At this point in 1994, I was writing almost an entry a day for almost three months. This is on February 9th. I was to write several additional books over the years on Taoism and Confucius. Making almost fifty trips to China, and later teach in Qufu, China at the school founded by descendants of Confucius. What began as an advocation, was that I was to make becoming an historian and teacher of ancient Chinese philosophy a life-long vocation. Much later living and teaching in Qufu, confirmed what I should be doing. Where I was to be doing it from, was as yet to be determined. It was this desire that led to the creation of The Kongdan Foundation in 2007. As an extension of my love of nature I became a Master Gardener something I continue to this day.
As this stage in my writing, it was how these thoughts and words I was expressing following the I Ching were conveying special meaning I was to follow. It was more a means to an end. My gaining an appreciation for the journey that I was about to take. I was forty-two at the time, (now seventy-two) and had never really written anything, or contemplated writing books that might later be published in China. The idea of traveling through the sky with dragons would have seemed unreal. I had just discovered my love for gardening and was becoming a Master Gardener in Massachusetts where I was living at the time.
It was a turbulent time, and change was happening and writing was teaching and giving me a sense of tranquility that was to transcend the division between activity and contemplation. Rather consciously or sub-consciously, I was entering into a union with the nameless and invisible Tao. Having peers lead the way as though they were carrying me… perhaps even bringing me home. Finding balance and harmony in a time of upheaval and change was difficult. But I just kept writing with a sense that the answers were simply waiting to be told.
Number 8 of the I Ching
Exposure
Be careful the dragons are at play. With integrity comes peril. There is danger in knowing and conveying the truth. For those who need to hear the truth often cannot see it. Support can be given in many ways.
Always convey the truth. Honor will only come to those with courage to say and do what is right verses saying what others simply want to hear. Reality will always be tested by those who question what is real. Support can be given in many ways. Self-preservation is arduous to maintain. As both good and bad are exposed be careful the dragons are at play.
Teach others by doing the right thing. Be careful in conduct and illustrious of sound judgment. Know the oneness of Tao and be effective with others. Get and maintain the attention of others before speaking. Good advice wasted on someone not listening can lead to one’s own demise.
Be careful. Be careful.
But show support for those who endeavor to do the right thing.
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching (8 SUPPORT / Wind over Heaven). 2/9/94
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