38 OPPOSITION

Fire on the surface of the lake.

	Fire Clarity
	Lake Joyful

In this chapter the image has two opposing halves; the fire and the lake, which will not mix, and have opposing properties, generally, with a clear 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 will 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 is only temporary, so the important thing is not to be drawn into other troubles while your attention is distracted. If you over-react, or make accusations that you cannot prove, this may then provoke a lot of 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 ends. 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.

Here the opposition at first results in people distrusting each other. However, by the time the dangers have passed they know each other much better and do trust each other.