54 – The Servant – Bowing – Thunder on the Lake

 

Entering into service, he forgoes himself to fulfill the duties of his lord. Nothing much can be accomplished for ourselves at the present moment as our energies are entangled in serving another’s objective. Best to forget ourselves for the moment as this signifies the end of one era and beginning of another. The wise man, understanding tides of creation bows his head humbly and accomplishes the tasks assigned.

 

1^st – Entering Into Service – The young maiden humbly approaches her new husband with the understanding of the duties she must perform. By forgetting ourselves and serving another, we are able to heal wounds that would not heal because we paid them too much attention.

 

2^nd – The Daily Service – Going about daily chores will bring expected results. If we water the plants, they will grow. It is nothing special and seems so simple to understand.

 

3^rd – The Servant is Promoted – From a bottle washer to a line chef, a small advance is won. This is not anything too special, but then again, each step is part of the whole.

 

4^th – Waiting to Enter Service – While everybody else positioned for the good jobs, he frolicked in the fields and danced in the moonlight. The was actually a good thing, for he was not yet emotionally ready to advance. However, after a certain waiting period, it is advised to take action and enter service.

 

5^th – The Humble Servant – Rule Number One: Never outshine the master. Thus said, even though he had a spark in his eye, he dressed down to avoid gaining the attention that was meant for his lord. This is a strategic move for the wise man never lets himself be noticed until he already has a knife at his adversaries throat; and then sometimes not.

 

6^th – The Useless Servant – He carries a basket to feign work, but there is nothing inside. He stabs at the sheep, but the knife is too blunt to draw blood. There is really nothing to do or nowhere to go. Best to lay low and avoid notice.

 

All Six – The Servant Overtakes – Many a long time observing, contemplating and wiping his lazy lords chin has led the servant to a masterful understanding of the business and affairs of his retainer. Thus said, now is the time to use this knowledge to engage in an uprising and seize power while the lord is passed out in a drunken stupor.

Like what you see?

Get your Complete FREE Copy of the Celestial Dragon I Ching arranged in a single easy to read PDF. Just input your email below.

Your Name:
Your E-Mail: