60 – The Dam – Holding Back – Water Restrained

By natural instinct, the water wants to flow, however we must consider the fate of the village below should this happen. The dam is a time to practice restraint, to wait before taking action, as this may set off a chain of events not to our liking. By engaging in restraint, we shall lose nothing, as this is a necessary dictation in the tides of creation. The wise man knows there is a time for both action and non-action. However, we should not restrain to the point where it causes us pain, for this would just lead to a flood.

1^st – The Dam Holds – Knowing that action would further nothing at the moment, he sits on his porch and sips tea. He will know when it is the correct time to act for a path will open in his mind.

2^nd – Misusing the Dam – The crops need to be watered, but he neglects this and stays in his home. We must take advantage of this window of opportunity, for it will soon pass.

3^rd – The Dam Spills – Though he tried to engage in restraint, things were put into motion regardless. This is fine and we should roll with it.

4^th – The Dam Calms – The water level is low and exerts no pressure upon the walls. We should enjoy this moment of peace and continue to do nothing.

5^th – The Dams Gate – Out of respect for our neighbors, we have engaged in voluntary restraint. This was a good thing, however now is the time to slowly open the floodgate and begin to take action.

6^th – The Dam is Pressured – The water is rapidly rising and the pressure is causing us much pain. If we continue like this, then we shall suffer injury. We should go somewhere or take action, though both be long shots at the present moment.

All Six – The Crumbling Dam – The stone is old and the dam sprouts leaks. If this continues, then disaster will strike. Now is the time to make or break. Take a risk, if we don’t then we will lose regardless.