Hexagram 58 Joy

This hexagram, like sun, is one of the eight formed by doubling of a trigram. The trigram Tui denotes the youngest daughter; it is symbolized by the smiling lake, and its attribute is joyousness. Contrary to appearances, it is not the yielding quality of the top line that accounts for joy here. The attribute of the yielding or dark principle is not joy but melancholy. However, joy is indicated by the fact that there are two strong lines within, expressing themselves through the medium of gentleness.

True joy, therefore, rests on firmness and strength within, manifesting itself outwardly as yielding and gentle.

Question: I'm going to need to start making some plans about my next assignment. Should I continue to pursue this opportunity with Big software company.

It's hard to know exactly what this answer means. My interpretation is that things are still moving in the right direction and I would be mistaken if I assumed that I always have to do everything on my own.

It's interesting to me that this answer was so accurate in hind sight. The assignment I got in February of 99 was one I LOVED. The situation then became dangerous and hurtful and I ultimately chose to leave but for a while there really was joy.

Question: Should I volunteer to serve on the board of new professional society?

Water fills up all the empty places on the earth and clings fast to it. The social organization of ancient China was based on this principle of the holding together of dependents and rulers. Water flows to unite with water, because all parts of it are subject to the same laws. So too should human society hold together through a community of interests that allows each individual to feel himself a member of a whole. The central power of a social organization must see to it that every member finds that his true interest lies in holding together with it, as was the case in the paternal relationship between king and vassals in ancient China.

4/9/2005 I never commented that I did take the board position and it's been an exercise in frustration. My interest has begun to wane and I'm questioning whether or not to resign.

Monday (3.29.04) 3:21pm PST
of all the current possibilities - what should I know about TMU

58 going to 3

Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.

Times of growth are beset with difficulties. They resemble a first birth. But these difficulties arise from the very profusion of all that is struggling to attain form. Everything is in motion: therefore if one perseveres there is a prospect of great success, in spite of the existing danger. When it is a man's fate to undertake such new beginnings, everything is still unformed, dark. Hence he must hold back, because any premature move might bring disaster. Likewise, it is very important not to remain alone; in order to overcome the chaos he needs helpers. This is not to say, however, that he himself should look on passively at what is happening. He must lend his hand and participate with inspiration and guidance.

Tuesday (9.21.04) 9:30pm PST
best job - high end consulting

Moving to	Date
	2/2/97	Unchanging - Your goals can come to fruition in an atmosphere of gentleness and goodwill toward others. Difficulties will arise now if your endeavors are toward the self sufficient.
		Top Line
		Fifth Line
29 8 3	11/17/98 1/20/04 3/29/04	Fourth Line When a variety of pleasures abound, it furthers one to be decisive. Failure to act in face of pleasing options is as self-defeating as failure to act in the face of danger. Inner peace is fostered more through a willingness to live life fully, on its own terms, than from an over-developed sense of propriety.
		Third Line
8 3	1/20/04 3/29/04	Second Line - We often find ourselves associating with inferior people in whose company we are tempted by pleasures that are inappropriate for the superior man. To participate in such pleasures would certainly bring remorse, for a superior man can find no real satisfaction in low pleasures. When, recognizing this, a man does not permit his will to swerve, so that he does not find such ways agreeable, not even dubious companions will venture to proffer any base pleasures, because he would not enjoy them. Thus every cause for regret is removed.
29 8	11/17/98 1/20/04	Bottom line Living a life of quiet, self-contained joy is the height of good fortune. Eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are sleepy, take your pleasures as you will - what could be better?