books/I_Ching/
29. ABYSS |
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To all living things water is a nurturer.
Water comes from heaven as moisture
and then flows to its fate as a river.
A ravine is representative of danger
(Kind of like an objective parameter
rather than a subjective attitude of a loser).
In an environment of ever repeated danger
we become used to (and intuitively aware)
and therefore ready for any sort of danger.
This is where one can become like water
coursing through a ravine and, like water,
one can escape by means of conduct proper.
One relentlessly flows on... Like water.
To all the places it flows... It is filler.
Shaping the course of things... A nurturer.
One must be true to ones own course under
all circumstances and always remain aware
of any dangerous conditions that can hamper.
Remain true to your destiny, or future,
as water courses steadily onward in order
not to linger, stagnate, dry up, and wither.
Thus, lofty heaven, in its perilous ether,
distances itself from any potential invader
as a moat protects a fortress with water.
Persistently to its goal flows water
like a superior who walks in virtue and honor
conducting oneself as an influencing teacher.
29. THE ABYSS: THE LINES
6 AT THE BOTTOM:
9 IN 2ND PLACE:
6 IN 3RD PLACE: Abyss upon Abyss.
6 IN 4TH PLACE:
9 IN 5TH PLACE:
6 AT THE TOP:
1995
by 
One falls into pits bottom... Misfortune.
While in Abysmal's dangerous repetition
one lacks the inner strength to resist temptation
and falls away from the right conviction.
As, at first, a spring flows barely
as it gathers to the sea.
With small gains be happy.
Success can't be won quickly.
Here one is not only in dangers' place
but one is full of inner turmoil and disgrace.
You cannot go on or return to your place.
In a danger like this you must pause a-pace
and think things through your head space
or you'll go over the edge and onto your face.
One does ones best to influence a leader
with simple gifts of earthenware.
No time for pomp in times of danger.
Simplicity is what the times require.
Don't set your heart on any great labor
(It is enough that you get out of danger).
With thorn-hedged prison walls all around.
With duty's cords and ropes... Bound.
For three years the way is not found.
