26 / 57 The Taming Power of the Great
Holding Firm
(23->26->43->45)

"TA CH'U -

TA : big, noble, important, very; orient the will toward a self-imposed goal, impose direction; ability to lead or guide your life..

CH'U : hoard, gather, retain, herd together; control, restrain; domesticate, tame, train; raise, feed, sustain, bring up. The ideogram: field and black, fertile black soil good for pastures, accumulated through retaining silt."ERANOS p319

Image :

" [With perseverence comes retainment].
Heaven in the centre of a mountain : Great Accumulating.
[Social Restraining],
One uses the numerous words in recorded histories to control one's path ( 'Way' (tao))."

In a context of perseverence we utilise discernment.

Commentary

In hexagram 26 we recognize that by studying and accumulating things of the past, one is able to develop a sense of balance; the power of tradition. This, however, forms a restraint, but of the social kind rather than self restraint (52). Contextually, from a 'drive' to ascend (46) we wait and serve (5), thus cultivating and gaining influence - this acts as a sort 'glue', allowing us to 'hold firm' to our way.

The Traditional Single Changing Line Comments:

Line 1

"Studying the past can be threatening unless one takes things a step at a time. Absorb some. Stop. Absorb some more."

Line 2

"One pushes too hard. OR One pushes too hard. One must avoid excess and remain centred."

Line 3

"Despite hard work in testing times, one has the spirit to deal with things. One's words accompany one's deeds. Advantageous to have a goal."

Line 4

"One has the forethought to direct the development of strength. Do it."

Line 5

"One's desires are curbed. Favourable."

Line 6

"One's path of development has reached an end. The previously 'raw' has been molded and caste as a fine tool to be used."

Extended Commentary

The raw context from which the sitution derives is described by hexagram 46 pushing upwards/ascending. It passes through hexagram 05 Waiting/Serving before reaching here.

Transformative methods

By introducing this hexagram as context, you can change a state described by any other hexagram into a state described by hexagram 11. To make a state associated with another hexagram transform into this state, introduce hexagram 11 as context.

It is important to remember that, when using transformative methods, the more lines requiring change, the more energy required when attempting to introduce a different context. It may therefore be of benefit to work on existing changing lines and achieve your goal in steps rather than attempt, for example, a six-line change all at once.

Further IC+ extensions