6. Conflict

“You are sincere and are being obstructed.”

You have a Conflict with someone. You are in the right, but that won’t help. Back away from this fight.

……………………………………

The important part of this message: You are in the right. But that won’t help you “win” this Conflict.

The Book of Changes says: A long-simmering Conflict is wasting your psychological energy. Give it up. Take what comfort you can in the fact that you were right.

Example: You have a long-standing disagreement with your supervisor over procedure. You have a way of changing the way things work; a procedure to prevent most of the snarls that keep coming up. He won’t consider it.

Congratulations. You are right. Doing things your way is better. But this guy is not going to change his mind.

……………………….

Next: Changing Line 4. “One turns back and submits to fate.”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for your Mind.

50. Establishing the New

“Establishing the new. Supreme good fortune.”

You need to make a fundamental change. When you make this change, it will bring you to a state of being where great things can be accomplished.

…………………………

Establishing the New is the future of Dispersion. Once you have let go of conflicts and grievances, you will be free to make big changes in your life.

The Book of Changes says: You have been stuck in old patterns and fighting old battles. When you let go of the old stuff, you’ll be able to start something new, and with this new outlook, you will prosper.

Example: Establishing the New may signal you are ready to start recovering from your divorce. The Yi says: Let all that bad old stuff go. Starting a “new” life will bring supreme good fortune.

…………………

Next: A new reading

How the Book of Changes Works

“The way in which the Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. The circuit only affords the potentiality of lighting; it does not give light. But when contact with a definite situation is established in the questioner, the ‘current’ is activated, and the given situation is illumined.”

Richard Wilhelm

59. Dispersion, Line 5

“Loud cries as dissolving as sweat.”

When a high fever breaks, you experience a tidal wave of sweat meant to cool down your body. In much the same way, the solution to your problem will appear as a mind-flash — a true “ah ha!” moment.

…………………………..

Have you had a ‘smack yourself in the forehead’ revelation? Something you have been worrying about, puzzling over, is about to be solved. It will come to you like the proverbial light bulb over your head.

The Book of Changes says: The Dispersion of a whole cluster of problems will come when you receive this mind-flash.

A common revelation is: “This is not my problem. I didn’t cause it, and I won’t be able to “fix” it. The best I can do is offer support.”

Acceptance and detachment will open the door for a better future, as we will see in our future reading, Establishing the New.

…………….

Next: Future. “You need to make a fundamental change.”

“Always in motion is the future.”

Yoda

39. Dispersion, Line 4

“She dissolves her bonds with her group.”

You must sacrifice something you are attached to — an attitude, a belief, a goal, a person — in order to make progress toward your Inner Truth.

…………………………………

This line often come up when we realize a group we identify with is headed in a different direction. It could be the folks at work, or your own family.

The Book of Changes says: You have to get some distance here, but you don’t have to slam the door shut. Dispersion — a gradual lessening of contact — will serve you best.

Eg. You have an aunt who, every few years, gets caught up in some sort of pyramid scheme or party plan. Then she pesters every one in the family to buy into it. The Yi says: Keep your distance.

………………….

Next: Line 5. “Loud cries as dissolving as sweat.”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

59. Dispersion, Line 3

“She dissolves herself. No remorse.”

Set a goal in a larger cause, one that is for the greater good. Set aside all personal agendas and devote yourself entirely to this larger cause. You won’t regret it.

…………………………………..

What needs Dispersion here is your ego. You are concentrating on what’s good for you, personally, but your actions aren’t being very successful, and don’t benefit any one else.

The Book of Changes says: Let go of your plans for world domination. By working instead for the common good, you will open doors for yourself that you didn’t know existed.

You don’t have to give up your dream. An opportunity will come in a different form that will help you continue on your path to a fulfilling life.

…………..

Next: Line 4. “She dissolves her bonds with her group.”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

59. Dispersion

“The wind flows over the water . . . “

A subtle change will come, breaking up the fog currently separating you from others. Strive for flexibility, acceptance, and balance.

…………………….

A close relationship seems a little distant at the moment. You are looking to re-establish a closer bond, but aren’t really sure how to go about it.

The Book of Changes says: You are being too stiff and judgmental about something. Lighten up. Acceptance of another for what they actually are will open up the lines of communication.

We received three changing lines, Lines 3, 4, and 5, to guide us in this Dispersion.

……………

Next: Line 3. “She dissolves herself. No remorse.”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

2. The Receptive

“Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.”

Now is the time to be yielding and receptive to new ideas. Do not try to lead, and do not try to go it alone.

…………………………………

The Receptive is the main yin reading of the 64 hexagrams. It is the future of our last main message, Obstruction.

The Book of Changes says: Aggressive tactics will no longer be needed after you pass the Obstruction. The way will be open for progress.

Don’t reject new ideas. life is changing rapidly, and new tactics are needed. Has someone proposed something new to you, but you have shied away? The Yi says, Rethink that. Be Receptive.

……….

Next: A new reading.

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

39. Obstruction, Line 5

“In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come.”

The Obstruction you are facing is extreme, but if you are steadfast and strong, others will stand with you.

………………………………

Our main message suggested the Obstruction that is stopping you is a mistake in your own thinking. Have you identified it?

The Book of Changes says: Help is available from others. You will find friends who will stand with you, if you yourself remain strong in overcoming this Obstruction.

Your Obstruction may be any kind of addiction — food, drugs, sex, cell phone. Or it may be a “should,” as in “I should stay in this abusive marriage because it would kill my mother if I got a divorce.”

Whatever it is, the Yi says: There are friends available to help.

…………..

Next: Future. “The Receptive”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

39. Obstruction, Line 3

“Going leads to Obstruction; hence she comes back.”

Going forward too fast and too hard will lead you smack into an Obstruction. Retreat to a comfortable and safe spot until circumstances improve.

……………………

The main message told us the Obstruction is probably an error in your own thinking. Changing line 3 warns that the Obstruction is big and hard, and attacking it head on won’t work.

What big error in your own thinking is Obstructing you? Finish this sentence: “Oh, I could never . . . ”

The Book of Changes says: Yes, you can . . . but not just yet. Bide your time.

The Yi has one more piece of advice for us, Line 5.

…….

Next: Line 5. “In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come.”

How the Book of Changes Works

“The way in which the Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. The circuit only affords the potentiality of lighting; it does not give light. But when contact with a definite situation is established in the questioner, the ‘current’ is activated, and the given situation is illumined.”

Richard Wilhelm

39. Obstruction

“The superior woman seeks the error within herself.”

Something is stopping you from moving forward. It is probably an error in your own thinking.

……………………………………………

Is something holding you back? What’s stopping you? This Obstruction may not be what you think.

The Book of Changes says: Many times we fail to try something because we know someone close to us will disapprove. Or the Obstruction may be that you think you “can’t do it,” when in fact you are quite capable.

The Yi sent two changing lines to help you seek — and find — the “error within” yourself.

Next: Line 3. “Going leads to Obstruction . . . “

How the Book of Changes Works

“The way in which the Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. The circuit only affords the potentiality of lighting; it does not give light. But when contact with a definite situation is established in the questioner, the ‘current’ is activated, and the given situation is illumined.”

Richard Wilhelm