The Clinging
Fire has no definite form
but clings to the burning object
and thus is bright.
As water pours down from heaven,
so fire flames up from the earth.
Everything that gives light is dependent on something
to which it clings,
in order that it may continue to shine.
The great man (Our One Heart) continues
the work of nature in the human world.
..makes himself dependent
upon the harmonious and beneficent
forces of the cosmos,
he achieves success.
- The Clinging.
Perseverance furthers.
It brings success.
Care of the cow brings good fortune. -
Clinging means resting on something.
Sun and moon cling to heaven.
Grain, plants, and trees cling to the soil.
Doubled clarity,
clinging to what is right,
transforms the world and perfects it.
The plant world owes its life to the fact
that it clings to the soil,
in which the forces of life express themselves.
On the other hand,
bodies are likewise needed,
that the forces of light and of life
may find expression in them.
It is the same in the life of man.
In order that his psychic nature may be transfigured
and attain influence on earth,
it must cling to the forces of spiritual life.
The yielding element in Li is
the central line of the Receptive,
hence the image of the strong but docile cow.
I Ching or book of changes, Richard Wilhelm translation
