64. Wei Chi; Before Completion Above; Li the Clinging fire Below; K'an the Abysmal water |
21st Century |
Comparisons |
| We are gifted with a native sense. Like a metronome it
measures out the credible, distinguishing the incredible,
providing a rhythm of order required to get on with our lives. It tells
us if we can believe in something, lets us smell out a rat when misled
to an offensive act, and when everything beats in time with
it, the inner truth of it rings as clear as a well cast bell.
Moving too quickly is of itself hazardous. Exponentially more so when the terrain is also hazardous. Following a change through to its end requires caution - careful thought. For all of one's work to not be wasted one has to complete that which has been undertaken. In bringing a large task to completion the primary tool is patience. Without it all is in danger. So - closing on the finish special attention to detail is paramount. Here detail is found in the building, the growing, the adding and strengthening of the solution which is in train. The task has been long and hard. Steadfastness is beginning to reap its rewards and the wise know that at this stage nothing but forward movement is possible. The point of no return is every point. It is spent and passed with every breath taken. The consequences and spin-offs will continue long after we are dead. Completion is a sweet heady wine unto itself. It is birth again, the moment before the new begins. The partition between the past and the new. It is a time of reward and joyousness. But to keep the victory integrated within its proper perspective one must not become too intoxicated. Virtue is found in sensible appreciation, but exultation is unbecoming. Grace is with you at completion. Do nothing to disgrace yourself. |
Line 1 |
Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) (like a fox) whose tail gets immersed. There will be occasion for regret.
b) He gets his tail in the water. Humiliating.
c) The fox gets his tail wet. Guilt.
d) Is thy force equal to thy task? Else, try not!
a) dragging back his (carriage-) wheel. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.
b) He brakes his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune.
c) The man puts on the brakes. Auspicious if you keep to your course.
d) Retire in the face of overwhelming odds.
a) with (the state of things) not yet remedied, advancing on; which will lead to evil. But there will be advantage in (trying to) cross the great stream.
b) Before completion, attack brings misfortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
c) Almost there, the man proceeds too fast. Ominous. A time to cross the great water.
d) To the world's mote thine own eye's beam apply not!
a) by firm correctness obtaining good fortune, so that all occasion for repentance disappears. Let him stir himself up, as if he were invading the Demon region, where for three years rewards will come to him (and his troops) from the great kingdom.
b) Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Shock, thus to discipline the Devil's Country, For three years, great realms are awarded.
c) The man steels himself to endure in hell's provinces, confident that for three years he will reap great rewards. Auspicious if you keep to your course. Guilt disappears.
d) War patient through persistent periods!
a) by firm correctness obtaining good fortune, and having no occasion for repentance. (We see in him) the brightness of a superior man, and the possession of sincerity. There will be good fortune.
b) Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior man is true. Good fortune.
c) Sincerity and brilliance shine in the man. Auspicious. Without guilt if you keep to your course.
d) So win to fortune, fame and flame that die not.
a) full of confidence and therefore feasting (quietly). There will be no error. (If he) cherish this confidence till he (is like the fox who) gets his head immersed, it will fail of what is right.
b) There is drinking of wine In genuine confidence. No blame. But if one wets his head, He loses it, in truth.
c) The man celebrates his victory. The fox gets drunk at the celebration. Without guilt if your are like the man. Guilt if you are like the fox.
d) Masterful, modest, feast thou with the Gods!