I CHING -29-KLAN (THE ABYSS)
By Hua-Ching Ni
COMMENTARY Water:
The Example of Natural Virtue The following are eight natural ways of virtue in which people of Integral Virtue Realization can learn from water: 1. Be content with a "low" position. Like water, by remaining low, one may be safe and free from competition.*2. Remain profound. A profound mind is as quiet as the deep ocean. Therefore, it is undisturbed by the waves on the surface.3. Give generously. Water constantly gives without asking to be repaid.4. Speak faithfully. Like the flow of water that always goes toward the sea.5. Govern gently. Though water moves with gentleness, it can overcome even the hardest obstacle under Heaven.6. Work capably and adaptably. Water can fit what square or what is round. It keeps its true nature in any containment or circumstance.7. Take action opportunely. Water freezes in the winter and melts in the spring. Its inflexibility in the winter is like death; its softness in the spring generates new life.8. Never fight. Water does not fight for itself; thus, it is beyond blame. *This implies that humans like to be in "high" positions rather than "low" ones. This becomes a source of conflict for many. Those on a high tight rope always need to be looking for balancing points. For the one who walks on the ground, a fully opened parasol or pole is a great nuisance.
By Hua-Ching Ni
COMMENTARY Water:
The Example of Natural Virtue The following are eight natural ways of virtue in which people of Integral Virtue Realization can learn from water: 1. Be content with a "low" position. Like water, by remaining low, one may be safe and free from competition.*2. Remain profound. A profound mind is as quiet as the deep ocean. Therefore, it is undisturbed by the waves on the surface.3. Give generously. Water constantly gives without asking to be repaid.4. Speak faithfully. Like the flow of water that always goes toward the sea.5. Govern gently. Though water moves with gentleness, it can overcome even the hardest obstacle under Heaven.6. Work capably and adaptably. Water can fit what square or what is round. It keeps its true nature in any containment or circumstance.7. Take action opportunely. Water freezes in the winter and melts in the spring. Its inflexibility in the winter is like death; its softness in the spring generates new life.8. Never fight. Water does not fight for itself; thus, it is beyond blame. *This implies that humans like to be in "high" positions rather than "low" ones. This becomes a source of conflict for many. Those on a high tight rope always need to be looking for balancing points. For the one who walks on the ground, a fully opened parasol or pole is a great nuisance.