We set the stage through purposeful action with vibrations that ring through eternity.
The term and use of the word cauldron is emblematic of the container that is heated by fire that contains the food that all are to benefit from. That fire begins and burns from within us. We have now moved beyond the old to begin to see what we can create that will be new and what we can inspire from others.
This transformation serves as the ultimate purpose of the eighty-one entries here on the I Ching. Number fifty below serves as a renewing force within ourselves. A cleansing of who we were to what our goals should be to make way for a new focus of change. To something we no longer fear, but instead welcome as though an appendage that helps us to carry the load.
Everyone is to eat the food made from the cauldron, however when we serve what is to become virtue that others take in, our true purpose becomes clear. It is when we learn to take nourishment, we can accomplish things without ego, or purposeful action. To what many call wu wei. It is when all can benefit, both hard and strong and soft and weak, what begins to resonate is the prevalence of all. When we can resonate with this we can begin to identify with the new as it becomes us too.
Number 50 of the I Ching
Serving the Ultimate Needs of All
Waking refreshed, yet fatigued you travel on to the ever-increasing horizon as it becomes clear that you are travel weary and deserving of a rest before moving on. As a village is seen in the distance you approach all seeming peaceful. A large vat of food is seen in the courtyard. All milling around.
Witnessing a sense of oneness throughout the community you sense harmony, both physical and spiritual among those present. You come to feel safe and secure. A sanctuary found. The Tao and Te ever present. Suddenly a leg on the cauldron breaks loose as several watch in horror as the vat tips over spilling everything inside as it rolls several feet away breaking handles all the way.
A celebration ensues. Where one would expect long faces and forlorn expressions, you find instead much joy and elation. Yin and yang are understood. Good follows bad to be followed again and again. The spilled food is seen as a sign of celebration releasing something felt to be valuable serving the ultimate needs of all. Going hungry while additional food is prepared is considered good fortune to be shared by all.
The lesson is to appreciate what you have. Know what is not important and be respectful. All the time knowing the difference brings the ultimate fulfillment. Know the outcome before it comes served on a jade platter and be prepared and ever vigilant and never go hungry again.
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching (50 THE CAULDRON / Fire over Wind). 3/18/94
Leave a Reply