Breakthrough leads to Revolution (2)

In the study of the Book of Changes, how we question, divine, and interpret the prognostication depict our level of understanding of this ancient Chinese classic.

The question can be simple and direct, the divination method can be through the use of yarrow stalks or three coins, and the interpretation by relying on the text and/or images of the Yijing. It goes without saying that the more important the divination question is to us, the more pondering on the prognostication is required, before we can really say that the answer is clear as day. Otherwise the guidance provided by the Yijing is lost.

Take for example the recent entry on the prognostication given by the Yi of Breakthrough which leads to Revolution.

In that entry, I have mentioned that the arrogant dragon in the top (unbroken) line of Hexagram 1 Qian / The Creative Heaven has changed to become the Xiao Ren in the top (broken) line of Hexagram 43 Guai / Breakthrough. And that for all intents and purposes this Xiao Ren has to be truthfully announced and be pushed or thrown out citing examples of the public protests and the ‘successful’ revolution in both Tunisia and Egypt (because the oppressor in both cases was pushed out).

There was no mention of Libya in the previous entry, because the uprising shows a different scenario from that given in the Judgment of Breakthrough which says:

Breakthrough. One must resolutely make the matter known at the court of the king. It must be announced truthfully. Danger. It is necessary to notify one’s own city. It does not further to resort to arms. It furthers one to undertake something. [W/B]

The differences between the successful overthrow of the oppressors in Tunisia and Egypt, and the current ‘civil war’ in Libya is because of the resort to arms. The resorting to arms gives rise to the dilemma of the Western world and the UN on how to deal with the legit uprising in Libya.

If the protesters had not resorted to arms then it can be said to be a crime against humanity if they were shot and killed by those in power. Therefore the Yi is correct when the Judgment advises that it does not further to resort to arms.

Perhaps the anonymous commentator in the previous entry did not take this slight but yet important difference into account. Furthermore, it proves nigh impossible for a Xiao Ren to change back to a Da Ren since the harm is done especially where innocents have been killed - a crime against humanity, so to speak.

According to the Nine in the second line of Hexagram Guai, preparedness is of utmost importance to a Junzi, Da Ren, and/or rulers of nations.

If rulers have had led with humanity and justice instead of oppression, injustice, and corruption, would the people revolt against their rule?

If a nation has prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods for example, would she and her people fear a ‘Super Moon’ this coming March 19?

If the Junzi or Da Ren has prepared against the eventuality that things (such as security, personal safeguards, provisions, etc) are insufficient or that plans (including investments, businesses, etc) will fail would they constantly have to live in fear?

The multitude could be caught by surprise if natural disasters, worldwide epidemics, global financial crisis occurred, but those who are prepared would not suffer too much. Among the prepared would be the Junzi and the Da Ren, for they can foreknow.

This is why the prognostication says:

A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night. Fear nothing.

Therefore, even if there is going to be a revolution in their country, there is nothing to fear.

(Note: The change in the Nine in the second line of Hexagram 43 Breakthrough leads to Hexagram 49 Ge / Revolution.)