Ascending

"[With enlightenment comes influence : Ascending]
One ascends by seeing improvement and controlling
excess."

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a moment given to understanding the cycles. We are far from the points of transition. We are in a position to see the cycles and thus to observe them and learn to use them to succeed (augment oneself) and avoid those that can do damage. This is a step up, a change from one level of refinement to the next; an increase in one's commitment to a path. Contextually, we combine uniting (drawing in) with coming back to the 'true' path and thus augmentation and ascendance.


As thunder and wind reinforce each other,
So the wise person notes the ways of others.
If one sees good in others, one imitates it;
If one sees bad in oneself, one removes it.


That which proceeds downward from above to what is below is indeed a Flow that is both great and glorious.
"It is fitting to set out to do something:" For one who practices centrality and correctness blessings are had.
> Nothing greater comes from Increase than a shift to the good and correcting one’s errors.


Direction: Contemplate the field of action. Let everything come into view. Strip away old ideas. Be open to what is coming. Provide what is needed.


Natural Law does not rest. After we have obtained what we want, it is wise to keep in mind that if we allow our level of consciousness to sink, the same law that brought us what we wanted will remove it from us.




Contemplation

"With devotion comes influence] : Contemplation (View)
The wind above the earth : Viewing.
In primal times one [searched high and low], observing the people with the intention of setting up a [school]. [Looking for the teachable?]"

It is wise to set an example through one's presence. However we need to be weary of the possibility that the power of our presence can cause people to make decisions based on our point of view, not their own.


The great subject of Viewing resides above. {Below is the place for the humble and above the place for the noble}
...Viewing the numinous Flow of Heaven, one finds that the four seasons never deviate, and so the sage establishes teachings on the basis of this numinous Flow, and all under heaven submit
...Only after a thing becomes great can it be viewed.


Seeing yourself inwardly. Seeing the world outwardly. Being seen by others for whom you set an example.

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