Pathfinder
Hexagram 53 Cultivation
The model of the moment: A long lived, gradually unfolding process is indicated here. Such as a good marriage, or long term friendship. Trust, loyalty, and promises kept provide bonds which continually strengthen over time yet never become brittle. The most beautiful and elegant works of mankind usually require enormous energy and years to create. Important, deep running relationships and master works are very similar, requiring comparable levels of care and effort to bring into being, and maintain. The course usually recommended for such times: Don't attempt to rush things child. Instead, allow events to follow their natural course. Great care and commitment are essential to gain the success you seek. In cases where you are involved in the achievement of a particularly large or difficult task, note the strategy of the wind and rain, which shape entire continents one grain of soil at a time. Picture your single large problem as a multitude of smaller ones simply clumped together. Then set about plucking up and dealing with only a tiny part of it at a time. In other words, break down a big unwieldy problem into an array of much smaller and easier to solve ones ( This is a common practice among scientists and engineers. ). This method is especially handy in cases of crisis where prolonged conflict may mean disaster for all: The very best preparations for conflict require a long period of time to accomplish. Therefore, wise leaders always keep in mind the future potential engagement of an adversary, even during peaceful meetings with them that may occur years before any actual battle. Skillful leaders will subtly guide and shape all interaction with potential hostiles so as to gain the greatest possible advantage should war later erupt. This means, among other things: concealing true strategies from the other, using illusion to make unclear your real strengths and weaknesses, and attempting to guide your enemy towards selecting a time and place of confrontation that is to your choosing, and not his ( should things come to that ). If such preparation is successful, any eventual battle will be short and swift, and its ending assured to be in your favor.
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 will be frustrated if you look for short cuts here. If you're unwilling to make the long term commitment required, you should back out now.
Changing Lines:
1
Your progress is criticized at the start, but if wise you can use the biting advice to benefit your efforts.
2
Following the natural way of great accomplishment is bringing you rewards for your efforts. Continue in good fortune.
3
Your selfishness isolates you from your companions. Misfortune comes of this.
4
Instability threatens your progress. Be flexible in dealing with this, and seek help from others to maintain your course.
5
Your proper adherence to the natural rules for great progress and growth is bringing rewards your way. Continue as you are.
6
Role models are pathfinders for others. Followers of such trailblazers usually enjoy a personal journey towards similar goals more rapid and less marred with unexpected obstacles than those who insist on finding their own way.
When all lines are changing;
Patient cultivation of close relationships or other worthy attributes is increasingly seen as 'not cost-effective' by our materialistic, instant gratification oriented society. Many see only what the dedicated person gives of themselves, and not what they receive from such efforts. Yet those who never experience such commitment will find their lives empty and the quality of their relationships uncertain. Great works of art, science, and literature usually required enormous commitments on the part of their creators. Deep and long lasting impacts on the world are often the results of careful and lengthy cultivation of many elements by those responsible. So too would many of the great and celebrated loves and friendships in many lives not exist, were it not for the careful nurturing of someone ( or several ) involved. So when you disdain things like commitment and avoid the effort of cultivation, you may be throwing away more than you know.