Pathfinder
Hexagram 15 Discipline
The model of the moment: Modesty is usually the proper course to follow in most social and business encounters, both in etiquette and in strategy. Modesty can allow one to hold in reserve certain resources to later advantage, with no error. It can also protect one from unknown dangers. For instance, a thief attending a party in search of a victim will be attracted more by one who flashes his wealth carelessly about, than one who prefers more modest displays. However, it is also true that there are exceptions to every rule. In this case, it should be remembered that advice of modesty does not mean excesses of modesty, wherein a person denigrates or demeans themselves in the presence of others. Or so downplays their own abilities and resources as to be outright misleading to their audience. Too much talk, too, is immodest. Even if encouraged by one's peers. A strong preference for allowing actions to speak for you, rather than words, is the best form of eloquence. Discipline over thought, words, and actions pave the way for modesty. Modesty requires at least a note of caution urging against overconfidence. Such caution can prevent an individual or organization from taking continued success for granted in times of prosperity. And so help prevent a decline in good fortune later. Modesty allows you to more fully exploit timing to your benefit, and get much more 'bang for the buck' from your bombshells. If people know of surprises ahead of time, they are much less affected. Modesty enhances endurance. Invites enlightenment. Who may become both the most enlightened and most influential, the sage or the tailor? The answer is neither and both. It depends on their practice of moderation. A sage who lives forever in isolation can have little effect on others, and learn little of perspectives outside his own. A tailor who never takes the time to look inward lives for and in the superficial. But a tailor or a sage that retreats to the mountains for weekend meditations, and returns to the city afterwards, may gain the best of both worlds. Regular swings between the inner and outer points of view can be not only stimulating, but profitable. And help one avoid excesses in attitude and behavior which can lead to mistakes. The course usually recommended for such times: child, all of us suffer from swings between joy and hardship, pleasure and pain, love and loneliness. In this way our emotional lives are analogous to the ticking from side to side of a pendulum. Like the arm of this simple machine, we find ourselves traveling from one extreme to another, over and over again. But it doesn't have to be this way, child. It's possible to shorten the swings; to stay closer to the balance and stability of the middle. This is what discipline and moderation are all about. How can this be done? By letting go of passions, and replacing them with compassion for others. Passion is a highly focused, possessive, jealous, burning thing, that often leads to error. Compassion is a broader, gentler caring for others. Compassion gives; passion wants and demands. Compassion frees you to be objective and reasonable. Passion enslaves you to desire and emotion. Passion is easily an extreme sensation, where compassion is more often a safer middle-ground of feelings. To practice moderation is to be wary of extremes and seek the middle way. Too, there is the substantial issue of control over our own lives. Refined self-discipline is the key to making our personal potential ours alone to control and direct, as we see fit. Without such discipline, our strengths and skills will be up for grabs to anyone who can successfully manipulate us with fear or desire. And discipline can free us not only from external tyrants, but from our own inner demons like sloth and ignorance, as well.
Fixed (no changing lines);
This is a plateau process or event; the given model will hold true for an extended period of time. Attempts to manipulate events away from the present course could prove frustrating and fruitless, until destiny is satisfied. Consider the following as well as the above: You are overindulging yourself in regard to this topic. Examine your actions and reactions in this area. Look at how much time you have spent on it. Don't you think you are overdoing it?
Changing Lines:
1
Success can be expected in even the greatest of your tasks, if modesty and discipline are consistently exercised.
2
Luck, and the help of others, is with you, as you have infused your work with the qualities of modesty and discipline.
3
Recognition and respect are yours. Success can also be expected.
4
Modesty does not mean you must feign weakness, or purposelessly hesitate in your actions. Simply act without arrogance, now, to further your aims.
5
It is time to discipline a transgressor for a wrongful act. If not excessive, this move will win the support of others.
6
Others have mistaken your modesty for weakness. Discipline may require strengthening now.
When all lines are changing;
Extremes in your behavior or attitudes are affecting your life adversely. Only moderation of these excesses will bring you relief.