I Ching for the iphone
Text by Brian Browne Walker
Hexagram 39: CHIEN - OBSTRUCTION
Changing Line: 3
Hexagram 8: PI - HOLDING TOGETHER
HEXAGRAM 39: CHIEN – OBSTRUCTION
WATER OVER MOUNTAIN
Surrounded by Obstructions, one must first retreat, then seek the direction of the Sage.
There is an old saying which fits this hexagram: “You are caught between a rock and hard place.” In other words, you are surrounded by obstructions. What is called for now is a retreat into self-examination and self-correction.
Emotions of desire, fear, or anger may tempt you to take action now, but do not be seduced. The presence of these strong feelings is proof that you are off balance and need to steady yourself.
Often the faults in our thinking are revealed only with the aid of others. You would be wise now to seek the advice of the qualified counselor or truth-minded friend.
THIRD LINE Do not act recklessly and egotistically. Retreat and restore your equanimity, and good fortune results.
HEXAGRAM 8: PI - HOLDING TOGETHER (UNION)
WATER OVER EARTH
Seek union with others and with the Sage.
“Holding together”denotes a time for creating unionwith others in order to complement andassist one another, just as the rain complementsand assists the earth.
The first requirementfor holding together with othersis that we hold together with our own inner truth.In short, marry the Sage first andfaithfully, and good fortune willcome to all subsequentmarriages.
The second requirementfor holding together with others is thatwe steadfastly resist the clamoring of the emotionalinferiors within - fear, doubt, despair, and anger. This isa good time to ask yourself if you are displaying thesteadfast correctness and strength ofcharacter that are at the heartof all great unions…