In a recent reading I asked the I Ching if I should follow the advice given by a friend on a family issue. I received 14,4 -- 26.
He makes a difference between himself and his neighbour.
No blame
I had, before this reading, been inclined to accept my friend's advice but this reading was leading me to an opposite perspective. It was urging me to recognise the differences between myself and my friend. The relating hexagram (Hex 26) was also clearly urging me to resist my initial viewpoint
I decided to be cautious and take a second reading. Using the same question I now received 11,1--46
When ribbon-grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind.
Perseverance brings good fortune and success.
Viewed metaphorically, the different strands of ribbon grass could represent the different lines of argument, all of which originate in the same source -- the sod. In the sod the key components of a situation are hard to differentiate but as the individual strands begin to emerge, their purpose becomes clearer and clearer. This viewpoint is possibly supported by the Lesser Image text -- "The will is directed outward." Other than that, there is little indication from the text as to an exact interpretation but the interpretation that I have suggested does comply with the general interpretation for Line 1 in that it encompasses and describes a situation of raw elements as they emergr into clarity and purpose.
The corresponding line text of the relating hexagram (46) brings further clarity "Pushing upwards that meets with confidence brings great good fortune " 11,1 is a line in which one is urged to make every effort despite no clear definition of the outcome. It requires an attitude of peaceful acceptance.
He makes a difference between himself and his neighbour.
No blame
I had, before this reading, been inclined to accept my friend's advice but this reading was leading me to an opposite perspective. It was urging me to recognise the differences between myself and my friend. The relating hexagram (Hex 26) was also clearly urging me to resist my initial viewpoint
I decided to be cautious and take a second reading. Using the same question I now received 11,1--46
When ribbon-grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind.
Perseverance brings good fortune and success.
Viewed metaphorically, the different strands of ribbon grass could represent the different lines of argument, all of which originate in the same source -- the sod. In the sod the key components of a situation are hard to differentiate but as the individual strands begin to emerge, their purpose becomes clearer and clearer. This viewpoint is possibly supported by the Lesser Image text -- "The will is directed outward." Other than that, there is little indication from the text as to an exact interpretation but the interpretation that I have suggested does comply with the general interpretation for Line 1 in that it encompasses and describes a situation of raw elements as they emergr into clarity and purpose.
The corresponding line text of the relating hexagram (46) brings further clarity "Pushing upwards that meets with confidence brings great good fortune " 11,1 is a line in which one is urged to make every effort despite no clear definition of the outcome. It requires an attitude of peaceful acceptance.