The upper trigram K’un is characterized by devotion; thus the movement is natural, arising spontaneously. If one tries to induce calmness by means of artificial rigidity, meditation will lead to very unwholesome results. In ancient China the capital cities were sometimes moved, partly for the sake of more favorable location, partly because of a change in dynasties. There the wind is on the earth and symbolizes the ruler taking note of the conditions in his kingdom; here the wind blows from above and symbolizes the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands.

Bindings are tight, sturdy, and square; light wear to edges of black cloth boards, gilt titling remains bright and bold; text very good throughout both volumes. The obstructions in the social life of man increase when there is a lack of clarity in the penal codes and slackness in executing them.The ting, as a utensil pertaining to a refined civilization, suggests the fostering and nourishing of able men, which redounded to the benefit of the state. In the " Trigram Symbols" you can read the interpretation of the two Trigrams that the Cast Hexagram is made of. A boar’s tusk is in itself dangerous, but if the boar’s nature is altered, the tusk is no longer a menace. Thus together they stand for the flame kindled by wood and wind, which likewise suggests the idea of preparing food.

If we are not on guard, evil will succeed in escaping by means of concealment, and when it has eluded us new misfortunes will develop from the remaining seeds, for evil does not die easily. While Buddhism strives for rest through an ebbing away of all movement in nirvana, the Book of Changes holds that rest is merely a state of polarity that always posits movement as its complement. But this a man can do only when he himself is not yet infected by the agitation, although its disastrous effects are already visible in those around him. Times of adversity are the reverse of times of success, but they can lead to success if they befall the right man. Volume 1 is in very good condition, with mild soiling to the fore edge of the text block and rubbing along the bottom edges of the boards.

Octavos, 394 and 376pp, publisher s black cloth decoratively stamped in gilt, top edge stained pale yellow (minor dusting to bulked edges, tight, very good to near fine). But since the lake is a place where water collects, the idea of gathering together is even more strongly expressed here than in the other hexagram.

Often a man feels an urge to unite with others, but the individuals around him have already formed themselves into a group, so that he remains isolated. A man in a dangerous situation, especially when he is not adequate to it, is inclined to be very free with talk and presumptuous jokes. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings are possible, and even difficult and dangerous enterprises will succeed. Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Therefore it may safely be saidthat the seasoned wisdom of thousands of years has gone into themaking of the I Ching.For although the strong element is in excess, it is in the middle, that is, at the center of gravity, so that a revolution is not to be feared. From the point of view of politics, the meaning is that in exceptional times one does well to join with the lowly, for this affords a possibility of renewal. If it is allowed to take its course, misfortune is bound to result; the insignificance of that which creeps in should not be a temptation to underrate it. If he is watchful at all times, even before danger is present, he is armed when danger approaches and need not be afraid. If, owing to weakness of spirit, a man cannot support himself, a feeling of uneasiness comes over him; this is because in shirking the proper way of obtaining a living, he accepts support as a favor from those in higher place.