11 泰 Peace
Judgement
The small goes away and the great arrives: this is a moment of opening. What is above and what is below communicate, and you can tell because things flow. It is a favorable time, with good reasons to move ahead and to hope for progress. But do not take it for granted. Peace needs tending: make use of this moment with generosity and attention, without assuming it will last forever.
Image
Heaven and earth meet, and what is above and what is below communicate. From that contact comes whatever gives life. The good ruler shapes the rules by following the rhythms of heaven and earth, and helps what is natural to be put into practice, for the benefit of the people. Today you can do something similar: listen to the rhythm of things before you put them in order.
Lines
Line 1
You pull up one blade of grass and others come with it, joined by the same root. What is connected moves together. Moving ahead now is a good idea, better still with those who share your root. Ask yourself with whom you are rooted and whom you could bring along with you.
Line 2
You know how to bear what is rough and unpolished. You cross the river without a boat, decisively, and you neither forget those who are far away nor give in to favoritism. This is the conduct of someone who keeps balance. Ask yourself whom you treat with patience and whom you have left out.
Line 3
There is no peace without disturbance, and no retreat without its return: this is the law of cycles. If you stay firm and upright and stay aware of the difficulties that may come, you are unlikely to go wrong. You need not grieve that everything changes. That way you can enjoy the good you have now.
Line 4
You come down lightly, without leaning on your wealth, and you call your neighbors. They come unwarned, from the heart. If something is too much for you, do not carry it alone. Ask for help naturally, like someone knocking on the next door.
Line 5
Remember King Yi's rule about the marriage of his younger sister: follow what is established. There is happiness here, and a real advantage. When you hold a position, humility is still what serves you best. Ask yourself whether you treat with equal respect someone who can give you nothing back.
Line 6
The city wall falls back into the moat: what was raised comes apart and peace ends. This is not the time to mobilize forces. You may share your decisions with those closest to you, but however firm and upright you are, there is reason for regret. When the cycle turns, do not fight it.
Reflection
- What are you taking for granted in this good moment that deserves care?
- With whom are you connected in such a way that what is yours also affects them?
- Whom could you ask for help without feeling you lose something?