Among the custodians of sacred vessels, the Eldest Son stands first. The shock terrifies for a hundred miles, and he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.
Book II, The Text
Also the symbol of a mighty ruler and lord of the sacrifices. The Arousing means the coming forth of God in the Spring and the reawakening of the life force which stirs again from below. He is Thunder and the direction East, the place of beginnings.
Book III, The Commentaries
Those who were stimulated and awakened by thunder channeled its power to aid in their inner quest for truth."
Hua- ching Ni
Hexagram 51, the image of thunder doubled.
A true spiritual teacher practices the virtue of Thunder in his teachings. He does this in order to awaken the student, never to gain power over him .
Hua-ching Ni
The god (Chen) of Thunder has his festival on the 24th day of the 6th month. They also looked to him to bring rains. Chen was often invoked for his connections with the Dragon King, a rain god whose festival is celebrated a few days earlier, on the 13th day of the 6th month.
John Blofeld said of Hexagram 51, "The superior man in fear and trembling seeks to improve himself."
When the Big Dipper points in the direction of the lunar month and one faces this direction in meditating , one benefits from the invigorating energy. A trained meditator will rotate to always face the direction of the Big Dipper whether in a room or in the wilderness.
Hua-ching Ni
Ancient symbol of the shaman, colorized.
