Wisdom of the I Ching to be Comprehended in a Lifetime - Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching to be Comprehended in a Lifetime

Author: Tianyu / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
(Trigram 3) (Guà) [Trigram Diagram] Shock (Zhèn) below, Water (Kǎn) above [Script]: Original blessing, favorable for steadfastness. Do not act with a destination in mind; it is favorable to establish a feudal lord.
Initial 9: Stagnation, favorable for steadfastness in residence, favorable for establishing a feudal lord.
Six 2: Stagnation as if turning, riding a horse in disarray. Not bandits but marriage; a woman’s steadfastness does not lead to marriage, it will take ten years to marry.
Six 3: Chasing a deer without a guide, only entering the forest. A gentleman observes, better to give up, to go is regretful.
Six 4: Riding a horse in disarray. Marrying, going is auspicious, without harm.
Nine 5: Storing fat, small steadfastness is auspicious, great steadfastness is ominous.
Top 6: Riding a horse in disarray, crying blood flows like a river.
[Script Explanation]
The Tán (Judgment) says:, the beginning of interaction between yang and yin, gives rise to difficulty. Moving in danger, great blessing and steadfastness. The movement of thunder and rain is full, heaven creates chaos, it is appropriate to establish a feudal lord but not at ease.
The Xiàng (Image) says: Cloud and thunder intersect, symbolizing difficulty; a gentleman should manage affairs diligently at this time.
[Translation and Interpretation]
This trigram has Shock (Zhèn) below and Water (Kǎn) above. Shock represents thunder, and Water represents water. Thunder below and water above, movement below and danger above, symbolize the stage when heaven and earth, yin and yang first interact, and all things are in their initial stages of growth. The path is auspicious. Steadfastness will lead to smooth progress. In such circumstances, do not act hastily. It is better to first establish a ruler and gradually set order. The Xiàng Commentary says: Cloud and thunder intersect, symbolizing difficulty; a gentleman should manage affairs diligently at this time.
[Reflection]
When new things arise, they inevitably encounter numerous difficulties. The path may be winding, but the future is bright. With perseverance, things will ultimately grow and flourish. It is hard to start, but as long as one maintains confidence, clarifies goals, stays grounded, manages carefully, and strives for every small step of progress, over time, accumulation will transform into growth.
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, many warlords rose, and the imperial court declined. Although Liu Bei, the descendant of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty and the Prince of Zhongshan, was a child of the imperial family, he grew up in poverty, making a living by selling shoes and weaving mats. After reaching adulthood, Liu Bei sworn brotherhood with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and fought against the Yellow Turban Rebellion, achieving military merit and becoming a small official like a county magistrate. However, he soon resigned due to offending his superiors. Though Liu Bei was determined to restore the Han Dynasty, his strength was weak, and he had no choice but to wander and seek refuge under figures like Gongsun Du, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Biao, living a restless and dependent life. However, Liu Bei never stopped seeking opportunities to gather talent and strengthen his forces. With the help of Zhuge Liang and others, Liu Bei finally secured a foothold in Jing Province.
Thereafter, Liu Bei first allied with Sun Quan to defeat Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs. He then conquered (Yìzhōu) and Hanzhong, establishing the Shu-Han regime and declaring himself emperor. Shu-Han, along with Eastern Wu and Cao Wei, divided the empire into three. Though it did not achieve the goal of reviving the Han Dynasty, Liu Bei, undaunted by difficulties, ultimately accomplished great deeds through unwavering efforts.
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