April 4th, 1973
[continued]
Duration is rather the self-contained and therefore self-renewing movement of an organized, firmly integrated whole, taking place in accordance with immutable laws and beginning a new at every ending. The end is reached by an inward movement, by inhalation, systole, contraction, and this movement turns into a new beginning; in which the movement is directed outward, in expansion, diastole, expansion.
Heavenly bodies exemplify duration. They move in their fixed orbits, and because of this their light-giving power endures. The season of the year follow a fixed law of change and transformation, hence they produce effects that endure.
So likewise the dedicated man embodies an enduring meaning in his way of life, and thereby the world is formed. In that which gives things their duration, we can come to understand the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
embodies an enduring meaning in his way of life and thereby the world is formed.
Thunder and wind: the image of Duration
Thus the superior man stands firm
AND DOES NOT CHANGE HIS DIRECTION
Keep abreast of the time and change with it. What should endure is the unswerving directive, the inner law of this being, which determined all his actions.