THE LIVING TAO : TIMELESS WISDOM FOR THE MODERN WORLD

60th Hexagram Jie (节)

The Chapter is an excerpt from interpretations of the 60th hexagram of the Yi Jing, known as Jie (节), meaning "Limitation" or "Moderation." The hexagram's symbolism, derived from the combination of water and lake elements, emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and discipline. Interpretations cover various aspects of life, including fortune, relationships, health, and legal matters, advising moderation to avoid excess while warning against overly strict limitations. The text includes both the original hexagram lines and their associated interpretations, highlighting the balance between restriction and freedom. Ultimately, the text promotes finding harmony through mindful self-control.

61st Hexagram Zhong Fu (中孚)

The Podcast offers an interpretation of the 61st hexagram, Zhong Fu (中孚), from the Yi Jing, also known as the Book of Changes. It explains the hexagram's symbolism, which represents inner truth and sincerity, using imagery of a crane and its young, and the wind rippling a lake. Various life aspects are considered, including fortune, relationships, health, and legal matters, with interpretations based on the hexagram's meaning. Favorable outcomes are linked to sincerity and trustworthiness, while negative consequences are associated with deceit and excessive confidence. Specific line interpretations from the original hexagram are also provided.

62nd Hexagram Xiao Guo (小过)

The Podcast provides an interpretation of the 62nd hexagram, Xiao Guo (小过), from the Yi Jing, also known as the Book of Changes. It details the hexagram's symbolism, which depicts thunder atop a mountain, representing a situation where powerful forces are restrained. Interpretations are offered for various life aspects including fortune, relationships, health, and legal matters, emphasizing caution, modesty, and focusing on small tasks to avoid larger problems. Specific line interpretations within the hexagram are also included, further illustrating the themes of potential danger and the need for careful action. The overall message stresses the importance of prudence and measured actions to navigate challenging circumstances.

63rd Hexagram Ji Ji (既济)

The Podcast presents an interpretation of the 63rd hexagram, Ji Ji (既济), from the Yi Jing (I Ching). It details the hexagram's symbolism—water over fire, representing completion and harmony—and offers auspicious predictions regarding success, fortune, and finding lost things. However, it cautions against complacency, warning of potential setbacks and the need for vigilance to maintain achievements, particularly in long-term relationships and legal matters. The provided explanations encompass various life aspects, interpreting the hexagram's lines and overall message. Ultimately, the hexagram signifies a time of success but emphasizes the importance of caution to prevent future difficulties.

64th Hexagram Wei Ji (未济)

The Chapter is an excerpt from interpretations of the 64th hexagram, Wei Ji (未济), of the I Ching, also known as "Not Yet Fording." The hexagram, symbolized by fire above water, represents imbalance and incompletion. Interpretations explore its implications across various life aspects, including relationships, finances, health, and legal matters, consistently emphasizing patience as key to overcoming initial difficulties and achieving eventual success. The text includes both the hexagram's original lines and their interpretations. Overall, it presents a detailed analysis of the hexagram's symbolism and its practical advice.

The Secret of the Golden Flower Chapter 1 The Heart of Heaven 天心

Lü Dongbin's Secret of the Golden Flower introduces a Daoist internal alchemy practice focusing on "returning the light" to the "heart of heaven," located between the eyes. This involves cultivating one's innate nature (xing) and primordial spirit (yuan shen) to achieve enlightenment, bypassing typical active methods. The text emphasizes the importance of a firm ethical foundation before undertaking this practice, which aims to solidify the light into a natural dharma body, ultimately achieving ascension. The "Golden Flower," representing this light and primordial energy, symbolizes the Golden Elixir, with its manifestation varying according to individual practitioners' minds. The text highlights the necessity of both intelligence and serenity for successful practice.

The Secret of the Golden Flower Chapter 2 The Primordial Spirit and the Cognitive Spirit 识神

Lü Dongbin's The Secret of the Golden Flower excerpt describes the interplay between the primordial spirit (yuan shen), residing in the space between the eyebrows, and the cognitive spirit (shi shen), located in the heart. It emphasizes cultivating the primordial spirit to transcend earthly limitations and achieve immortality. This involves refining the "hun" (soul) and subduing the "po" (corporeal aspect) associated with the cognitive spirit, which is likened to a domineering ruler needing wise counsel. The text details practices, such as "returning the light," to achieve this spiritual transformation, ultimately forming a "sacred embryo" (sheng tai). The cultivation process involves balancing essence, spirit, and intention, three vital components in Daoist practice.

The Secret of the Golden Flower Chapter 3 Returning the Light and Guarding the Center 回光守中

This is an excerpt from Lü Dongbin's The Secret of the Golden Flower, specifically Chapter 3, "Returning the Light and Guarding the Center." It details a meditative practice aimed at cultivating inner energy ("light") by reversing the natural outflow of consciousness through the eyes. The practice involves focusing on the tip of the nose to achieve stillness and then observing and releasing thoughts, integrating elements from Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The ultimate goal is enlightenment, achieved through a balance of concentration and wisdom. The text emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and understanding the true meaning of "reflective illumination."

The Secret of the Golden Flower Chapter 4 Returning the Light and Regulating the Breath 回光调息

This Chapter from Lü Dongbin's The Secret of the Golden Flower details a meditative practice called "Returning the Light and Regulating the Breath," focusing on harmonizing the mind and breath to achieve spiritual clarity. The text explains that distractions and drowsiness are common obstacles, advocating for a subtle, inward focus on the breath to refine one's qi and cultivate inner stillness. It uses analogies like a brooding hen to illustrate the importance of focused attention, emphasizing that true breath and spiritual awakening emerge from this concentrated inner work. The practice involves techniques of inward sight and hearing to maintain a balanced state, preventing mental wandering and drowsiness. Consistent daily practice, even short sessions, is recommended for overcoming these challenges.

The Secret of the Golden Flower Chapter 5 Errors in Returning the Light 回光差谬

This Chapter from Lü Dongbin's The Secret of the Golden Flower details potential pitfalls in Daoist meditative practice. It contrasts Daoist methods with Chan Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to achieving stillness. The text warns against extremes, such as excessive effort leading to rigidity or complete passivity resulting in stagnation and entrapment in the realm of sensual desire. Specific examples of erroneous practices and their consequences, such as becoming a fox spirit, are given to illustrate these dangers. Ultimately, the passage aims to guide practitioners toward successful cultivation by identifying and avoiding common errors.