I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
53 - Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
Below: KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
This hexagram is made up of Sun (wood, penetration) above and without, and Kên (mountain, stillness) below and within. A tree on a mountain develops slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually, step by step. The attributes of the trigrams also point to this. Within is tranquillity, which guards against precipitate actions, and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.
The development of events that leads to a girl following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage takes place. This principle of gradual development can be applied to other situations as well, and it is always applicable where it is a matter of correct relationships based on co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official. The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on others, for here too, the essential factor is a correct way of development through cultivation of ones own personality. No influence such as that exerted by agitators has a lasting effect. Within the personality too, development must follow the same course if lasting results are to be achieved. Gentleness that is adaptable, but at the same time penetrating, is the outer form that should proceed from inner calm. The very gradualness of the development makes it necessary to have perseverance, for perseverance alone prevents slow progress from dwindling to nothing.
The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant, but its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also, the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on ones own moral development.
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
Below: KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
This hexagram is made up of Sun (wood, penetration) above and without, and Kên (mountain, stillness) below and within. A tree on a mountain develops slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually, step by step. The attributes of the trigrams also point to this. Within is tranquillity, which guards against precipitate actions, and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.
The Judgement
DEVELOPMENT. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.The development of events that leads to a girl following a man to his home proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the marriage takes place. This principle of gradual development can be applied to other situations as well, and it is always applicable where it is a matter of correct relationships based on co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official. The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on others, for here too, the essential factor is a correct way of development through cultivation of ones own personality. No influence such as that exerted by agitators has a lasting effect. Within the personality too, development must follow the same course if lasting results are to be achieved. Gentleness that is adaptable, but at the same time penetrating, is the outer form that should proceed from inner calm. The very gradualness of the development makes it necessary to have perseverance, for perseverance alone prevents slow progress from dwindling to nothing.
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 public mores.The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant, but its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also, the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on ones own moral development.
Changing
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.
There is a temptation to fall in with the evil element offering itself which is a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, circumstances prevent this. One would like to do it, but cannot. This leads to painful indecision in behavior, but if we gain clear insight into the danger of the situation, we shall at least avoid more serious mistakes.
There is no skin on his thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great mistake is made.
There is a temptation to fall in with the evil element offering itself which is a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, circumstances prevent this. One would like to do it, but cannot. This leads to painful indecision in behavior, but if we gain clear insight into the danger of the situation, we shall at least avoid more serious mistakes.
Nine in the fifth place means:
A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then, blessings drop down to one as if from heaven.
The melon, like the fish, is a symbol of the principle of darkness. It is sweet but spoils easily and for this reason is protected with a covering of willow leaves. This is a situation in which a strong, superior, well-poised man tolerates and protects the inferiors in his charge. He has the firm lines of order and beauty within himself but he does not lay stress upon them. He does not bother his subordinates with outward show or tiresome admonitions but leaves them quite free, putting his trust in the transforming power of a strong and upright personality. And behold! Fate is favorable. His inferiors respond to his influence and fall to his disposition like ripe fruit.
A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then, blessings drop down to one as if from heaven.
The melon, like the fish, is a symbol of the principle of darkness. It is sweet but spoils easily and for this reason is protected with a covering of willow leaves. This is a situation in which a strong, superior, well-poised man tolerates and protects the inferiors in his charge. He has the firm lines of order and beauty within himself but he does not lay stress upon them. He does not bother his subordinates with outward show or tiresome admonitions but leaves them quite free, putting his trust in the transforming power of a strong and upright personality. And behold! Fate is favorable. His inferiors respond to his influence and fall to his disposition like ripe fruit.
Transformed
44 - Kou / Coming to Meet
Above: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
Below: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
This hexagram indicates a situation in which the principle of darkness, after having been eliminated, furtively and unexpectedly intrudes again from within and below. Of its own accord the female principle comes to meet the male. It is an unfavorable and dangerous situation, and we must understand and promptly prevent the possible consequences. The hexagram is linked with the fifth month (June-July), because at the summer solstice the principle of darkness gradually becomes ascendant again.
The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible if the strong and light-giving element had not in turn come halfway. The inferior thing seems so harmless and inviting that a man delights in it, as it looks so small and weak that he imagines he may dally with it and come to no harm. The inferior man rises only because the superior man does not regard him as dangerous and so lends him power. If he were resisted from the first, he could never gain influence. The time of COMING TO MEET is important in still another way. Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance. When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper. When a prince and his official come to meet each other, the world is put in order. It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway, but the coming together must be free of dishonest ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result.
The situation here resembles that in hexagram 20, Kuan, CONTEMPLATION (VIEW). In the latter the wind blows over the earth, here it blows under heaven. In both cases it goes everywhere. There the wind is on the earth and symbolizes the ruler taking note of the conditions in his kingdom, and here the wind blows from above and symbolizes the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands. Heaven is far from the things of earth, but it sets them in motion by means of the wind. The ruler is far form his people, but he sets them in motion by means of his commands and decrees.
Above: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
Below: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
This hexagram indicates a situation in which the principle of darkness, after having been eliminated, furtively and unexpectedly intrudes again from within and below. Of its own accord the female principle comes to meet the male. It is an unfavorable and dangerous situation, and we must understand and promptly prevent the possible consequences. The hexagram is linked with the fifth month (June-July), because at the summer solstice the principle of darkness gradually becomes ascendant again.
The Judgement
COMING TO MEET. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible if the strong and light-giving element had not in turn come halfway. The inferior thing seems so harmless and inviting that a man delights in it, as it looks so small and weak that he imagines he may dally with it and come to no harm. The inferior man rises only because the superior man does not regard him as dangerous and so lends him power. If he were resisted from the first, he could never gain influence. The time of COMING TO MEET is important in still another way. Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance. When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper. When a prince and his official come to meet each other, the world is put in order. It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway, but the coming together must be free of dishonest ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result.
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 situation here resembles that in hexagram 20, Kuan, CONTEMPLATION (VIEW). In the latter the wind blows over the earth, here it blows under heaven. In both cases it goes everywhere. There the wind is on the earth and symbolizes the ruler taking note of the conditions in his kingdom, and here the wind blows from above and symbolizes the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands. Heaven is far from the things of earth, but it sets them in motion by means of the wind. The ruler is far form his people, but he sets them in motion by means of his commands and decrees.