Hsien     

hsien

31. Hsien;

Influence

Above; Tui the Joyous lake

Below; Ken Keeping Still mountain

21st Century Comparisons
Remember the dynamic of the contrasts, the movement along the edge as they ripple in response to each other. A person is judged on many levels. What they say, what they do, what their effect is, and how they will be remembered, if at all. A person full of conceit, with a mind closed to the new soon tires those that would communicate with them. They withdraw. therefore never close ones mind to different approaches.

Any commitment to movement in a body begins with the big toes. But at that point it is not distinguishable, nothing is lost, nothing is set in motion, there are no consequences. Transferring the movement from toes to calf sets in train a series of defensive postures, ad from calf to thigh increases the danger of losing the conflict. A general should never commit to a battle where the odds of losing were even. Enthusiasms can lead to conflict through the sudden movements of energies. These set off all sorts of energetic slides the consequences of which are quite unforseen. 

Understanding that precipitate action engenders danger the best posture to adapt is the steady, balanced posture of readiness. Achieved without motion. Steadiness steadies the world.

Talk is cheap.

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Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley

Hex 31 Line 1

a) one moving his great toes. 

b) The influence shows itself in the big toe. 

c) Wiggling the big toe. 

d) Couldst walk? To move thy toes alone, a flaw;

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Hex 31 Line 2:

 a) one moving the calves of his leg. There will be evil. If he abide (quiet in his place), there will be good fortune. 

b) The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune. 

c) Flexing the calves. Ominous unless you stand still 

d) But, calves? 'Twere surely better to withdraw.

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Hex 31 Line 3

a) one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward ( in this way) will cause regret. 

b) The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating. 

c) Flexing the thighs, impatiently waiting in line. If you continue you will regret it. 

d) Thighs, too? Cling close to leaders? Thou wilt rue it.

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Hex 31 Line 4

a) firm correctness which will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion  for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose. 

b) Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind, And his thoughts go hither and thither, Only those friends On whom he fixes his conscious thoughts Will follow. 

c) Twitching all over. Only people who known the man are influenced by him. Auspicious if you keep to your course. No guilt. 

d) Unsettled plan? Only thy friends pursue it.

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Hex 31 Line 5

a) one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance. 

b) The influence shows itself in the back of the neck. No remorse. 

c) The back is rigid. No guilt. 

d) But, shrug thy shoulders! Gods shall gladly view it.

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Hex 31 Line 6

a) one moving his jaws and tongue. 

b) The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks and tongue. 

c) The tongue wags. 

d) Then wag not thy tongue, nor drop thy jaw!

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