Notes as we continue…
Halfway through the I Ching and here we are
The following are the contents of my book I wrote in 1994 and published in China in 2004 by Blue Wind Publishing in Beijing. The book, An American Journey through the I Ching and Beyond, can be found online in China at http://www.ecph.com.cn. What I am doing now, is updating as a commentary from what I wrote thirty-one years ago.
Illustrations are images from my travels around China. They focus on the Han dynasty and earlier periods in Chinese history and commentary that better defines the impact of Taoism, the yin and yang, the sixty-four (64) hexagrams and I Ching throughout history and especially on China. Pictures help the “mind’s eye” to tell the story and help to speak to one’s beginnings and help us to remember previous journeys we have taken.
The central question in the beginning asked by the shaman was – if you abandon your origins, as well as your source – can you erase the claim they have on your body and soul? And does it matter? This question is the essence of the I Ching and why the dragon became the liaison between knowing and not knowing, and man’s ultimate connection between the universe, heaven, the ten thousand things and nature itself that serves to unify it all. Our own story depends solely on our catching glimpses of our role and our deciding to come along for the ride that feeds eternity.
Living in the wu wei that Chuang Tzu teaches and following our own vision, or way, of adapting to complimentary opposites that serve to define us to the end. The entry below expresses that we possess great strength. That the great are strong. This idea in consistency means good fortune and follows us throughout our lives. That danger may be real and imminent, but that we are to take preventive and protective action. The great act with both rectitude and greatness with our innate tendencies in such a way that both Heaven and Earth can be seen.
Number 34 of the I Ching
The Interlude
The sky is clouding up as rain and thunder can be seen and heard in the distance.
Ominous warnings of things to come. The dragons are seen taking cover. Prepare to take shelter to wait out the coming storm. Anxious about the coming events you stumble gashing your big toe severely. Taken in by an elderly couple your wound is treated. However, the outcome is still very much in doubt. Your injury serving as a warning. To continue without acknowledging what should be considered as attainable would be foolish.
Redefining your direction, you take this interlude to see where you are headed before setting out again as the storm continues unabated overhead with ominous signs of loss and misfortune. The way remaining unclear. Keeping to the true path cannot be considered a hurried adventure.
Slow and steady as with the great tortoise with even steadiness, perseverance and persistence. Success can still be achieved. However, previous losses must be recognized, accounted for and reconciled as such. Then forever forgotten to concentrate on the road ahead.
Injuries and circumstances permitted to get out of control allow events to surround us, eliminating options.
Acceptance that some things must be acknowledged before making headway is the best course of action. Continually focus only on your own clarity and strength to show the way. (written as a tribute to Wang Xizhi, an ancient Chinese calligrapher from Linyi in Shandong Province)
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching 34 GREAT INJURY / Thunder over Heaven). 3/1/94
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