I Ching

A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on the surface of a rippling river: Grace and beauty adorning the natural world.  Grace is not an all-powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing.  By itself, it is form without content.  Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon.  Yet grace brings artistic expression into the world, and enhances the quality of our lives.

In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the dance, the musician giving life to the form of a musical score, the painter becoming one with the brush and canvas.  In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form – with mastery of aesthetic and cultural forms honed by time and honored by tradition.  Through appreciation of graceful forms in human culture we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle for survival.

Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to those in humble positions.  Take care to lend grace and dignity to small matters, while giving the weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence.  Though it should not be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.

1. Resist the temptation to create false illusions of your position or stature.  It is more graceful and dignified to simply wash your own car when picking up an honored guest than to rent a limousine.
2. Petty self-adornment does not bring success.  It can be fatal to confuse vanity with grace.  Devoting too much attention to external appearances stifles grace of movement and bearing – which are far more important.
3. All lives have their charmed moments.  This reading refers to the “mellow mood” induced by wine: we can be transported by the spell of the wine, or overcome by its negative effects.  Learn to stay awake for the pleasant moments, and through kindness and good humor gracefully bring charm into the lives of others.  Avoid over-indulgence.
4. Grace, brilliance, fame and fortune? Or simplicity, dignity, honor and transcendence? If this is the choice, look for a sign from the outside.  If you have any doubts at all, very likely simplicity is the answer.  This choice may cause regret at first, but in the end will bring true peace of mind and stable relationships with good people.
5. People with few material possessions may feel ashamed (and lacking in grace) when meeting someone of great wealth whom they admire.  Though a certain small embarrassment is natural, sincerity of feeling is the most valuable gift between friends.  In the end, success.
6. The fully-developed person exudes grace from his inner being, and has little need of superficial adornments.  When form is perfectly aligned with content, simple measures are sufficient to assure success.