25. Wu Wang / Remaining Blameless

(Heaven above Thunder)

Description

Thunder rolls beneath Heaven, as is its nature and place: Sage rulers aligned themselves with the changing seasons, nurturing and guiding their subjects to do the same. Exceptional Progress if you are mindful to keep out of the way of the natural Flow. It would be a fatal error to try to alter its course. This is a time of Being, not Doing.

Analysis

This is thoroughly a matter of the heart. If everything you attempt, no matter how carefully planned, ends in disarray, then examine your motives. They are the cause of your predicament. It isn't that your motives aren't pure -- even the best intentions will fail under these circumstances. What stymies you in this situation is that you have a motive at all. Free yourself of all expectations, release any tenuous grip you may have, and roll with it. This is totally out of your control. There are higher powers and more elements affecting the outcome of this situation than you can imagine. Get out of their way.

Changing Lines

Line 1

A guileless nature reaps good fortune.

Line 2

Plow your field for a field well-plowed, not for possible harvests. Clear the wasteland for land well-cleared, not for potential rich fields. Such guileless enterprise can't help but succeed.

Line 3

An innocent man is unjustly accused of the theft of an ox taken by a drifter. His very simplicity will acquit him.

Line 4

No mistakes if your aim remains true.

Line 5

No medicine will treat this malady. Its cause was external, it will pass of itself.

Line 6

Any action, however innocent, will bring misfortune. Stand fast.