Second Book of I Ching
Xian - Influence
(Wooing)
31. Xian - Influence (Wooing)
-- --
----- above Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
Influence. Success.
Perseverance furthers.
To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The Image
A lake on the mountain:
The image of Influence.
Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him
By his readiness to receive them.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
The influence shows itself in the big toe.
Six in the second place means:
The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs.
Misfortune.
Tarrying brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The influence shows itself in the thighs.
Holds to that which follows it.
To continue is humiliating.
() Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
If a man is agitated in mind,
And his thoughts go hither and thither,
Only those friends
On whom he fixes his conscious thoughts
Will follow.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
The influence shows itself in the back of the neck.
No remorse.
Six at the top means:
The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
Heng - Duration
32. Heng - Duration
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-----
----- below Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
The Judgement
Duration. Success. No blame.
Perseverance furthers.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The Image
Thunder and wind: the image of Duration.
Thus the superior man stands firm
And does not change his direction.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Seeking duration too hastily brings misfortune persistently.
Nothing that would further.
() Nine in the second place means:
Remorse disappears.
Nine in the third place means:
He who does not give duration to his character
Meets with disgrace.
Persistent humiliation.
Nine in the fourth place means:
No game in the field.
Six in the fifth place means:
Giving duration to one's character through perseverance.
This is good fortune for a woman, misfortune for a man.
Six at the top means:
Restlessness as an enduring condition brings misfortune.
Dun - Retreat
33. Dun - Retreat
-----
----- above Qian The Creative, Heaven
-----
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
Retreat. Success.
In what is small, perseverance furthers.
The Image
Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat.
Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance,
Not angrily but with reserve.
The Lines
[] Six at the beginning means:
At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous.
One must not wish to undertake anything.
[] Six in the second place means:
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.
No one can tear him loose.
Nine in the third place means:
A halted retreat
Is nerve-wracking and dangerous.
To retain people as men- and maidservants
Brings good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man
And downfall to the inferior man.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.
Dazhuang -
The Power of the Great
34. Dazhuang - The Power of the Great
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-----
----- below Qian The Creative, Heaven
-----
The Judgement
The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
Thunder in heaven above:
The image of the Power of the Great.
Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths
That do not accord with established order.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Power in the toes.
Continuing brings misfortune.
This is certainly true.
Nine in the second place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The inferior man works through power.
The superior man does not act thus.
To continue is dangerous.
A goat butts against a hedge
And gets its horns entangled.
() Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
The hedge opens; there is no entanglement.
Power depends upon the axle of a big cart.
Six in the fifth place means:
Loses the goat with ease.
No remorse.
Six at the top means:
A goat butts against a hedge.
It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward.
Nothing serves to further.
If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune.
Jin - Progress
35. Jin - Progress
-----
-- -- above Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
-- --
-- -- below Kun The Receptive, Earth
-- --
The Judgement
Progress. The powerful prince
Is honored with horses in large numbers.
In a single day he is granted audience three times.
The Image
The sun rises over the earth:
The image of Progress.
Thus the superior man himself
Brightens his bright virtue.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Progressing, but turned back.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm.
No mistake.
Six in the second place means:
Progressing, but in sorrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Then one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress.
Six in the third place means:
All are in accord. Remorse disappears.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Progress like a hamster.
Perseverance brings danger.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Remorse disappears.
Take not gain and loss to heart.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Everything serves to further.
Nine at the top means:
Making progress with the horns is permissible
Only for the purpose of punishing one's own city.
To be conscious of danger brings good fortune.
No blame.
Perseverance brings humiliation.
Mingyi -
Darkening of the Light
36. Mingyi - Darkening of the Light
-- --
-- -- above Kun The Receptive, Earth
-- --
-----
-- -- below Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
The Judgement
Darkening of the Light. In adversity
It furthers one to be persevering.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth:
The image of Darkening of the Light.
Thus does the superior man live with the great mass:
He veils his light, yet still shines.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Darkening of the light during flight.
He lowers his wings.
The superior man does not eat for three days
On his wanderings.
But he has somewhere to go.
The host has occasion to gossip about him.
() Six in the second place means:
Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh.
He gives aid with the strength of a horse.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south.
Their great leader is captured.
One must not expect perseverance too soon.
Six in the fourth place means:
He penetrates the left side of the belly.
One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light,
And leaves gate and courtyard.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi.
Perseverance furthers.
[] Six at the top means:
Not light but darkness.
First he climbed up to heaven,
Then he plunged into the depths of the earth.
Jiaren - The
Family [The Clan]
37. Jiaren - The Family [The Clan]
-----
----- above Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
-----
-- -- below Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
The Judgement
The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers.
The Image
Wind comes forth from fire:
The image of the Family.
Thus the superior man has substance in his words
And duration in his way of life.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Firm seclusion within the family.
Remorse disappears.
() Six in the second place means:
She should not follow her whims.
She must attend within to the food.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
When tempers flare up in the family,
Too great severity brings remorse.
Good fortune nonetheless.
When woman and child dally and laugh,
It leads in the end to humiliation.
Six in the fourth place means:
She is the treasure of the house.
Great good fortune.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
As a king he approaches his family.
Fear not.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
His work commands respect.
In the end good fortune comes.
Kui - Opposition
38. Kui - Opposition
-----
-- -- above Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
-- --
----- below Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
The Judgement
Opposition. In small matters, good fortune.
The Image
Above, fire; below, the lake:
The image of Opposition.
Thus amid all fellowship
The superior man retains his individuality.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Remorse disappears.
If you lose your horse, do not run after it;
It will come back of its own accord.
When you see evil people,
Guard yourself against mistakes.
() Nine in the second place means:
One meets his lord in a narrow street.
No blame.
Six in the third place means:
One sees the wagon dragged back,
The oxen halted,
A man's hair and nose cut off.
Not a good beginning, but a good end.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Isolated through opposition,
One meets a like-minded man
With whom one can associate in good faith.
Despite the danger, no blame.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Remorse disappears.
The companion bites his way through the wrappings.
If one goes to him,
How could it be a mistake?
Nine at the top means:
Isolated through opposition,
One sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt,
As a wagon full of devils.
First one draws a bow against him,
Then one lays the bow aside.
He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time.
As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.
Jian - Obstruction
39. Jian - Obstruction
-- --
----- above Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
Obstruction. The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image
Water on the mountain:
The image of Obstruction.
Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself
And molds his character.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming meets with praise.
Six in the second place means:
The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction,
But it is not his own fault.
Nine in the third place means:
Going leads to obstructions;
Hence he comes back.
Six in the fourth place means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to union.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
In the midst of the greatest obstructions,
Friends come.
Six at the top means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to great good fortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Xie - Deliverance
40. Xie - Deliverance
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-- --
----- below Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
The Judgement
Deliverance. The southwest furthers.
If there is no longer anything where one has to go,
Return brings good fortune.
If there is still something where one has to go,
Hastening brings good fortune.
The Image
Thunder and rain set in:
The image of Deliverance.
Thus the superior man pardons mistakes
And forgives misdeeds.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Without blame.
() Nine in the second place means:
One kills three foxes in the field
And receives a yellow arrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
If a man carries a burden on his back
And nonetheless rides in a carriage,
He thereby encourages robbers to draw near.
Perseverance leads to humiliation.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Deliver yourself from your great toe.
Then the companion comes,
And him you can trust.
() Six in the fifth place means:
If only the superior man can deliver himself,
It brings good fortune.
Thus he proves to inferior men that he is in earnest.
Six at the top means:
The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall.
He kills it. Everything serves to further.
Sun - Decrease
41. Sun - Decrease
-----
-- -- above Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
-- --
----- below Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
The Judgement
Decrease combined with sincerity
Brings about supreme good fortune
Without blame.
One may be persevering in this.
It furthers one to undertake something.
How is this to be carried out?
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
The Image
At the foot of the mountain, the lake:
The image of Decrease.
Thus the superior man controls his anger
And restrains his instincts.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Going quickly when one's tasks are finished
Is without blame.
But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others.
Nine in the second place means:
Perseverance furthers.
To undertake something brings misfortune.
Without decreasing oneself,
One is able to bring increase to others.
[] Six in the third place means:
When three people journey together,
Their number decreases by one.
When one man journeys alone,
He finds a companion.
Six in the fourth place means:
If a man decreases his faults,
It makes the other hasten to come and rejoice.
No blame.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Someone does indeed increase him.
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Supreme good fortune.
[] Nine at the top means:
If one is increased without depriving others,
There is no blame.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.
One obtains servants
But no longer has a separate home.
Yi - Increase
42. Yi - Increase
-----
----- above Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
-- --
-- -- below Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
The Judgement
Increase. It furthers one
To undertake something.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase.
Thus the superior man:
If he sees good, he imitates it;
If he has faults, he rids himself of them.
The Lines
[] Nine at the beginning means:
It furthers one to accomplish great deeds.
Supreme good fortune. No blame.
() Six in the second place means:
Someone does indeed increase him;
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
The king presents him before God.
Good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
One is enriched through unfortunate events.
No blame, if you are sincere
And walk in the middle,
And report with a seal to the prince.
[] Six in the fourth place means:
If you walk in the middle
And report to the prince,
He will follow.
It furthers one to be used
In the removal of the capital.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not.
Supreme good fortune.
Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue.
Nine at the top means:
He brings increase to no one.
Indeed, someone even strikes him.
He does not keep his heart constantly steady.
Misfortune.
Guai -
Break-through (Resoluteness)
43. Guai - Break-through (Resoluteness)
-- --
----- above Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
-----
----- below Qian The Creative, Heaven
-----
The Judgement
Break-through. One must resolutely make the matter known
At the court of the king.
It must be announced truthfully. Danger.
It is necessary to notify one's own city.
It does not further to resort to arms.
It furthers one to undertake something.
The Image
The lake has risen up to heaven:
The image of Break-through.
Thus the superior man
Dispenses riches downward
And refrains from resting on his virtue.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Mighty in the forward-striding toes.
When one goes and is not equal to the task,
One makes a mistake.
Nine in the second place means:
A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night.
Fear nothing.
Nine in the third place means:
To be powerful in the cheekbones
Brings misfortune.
The superior man is firmly resolved.
He walks alone and is caught in the rain.
He is bespattered,
And people murmur against him.
No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
There is no skin on his thighs,
And walking comes hard.
If a man were to let himself be led like a sheep,
Remorse would disappear.
But if these words are heard
They will not be believed.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
In dealing with weeds,
Firm resolution is necessary.
Walking in the middle
Remains free of blame.
[] Six at the top means:
No cry.
In the end misfortune comes.
Gou - Coming to Meet
44. Gou - Coming to Meet
-----
----- above Qian The Creative, Heaven
-----
-----
----- below Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
The Judgement
Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful.
One should not marry such a maiden.
The Image
Under heaven, wind:
The image of Coming to Meet.
Thus does the prince act when disseminating his commands
And proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven.
The Lines
[] Six at the beginning means:
It must be checked with a brake of bronze.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune.
Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around.
() Nine in the second place means:
There is a fish in the tank. No blame.
Does not further guests.
Nine in the third place means:
There is no skin on his thighs,
And walking comes hard.
If one is mindful of the danger,
No great mistake is made.
Nine in the fourth place means:
No fish in the tank.
This leads to misfortune.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
A melon covered with willow leaves.
Hidden lines.
Then it drops down to one from heaven.
Nine at the top means:
He comes to meet with his horns.
Humiliation. No blame.
Cui -
Gathering Together [Massing]
45. Cui - Gathering Together [Massing]
-- --
----- above Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
-- --
-- -- below Kun The Receptive, Earth
-- --
The Judgement
Gathering Together. Success.
The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to see the great man.
This brings success. Perseverance furthers.
To bring great offerings creates good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.
The Image
Over the earth, the lake:
The image of Gathering Together.
Thus the superior man renews his weapons
In order to meet the unforseen.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
If you are sincere, but not to the end,
There will sometimes be confusion, sometimes gathering together.
If you call out,
Then after one grasp of the hand you can laugh again.
Regret not. Going is without blame.
Six in the second place means:
Letting oneself be drawn
Brings good fortune and remains blameless.
If one is sincere,
It furthers one to bring even a small offering.
Six in the third place means:
Gathering together amid sighs.
Nothing that would further.
Going is without blame.
Slight humiliation.
() Nine in the fourth place means:
Great good fortune. No blame.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
If in gathering together one has position,
This brings no blame.
If there are some who are not yet sincerely in the work,
Sublime and enduring perseverance is needed.
Then remorse disappears.
Six at the top means:
Lamenting and sighing, floods of tears.
No blame.
Sheng - Pushing
Upward
46. Sheng - Pushing Upward
-- --
-- -- above Kun The Receptive, Earth
-- --
-----
----- below Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
The Judgement
Pushing Upward has supreme success.
One must see the great man.
Fear not.
Departure toward the south
Brings good fortune.
The Image
Within the earth, wood grows:
The image of Pushing Upward.
Thus the superior man of devoted character
Heaps up small things
In order to achieve something high and great.
The Lines
[] Six at the beginning means:
Pushing upward that meets with confidence
Brings great good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:
If one is sincere,
It furthers one to bring even a small offering.
No blame.
Nine in the third place means:
One pushes upward into an empty city.
Six in the fourth place means:
The king offers him Mount Ch'i.
Good fortune. No blame.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
One pushes upward by steps.
Six at the top means:
Pushing upward in darkness.
It furthers one
To be unremittingly persevering.
Kun - Oppression
(Exhaustion)
47. Kun - Oppression (Exhaustion)
-- --
----- above Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
-- --
----- below Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
The Judgement
Oppression. Success. Perseverance.
The great man brings about good fortune.
No blame.
When one has something to say,
It is not believed.
The Image
There is no water in the lake:
The image of Exhaustion.
Thus the superior man stakes his life
On following his will.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
One sits oppressed under a bare tree
And strays into a gloomy valley.
For three years one sees nothing.
() Nine in the second place means:
One is oppressed while at meat and drink.
The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming.
It furthers one to offer sacrifice.
To set forth brings misfortune.
No blame.
Six in the third place means:
A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
And leans on thorns and thistles.
He enters his house and does not see his wife.
Misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage.
Humiliation, but the end is reached.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
His nose and feet are cut off.
Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands.
Joy comes softly.
It furthers one to make offerings and libations.
Six at the top means:
He is oppressed by creeping vines.
He moves uncertainly and says, "Movement brings remorse."
If one feels remorse over this and makes a start,
Good fortune comes.
Jing - The Well
48. Jing - The Well
-- --
----- above Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
-----
----- below Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
The Judgement
The Well. The town may be changed,
But the well cannot be changed.
It neither decreases nor increases.
They come and go and draw from the well.
If one gets down almost to the water
And the rope does not go all the way,
Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
The Image
Water over wood: the image of the Well.
Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work,
And exhorts them to help one another.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
One does not drink the mud of the well.
No animals come to an old well.
Nine in the second place means:
At the wellhole one shoots fishes.
The jug is broken and leaks.
Nine in the third place means:
The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
This is my heart's sorrow,
For one might draw from it.
If the king were clear-minded,
Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.
Six in the fourth place means:
The well is being lined. No blame.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
In the well there is a clear, cold spring
From which one can drink.
Six at the top means:
One draws from the well
Without hindrance.
It is dependable.
Supreme good fortune.
Ge - Revolution
(Molting)
49. Ge - Revolution (Molting)
-- --
----- above Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
-----
-- -- below Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
The Judgement
Revolution. On your own day
You are believed.
Supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Remorse disappears.
The Image
Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution.
Thus the superior man
Sets the calendar in order
And makes the seasons clear.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.
Six in the second place means:
When one's own day comes, one may create revolution.
Starting brings good fortune. No blame.
Nine in the third place means:
Starting brings misfortune.
Perseverance brings danger.
When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times,
One may commit himself,
And men will believe him.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Remorse disappears. Men believe him.
Changing the form of government brings good fortune.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
The great man changes like a tiger.
Even before he questions the oracle
He is believed.
Six at the top means:
The superior man changes like a panther.
The inferior man molts in the face.
Starting brings misfortune.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.
Ding - The Caldron
50. Ding - The Caldron
-----
-- -- above Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
-----
----- below Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
The Judgement
The Caldron. Supreme good fortune.
Success.
The Image
Fire over wood:
The image of the Caldron.
Thus the superior man consolidates his fate
By making his position correct.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
A ting with legs upturned.
Furthers removal of stagnating stuff.
One takes a concubine for the sake of her son.
No blame.
Nine in the second place means:
There is food in the ting.
My comrades are envious,
But they cannot harm me.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The handle of the ting is altered.
One is impeded in his way of life.
The fat of the pheasant is not eaten.
Once rain falls, remorse is spent.
Good fortune comes in the end.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The legs of the ting are broken.
The prince's meal is spilled
And his person is soiled.
Misfortune.
() Six in the fifth place means:
The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings.
Perseverance furthers.
() Nine at the top means:
The ting has rings of jade.
Great good fortune.
Nothing that would not act to further.
Zhen - The
Arousing (Shock, Thunder)
51. Zhen - The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-- --
-- -- below Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
The Judgement
Shock brings success.
Shock comes-oh, oh!
Laughing words-ha, ha!
The shock terrifies for a hundred miles,
And he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.
The Image
Thunder repeated: the image of Shock.
Thus in fear and trembling
The superior man sets his life in order
And examines himself.
The Lines
() Nine at the beginning means:
Shock comes-oh, oh!
Then follow laughing words-ha, ha!
Good fortune.
Six in the second place means:
Shock comes bringing danger.
A hundred thousand times
You lose your treasures
And must climb the nine hills.
Do not go in pursuit of them.
After seven days you will get them back.
Six in the third place means:
Shock comes and makes one distraught.
If shock spurs to action
One remains free of misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Shock is mired.
Six in the fifth place means:
Shock goes hither and thither.
Danger.
However, nothing at all is lost.
Yet there are things to be done.
Six at the top means:
Shock brings ruin and terrified gazing around.
Going ahead brings misfortune.
If it has not yet touched one's own body
But has reached one's neighbor first,
There is no blame.
One's comrades have something to talk about.
Gen - Keeping
Still, Mountain
52. Gen - Keeping Still, Mountain
-----
-- -- above Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
Keeping Still. Keeping his back still
So that he no longer feels his body.
He goes into his courtyard
And does not see his people.
No blame.
The Image
Mountains standing close together:
The image of Keeping Still.
Thus the superior man
Does not permit his thoughts
To go beyond his situation.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Keeping his toes still.
No blame.
Continued perseverance furthers.
Six in the second place means:
Keeping his calves still.
He cannot rescue him whom he follows.
His heart is not glad.
Nine in the third place means:
Keeping his hips still.
Making his sacrum stiff.
Dangerous. The heart suffocates.
Six in the fourth place means:
Keeping his trunk still.
No blame.
Six in the fifth place means:
Keeping his jaws still.
The words have order.
Remorse disappears.
() Nine at the top means:
Noblehearted keeping still.
Good fortune.
Jian -
Development (Gradual Progress)
53. Jian - Development (Gradual Progress)
-----
----- above Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
Development. The maiden
Is given in marriage.
Good fortune.
Perseverance furthers.
The Image
On the mountain, a tree:
The image of Development.
Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue,
In order to improve the mores.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the shore.
The young son is in danger.
There is talk. No blame.
() Six in the second place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff.
Eating and drinking in peace and concord.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau.
The man goes forth and does not return.
The woman carries a child but does not bring it forth.
Misfortune.
It furthers one to fight off robbers.
Six in the fourth place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the tree.
Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the summit.
For three years the woman has no child.
In the end nothing can hinder her.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights.
Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance.
Good fortune.
Guimei - The
Marrying Maiden
54. Guimei - The Marrying Maiden
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-- --
----- below Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
The Judgement
The Marrying Maiden.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Nothing that would further.
The Image
Thunder over the lake:
The image of the Marrying Maiden.
Thus the superior man
Understands the transitory
In the light of the eternity of the end.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
The marrying maiden as a concubine.
A lame man who is able to tread.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:
A one-eyed man who is able to see.
The perseverance of a solitary man furthers.
[] Six in the third place means:
The marrying maiden as a slave.
She marries as a concubine.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time.
A late marriage comes in due course.
() Six in the fifth place means:
The sovereign I gave his daughter in marriage.
The embroidered garments of the princess
Were not as gorgeous
As those of the servingmaid.
The moon that is nearly full
Brings good fortune.
[] Six at the top means:
The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits in it.
The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows.
Nothing that acts to further.
Feng - Abundance
[Fullness]
55. Feng - Abundance [Fullness]
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-----
-- -- below Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
The Judgement
Abundance has success.
The king attains abundance.
Be not sad.
Be like the sun at midday.
The Image
Both thunder and lightning come:
The image of Abundance.
Thus the superior man decides lawsuits
And carries out punishments.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
When a man meets his destined ruler,
They can be together ten days,
And it is not a mistake.
Going meets with recognition.
Six in the second place means:
The curtain is of such fullness
That the polestars can be seen at noon.
Through going one meets with mistrust and hate.
If one rouses him through truth,
Good fortune comes.
Nine in the third place means:
The underbrush is of such abundance
That the small stars can be seen at noon.
He breaks his right arm. No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The curtain is of such fullness
That the polestars can be seen at noon.
He meets his ruler, who is of like kind.
Good fortune.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Lines are coming,
Blessing and fame draw near.
Good fortune.
Six at the top means:
His house is in a state of abundance.
He screens off his family.
He peers through the gate
And no longer perceives anyone.
For three years he sees nothing.
Misfortune.
Lu - The Wanderer
56. Lu - The Wanderer
-----
-- -- above Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
The Wanderer. Success through smallness.
Perseverance brings good fortune
To the wanderer.
The Image
Fire on the mountain:
The image of the Wanderer.
Thus the superior man
Is clear-minded and cautious
In imposing penalties,
And protracts no lawsuits.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
If the wanderer busies himself with trivial things,
He draws down misfortune upon himself.
Six in the second place means:
The wanderer comes to an inn.
He has his property with him.
He wins the steadfastness of a young servant.
Nine in the third place means:
The wanderer's inn burns down.
He loses the steadfastness of his young servant.
Danger.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The wanderer rests in a shelter.
He obtains his property and an ax.
My heart is not glad.
() Six in the fifth place means:
He shoots a pheasant.
It drops with the first arrow.
In the end this brings both praise and office.
Nine at the top means:
The bird's nest burns up.
The wanderer laughs at first,
Then must needs lament and weep.
Through carelessness he loses his cow.
Misfortune.
Xun -
The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)
57. Xun - The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)
-----
----- above Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
-----
----- below Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
The Judgement
The Gentle. Success through what is small.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
It furthers one to see the great man.
The Image
Winds following one upon the other:
The image of the Gently Penetrating.
Thus the superior man
Spreads his commands abroad
And carries out his undertakings.
The Lines
[] Six at the beginning means:
In advancing and in retreating,
The perseverance of a warrior furthers.
Nine in the second place means:
Penetration under the bed.
Priests and magicians are used in great number.
Good fortune. No blame.
Nine in the third place means:
Repeated penetration. Humiliation.
[] Six in the fourth place means:
Remorse vanishes.
During the hunt
Three kinds of game are caught.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse vanishes.
Nothing that does not further.
No beginning, but an end.
Before the change, three days.
After the change, three days.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
Penetration under the bed.
He loses his property and his ax.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Dui - The Joyous,
Lake
58. Dui - The Joyous, Lake
-- --
----- above Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
-- --
----- below Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
The Judgement
The Joyous. Success.
Perseverance is favorable.
The Image
Lakes resting one on the other:
The image of the Joyous.
Thus the superior man joins with his friends
For discussion and practice.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Contented joyousness. Good fortune.
() Nine in the second place means:
Sincere joyousness. Good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
[] Six in the third place means:
Coming joyousness. Misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Joyousness that is weighed is not at peace.
After ridding himself of mistakes a man has joy.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
Sincerity toward disintegrating influences is dangerous.
[] Six at the top means:
Seductive joyousness.
Huan - Dispersion
[Dissolution]
59. Huan - Dispersion [Dissolution]
-----
----- above Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
-- --
----- below Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
The Judgement
Dispersion. Success.
The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers.
The Image
The wind drives over the water:
The image of Dispersion.
Thus the kings of old sacrificed to the Lord
And built temples.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
He brings help with the strength of a horse.
Good fortune.
[] Nine in the second place means:
At the dissolution
He hurries to that which supports him.
Remorse disappears.
Six in the third place means:
He dissolves his self. No remorse.
[] Six in the fourth place means:
He dissolves his bond with his group.
Supreme good fortune.
Dispersion leads in turn to accumulation.
This is something that ordinary men do not think of.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
His loud cries are as dissolving as sweat.
Dissolution. A king abides without blame.
Nine at the top means:
He dissolves his blood.
Departing, keeping at a distance, going out,
Is without blame.
Jie - Limitation
60. Jie - Limitation
-- --
----- above Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
-- --
----- below Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
The Judgement
Limitation. Success.
Galling limitation must not be persevered in.
The Image
Water over lake: the image of Limitation.
Thus the superior man
Creates number and measure,
And examines the nature of virtue and correct conduct.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Not going out of the door and the courtyard
Is without blame.
Nine in the second place means:
Not going out of the gate and the courtyard
Brings misfortune.
Six in the third place means:
He who knows no limitation
Will have cause to lament.
No blame.
Six in the fourth place means:
Contented limitation. Success.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
Sweet limitation brings good fortune.
Going brings esteem.
Six at the top means:
Galling limitation.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Remorse disappears.
Zhongfu - Inner
Truth
61. Zhongfu - Inner Truth
-----
----- above Xun The Gentle, Wind
-- --
-- --
----- below Dui The Joyous, Lake
-----
The Judgement
Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes.
Good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers.
The Image
Wind over lake: the image of Inner Truth.
Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases
In order to delay executions.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Being prepared brings good fortune.
If there are secret designs, it is disquieting.
Nine in the second place means:
A crane calling in the shade.
Its young answers it.
I have a good goblet.
I will share it with you.
[] Six in the third place means:
He finds a comrade.
Now he beats the drum, now he stops.
Now he sobs, now he sings.
[] Six in the fourth place means:
The moon nearly at the full.
The team horse goes astray.
No blame.
() Nine in the fifth place means:
He possesses truth, which links together.
No blame.
Nine at the top means:
Cockcrow penetrating to heaven.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Xiaoguo - Preponderance of the Small
62. Xiaoguo - Preponderance of the Small
-- --
-- -- above Zhen The Arousing, Thunder
-----
-----
-- -- below Gen Keeping Still, Mountain
-- --
The Judgement
Preponderance of the Small. Success.
Perseverance furthers.
Small things may be done; great things should not be done.
The flying bird brings the message:
It is not well to strive upward,
It is well to remain below.
Great good fortune.
The Image
Thunder on the mountain:
The image of Preponderance of the Small.
Thus in his conduct the superior man gives preponderance to reverence.
In bereavement he gives preponderance to grief.
In his expenditures he gives preponderance to thrift.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
The bird meets with misfortune through flying.
() Six in the second place means:
She passes by her ancestor
And meets her ancestress.
He does not reach his prince
And meets the official.
No blame.
Nine in the third place means:
If one is not extremely careful,
Somebody may come up from behind and strike him.
Misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
No blame. He meets him without passing by.
Going brings danger. One must be on guard.
Do not act. Be constantly persevering.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Dense clouds,
No rain from our western territory.
The prince shoots and hits him who is in the cave.
Six at the top means:
He passes him by, not meeting him.
The flying bird leaves him.
Misfortune.
This means bad luck and injury.
Jiji - After
Completion
63. Jiji - After Completion
-- --
----- above Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
-----
-- -- below Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
The Judgement
After Completion. Success in small matters.
Perseverance furthers.
At the beginning good fortune,
At the end disorder.
The Image
Water over fire: the image of the condition
In After Completion.
Thus the superior man
Takes thought of misfortune
And arms himself against it in advance.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
He brakes his wheels.
He gets his tail in the water.
No blame.
() Six in the second place means:
The woman loses the curtain of her carriage.
Do not run after it;
On the seventh day you will get it.
Nine in the third place means:
The Illustrious Ancestor
Disciplines the Devil's Country.
After three years he conquers it.
Inferior people must not be employed.
Six in the fourth place means:
The finest clothes turn to rags.
Be careful all day long.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The neighbor in the east who slaughters an ox
Does not attain as much real happiness
As the neighbor in the west
With his small offering.
Six at the top means:
He gets his head in the water. Danger.
Weiji - Before
Completion
64. Weiji - Before Completion
-----
-- -- above Li The Clinging, Flame
-----
-- --
----- below Kan The Abysmal, Water
-- --
The Judgement
Before Completion. Success.
But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing,
Gets his tail in the water,
There is nothing that would further.
The Image
Fire over water:
The image of the condition before transition.
Thus the superior man is careful
In the differentiation of things,
So that each finds its place.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
He gets his tail in the water.
Humiliating.
Nine in the second place means:
He brakes his wheels.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Before completion, attack brings misfortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
Shock, thus to discipline the Devil's Country.
For three years, great realms are awarded.
() Six in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
No remorse.
The light of the superior man is true.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
There is drinking of wine
In genuine confidence. No blame.
But if one wets his head,
He loses it, in truth.
End of Second Book
BACK