Free of Opposites (Hantai no jiyu): 反対の自由

The inability of man to force the opposites (yang-yin) in human nature so far apart that all conscious connection between them is lost. In the case of primitive mentality, the Yang and the Yin have remained in their original proximity. Unable to escape the feeling of collision of the opposites, therefore a way of life is sought in which he would earn freedom of the opposites, i.e. as in the Hindu "nirdvandva," which means, "free of the opposites."

Jung reminds us that in this we "westerners" must remember we are not "orientals," and therefore have an "entirely different point of departure" in these things.

It is also of particular note, for me, that Jung also states, in part, "… this way of development has scarcely any meaning before the middle of life (normally between ages of thirty-five and forty).

Note: These suggestions are taken a bit out of the context, i.e. Jung's comments on the book translated by Richard Wilhelm and with commentary by C. G. Jung (The Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life).

It shall also be noted that this book is directly affected by the "Book of Changes." Therefore, for this posting it also relates to us and the practice of FA/MA via the "ken-po goku-i." I find it interesting that the more I study Wilhelm's works, both Helmut and Richard, I see more relations in life be it of Oriental or Occidental sources.

All this is in regards to "Consciousness!" To be conscious, as I perceive it and that is also subjective, is to have the ability to see past the ego and what some call the "Id." To perceive clarity of life both internally and externally as it relates to Tao which is a combination of all the myriad things, i.e. Heaven, Earth, Man; the Sun and moon; the vary stars of the Universe.

To merely make life appear in a different light (Heaven: Sun and/or Heave: Moon which is the mirror of Sun's energy/light), and so becomes different. What is "different?" Good question …

The different may be, as alluded to by Jung, is when possibilities come to one either outside of themselves or from within; or rather, that it grew into some persons from without, and into others from within. In none of any cases of consciousness of a natural nature was it conjured into existence through purpose and conscious willing, but rather to be borne on the stream of time. Where else is it continually apparent that nothing can be forced by us to fruition but any value received in life must come from the normal stream of time, i.e. hurrying it up or circumventing the normal flow is counterproductive.

In this we further extrapolate that one must endure the stream of time as set through the natural order, the Tao, until its "time is of the present moment" as there is no other way.

So, I say, stop the temptation to turn "everything" into a purpose and method by force or conjuring of egoistic source but let the path unfold naturally as Heaven and Earth, the Universe; the Tao, intended. Let the nature of Yang and Yin proceed with out further force and follow the guidance provided in the Book of Changes.

After all, thousands and thousands of years experience must mean something! I Quote,

"I have been deeply impressed with the fact that the new thing presented by fate seldom or never corresponds to conscious expectation." - C. G. Jung