NINE

小畜

THE DYNAMICS OF SMALL FORCES

CONCERNS: Minor impediments; accumulating resources in preparation for significant action; refining our characters when we may be without influence in the world.

1. Striving would be excessive at this time so we return to our inner balance and simply discharge our obligations.
2. Here we look after our obligations and responsibilities without having to press for recognition or results.
3. Unless we are cooperative, minor issues will sabotage our undertakings.
4. Firmly and consciously grounded in sincerity, we can subdue a strong person or strong desire without struggle.
5. Sincere cooperation with others will increase our effectiveness.
6. A success that comes through the accumulation of small advances must not be presumed upon.

COMMENT: An appreciation of the dynamics of small forces gives us guidance for the quieting of our restless minds. If we attempt to arrest the movement of the mind by force, it will rebel and we will experience an internal power struggle. The constant gentle conscious practice of stillness in our meditation will bring us to an eventual mastery and clarity.