38. K'uei / Estrangement
(Fire above Lake)
Description
Fire distances itself from its nemesis, the Lake:
No matter how large or diverse the group, the Superior Person remains uniquely himself.
Small accomplishments are possible.
Analysis
You are working at cross-purposes with another.
The distance between you is very wide.
The gap can be closed, however, with no compromise of your integrity.
You are not adversaries in this case -- just two persons addressing individual needs.
Ask yourself: are these needs mutually exclusive?
Is there common ground here?
Must there be one winner and one loser?
Could you become partners in seeking a solution that would allow for two winners?
Changing Lines
Line 1
Don't search after the horses you've lost; They will return in seven days.
Acknowledge the presence of evil people: keep a close eye on them, but don't be baited into dealing with them.
Line 2
He meets his lord in a narrow alleyway.
Though he gets in the way, no harm is done.
Line 3
Bandits stop his oxen team and board his wagon.
He is scalped, his face is disfigured, and he is left to die.
Not only will he survive -- he will endure and triumph.
Line 4
Resolving to stand alone in his beliefs if he must, he is immediately joined by a kindred spirit.
Line 5
A kindred spirit cuts through the barriers that separate you.
Can you cross the small distance remaining?
Line 6
After long isolation and persecution, he sees even the one who loves him as a beast or demon.
If he will lay down his arms, they can advance toward good fortune together, through nothing more than a gentle rain.