Yijing, Shamanic Oracle of China by Bertschinger Richard;

Author:Bertschinger, Richard;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

29

Kan / The Double Trap

The Double Trap

have faith

binding the heart, blessings

action finds integrity

The two Yang lines are trapped deeply within the Yin. A single trap is dangerous. It is only the double trap which allows of virtue. Through repeatedly struggling within the double trap, we find faith. The centre of the Water trigram is solid like faith.

…things cannot for ever be in excess; hence there follows the double trap…

Life is nothing but the double trap. As our spiritual nature enters into the body it is obstructed within the inner trap and as our physical body enters the world it is caught within space and time, and confined within the outer trap. Yet though the confinement may be severe, our Heavenly nature is always the same and preserved.

Despite there being obstacles in the world,

Our soul and self-nature remain unchanged.

It is through repeated struggling in the double trap, that we have faith. The centre of the Water trigram is solid and hard as faith.

Our self-nature has no need of acting,

Yet action comes from following the heart.

Use the mind to recall the wandering heart.

Do not sink and drown in the perils of the world, thereby losing your Heavenly nature. When you are repeatedly in danger you must have a solid centre to serve as lord. Therefore bind the heart. Binding the heart finds blessings.

Follow this Path and this path alone,

And your virtue emerges

Like a spring bursting from a rock,

The danger within surmounted with blessings.

The Heavenly nature of all is one. If you fulfil your own self-nature you surely fulfil the natures of others. It is like flowing streams of water, which eventually join and find one another.

You are one, but also two.

Then not two, but not one either!

The movement of the water shows the way. Its flowing action finds integrity as any obstacle is overcome. In such a fashion do blessings and integrity lead naturally to enlightenment and sincerity. Establish sincerity and your light penetrates everywhere. This is how the junzi learn the discipline of the heart.

SIX AT THE BEGINNING

the double trap, into the pit!

misfortune

The first line is submerged beneath the danger of the second. Being weak it cannot rise above. Not having faith, it can only rely on its wits. But repeated efforts make it sink deeper into the trap!

Everyone says, I know how to escape.

But when caught in the pit, they cannot get away!

If you cannot clamber out, misfortune is certain.

NINE AT THE SECOND PLACE

the trap is dangerous

seeking to accommodate small people

A single Yang line lies between two Yin. But their power is unmatched and its position precarious. The line is on its own and small people surround it. The answer is not to contend. But the temptation is to seek to accommodate them and avert the danger.

Do not demean yourself in flattery

For to compromise is not to give in.

Build up your faith and transform them, staying ultimately sincere.

The junzi seek the integrity of binding the heart; they do not seek other people. This line is in a weak position, but it holds faithfully to the centre and accommodates itself to its surroundings.

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