GUIDANCE: “Be gradual like a
woman planning to marry. Good fortune comes by firmly
keeping to the right way.”
In this hexagram, Wind or Wood is above Mountain. Mountain
suggests quiet, while Wind represents gentle movement.
Together they suggest gradualness. The upper trigram,
Wood, is like a tree slowly growing on a mountain. The
inner trigrams of Water and Fire enable Wood and Mountain
to interact harmoniously. The inner trigrams also suggest
the union of male and female energies, or of any positive
relationship. This type of internal harmony encourages
the gradual development of a good relationship.
The Mountain suggests a young man. and Wind suggests a
young woman. As they gradually come closer together, their
relationship culminates in marriage. If they follow the
natural order of development, success is assured. However,
if they rush unto the relationship, it probably will not
endure. The relationship will benefit both sides if they
remain detached in the beginning, observe circumstances
and slowly reach a point of mutual friendship before becoming
more closely involved. Thus, there will be no remorse.
Obviously, this principle is not limited to marriage.
Marriage is simply a metaphor for the gradual development
of any relationship or situation.
The meaning of this hexagram is further illustrated by
the gradual step-by-step process of geese migrating to
distant lands. Each line of the hexagram represents a
different resting place in their long journey. In cold
weather they fly southward: in Summer they go northward.
Geese symbolize stability as they unerringly follow the
rhythm of the seasons. They also display order in the
formations in which they fly and faithfulness in their
mating habits. When one dies, the other never chooses
another mate.
Wild geese are water birds and gather on river banks.
From there, they travel over the plains to the highlands.
Thus, they symbolize wind gently blowing over the mountains.
Gradual progress leads one to higher levels. The Mountain,
when it refers to a young man, indicates inexperience.
He suffers emotional difficulties because he still knows
little about handling problems. At an early stage, it
is sometimes beneficial to follow a leader in order to
gain an opportunity for development. By slowly showing
one’s talents and earning the trust of superiors,
a relationship can mature. Therefore, one has an opportunity
to be useful in any situation and to share life meaningfully
with others. Conversely, if one engages in work for a
superior person but perceives it as an obligation rather
than a privilege, one’s efforts will not be positive,
nor will they be received with appreciation. The energy
offered to one’s spouse is received in the same manner.
Commentary
The key to Tao the universal subtle potency of eternal
life,
lies in the eyes.
The eyes gather color and form which,
when too active, hinder cultivation
and drain energy.
Keep the six gates serene and pure.
Remove all distraction from the ears and eyes
to keep yow energy full and your spirit whole.
Keep the mind from wandering.
The subtle body is like nature and Heaven.
It receives all and holds nothing.
The origin of suffering lies in the physical body.
Make it an altar of self-cultivation.
Trickery and deceit do not benefit the body.
What may seem good for your body
may damage your mind,
and a damaged mind holds no home for the soul.
Adding a title to your name,
or a decoration to your personality,
is not the way of a whole being.
True benefit is found in the efforts
of your own deep soul.
Real benefit is not found in social reputation.
True gain is measured deep within yourself.
For the Sacred Method to be real
and practical in the realm of life,
one must have deep spiritual roots. ~=
Choosing an heir to the Sacred Way
must be done with care.
This is not the same as repaying favors
to a friend.
Love and value the Sacred Method.
Do not carelessly throw it away.
Observe those with true spiritual affinity
for the Universal Way and those without.
The Grand Masters of the Sacred Method
bid us again and again
to fully protect this treasure.
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