August 2nd

Abundance

Sun in heaven.
Abundance in great measure.
Supreme success
In the midst of impermanence.

The midday sun in summer is the hottest and brightest of all. It symbolizes a zenith, a fulfillment, a period of great brightness. In the affairs of people, it stands for the combining of strength and clarity, which yields brilliance. When the times are in accord, abundance cannot be opposed.The period of abundance is a time for vigorous action. Bright light shines not only on the good but on the bad as well. Therefore, when evil is revealed, all good people must oppose it. Pluck it out by the roots and energetically promote the good.
Abundance is a cause for celebration, but followers of Tao also remember to be cautious. No zenith can be preserved forever. In fact, the time of abundance just precedes an inevitable path of decline. Nothing in life is permanent. Therefore, the wise person enjoys and is gladdened by abundance. But while they take advantage of the time, they also prepare for what will follow.

Personal Interpretation

Those who follow Tao live their lives in sync with nature. The sun is currently at its zenith, and so too is abundance. We are entitled to rejoice, but are also obligated to identify evil and extricate it. We are entitled to bask in the sun, but must also prepare for what lies ahead. Transience defines our world and a zenith precedes a decline. It is best to save when we have more than we need, to consider what may lie in wait for us and to gather together the resources that can enable us to meet the challenges of starker times.