THIRTY-FOUR

大壯

GREAT POWER

CONCERNS:  The generation and cultivation of power through conscious restraint and deep reflection; the tendency to abuse it by being overbearing, interfering and insensitive, the dynamics of responsible power.

1. A premature commitment of strength or resources here will make an ineffectual beginning.
2. Although we are now able to put our energy into motion, we must do so correctly, with conscious restraint and dignity.
3. When we achieve some reliable inner strength we have no need to make a display of it in the world and, by so doing, to become entangled. Inner power should be nurtured quietly.
4. It is now time for a powerful, concerted advance in accordance with what is right.
5. Since the way is now open to us, we do not need to be aggressive.
6. Here our stubbornness has brought us to an impasse; if we are educated by this experience, the frustration will not last and our understanding will deepen.

COMMENT: What better place to exercise the responsible employment of power than in the midst of unfair accusations and blame, false reports and slander, unjust actions and abuse of authority, calculated lies and malice -—in short, in the testing ground of everyday ignorance, cruelty, deceit and manipulation? The conscious restraint of reactive energy constructs a core of inner strength that carries with it a moral authority, giving us the power to overcome less grounded challenges in the long run. If we are truly right and truly conscious, we can turn the other cheek; abusive power cannot sustain itself so we must be careful not to reenergize it with our reactive resistance. Determining the time and place for a decisive battle with dark forces requires a powerful and peaceful mind.