The shadows of flowers hang about the doorposts, And the moon reflects the traveler's weary face. A crane's mournful cry breaks the silent night, Urging the wanderer to hurry back to his home.
TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
When you embark on any endeavor, you should look out for warning signs that the enterprise may not be as successful as you hoped. If you find any such clues, cut your losses as soon as possible. Do not waste your energy in useless persistence, and remember that good times cannot last forever. For you, success in anything depends on both choosing the right moment and ensuring that you have a safe refuge if things go badly.
REFLECTION
The good times do not last! You have had it good for some time, but look for the signs of inevitable change and decay. There is nothing to be afraid of in this. Change is inevitable, as the I-Ching always reminds us. The Buddha saw dependency on what is bound to change as one of the main causes of human misery. And Jesus said to live each day as if it were your last. So watch for the shadows of change, and welcome them as you would the cool of autumn after the heat of summer.