David Given Schwarm

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Hexagram 23: PO

SPLITTING APART

Do not attempt to intervene now.

A period has been entered when inferior influences will prevail. Even a superior person who seeks to act now will be undermined by the time. There is no reason to resist this state of affairs; indeed, it is natural that the inferior elements periodically come to the fore. Adversity is often a stimulant to our spiritual growth, and what is important is the spirit in which we meet it.

When challenging situations come to call, we are often overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, doubt, and fear. We fear that if we do not act immediately and vigorously, we will be ruined; we doubt the power of the Creative to resolve the situation favorably. It is when we act upon these feelings that we engage in “splitting apart”: we split apart from our spiritual path, our devotion to the Higher Power, and the wisdom of patient nonaction in the face of difficulty. If you take this course now, you will prevent the Creative from coming to your aid and unnecessarily increase your own misfortune.

The guide to proper behavior at such times lies in the image of the hexagram, which is “mountain over earth.” By keeping as still and quiet as a mountain, by resting firmly on your foundation of proper principles, by accepting the nature of the time and not resisting it, you weather all storms. By trusting in nonaction, acceptance, and patience, you gain the strength of the very earth.

FIRST LINE

Doubt and fear have propelled egos into action. Disaster results unless you abandon your grievances and agendas and allow the Creative to take over.

SECOND LINE

Danger is all around you. If you are stubborn and unyielding you will be harmed. Use caution and wait for the Creative to come to your aid.

THIRD LINE

Stay devoted to the superior person inside yourself. Though others may oppose you, no harm results.

FOURTH LINE

The misfortune has reached its peak. Do not resist it any longer. Your energies should go toward correcting your attitude.

FIFTH LINE

Through acceptance and self-correction you make possible a great change, like a vast school of fish instantly reversing its direction.

SIXTH LINE

Evil feeds on evil and in time destroys everything connected with it. Cling to what is correct, and evil withers quickly away. Good fortune returns.