NOTE: This posting was inspired by a posting on the Yahoo Group, "Isshinkai," by Claudia. It has not been confirmed as to her accuracy by AJA Sensei and the below hypothetical hypothesis is all mine and any inconsistencies, inaccuracies, mistakes and omissions are mine.The upper tri-gram (tri-grams are those eight primary gua that when coupled with other tri-grams form the sixty-four hexagrams of the I Ching) is Chen or Thunder. The lower tri-gram is Kun or Earth.
Remember that in the I Ching the position of the tri-gram has significance so thunder above the earth means something specific in relation to the time, place, season, whether the time is during the day or night, etc.
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This character or symbol represents Chen or thunder. In this particular case it represents the attribute of movement. In general it represents/means "the arousing," "inciting movement," and "first son."
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This character or symbol represents Kun or Earth. In this particular case it represents the attributes of obedience and devotion. It means one is inspired with enthusiasm. You will also find references to the law for natural events and for human life.
As I continually study this particular hexagram as I meditate on its association to Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei, Master and creator of the Isshinryu system of the Okinawan Fighting art I find many inferences that in my mind can be associated with the Kenpo Gokui and many of the stories told of his life and teachings.
One must remember as they ready each section or line of this hexagram that the quotes are particular to the position of the line, the number be it a 6 or 9 in a particular position to understand its true meaning.
To understand the true meaning with depth and breadth requires study, contemplation and meditation. One person said they could throw the three coins and come up with a hexagram easily while my thought on this is they are not in full understanding of how the I Ching is meant to work which is why one should use the yarrow stalks and follow the advice that has one meditating on the person seeking the oracles advice and the situation that person seeks answers to.
There must be a connection and like many things alluded to in the reading of the I Ching through the Kenpo Gokui it requires building a solid foundation. What does this mean? We have heard many times how Tatsuo Sensei said we should try to get to know the customs and beliefs of others to understand them and become one. Well the only way is to study, contemplate, listen and learn about others.
This is the premise to the I Ching for we can only divine answers from its study if we spend the proper time to learn the basics and then meditate and study for a period of time for each person and each divination of said person. This takes time, patience and open mind-ness with out clouding of the personal egotistic influences.
So, when seeking the myriad strings of the hexagram "Yu/Enthusiasm" as it may have represented Tatsuo Sensei beliefs one must see the hidden meanings and we will find that upon continual and consistent contemplation we will build a solid foundation that will allow us to understand the connections.
We must never forget that those connections will shift for each time, person, personality, situation, season, hour and minute if we are serious. To trivialize it much like glossing over the basics leads to a foundation that is weak and will not support successfully a long term commitment to the way.
In this particular reading I found the following quotes to hint or stimulate thoughts of Tatsuo Sensei and his desire for us in our practice of Isshinryu. I leave no personal comment so to allow you, the reader, to see.
"The enthusiasm of the heart expresses itself involuntarily ... and rhythmic movement of the body."
"Enthusiasm should never be an egotistic emotion: it is justified only when it i s a general feeling that unites one with others."
"...he neither flatters those above nor neglects those beneath him; he is as firm as a rock."
"If a man hesitates to long, this also will bring remorse. The right moment for approach must be seized; only then will he do the right thing."
If you find this of interest then take the time to go beyond the mere outer layer by stripping away that layer to see more, i.e. the nuclear tri-grams as they form a hexagram.
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This character or symbol represents Kan or water. In this particular case it represents the attributes of danger of obstacles and/or obstructions. You will also find references to the following attributes, the abysmal, dangerous, and second son.
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This character or symbol represents Ken or mountain. The mountain supports as the earth which provides lower places for water to flow and form a mirror like reflection of all myriad things. It along with the upper tri-gram form a hexagram that tells us how to overcome obstacles and obstructions..
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It forms the hexagram Chien/Obstruction and its meaning should be meditated on and view in relation to the primary hexagram for Tatsuo Sensei.
I believe as you continually study and meditate on these writings and interpretations that clarity will form and you will sense the connectivity to him and his teachings of Isshinryu.
Bibliography:
Advincula, A. J. MSgt USMC (Ret.), Isshinryu Sensei. "His writings and postings of Isshinryu and Kenpo Gokui on Isshinkai. California 2009.
Wilhelm/Baynes. "The I Ching or Book of Changes." Princeton University Press. 1950, 1961, 1967, 1987, 1990, 1997.
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