睽
Hexagram 38: K’UEI
OPPOSITION
Misunderstanding truth creates opposition.
There are many occasions in life which tempt us into negative thoughts. Anxiety about the future, mistrust of another person, bodily pain, fear of failure or even success—all of these tempt us into mistrusting life and believing that life is against us. When we fall into this trap, we are in opposition to the workings of the Creative and success becomes impossible.
The simple truth is that every moment in every person’s life contains the teaching he or she most needs at the time. It is not always immediately apparent why a thing is happening because the Sage is often inclined to work in a roundabout fashion. Nonetheless, whatever is happening now is what must happen. Our only task is to trust the process and allow the lesson to seep in.
This hexagram comes as a signal that you are resisting life and preventing your own progress. Nonetheless, success is still possible, for every opposition carries within it the seeds of agreement. Cease resisting yourself, others, life, the Sage. Let go of dark thoughts and aggressive actions. By returning to acceptance, neutrality, and devotion to the way of the Sage, you dissolve the opposition within yourself and open the way for understanding and good fortune to arrive.
FIRST LINE
Do not try to create unity by force. Meet every situation halfway and remain correct.
SECOND LINE
Opposition hinders a meeting of the minds. An open and unstructured approach is best. Often an answer arrives accidentally.
THIRD LINE
Everything appears to conspire against you. Meet this test with balance and acceptance, and a good end will come.
FOURTH LINE
Mistrust of fate leaves you isolated and alone. By rejoining the path of the Sage, you return to joy.
FIFTH LINE
A misunderstanding cloaks the truth. Look beyond appearances and a productive relationship is gained.
SIXTH LINE
Neither life, the Sage, nor your companions seek to harm you. Lay aside mistrust and release the tensions of the moment.from the I Ching, or Book of Changes: A Guide to Life’s Turning Points, by Brian Browne Walker
David Given Schwarm 