SIX

訟

TRANSCENDING CONFLICT

CONCERNS: Having the inner strength to cooperate with others, even when they are being difficult; eliminating righteousness, self-justification and manipulation; submitting disputes to objective review or arbitration.

1. Though there may be an issue in contention, it is now best to put our efforts into conciliatory clarification and not put our position to the test. Such an approach could produce some grumbling but the outcome will be good.
2. When an equal or a superior has a stronger hand, we can best manifest our strength by yielding. Pay attention to the obstacle of pride; exercise inner power through yielding with dignity without excuses.
3. In this situation, we need to be careful not to presume to more knowledge or power than we really possess; we risk generating conflict when we seek recognition or approval instead of cleanly discharging our responsibilities. Be aware of the subtle motivations that lead to competition.
4. It is not proper to engage in conflict just because we are correct or in a superior position; by maintaining harmony within and expressing it without, we manifest our spiritual development. If we are right, we do not have to resort to being righteous.
5. When we change from being argumentative and contentious we strongly express our maturity. A mature person knows that all opposites are parts of the whole and, therefore, lives a life of balance and harmony, dissolving conflicts within and avoids taking sides in everyday life and thought.
6. By persistently making ourselves right or by needing to prevail, we generate opposing forces that challenge our efforts.  Such constant struggle drains our energy and saps our creative forces.  Do we wish to pour our life energies into “proving” we are right, which cannot really be done but which unavoidably reveals our inner doubts? Or, would it be wiser to pursue correct courses that exist independently of our desires, and, in so doing, truly express our inner power?

COMMENT: A person who is inwardly mature will master inner conflict and thus avoid unnecessary struggle, litigation and dispute. Agitated minds produce inner conflicts, inner conflicts produce agitated relationships, and agitated relationships produce a world of contention, litigation, and violence; when we all take responsibility for pacifying our minds, the world will be at peace. When we, ourselves, cannot avoid conflict, we should appeal for guidance to someone who is objective and mature.