Welcome to the Wisdom from the I Ching and today we are discussing Hexagram 14 which talks about abundance and responsible power.
The name of this hexagram is entitled Possessing Plenty.
There are times when life overflows with gifts,
With opportunity and influence.
Such abundance speaks not of greedy ownership,
Rather of noble stewardship.
It is the abundance that flows through you and it can be likened to the abundance of the elements,
The abundance in nature and the abundance in the cycles of life.
Imagine the Sun warming all it touches,
Unconditional and radiant or a great tree offering shade to others.
Spiritually,
Wisdom from Possessing Plenty reminds us that to possess greatly is also to give greatly.
So for whatever reason that you have come upon this reading,
You are invited now to consider what abundance is flowing through you.
Now ask of yourself,
Am I using my abundance wisely?
Am I using my power wisely?
And as this contemplation continues in the background for you,
Let's move on to looking at the symbol related to hexagram number 14.
And we see this is comprised of five out of the six lines being of Yang nature and only one of the lines,
The middle one in the upper trigram,
Is of a Yin,
Open,
Yielding,
Receptive nature.
And this reminds one that in this time of great receiving,
In order for there to be balance and harmony,
It is necessary to remember others,
Consider others,
Be kind through the powerful responsibility that you have,
Be generous and be wise in your generosity.
And at the same time,
Remember and be sensitive to those who may not be as fortunate as you are right now.
Returning to the elements in the symbol,
The lower trigram of three Yang lines,
This is reflecting heaven,
While the upper trigram of Yang Yin Yang reflects fire.
So fire above heaven shows us an enlightenment and clarity that is now illuminating inspiration,
Strength,
Vitality,
As well as good fortune.
Because of the strong Yang presence in this experience,
One needs to be mindful of abusing one's power,
Which may happen unintentionally.
And one also needs to be mindful of not taking one's situation,
One's benefits,
One's abundance,
One's power for granted.
Wise words direct from the I Ching say,
When the ruler possesses the qualities of firmness and strength,
Clear sightedness and a sense of order,
And they are combined in effective harmony,
Then he will be accorded honor.
So of course the ruler referred to here is the one who is in the position of abundance of power,
And such an individual needs a balance between discipline,
Vision,
Clarity,
Commitment,
And a sense of knowing of the self,
Knowing of oneself in terms of knowing one's path and direction as well.
Knowing oneself,
Loving oneself,
And being oneself truthfully provides the guidance for times of prosperity,
As well as for times of not.
If one does not know oneself during times of strife and challenges,
One can feel easily nudged in that direction.
Sometimes when things are going well and there is prosperity,
One may feel that it is not necessary to be consistent,
To continue with a spiritual practice,
Or the work of self-development,
Self-awareness.
And yet it is in these times that it is so very necessary,
Not only for the one in the position of power,
But for all others as well,
For the greater good.
Let's take a moment now just to pause,
Quieten the mind,
Slow the breath,
And relax into the body.
Now ask of yourself,
What have I been entrusted with?
How can I serve with what I possess?
And now in closing,
Let us find generosity in abundance,
Let us know grace in greatness,
And may we practice humility in our leadership.
