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FireClarity |
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LakeJoyful |
IMAGE In small matters good fortune.
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SYMBOL TRADITION Fire above lake below. Opposition. A wise man unites things and also divides things. |
In this chapter
the image has two opposing halves, the fire and the lake, which will not mix
and have opposing properties and a surface boundary in between.
Opposing attitudes make things difficult and cause problems. The advice given
here is to deal with small things only until the time of opposition is over.
Large matters should be postponed.
Times of opposition can be important since they often lead to changes which
can be of lasting benefit.
38 LINES
1) 9 at the start
a)
Remorse disappears.
If you lose your horse do not run after it.
It will come back of its own accord.
When you see evil people avoid making a mistake.
b) When thinking of evil people give orders that are correct.
This describes a situation where you are upset by the apparent loss of something or somebody. The loss is not real, it will only be temporary and the important thing is not to provoke other troubles while you are annoyed and worried. If you over-react, or make accusations that you cannot prove, this will probably cause trouble and opposition which could have been avoided.
2) 9 in 2nd throw
a) Meeting a lord in the street. No blame.
b) You have not lost the way.
A simple and honest meeting is of more value than a false show of politeness and hospitality.
3) 6 in 3rd throw
a)
You see the wagon dragged back the oxen halted.
Afflicted and dishonoured. Interrupted.
b) Interrupted by an unexpected obstruction.
Sometimes there is unexpected opposition and this forces you to stop what you are doing. You will have to wait until the opposition comes to an end.
4) 9 in 4th throw
a)
Isolated through opposition.
Meeting unexpected help.
A partnership is inevitable.
b) Motivated by similar objectives.
Through opposition one can become isolated but it then becomes easier to spot your real friends. Like-minded people are drawn together and this can lead to worthwhile things later.
5) 6 in 5th throw
a)
Remorse disappears.
Your people break through the obstructions.
The time of doubt is over.
b) Moving forward will bring rewards.
Here there is a breakthrough and the time of opposition comes to an end. There will be no need to worry or hold back so when the breakthrough occurs you will be able to make progress.
6) 9 at the top
a)
Isolated through opposition.
You see the people as pigs smeared with filth.
First you draw a bow then you lay the bow aside.
He is not a robber he will be a friend.
Like unexpected rain he brings good fortune.
b) You no longer doubt your friends.
At first the opposition causes people to distrust each other. However, by the time the dangers have passed, they know each other much better and do trust each other.