The key to what we do is making the effort that will ensure our success. This entry in the I Ching refers to ascendance. Rising to the occasion. Climbing the mountain step by step. Becoming one with the intended spirit we are here to claim for ourselves. In the thirty-one years that have passed since I wrote the below entry, I have been to the top of what are considered the five sacred mountains in Chinese Taoist history. What defines the mountain as sacred? It is generally accepted over a period extending for thousands of years, that the closest you can get to heaven and still be here on earth is climbing the mountain.
Climbing the mountain, you get a view of nature as God intended that includes you as well. To be able to rise above the clouds with your feet still set firmly on the ground has historic spiritual meaning. Tying yourself to nature was the supreme extent of what would define both Buddhist and Taoist philosophy and thought. As well as your own personal connection to spirit and your own journey. To travel to the top and to see the other side is often considered to be a sacred event. Not far from Qufu, in Shandong Province, is the most famous mountain in China. TaiShan Mountain was visited by Chinese emperors for over a thousand years as it was the first to see the sunrise coming up in the east. Spending the night on top of the mountain to see the sun rise is still considered a sacred event today.
Unfortunately, what we don’t know we often fear. Opening our thoughts, mind, and actions to what may be seen as beyond the norm questioning what was once considered decided. What is the norm, except accepting what we think we know as the only way forward. Seeing the other side of the mountain opens us to vistas as yet unseen, taking us from what we know to what is unknown… and perhaps the way forward we previously would not have considered.
Number 46 of the I Ching
Rewards Yet to Come
As with resisting the elements, climbing a mountain a step at a time or in swimming a river one stroke at a time, the ultimate goal is the same. Simply to get to the top or over to the other side.
Without knowing one’s ultimate direction, the effort seems fruitless and if the truth ever enters the picture – it is.
Persistent efforts pay off with dividends to spare. Rewards may come and go like the tide, but in reality, it is only truth seen by the inner self that counts. Clarity suddenly becomes much clearer like a deep still pool found in a mountain stream. The trout darting back and forth many feet away always forever seemingly within arm’s reach.
Balance suddenly becoming like two sides being equally found in nature. All things finding their place and a place being found naturally for all things. Stay within the strength of your persistence, clarity and inner balance and know the end result will be as it must be. Simply to your advantage. The ultimate victory occurs only with the decision to follow the true path of virtue. It is only through hard work and ever-present diligence that success is ultimately achieved.
Half-hearted efforts result in half-hearted finishes that are evident for all to see. Know the difference through desire for peace and harmony in all things. Keep to the middle of the road and enjoy the ultimate rewards yet to come.
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching (46 ASCENDANCE / Earth over Wind). 3/13/94
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