David Given Schwarm

賁

GRACE

Inside, the strength of
simplicity and self-knowledge.
Outside, the beauty of
acceptance and gentleness.

This hexagram encourages you to cultivate a quality of grace in your relationships and in your general way of being. In this way you gain a power greater than any other to open a way through obstructions in your dealings with others. Good fortune is yours if you concentrate on bringing more grace to your thoughts and actions now.

It is human nature to want to use forceful ways to try to get what we want from others and from life. Our egos encourage us to act aggressively, to speak boldly, to intimidate others, to “buffalo” our way through difficult situations. This false power can be momentarily satisfying to our ego, and temporary victories can be won in this way, but genuine power and lasting progress come from a different kind of strength altogether.

They come from inner strength, which is characterized by a steadfast devotion to the principles of humility, simplicity, equanimity, and acceptance. By gradually letting go of the vain, bullying energy of the ego and accepting the quiet guidance of the Higher Power, one acquires the substance that makes ongoing good fortune a possibility.

This is a time to relinquish self-important maneuvering. Instead, return to stillness and contemplate the inherent wisdom of the principles of the Sage. By practicing quiet strength within and gentle acceptance without, you acquire a grace that dissolves all barriers to progress.

FIRST LINE

In the beginning, one must walk slowly and carefully. Do not assume that you know the answers or need to force a solution. Remain modest and allow the Unknown to guide you.

SECOND LINE

Concern yourself not with the form things take but with their content. Cut through false appearances to determine whether your own strength or that of another is genuine or contrived.

THIRD LINE

The situation appears positive. Do not relax into arrogance and indolence. Persevere in quiet correctness and good fortune is obtained.

FOURTH LINE

There is a temptation to rely on false brilliance, advantage, or force. A return to modesty and innocence prevents misfortune.

FIFTH LINE

Withdraw from the desires of your ego for luxury and recognition. Sincerity and simplicity are inevitably rewarded by the Sage.

SIXTH LINE

By discarding the use of false power, one gains a view of the path to true power. In quiet acceptance there are a grace and a strength that overcome all else.