4. Youthful Folly / Inexperience

“At the first oracle I inform her . . . “

You wish to enter into a situation that is completely new to you. Admit your lack of knowledge and experience. Find a teacher, then follow her advice.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You are facing a future full of new and challenging circumstances. The Great Load you are carrying now will not be so heavy. You can go forward in an entirely different direction.

The Book of Changes offers to be your teacher. But . . . “At the first oracle I inform her. If she asks two or three times, it is importunity. If she importunes, I give her no information.”

“Importunity” means persistence in questioning, especially to the point of annoyance. The Yi is issuing a warning: It will give you the correct advice the first time you ask. Don’t keep asking the same question just because you don’t like the answer you got. Wilhelm explains, “If mistrustful or unintelligent questioning is kept up, it only serves to annoy the teacher. . . . the oracle gives one answer only and refuses to be tempted by questions implying doubt.

Remember, the Book of Changes doesn’t tell you what you want to hear — it tells you what you need to know.

………………….

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

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