Chinese Philosophy

I Ching Quotes

Small mishaps may, if they do not discourage one, lead on to fortune.

The sincerity is firmly held and clung to

*When we minutely investigate the nature and reasons of things till we have entered into the inscrutable and spiritual in them, we attain to the largest practical application of them; when that application becomes quickest and readiest and personal poise is secured, our virtue is thereby exalted. Proceeding beyond this, we reach a point which it is hardly possible to comprehend; we have thoroughly mastered the inscrutable and spiritual and understand the processes of transformation. This is the fulness of virtue. (Appendix 3:2:33-34)

If acts of goodness are not accumulated, they are not sufficient to give its finish to one’s name; if acts of evil are not accumulated, they are not sufficient to destroy one’s life. The small man thinks that small acts of goodness are of no benefit, and does not do them; and that small deeds of evil do no harm, and does not abstain from them. Hence his wickedness becomes great till it cannot be covered, and his guilt becomes great till it cannot be pardoned. (Appendix 3:2:5:38)

What is the meaning of the words under the fourth NINE, “He is as if he were leaping up, [but still] is in the deep; there will be no mistake?” The Master [Confucius] said, “He finds no permanent place either above or below, but he does not commit the error [of advancing]. He may advance or recede—there is no permanent place for him: but he does not leave his fellows. The chun tzu, advancing in virtue and cultivating the sphere of his duty, yet wishes [to advance only] at the [proper] time, and therefore there is no mistake.” (Appendix 4:1:2:7)

Hsu intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Do not be too fixed and inflexible; be in touch with time and change with it.

A circumstance becomes positive when you adapt to it.

Excessive dependence on words leads to poor results.

In your self-development, seek to eliminate bad habits and tolerate harmless ones.

In cultivating oneself, it is best to root out bad habits and tolerate harmless ones.

On the road to success, as you near attainment of your goal, beware of becoming intoxicated with your achievement.

After thoroughly considering a matter, it is necessary to form a decision and act.

The chun tzu can be emotionally joyful yet thoughtfully concerned.

If you try to do too much, you will not achieve anything.

When facing impossible conditions, sometimes it is in your best interests to retreat.

t. One should act in consonance with the way of T’ien and Earth, enduring and eternal. The chun tzu perseveres long in his course, adapts to the times, but remains firm in his direction and correct in his goals.

A proper balance must be struck between indulgence and severity. However, severity, despite occasional mistakes, is preferable to a lack of discipline.

Strength confronted by peril might be expected to advance boldly and at once to struggle with it; but it takes the wiser plan of waiting till success is sure. (I Ching Footnotes)