I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
55 - Fêng / Abundance (Fullness)
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
Chên is movement, Li is flame, whose attribute is clarity. Clarity within, movement without. This produces greatness and abundance. The hexagram pictures a period of advanced civilization. However, the fact that development has reached a peak suggests that this extraordinary condition of abundance cannot be maintained permanently.
It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore, a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. Such sadness does not befit him. Only a man who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.
This hexagram has a certain connection with Shih Ho, BITING THROUGH (21), in which thunder and lightning similarly appear together, but in the reverse order. In BITING THROUGH, laws are laid down. Here they are applied and enforced. Clarity [Li] within makes it possible to investigate the facts exactly, and shock [Chên] without ensures a strict and precise carrying out of punishments.
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
Chên is movement, Li is flame, whose attribute is clarity. Clarity within, movement without. This produces greatness and abundance. The hexagram pictures a period of advanced civilization. However, the fact that development has reached a peak suggests that this extraordinary condition of abundance cannot be maintained permanently.
The Judgement
ABUNDANCE has success. The king attains abundance. Be not sad. Be like the sun at midday.It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore, a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. Such sadness does not befit him. Only a man who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.
The Image
Both thunder and lightning come: The image of ABUNDANCE. Thus, the superior man decides lawsuits and carries out punishments.This hexagram has a certain connection with Shih Ho, BITING THROUGH (21), in which thunder and lightning similarly appear together, but in the reverse order. In BITING THROUGH, laws are laid down. Here they are applied and enforced. Clarity [Li] within makes it possible to investigate the facts exactly, and shock [Chên] without ensures a strict and precise carrying out of punishments.
Changing
Six in the fifth place means:
Loses the goat with ease. No remorse.
The goat is noted for hardness outwardly and weakness within. Now the situation is such that everything is easy, and there is no more resistance. One can give up a belligerent, stubborn way of acting and will not have to regret it.
Loses the goat with ease. No remorse.
The goat is noted for hardness outwardly and weakness within. Now the situation is such that everything is easy, and there is no more resistance. One can give up a belligerent, stubborn way of acting and will not have to regret it.
Transformed
34 - Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The great lines, that is, the light, strong lines, are powerful. Four light lines have entered the hexagram from below and are about to ascend higher. The upper trigram is Chên, the Arousing; the lower is Ch`ien, the Creative. Ch`ien is strong, Chên produces movement. The union of movement and strength gives the meaning of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. The hexagram is linked with the second month (March-April).
The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on ones own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too, that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time, hence, the added statement that perseverance furthers. That is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point, namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united, we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.
Thunder as electrical energy mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore, in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The great lines, that is, the light, strong lines, are powerful. Four light lines have entered the hexagram from below and are about to ascend higher. The upper trigram is Chên, the Arousing; the lower is Ch`ien, the Creative. Ch`ien is strong, Chên produces movement. The union of movement and strength gives the meaning of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. The hexagram is linked with the second month (March-April).
The Judgement
THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers.The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on ones own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too, that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time, hence, the added statement that perseverance furthers. That is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point, namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united, we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.
The Image
Thunder in heaven above: The image of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus, the superior man does not tread upon paths that are not in accord with established order.Thunder as electrical energy mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore, in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.