Just as nature has its seasons and changes, we too have times that will offer better results for specific practices. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 Once we understand this timing, we are able to use them to enhance and simplify our work. We no longer become bound by the ebbs and flows of the tides of time, but learn to navigate them gracefully. The holy man, who understands the mysteries of creation inherent in end and beginning, becomes superior to the limitations of the transitory. For him, the meaning of time is that in it, the stages of growth can unfold in a clear sequence. He is mindful at every moment and uses the six stages of growth as if they were six dragons (the image attributed to the individual lines) on which he mounts to heaven. -- (The I Ching p 371, Wilhelm/Baynes edition, Commentary on hexagram #1, the Creative) Only then can we take on the Great Work efficiently. Just as you cannot rush the flower to bloom, only provide the best possible environment to invite it to bloom on its own, when we work during the proper times the various jewels of the practice naturally come. The mystic pearl is the pearl of complete yang, something round and bright and unclouded; it is a different name for the Gold Elixir. When the firing process reaches its time, the pearl will naturally be formed. -- Liu Yiming (Awakening the Tao) This is the Sacred purpose for Astrology, Tarot, I-Ching etc. The firing process is the sixty-four hexagrams, indicating modification of simple and ready knowledge and capacity to restore them to their innate goodness. The alchemical classics and writings of the adepts, amounting to thousands of volumes, do not go beyond the principles of the I Ching. -- Liu Yiming The firing process spoken of in the alchemical classics and writings of the masters is a metaphor for the order of practical spiritual work. -- Liu Yiming (The Inner Teachings of Taoism) Likewise the many rituals, ceremonies and religious festivals also are symbolic representations of the internal work. When you understand the symbols and their internal representations, the work is more easily understood, and the Path becomes clear.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 02:00:13 +0000
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