Hexagram 5 Waiting

 

This hexagram precedes the hexagram on the dangers of conflict.  When faced with a dangerous situation, the wise do not rashly act, but instead they take a step back and wait patiently.  They penetrate the situation with understanding to discern the way forward and to prepare and strengthen themselves to act when the time ripens to do so.  In that way, they do not fall ignorantly into the negativity of aversion and self-cherishing, which would make the situation worse by acting out of ignorance and confusion.

When we have the courage to face things exactly as they are and take care of what needs attention, without any sort of self-deception or illusion, a light develops out of events through which we can see the path to that benefits all.  A dangerous situation cannot be corrected by force or by imposing our will upon it.  Within the danger the Creative provides an underlying lesson to not seek victory but to approach the situation and remain open to the way that benefits all.  The wise take the time to pay careful attention to their own feelings of self-cherishing and hostility toward the other

In a dangerous situation, the wise confidently resolve to adhere to the Way of humanity[1] and refrain from acting impetuously. They do not yield to doubt in the path or yield to their agitation.  If we guard against our negative reactions, even before they arise, then we preserve our inner mastery and can manage our aversion and selfishness when they do assert themselves. In the time of waiting, sages remove their faults and advance their virtues[2] to benefit all.  

Whenever the wise see that they have reached their limits to respond well, they take a step back from what challenges them to avoid acting hastily, an act of patience. If we can hold to the good and understand the forces in play, both within ourselves and in the world[3], then we will discern a way through and out of the danger.

All beings need nourishment from above, but blessings come in their own time for which we must patiently wait. While waiting for the opportunity to act, the wise continue to develop their inner strengths.  Only when we have the courage to face things as they are without self-deception or illusion does a light develop out of events by which we can recognize the path forward through the dangers in ways that benefit all. 

Once we have the inner capacities to overcome our faults and have prepared ourselves to manifest the spirit in the world, then we must wait for conditions to naturally evolve. While waiting means not advancing, it does not mean giving up an undertaking nor submitting to a hostile fate:  to defer is not to abandon.  We cannot make it rain:  we must wait for it.  Eventually, it will rain. 

Most people, especially the talented, do not like to wait, but only the strong can stand up to their fate as their inner security enables them to endure to the end.  When circumstances force the weak to wait, they become resentful and meet everything critically and spitefully.  A burdened, resentful patience is not the waiting of the wise. 

Waiting does not rely upon mere empty hoping but emerges out of the inner certainty of reaching the goal.  Such certainty supports the perseverance and develops the strengths needed to move through dangers and fulfill our purpose.

Because the wise know their great purpose will succeed, they do not lose the serenity born of inner cheerfulness.  Such joy does not reflect a shallow optimism nor depend upon circumstances.  This joy naturally comes from within, an enduring joy that will get us through dangerous times.

Once we know the path through the danger and the time has come to act, resolute and persevering action must follow.  Only those who go to meet their fate resolutely and fully prepared have the capacity to deal with dangers adequately.  They make the necessary preparations and then act skillfully to move through the danger. When the time comes, the sage unfolds its preparations and moves resolutely against selfishness and aversion for others by manifesting the spirit within the world.