Experience is the Best Teacher

4. Meng/Youthful Folly — 35. Chin/Progress

Jan 30/18

Today, we must be cautious of the roles we play moment to moment and ask, “Am I the teacher or the student in this situation?” The fourth hexagram, Meng, addresses both archetypes and advises both to practice a reverent modesty towards life in order to develop the receptivity to learn from one’s mistakes.

A spring escapes stagnation by
filing up all hallow paces in the way.
The same way, character is developed by thoroughness.

Old yin on the fourth line of action, warns us of mistakes that might be unavoidable. Water springs forth to fill holes first, then leads to greater understanding. The natural flow of life is often the greatest teachers, as none is more patient than life unfolding.

If we allow life to lead the student (either without or within) through mistakes and go through the struggle of humiliation, rapid progress is to follow, as shown in the resulting 35th hexagram. Life experience will teach us all today, if we let it. If we can bare the embarrassment, an enlightened perspective will be our reward.

Stay blessed always,

Lee