Number forty-two of the I Ching brings thoughts of doing great things, if, and when the river is crossed. It’s like setting out to do great things leaving self-doubt behind. Shifting to do good things after recognizing previous errors in your behavior and correcting them. Using this opportunity for transformation as we consider our place in the world. Looking to make sacrifices then reaping the rewards of our actions. WE then can perceive how things can be improved and to shift our efforts accordingly.
I like the reference to shoes that we wear for different activities. Whether work boots or shoes, shoes for sports activities, dress shoes. It is not like one size fits all situation. We change our shoes accordingly. We are the same person regardless of the shoes we wear. We change our shoes to fit the situation. So much of the I Ching for thousands of years has reflected the idea of change. Why in Eastern philosophy the transformation of the I Ching, to Confucianism, to Buddhist thought over the centuries became seamless. You didn’t leave one for the other. You simply take on the structure and views that fit your own situation.
To demonstrate this, I like to refer to the story of the raft and the Diamond Sutra in Buddhism. Variations on the raft parable appear in several scriptures. One notable example is found in the sixth chapter of the Diamond Sutra. Many English translations of the Diamond have hried to make sense of it, and versions of this chapter are all over the map, so to speak. This is from Red Pine’s translation:
“…fearless bodhisattvas do not cling to a dharma, much less to no dharma. This is the meaning behind the Tathagata’s saying, ‘A dharma teaching is like a raft. If you should let go of dharmas, how much more so no dharmas.’”
This bit of the Diamond Sutra also has been interpreted in various ways. A common understanding is that a wise bodhisattva recognizes the usefulness of dharma teachings without becoming attached to them, so that they are released when they have done their work. “No dharma” is sometimes explained as worldly matters or to the teachings of other traditions. In the context of the Diamond Sutra, it would be foolish to consider this passage as a permission slip to ignore dharma teachings altogether. Throughout the sutra, the Buddha instructs us to not be bound by concepts, even concepts of “Buddha” and “dharma.”
It’s like I have said before that we are to find the right shoes that fit.
Number 42 of the I Ching
Oncoming (Flooding) Decisions
Heavy rains creating difficulty proceeding in the present direction. Following the well-worn path leads to the center of the seat of power and authority. Shelter must be found. Much discussion transpires with the outpouring of events bringing danger to those staying in disregard to safety in low lying areas. Assistance pouring in to replace valuables lost in the storm. Your own place in the overall scheme of things becomes unsettled as there is no way to anticipate the final outcome. The ultimate threat seems to subside.
You are thankful for help but recognize that your base of operations must be moved. Events lead to mutual agreements towards cooperation with others. Always looking for good advise as trouble again appears once more on the horizon. Rain continues to fall soaking all and bringing the final flood of decision to move on.
Those who have gathered look to you for direction. Trust moving to and fro like a pendulum not knowing that this chapter of events is over. Packing up, all things must go. Trying to salvage the present only delays what must ultimately be saved.
Endings push us to new beginnings and new destinations. The Tao as the only anchor. The path ahead suddenly seems clear. The sun comes out from behind the clouds drying out mildew taking its turn and having its own way.
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching (42 INCREASE / Wind over Thunder). 3/11/94
Leave a Reply