I Ching

Exposure to danger brings good fortune to those who move beyond it.  Like boaters passing through white-water rapids, those faced with serious challenges must remain alert; they must take all available precautions; and above all, must keep going forward so as to remove themselves from harm’s way.  Once the danger has passed, good fortune.

The positive side of danger is that it offers an excellent chance to cleanse the senses and strengthen the spirit.  Surviving danger brings with it tremendous reinvigoration, and sharpens the eye and mind for future challenges.

It is reckless to court danger, but critical to inner development not to shrink from it either.  Those who respond to danger most effectively are those who are able to establish an inner bubble of calm in the midst of the action.  A calm center keeps one rooted in the moment, alert and focused.  Courage at such times springs from focused attention, from a willingness to penetrate the moment of danger to its very core, so as to shape it and transform it.

1. Harm eventually comes to those who let themselves become accustomed to taking unnecessary risks.  Like a man who awakens suddenly to find himself balancing on a tight-rope, it is obvious to all but the man himself how he got there.  Caught in such a predicament, there is little to do but avoid further recklessness, and balance the current situation as best you can.
2. Calmly take stock of your situation, and be realistic.  When one is in trouble, it is unwise to think immediately of escape unless the causes of the current dilemma are clear.  Sit still, and learn what you can.
3. Like a rock climber stuck on a narrow ledge high on a cliff, any move, forward or backward, leads to trouble.  Forget escape – it’s impossible for the time being.  The only thing to do is wait for help.  To move might only complicate the efforts of those trying to help you.
4. Make cooperation the priority now.  When danger is at hand, there is no need to stand on ceremony.  Outer forms of polite society fall away quickly, and blamelessly, when mutual aid in the face of danger becomes the priority.
5. Excessive ambition takes one to the brink of danger.  When the water rises quickly in a narrow canyon, think only of escape.  To discover an escape route, follow the path of least resistance.
6. One is like a prisoner, bound and shackled.  This is a very risky position to be in.  If you behave properly and remain faithful, you will survive, no matter how tough things become.  It’s good to remember that you are only the victim of your own mistakes.  You have lost the way and are trapped in a thicket of troubles – seemingly without hope of escape.  Don’t give up all hope, however.  After a while, you will find the way again.