“Religious forces are needed to overcome the egotism that divides humans.” Hex 59, I Ching

A timeless message from the Wilhelm I Ching. I so love this book for the wisdom it has given me over the years. I believe sacred rites referred to in the text below were entheogenic journeys, what else could evoke such awe?

“Religious forces are needed to overcome the egotism that divides men. The common celebration of the great sacrificial feasts and sacred rites, which gave expression simultaneously to the interrelation and social articulation of family and state, was the means employed by the great rulers to unite men. The sacred music and the splendor of the ceremonies aroused a strong tide of emotion that was shared by all hearts in unison, and that awakened a consciousness of the common origin of all creatures. In this way disunity was overcome and rigidity dissolved. A further means to the same end is co-operation in great general undertakings that set a high goal for the will of the people; in the common concentration on this goal, all barriers dissolve, just as, when a boat is crossing a great stream, all hands must unite in a joint task.

But only one who is free of all selfish ulterior considerations, and who perseveres in justice and steadfastness, is capable of so dissolving the hardness of egotism.” Wilhelm Baynes I Ching Hex 59