Reading from the I Ching:
How does one fulfill their spiritual potential?
Original hexagram is Thunder over Thunder; 51
The Expansion is Fire over Thunder; 21
The Kernel is Fire over Water; 64 BY WAY OF Water over Mountain; 39
The shock that comes once there is an understanding of more than the physical; that there is a spiritual, can be overwhelming. Once there is understanding of the depth of spiritual existence one can actually become afraid. As we tap into the depths of a spiritual path, we begin to realize just how vast the journey might be. While fear is the most common reaction among us humans, it doesn’t take long to realize that pursuing a spiritual path actually brings us a lot of joy. Once we have learned truly what the fear and trembling might be; having a spiritual path and journey gives us assurance and the confidence to continue~ we sense success through the obstacles that lay ahead. Once this understanding of what the fear is about, what we want to pursue, and a method on how to get there, we get our lives in order and set our hearts in motion.
As we travel our spiritual journeys, we begin to encounter obstacles. The text indicates that the best way to overcome these obstacles is taking a posture of firmness, yet gentle and “bite” one’s way through them. What does “bite” mean? It’s an energetic term really. In other words, get out of the way of your own ego, search for the balance between the weaknesses and the strengths, travel a firm, but gentle order, and face up to the consequences of your actions. By this method, one gains inner and outer respect that is required to pursue a spiritual path. Without respect and regard for the inner-nature of oneself (buddhanature), and respect for one’s spiritual master and path, it will be difficult to overcome the obstacles one is sure to face. It’s about breaking through the obstacles.
Once we have traveled a bit on our path, there may come a time when what we see before us reminds us of an abyss of sorts, or a steep inaccessible mountain that we must cross. Or, worse yet, the abyss before us and the mountain behind us with no observable method of escape or retreat. These are obstructions, however if one can remain still enough there are implicit hints of appropriate, and successful travel. These hints appear in time, and should we choose to follow, we will find our way overcoming the obstacles.
The text indicates that it is important to surround yourself with like-minded people; friends and spiritual family, following one of great leadership that is equal to the situation~ thus a qualified Teacher. With these conditions, one is sure to find their way across and through the obstacles. However, it does requires one to focus on the inner purpose and the will to persevere. This focus and will is sure to bring good fortune. “An obstruction that lasts only for a time is useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.”
Difficult times forces one to look at themselves; their posture, their purpose, their faults and fears. The lesser person will place blame, bewailing fate while the superior person will seek error within oneself and through this introspection manifest the occasion for inner enrichment and learning. The conditions are difficult and the tasks are great, not to mention full of responsibility. “It is nothing less than that of leading the world out of confusion…” However, “it is the tasks that promises success, because there is a goal that can unite the forces now tending in different directions.”
This understanding of obtaining one’s spiritual potential is good for always, and not just for the day or the week or the month. Have a wonderful week pursuing your potential in all arenas of your life. Pursuing the spiritual one will bleed into all other facets of your life, in a positive and beneficial way. Happy New Year 🙂
To learn more about the I Ching, see the I Ching Page!
