2017-03-27
Man standing on rock looking over landscape

From The I Ching or Book of Changes:

Those who travel beside the Sage are protected from harm.

A person who travels as a stranger in a strange land is wise to display an attitude free of arrogance and belligerence. Otherwise he is liable to meet with trouble and find himself unable to survive it. We are all strangers in a strange land, wanderers in a vast and unknowable universe, obliged to act accordingly.

Think of how you would proceed if traveling alone in an unfamiliar country. You would be cautious and reserved, taking great care not to fall in with the wrong people or enter into dangerous places. You would be tolerant of others and generous toward them if a dispute arose and you would be inclined to settle disagreements quickly to keep them from getting out of hand. You would rely on your attentiveness, your modest attitude and your gentle manner to keep you out of harm’s way. This is a wise way to travel through your entire life.

Seek now to stay in quiet harmony with the Higher Power and to embody caution, modesty and generosity in your actions. Do not drag out disagreements with others; conflict is a prison that grows more dangerous every minute you are in it. Do not depart from the path of humility and correct conduct, in doing so, you lose the protection of the Deity and risk misfortune. By continually seeking to serve the innocent and the good, you stay in step with the Sage and never wander alone in the world.

What would happen if each of us conducted ourselves in this manner?
What would our relationships, families, countries and world be like?

It is possible to live in harmony and in peace.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.’

Lee Papier writes the "Have a Magnificent Day" blog on Beliefnet.

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