get the sh*t together.
Hmm..perhaps hexagram 7 tells us how:

Merit Badge 7. Clean Your Bedroom

Judgement: You need a plan and a schedule. (Sounds as if hex 7 is about putting to use skills acquired in hexes 3,4,5, 6)

Image: Hire people to help you. Pay them well (and not with your old crap, see 7.5).

7.1 We've got to get organized. Seriously.
To get organized on the outside..
7.2 Be organized on the inside.

7.3 Carry the clutter out.
7.4 Don't bring more in. (Retreat from all those thrift stores.)

7.5 Clean and clutter free, time to go out in the world and see if you can walk passed a thrift store without being tempted. (And don't go buying stuff claiming it's for the kids. Do you want them to grow up to be junkies too?)
7.6 Now that you are organized, go out there and organize the world!!!!
 
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charly

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BADGE 7: LITTLES´ARMY


lulufall.jpg


From: http://www.comixconnection.com/blog/2005_10_01_archive.html

7: WANT YOU FOR THE ARMY!
Not being still tall, why would the army need us?
THE IMAGE: looking for masses. Sometimes Little People are mercenaries.

7.1: PERFECT ORDER: the perfect is enemy of the good.
Little People have diferent concept of proper order.
I f you have the clothes by the ground, the army will not need you.

7.2: TRIPLE CONDECORATION: kings rewards.
Little People don´t buy promises, only candies.

7.3: WAGGON OF CORPSES :eek:: Little People don´t matter to wait for another waggon.

7.4: THE ARMY RETREATS: Little People also retreat when the ambient is hot.

7.5: NOT TO LEAD AND NOT BE LED: Little People let the game in the field.
Why to persevere in bad ways?.

7.6: THE BIG PRINCE ISSUES COMMANDS:
Big People are charged with commands, Little People enjoy life :footinmouth:.

Of course, not as good as Rosada and Barbara´s posts. :bag:
Charly
 
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bamboo

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BADGE 7: LITTLES´ARMY


7: WANT YOU FOR THE ARMY!
Not being still tall, why would the army need us?
THE IMAGE: looking for masses. Sometimes Little People are mercenaries.

7.1: PERFECT ORDER: the perfect is enemy of the good.
Little People have diferent concept of proper order.
I f you have the clothes by the ground, the army will not need you.

7.2: TRIPLE CONDECORATION: kings rewards.
Little People don´t buy promises, only candies.

7.3: WAGGON OF CORPSES :eek:: Little People don´t matter to wait for another waggon.

7.4: THE ARMY RETREATS: Little People also retreat when the ambient is hot.

7.5: NOT TO LEAD AND NOT BE LED: Little People let the game in the field.
Why to persevere in bad ways?.

7.6: THE BIG PRINCE ISSUES COMMANDS:
Big People are charged with commands, Little People enjoy life :footinmouth:.

Of course, not as good as Rosada and Barbara´s posts. :bag:
Charly

love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

rosada

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Charly this is delightful!
Thank you for the visual - I will always associate 7 now with The Little People!

rosada
 

rodaki

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Charly, loving it too :D . . especially lines 2 and 3 :rolleyes:
 

rosada

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8. Holding Together

8. Holding Together

THE JUDGEMENT

HOLDING TOGETHER brings good fortune.
Inquire of the oracle once again
whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and
perseverance,
Then there is no blame.

Those who are uncertain gradually join.
Whoever comes too late
Meets with misfortune.

THE IMAGE

On the earth is water.
The image of HOLDING TOGETHER.

Thus the kings of antiquity
Bestowed the different states as fiefs
And cultivated friendly relations with the feudal lords.

8.1
Hold to him in truth and loyalty,
This is without blame.
Truth, like a full earthen bowl:
Thus in the end
Good fortune comes from without.

8.2
Hold to him inwardly.
Perseverance brings good fortune.

8.3
You hold together with the wrong people.

8.4
Hold to him outwardly also.
Perseverance brings good fortune.

8.5
Manifestation of holding together.
In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only
And forgoes game that runs off in front.
The citizens need no warning.
Good fortune.

8.6
He finds no head for holding together.
-Wilhelm
 

rosada

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Hmmm...trying to see the pattern here...

8.1
Hold together with yourself.
(To thine own self be true!)

8.2
Do hold together with others inwardly.

8.3
Don't hold together with others.

8.4
Hold together with others outwardly.

8.5
Hold together only with those who want to hold together with you, who are being true to themselves.

8.6
Don't not hold together with others.

Hmm..seems like there's a pattern about holding together with others on the inner level where first and foremost must be sincere with in oneself and not bring the wrong sort in, or perhaps theres a caution here not lie to oneself about the true nature of a relationship. On the other hand, in the outer world it is good to make connections with all who are interested.
So what should one do to earn a merit badge for hexagram 8?
-rosada
 

rosada

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Random ideas...

Just seeing how hexagram 3 describes the almost overwhelming experience of trying to understand everything all at once and ends up with 3.6 Bloody tears flowing. The superior man has been assigned the almost impossible task to bring order out of confusion and it appears he's not able to do it.

The last line of The Judgement advises, "It furthers one to appoint helpers." So getting the right help seems to be an important key to this whole life process.

Interesting then we have hexagram 4 where we are introduced to the second player -or perhaps it is that our own consciousness seems to be divided between One Who Knows ("It is not I who seeks the young fool") and could be of help, and the Fool who must seek out how to access that help and demonstrate his understanding by applying it.

taking a break.

I think it's interesting that the phrase "perseverance furthers" appears in so many times in these beginning hexagrams. Indeed, as soon as we are introduced to another point of view, we now are given a whole hexagram on Waiting because if there is one thing 3 taught us, it's that you can't see things from another point of view immediately.

The old pattern is shaken up (3.6? After all that trouble to create a puzzle it must be distroyed?) and now the Fool must recreate it. He can rely on past solutions (the I Ching The Library of Recorded History and All Past Solutions), but ultimately he will create a new one no one has ever conceived of yet.

Re-create it - Re-envision it. Re IN vision it. See it on the inside before projecting it on to the outside.

-excerpt from Kitchen Thoughts
 
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bamboo

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The 8 badge for kids: Making connections and friends successfully

1. Cherish the whole person that you are and what you have to offer; To have friends, be a friend.

2. A true friend is one who has similar goals, values and morals. Avoid picking friends by appearances only.

3. Asking yourself if the friends currently surrounding you have your best interests at heart? It might be time to move on.

4. Offer camaraderie even with those people who seem different from you; it's good to have a variety of friends and acquaintances, esp when it broadens your own interests and awareness.

5. there is no need to run after the groups you just think are cool, and especially don't belittle yourself if you are not accepted. the best kinds of friends are those that also show an interest in you.

6.It may seem as though you're having trouble finding where you belong, picking friends who are untrustworthy or who lead you into trouble? time to revaluate your methods of selection. Fools rush in, but the wise person uses his head.
 

rodaki

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have been tinkering with this, here are some thoughts . .


hex 8:
march to the beat of your own drum

8.1:
What belongs to you has nothing to do with belongings;
Emptiness creates echo
:)

8.2:
There's a nice, clear sound: hold to that!
Don't rush into calling it your own, test it first and remember: practice makes perfect
:rolleyes:

8.3:
Now would be nice to go out and mingle some but being too versatile will muffle your sound: turn around and take the other way out
:duh:

8.4:
Don't let previous failures daunt you, if you hold on to your practice you can improvise with others with no fear: compromises are welcomed
:hugs:

8.5:
Capturing the common vibe is fine, overpowering isn't so leave options open and demand the same for yourself
;)

8.6:
You went too far and lost your head in the clouds :eek:
well, it's never too late to go back to step 1 and repeat



I'll be away for the weekend but would love to get some feedback
:bag:
 

charly

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Random ideas...

Just seeing how hexagram 3 describes the almost overwhelming experience of trying to understand everything all at once and ends up with 3.6 Bloody tears flowing. The superior man has been assigned the almost impossible task to bring order out of confusion and it appears he's not able to do it...
Hi, Rosada:

Maybe it's the key for how to proceed with H.8. Nobody can "understand everything all at once" Lazy kids don't try and run out. smart kids take it by parts. Superior People I don't know... maybe they stay in the heights.

For building meaning proceed by parts. Don't be lazy, hurry up, but take your time for seeing and trying. Nobody's perfect.

all the best,

Charly
 

charly

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The 8 badge for kids: Making connections and friends successfully
...
6.It may seem as though you're having trouble finding where you belong, picking friends who are untrustworthy or who lead you into trouble? time to revaluate your methods of selection. Fools rush in, but the wise person uses his head.

Of course !!!

I was worry for the final XIONG [OMINOUS, HORRIBLE !], but's only an advice for using our head !

Make connection, ok!. Be friendly, ok! But keep your head!

Joining with friends and keeping the mind cool.

I like it!.


Yours,

Charly
 

charly

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... march to the beat of your own drum ...
...
8.3:
Now would be nice to go out and mingle some but being too versatile will muffle your sound: turn around and take the other way out ...

8.6:
You went too far and lost your head in the clouds :eek:
well, it's never too late to go back to step 1 and repeat
...
Hi, Dora:

Follow your own pace... but join the KIDS.

More ways for avoiding to end badly.

Go and take the other way. Maybe all the people can lose the head at the end, but nothing definitive, if you lose your head, come back home and will find it there.

18.3 KIDS: don't have bad joints, don't talk with strangers, join only with PALS OF YOURS. (1)

18.6 And always can get HOME newly to restore your mind.

It's only a game. Smart kids will understand what the message is about.

all the best,

Charly

____________________
(1) FEI REN use to be read as as EVIL PEOPLE, almost GANGSTERS, but the sense would be people that looking not respectable, strange or even evil but that are FRIENDS IN THE ADVENTURE. That's maybe why 8.3 says JOIN THE FEI-REN, adding no comments.
Ch.
 

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