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______ Hexagram Thirty-Eight:  
       K'uei / Estrangement

Fire distances itself
from its nemesis,
the Lake:
No matter how large
or diverse the group,
the Superior Person
remains uniquely himself.

Small accomplishments
are possible.


Hexagram Thirty-Eight/Line One:
Don't search after
the horses you've lost;
They will return in seven days.
Acknowledge the presence
of evil people:
keep a close eye on them,
but don't be baited 
into dealing with them.


Hexagram Thirty-Eight/Line Two:
He meets his lord
in a narrow alleyway.
Though he gets in the way,
no harm is done.


Hexagram Thirty-Eight/Line Three:
Bandits stop his oxen team
and board his wagon.
He is scalped,
his face is disfigured,
and he is left to die.
Not only will he survive --
he will endure and triumph.


Hexagram Thirty-Eight/Line Four:
Resolving to stand alone
in his beliefs if he must,
he is immediately joined
by a kindred spirit.


Hexagram Thirty-Eight/Line Five:
A kindred spirit cuts through
the barriers that separate you.
Can you cross 
the small distance remaining?


Hexagram Thirty-Eight/Line Six:
After long isolation
and persecution,
he sees even
the one who loves him
as a beast or demon.
If he will lay down his arms,
they can advance
toward good fortune together,
through nothing more
than a gentle rain.

Copyright 1995-1996 Roger Norton Consulting. All rights reserved.