Qian

Surely one of the most sublime and powerful gifts of being human is the power to create. To initiate, to bring into existence that which was not there before, is a power vested in humankind to a much greater degree than any other in nature.

When we offer our own vitality in the service of initiating, we give away our own being. The ancient Chinese had a word for this heavenly energy: Qian. The ideogram (word-picture) for Qian depicts a sun on the left side, with a plant sprouting above it and another taking root below. On the right are the sun’s rays spreading out from the center. Qian means the creative, initiating power of heaven.

Qian is also depicted by three solid lines, often seen on flags and emblems. A Christian might see in the three lines another expression of the sublime: the Trinity. Creation of the truly new comes from convergence and community. Not two sides, not two persons, but three.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) Jesus instructed his followers to initiate in the name of Three, especially when performing that rite of initiation called baptism. We see the power of Qian whenever there is a confluence of minds (at least three!) that results in new action. Where do I see this initiating power currently at work?

Help us to create and initiate, O Trinity, with the same mind as Heaven. Amen.

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I have found the I Ching a helpful devotional as well as a deeply profound guide for faith. The concepts in it are mirrored in the Bible, but find different expression here. The visual explanations of the Chinese ideograms in this particular edition by Alfred Huang are vivid and accessible. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding more about Taoism, eastern thought, comparative religion, or simply dealing with the confusions and changes of daily life.