The Power of the Great in Growth

You feel strong — clear, capable, ready to push. This is real power, and it is precisely when it turns dangerous. Its great enemy is the ego, waiting on the sideline for a favourable moment to intercept and run the wrong way. Line 1 is the warning: strength gathered at the lowest place, itching to advance by force or by the supervisory insistence on correcting everyone around you. The verdict is unusually blunt — pushing forward brings misfortune, certainly. From the bottom, forward pressure is pure presumption. Restore your equanimity, let others correct themselves, and stay in touch with the self that watches all this quietly, reticent and reserved.

When the way genuinely opens (line 2), keep the manners of powerlessness — the same humility that earned the opening, no turn toward criticising or controlling from the new vantage. The real model is line 4: resistance removed not by assault but by quiet, persevering work, so the hedge simply opens. This power shows nothing externally; like the axle bearing a loaded cart, it carries everything precisely because it displays nothing. Work steadily at the obstruction and let results speak. And practise line 5's release — giving up the butting, defensive readiness for combat the moment your position no longer needs it. Obstinacy shed in good time leaves no regret behind.