Okay, so today I wanted to mess around with something I’ve been curious about for a while – the 13th hexagram from the I Ching. I’ve dabbled in I Ching readings before, but never really focused on one specific hexagram in depth. I’m not an expert or anything, just someone with an interest in ancient wisdom and personal reflection.
Getting Started
First, I pulled out my copy of the I Ching. I use the Wilhelm/Baynes translation, ’cause it’s the one I’ve had for years and I’m kinda used to it. I flipped through the pages, re-reading the introduction and getting my head back in the game. It’s been a while since I last did this!
Focusing on Hexagram 13
Then, I found the section for Hexagram 13, which is called “T’ung Jen” or “Fellowship with Men”. It shows a symbol with heaven over fire. I spent some time just looking at the hexagram, letting the image sink in. I noticed the two solid lines at the top, representing heaven, and the single broken line surrounded by solid lines below, representing fire.
Reading and Reflecting
I started reading through the text, taking it slow. Wilhelm’s translation can be a bit dense, so I read each section a couple of times. I jotted down some notes in my journal, just key phrases and ideas that stood out to me. Things like “fellowship in the open” and “perseverance furthers” kept popping up.
- “Fellowship in the open”: Made me think about being authentic and transparent with others.
- “Perseverance furthers”: A reminder that building true community takes time and effort.
- “The superior man organizes the clans”:I understand to use the structure to slove the problem.
Making it Personal
The important part for me is always trying to connect it to my own life. So, I started asking myself questions: Where in my life am I experiencing fellowship? Where could I use more of it? Am I being open and honest with the people around me, or am I hiding parts of myself?
I spent a good hour just journaling about all this. No big revelations, but it definitely got me thinking about my relationships and how I interact with people. The idea of “fellowship in the open” really resonated. I can be a bit reserved, so it’s a good reminder to be more vulnerable and connect with others on a deeper level.
Wrapping Up
Finally, I closed the book and put my journal away. I didn’t have any earth-shattering insights, but I felt like I’d spent some quality time with myself and with some ancient wisdom. It’s a process, right? I’ll probably revisit this hexagram again in the future, see if anything new comes up.
It is a funny thing to do.
