Ancestors Speak – Confucius on Good People

“Good people live wisely and improve customs.” is the meaning that Confucius attributes to the 53rd meaning of the I Ching or Book of Change

 

 

Picture of the 53rd cast of the I-Ching

The translation of this cast (shown below) comes from a translation by Wilhelm, both in English and French.

On the mountain, a tree: The image of DEVELOPMENT.
Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue,
In order to improve the mores.

The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one's own moral development.

I saw this cast of the I-Ching, and immediately realized that this is actually the journey of our lives. It takes well into our adult hood before we develop the credibility to have others look to us for answers, or for leadership.  The Mayans believed one was not truly a Master or a true teacher until the person reached 52 years of age.

The irony of this, is, that while many of us believe in the wisdom that comes from age, we have created “Masters” programs in our Universities and Business Schools that purport to give a twenty-two to twenty-six year old the same knowledge one has at fifty-two.  Does it work?  In most cases, no!  The other sad fact about this hypocrisy is that the twenty-something wants to earn the same as the fifty something, and feels it is “due” to them because they have the education.  Would the Enron type situations still have happened if we did not have all the youth employed in high level positions, and guided more by the dollar than good sense?  I don’t know.  It is, however, worth thinking about.

See the other side of this debate in my blog tomorrow.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com  See some guidance from Archangel Michael at www.legionsofmichael.com

www.angelsandancestors.com  See our upcoming events
Monday, March 15 2010 7:30pm New Moon Meditation is focusing on healing one’s self of worry since worry causes blocks to moving forward. The Norse Goddess, Idun, will guide us this evening. She is the Goddess of the spring, eternal youth and the keeper of the golden apples. Energy exchange - $10.00, register with Judy at 403-225-2016 Calgary AB

Saturday, March 20, 2010 – Spring Solstice Celebration Spring arrives at 5:30pm so join us for potluck dinner at 5:30pm followed at 7:30pm with ceremony of renewal. Donation bowl Please pre-register with Judy or Roger at 403-225-2016.  Calgary AB