SENSIBLE WARRIOR

Background image shows Lagoa do Fogo, located on the Azorean island Sao Miguel. This is a volcanic lake sitting on top of a volcano, about 700m above sea level. I selected this image as it represents water on top of the fire, that is symbolized by the Chinese I-Ching hexagram No 63. It is called "After completion" and represents the stage when the transition from confusion to order is completed, and everything is in its proper place.

This is a very favorable outlook, yet it gives reason for thought. For it is just when perfect equilibrium has been reached that any movement may cause order to revert to disorder. In life too there are junctures when all forces are in balance and work in harmony, so that everything seems to be in the best of order. In such times only the sensible warrior recognizes the moments that bode danger and knows how to banish it by means of timely precautions.

Hexagram 63 can also be depicted by the water in a kettle that hangs over fire, where those two elements stand in relation and thus generate energy (cf. the production of steam). But the resulting tension demands caution. If the water boils over, the fire is extinguished an its energy is lost. If the heat is too great, the water evaporates into the air. Only the most extreme caution can prevent damage.

We strive for completeness, we strive for order. We can reach it but in truth it is never stagnant, never still. Sensible warrior knows life is one transition after another, one change after another, taking needed precautions in between that allow him to rest and prepare to move on.