Hexagram 17: Meetings

Image:

Hot air rises from the campfire. No light is produced.

Judgement:

Ministers hold council with their programmers. New rules and orders are revealed, but their words are as a scorching wind from the desert. The Wise One drinks strong tea to avoid falling asleep. Only the fool raises objections, thereby prolonging the proceedings.

Moving Lines:

• Line 6 -- The wind blows over the swamp. Meetings are held endlessly, but no decisions are reached. No progress. The minister will gather everyone together again in a week.
• Line 5 -- The minister stands before the programmers and proudly displays his power. Progress is at a standstill until the thunder stops. The Wise One murmurs his assent, knowing the emperor is not in the palace.
• Line 4 -- Thunder echos from the mountains, the wind blows through the trees. While words move endlessly about him, the Wise One writes quietly on his parchment. Pieces of code flow from his quill, as he pretends to listen. No blame.
• Line 3 -- Fires burn in the swamp. The hours slip slowly by, never to be recovered. The councils of men argue over words, splitting hairs. Outside the window, a bird sings.
• Line 2 -- Before the doors of the council chambers, Wise Ones pass each other. With just a few words, agreement is reached and sealed with a wink. The path to the Golden Code is clear and the meeting is cancelled. Much joy.
• Line 1 -- The fire is burned out. Ministers call a gathering as the sun rises over the hills. The Wise One pours a cup of strong tea and slumps in his chair. Only the fool smiles with anticipation. There is no foundation for further progress.

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Translator's Notes