Even though the location may change, THE SOURCE remains the same. You may draw from THE WELL, but it is never depleted.
CHING is the Source; it is the Well from which we draw all knowledge for it is where all knowledge collects. Like a raindrop returning to the ocean, everything we know is drawn back to the Source in the end. It is the origin and the destination of Universal Truth and nourishment. It exists both within and without us. We may look at it through the Hindu concept of BRAHMAN or the intellectual form known as the COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS. We have the ability to drink from this Well if we know how to access it, but the water is not always pure. Because the Well is what we put into it, it may sometimes be dark and muddy or full of poisonous diseases. We must learn to distinguish when the correct time to access the Source is, or we risk polluting our souls.
The JUG is our attempt to reach the Well. If we are insincere, the rope is not long enough and does not reach the water. If we are looking for the wrong things, we fish in the Well which bears no fish. If we are not resolute, the jug is cracked and leaks. Each time we draw from the Well, we are using the Jug; while the state of Well cycles through changes, the state of the Jug is linear and subject to deterioration. Consistency and dependability will keep the Jug from falling into disarray.
Six in the fourth place means:
The well is being lined. It is time to prepare for an auspicious future.
If a well is being lined with stone, it cannot be used while the work is going on. But the work is not in vain; the result is that the water stays clear. In life also there are times when we must put ourselves in order. It is a period of internal investment. During such a time we can do nothing for others, but our work is nonetheless valuable, because by enhancing our powers and abilities through inner development, we can accomplish all the more later on.
Nine in the fifth place means:
In the well there is a clear, cold spring from which one can drink.
A well that is fed by a spring of living water is a good well. When we drink this water, we are refreshed. A person who has virtues like a well of this sort is born to be a leader for they have the WATER OF LIFE. They are in direct contact with The Source, and are constantly renewed by it.
I asked the I Ching today, "What impact will yesterday's bombing in Boston have on our spirit?" This was the reading I received in reply:
61 - INNER TRUTH (zhong fu)
This hexagram is about dealing with evil in others through the power of inner truth.
INNER TRUTH is the accumulated power of spiritual experience. It is GNOSIS, or the knowledge of cosmic laws we have acquired through the development of the SELF. It comes to us when we disperse prejudice and make ourselves receptive to the Creative force. Whenever our inner attitude is defective, this influence is blocked. When we are fearful, we will be attacked; when we barricade the unknown with structured explanations, room for insight into new knowledge is shut out.
This is the hexagram of MERCY. It urges us to not rush to judgement when putting others on trial. We should weigh the facts very heavily against our hearts, and only "execute" people and ideas when we consider them a lost cause. This is especially important right now when we are looking to condemn somebody or a group for the tragedy that occurred. At the moment we don't know who is responsible for the bombing, and we should remember not to place blame based on speculations. Wait until all the evidence comes forth before making an informed decision. We should treat all decisions in this manner.
FAITH is important, we must always have something to believe in - especially right now, but Inner Truth reminds us that faith requires explanations and defenses. KNOWLEDGE is stronger than faith because truth is firmly placed. It penetrates defenses and requires no explanation because it IS explanation. Truth requires patience, though, and we are reminded, again, not to jump to conclusions and make decisions based solely on a gut feeling.
6 at the 3rd position:
Confronting an adversary can bring both joy and despair in succession. Remain sincere and trustworthy.
9 at the 5th position:
Inner sincerity builds trust, bringing you closer to another, forming a special relationship.
To me these lines indicated two things: that we must hold tight to our principles in light of the Truth, and that this tragedy will only strengthen our sense of community. When we DO find out who is responsible for this attack, there will be a mob-mentality threatening to lynch the responsible party. This is a rash judgement, and we should remember that even the most heinous of us deserves to defend themselves. We may feel justice is accomplished by returning harm to the responsible individual, but this is not the justice of the Universe. It is empty justice. KARMA is true justice, and we should remember that each one of us is flawed and has sinned at one point or another. Only by strengthening our communities, getting to know our neighbors and supporting them, can we erase hatred and pain. We are a global community now, do not forget that, and so this is necessary on an even grander scale.
All is not what it seems. At this time, reality seems like a hall of mirrors. Intrigues are multiplying like summer flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion, disintegration, distrust and deception.
When you find yourself trapped in a hall of mirrors, sometimes it is necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. There is no blame in holding back; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of resurrection, which follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.
Discretion is the better part of valor — and good timing is very important too. Learn to choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at such a time as this for changes that signal a time to retreat.
In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion is always painful, and confusing. When in the midst of such a period, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves, and it is especially important not to jump to conclusions when you sense that nothing is quite what it seems.
Six at the beginning means:
The leg of the bed is split. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune.
Inferior people are on the rise and stealthily begin their destructive burrowing from below in order to undermine the place where the superior man rests. Those followers of the ruler who remain loyal are destroyed by slander and intrigue. The situation bodes disaster, yet there is nothing to do but wait.
Six in the second place means:
The bed is split at the edge. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune.
The power of the inferior people is growing. The danger draws close to one's person; already there is clear indication, and rest is disturbed. Moreover, in this dangerous situation one is as yet without help or friendly advances from above or below. Extreme caution is necessary in this isolation. One must adjust to the time and promptly avoid the danger. Stubborn perseverance in maintaining one's standpoint would lead to downfall.
