Life should be about implementing the master plan for ourselves we are seeking. (The computer wants me to insert us instead of ourselves here. But the emphasis in the I Ching is getting our directions set internally before any outward approach affecting nature and others.) Before retiring from being a city planner and neighborhood specialist I always felt my best role was in devising master plans assisting others as the how to reach common solutions that gave identity to personal objectives. This carried over to when I was teaching English in China when I would tell my students who were to become teachers, to help others to find what they are good or best at and to spend their own life going there as well. To find their own niche as they say. I was teaching in Shandong Province where the students had lived their entire lives in the shadow of Confucius and virtue.
There have been many commentaries of the I Ching over the centuries, not only as a personal approach as to how we should live that fits our path. We always ask… what is my best step acknowledging both my role and talents that will contribute to my journey. Two of the best known in history were Wang Pi and Confucius. Commentaries on the sixty-entries focusing on what are known as the judgements, or what I like to call the circumstances surrounding a situation. This led to better understanding what came to be known as “cause and effect” and the best way to proceed looking at possible outcomes. Over time what the shaman and nature taught was that it was “complimentary opposites” that prevail. Conveying what they meant was to become paramount to history.
It was like saying we know the right path we should take and have considered the obstacles, now how do I go forward to implement the best plan for myself and others. I have always felt that the numerology and variations that we can get with the sixty-four hexagrams, have served the purpose of finding our innate intent prior to heading out on the path, or journey. Importantly, what are the “underlying contradictions” to the situation that may deter you from your highest endeavor. This personal challenge was best approached and sealed Confucius role in history by conveying that in all situations it is best to proceed with benevolence and virtue. It gave the true meaning of the I Ching as how do I, and importantly we together find the best way to act and proceed in any situation.
These principles are as valid today as they were more than twenty-five hundred years ago when Confucius lived. In as much as we are here to learn how to devise the master plan for our own life that assists the journey we are on. The I Ching was meant to help take us there and became the underpinning of Chinese culture and what was to become known as Taoism going forward. Just as we will do here.
The I Ching
Epilogue
Cloud Dancing, you have taken the first step in finding patience that most others never find the wherewithal to do. You have completed the I Ching.
Keep only to the true path. The importance of the oracle and interpretation is what it means to you along the way.
Saying the same thing over again and again to reinforce what is within you only for you to find. Be honest with yourself and when mistakes are made know that they are made for a reason. That is to teach you the importance of the test to be found in each moment of every day.
Not only the important aspects of the journey itself with the confidence found in catching your breath which is the first step in finding your inner self. But also, to finding how to relate to others the true meaning of the Way. Finding compassion and sincerity and knowing truly what they mean. Repeating thoughts and phrases many times and many ways to simply come to know what is within your heart and soul.
It is through this test that you must continue to discover, learn and know inner virtue and responsibility. With inner accolades and the dragons always at your beck and call only for worthy causes. Remember that we are here for you to use as guides. We truly do lounge on clouds in the sky. So, look for us as we are never too far away.
An original composition written upon the completion of the I Ching. 3/29/94
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