25 – The Surprise! – Unexpected – A Shout from the Heavens

The farmer sits on his hands as the rain falls and nourishes the crops. The surprise deems that it is time to expect the unexpected. There is no reason to go anywhere or do anything, we should simply do as we do and watch the world unfold before our eyes. Though we must keep in mind to maintain integrity and honor, for those lacking in these attributes will receive quite the opposite of a nice surprise.

1^st – The Surprise Completes – The farmer waters his crops and is then given the additional boon of rainfall. The wise man acts as if no help is coming, while remaining aware for that extra window of opportunity.

2^nd – Waiting for the Surprise – It is not advised to calculate the profits before the first seed has been planted. There is much work yet to be done before we may consider reaping the rewards. Best not to wait for the sun, rather we shall put our head down and diligently work through the night.

3^rd – A Soiled Surprise – The cattle are able to graze, but it is on another’s land. Every positive on one front, is the negative reaction on the other; such is the way of the tides of creation. The wise man is aware that his gain is another’s loss and weighs his actions carefully.

4^th – The Surprise Not Needed – The crops are ready for harvest and the birds sing. He completely forgot about the surprise that never came and instead ploughed diligently towards his goal. In the end, he achieved his desire thorough good old fashion sweat and blood.

5^th – An Injurious Surprise – He reaches his hand blindly under the sink and is surprised by the bite of a venomous spider. He should have looked first! For treatment, he consults traditional medical textbooks while avoiding witch doctors and faith healers.

6^th – No Surprise – The forest is bleak and the roads are closed. Best to stay put and weather through until the first signs of spring.

All Six – The Surprise Explodes – The cake was carrying a hidden bomb, frosting reigns for miles around as people forget themselves and engage in unbidden acts of lavishness.