Water over Earth: Fellowship.

Although the name of the clinic Stone-Atwater Acupuncture and Natural Healing comes from the historical registration of the home as the Stone-Atwater House there is a deeper symbolism and meaning to the name. Both earth (stone) and water are one of the five chinese elements. The Yi Jing , also called "Book of Changes" or "Classic of Changes", is the oldest of the Chinese classic texts. A symbol system designed to identify order in what seem like chance events, it describes an ancient system of cosmology and philosophy that is at the heart of Chinese medicine philosophy and theory.

If you are unfamiliar with the Yi Jing and would like to learn more about this classic please follow this link. Although not required, it may help you understand the following symbolism.

Hexagram 8 features the symbol for Water above Earth (stone at the water). According to Hua-Ching Ni in his interpretation of the Yi Jing “The Book of Changes and The Unchanging Truth”, hexagram 8 represents fellowship. It is a symbol of good fortune and I think it embodies much of the essence of our clinic and practice.

According to Ni, “Water and Earth harmoniously support each other. Water flows freely throughout eart and, in the process, earth absorbs water. Here, five yin lines assist the yang line, illustrating a situation in which the leader is at peace with his followers. Thus, there is a spirit of fellowship among the followers as well as with the leader. The success of any endeavor depends on the strength and cooperation of the group. This is developed by mainaining a strong sense of receptifivity and open-minedness toward new members, new advisors and one another. Through hamrony, peace and friendship, a goal that benefits the entire group can be attained.”

We chose to practice in a small community like Chautauqua to so that we may become an integral piece of this community. Like the country doctor of old, and the sage healer of ancient, we appreciate the importance of harmony, balance and fellowship of community for maintaining health, both in the individual and the more-than-human world.

I would like to further quote Ni in his commentary on Hexagram 8 that is titled “Natural Light in Relationships”. The passage is as follows:

The inner essence of the universe is benevolent.
People, within their true natures, functioning as
microcosms of the universe, are also benevolent and
should, therefore, cherish humanity in their hearts.
Use tolerance and patience toward others.
Be loyal and forgiving, warm and sincere.
Extend your harmonious energy to others.
Do not complain, so as not to pass on your negativity.
Approach everyone with an open mind and without pushing
yourself forward, but do not bare your heart when
meeting for the first time.
Judge yourself well and others moderately.
Be forgiving, and forgive fully and frankly.
There is always a good reason to forget another’s faults.
Remember, even the sages were not faultless.
Keep your tongue quiet so as not to provoke arguments.
Leave room for your own repentance and compensation in
every affair.
Be flexible and yielding, and do not quarrel.
Bear an insult and keep your dignity.
To repress a moment of anger can save you much regret.
Strive to be selfless, not self-centered.
A self-centered person expects favors fro others, while a
selfless person gives to others and never asks anything
in return.

Win people’s hearts, and do not impose upon their wills.
With affinity, people will meet each other from a great
distance.
Without affinity, even when face to face, they might never
truly meet.
When people are of the same mind, their integrity will cut
metal.
Do not have intimate dealings with unvirtuous
people whose words mean little and whose actions are
indecisive.
Do not nourish an unfaithful person.
If one associates with unvirtuous people, one will be
negatively influenced by them.
Be fraternal and friendly to everyone, but keep your own
balanced nature whole and untouched.
Do not speak of another’s shortcomings at any time. If you
respect others, they will in turn respect you.
Be humble and willing to serve people whenever you can.
Thus is the nature and the absolute virtue of the universe.