Contemplating the Self
By Yao the Striver
When thirsty, drink; when weary, sleep
Why trouble the mind with Zen and prayer?
The mundane world itself is a sacred place
Where the heart finds peace, that is nirvana
Moments
Everyday thoughts, discoveries, and passing notes, kept in their unpolished flow.
July 2026
June 2026
“Flying dragon in the sky, it is beneficial to see the great man.”
from the I Ching (Book of Changes), in the the fifth line (nine) of the Qian hexagram: Flying dragon in the sky, it is beneficial to see the great man.
This is one of the most famous sentences in the I Ching, and it is also the highest and most auspicious line among the six lines of the Qian hexagram.
Flying dragon in the sky
The dragon has soared into the sky.
It metaphorically represents a person's talents, virtues, and career development reaching a mature and prosperous stage.
No longer in hiding (“hidden dragon, do not act”), but able to fully realize ambitions.
It is beneficial to see the great man
“li”: beneficial, suitable.
“jian”: to meet, to receive help, to cooperate.
“great person”: a person of virtue, wisdom, and capable of taking on great responsibilities, not limited to those of high status.
Therefore:
When a person's abilities and timing have matured, it is suitable to cooperate with wise and capable individuals to jointly achieve great undertakings.
April 2026
“Those who mature early often mature late.”
This line comes from Soldiers Sortie. Its core meaning is that apparent maturity (socialized maturity) often suppresses the development of the true self (personal maturity). Those who mature early gain worldly rewards sooner because of their maturity, but in adulthood they are more likely to fall into confusion due to prematurely exhausting their passion or living for others. They require a longer period of reflection to complete their internalized self-growth.
Reading should feel like a walk—no rush, just taking it in.
Capture those moments that truly hit you.
You have reached the end.