25. Wú Wàng 無妄
INNOCENCE, APPROPRIATENESS, ABSENCE OF DELUSION
Key Concepts:
correctness, integrity, simplicity, absence of expectations, absence of illusions
Act spontaneously in the present, do not clutter yourself with options that may never happen.
Above is the trigram Qian (Sky), below is the trigram Zhen (Thunder). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is the rejuvenating life force of the blooming spring, blessed by the heavens from above. The trigram Thunder corresponds to the eldest son, and the trigram Sky to the father. Thunder symbolizes natural energy, so Wu Wang represents respect for elders, obedience, and the desire to be strong, adult, independent. It is a tremendous force controlled by the father. The father does not allow his child (even though he has embarked on the path of adulthood) to be free and independent to the fullest, but he primarily cares about the happiness of the son himself and tries to guide him on the true path.
In expressing such energy, the I Ching points to virtues, as this purity and innocence ideally align with the will of heaven. Calling forth this primal purity from our hearts helps cleanse an overly intimidated mind and calmly walk through life.
Living in the present, perceiving the current moment and one's place in it plays a big role in this. Do not get too enclosed in yourself and your thoughts, do not forget about the vast world that surrounds you. Wu Wang advises us to adapt to unexpected difficulties if they arise, and not to clutter our minds with scenarios that may never happen. Sometimes spontaneity and the absence of a preconceived plan of action is the best strategy.
When our thoughts are free, we can better perceive the natural flow of life energy. Guided by the combination of adult wisdom and cloudless child consciousness, we can move forward with peace of mind and cheerfulness.
The hexagram indicates that we should not harbor groundless hopes, but rely on reality. True correctness is achieved by solving the problem, not by avoiding it. "Do what must be done and let what happens happen," - the motto of the ancient knights reflects the essence of this Hexagram.
In expressing such energy, the I Ching points to virtues, as this purity and innocence ideally align with the will of heaven. Calling forth this primal purity from our hearts helps cleanse an overly intimidated mind and calmly walk through life.
Living in the present, perceiving the current moment and one's place in it plays a big role in this. Do not get too enclosed in yourself and your thoughts, do not forget about the vast world that surrounds you. Wu Wang advises us to adapt to unexpected difficulties if they arise, and not to clutter our minds with scenarios that may never happen. Sometimes spontaneity and the absence of a preconceived plan of action is the best strategy.
When our thoughts are free, we can better perceive the natural flow of life energy. Guided by the combination of adult wisdom and cloudless child consciousness, we can move forward with peace of mind and cheerfulness.
The hexagram indicates that we should not harbor groundless hopes, but rely on reality. True correctness is achieved by solving the problem, not by avoiding it. "Do what must be done and let what happens happen," - the motto of the ancient knights reflects the essence of this Hexagram.
I Ching Talking
If you can be steadfast, there will be no slander
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Impeccable appearance - to happiness.
Pure intentions will bring immense success
If, without plowing, you harvest, not developing fields [in the first year], you use it [on the third],
it will be favorable to have somewhere to go.
Work done in haste, to quickly see the results, rarely brings satisfaction
Impeccable - disaster.
He may tie up his ox, but a passerby will take it.
For him, living in this city, disaster.
Misfortune or theft will befall someone who does not deserve it
If you can be steadfast, there will be no slander.
Your personal decency will help you avoid trouble
Impeccable illness.
Do not take medicine, - there will be joy.
Let time and nature heal you, not external assistance
Impeccability goes away.
There will be misfortune, caused by one's own fault. Nothing favorable.
This is not a time for action, but for self-analysis and calm