I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
61 - Chung Fu / Inner Truth
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
Below: TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
The wind blows over the lake and stirs the surface of the water. Thus, visible effects of the invisible manifest themselves. The hexagram consists of firm lines above and below, while it is open in the center. This indicates a heart free of prejudices and therefore open to truth. On the other hand, each of the two trigrams has a firm line in the middle, and this indicates the force of inner truth in the influences they represent. The attributes of the two trigrams are: above, gentleness, forbearance toward inferiors, and below, joyousness in obeying superiors. Such conditions create the basis of a mutual confidence that makes achievements possible. The character of "truth" is actually the picture of a birds foot over a fledgling. It suggests the idea of brooding. An egg is hollow. The light-giving power must work to quicken it from outside, but there must be a germ of life within, if life is to be awakened. Far-reaching speculations can be linked with these ideas.
Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before its influence can extend to such creatures. In dealing with persons as intractable and as difficult to influence as a pig or a fish, the whole secret of success depends on finding the right way of approach. One must first rid oneself of all prejudice and, so to speak, let the psyche of the other person act on one without restraint. Then one will establish contact with him, understand and gain power over him. When a door has thus been opened, the force of ones personality will influence him. If in this way one finds no obstacles insurmountable, one can undertake even the most dangerous things, such as crossing the great water, and succeed. It is important to understand upon what the force inner truth depends. This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties may exist also among thieves, and it is true that such a bond acts as a force but, since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. All association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Where the community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest friendship often changes into hate. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything.
Wind stirs water by penetrating it. Thus, the superior man, when obliged to judge the mistakes of men, tries to penetrate their minds with understanding, in order to gain a sympathetic appreciation of the circumstances. In ancient China, the entire administration of justice was guided by this principle. A deep understanding that knows how to pardon was considered the highest form of justice. This system was not without success, for its aim was to make so strong a moral impression that there was no reason to fear abuse of such mildness. For it sprang not from weakness but from a superior clarity.
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
Below: TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
The wind blows over the lake and stirs the surface of the water. Thus, visible effects of the invisible manifest themselves. The hexagram consists of firm lines above and below, while it is open in the center. This indicates a heart free of prejudices and therefore open to truth. On the other hand, each of the two trigrams has a firm line in the middle, and this indicates the force of inner truth in the influences they represent. The attributes of the two trigrams are: above, gentleness, forbearance toward inferiors, and below, joyousness in obeying superiors. Such conditions create the basis of a mutual confidence that makes achievements possible. The character of "truth" is actually the picture of a birds foot over a fledgling. It suggests the idea of brooding. An egg is hollow. The light-giving power must work to quicken it from outside, but there must be a germ of life within, if life is to be awakened. Far-reaching speculations can be linked with these ideas.
The Judgement
INNER TRUTH. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before its influence can extend to such creatures. In dealing with persons as intractable and as difficult to influence as a pig or a fish, the whole secret of success depends on finding the right way of approach. One must first rid oneself of all prejudice and, so to speak, let the psyche of the other person act on one without restraint. Then one will establish contact with him, understand and gain power over him. When a door has thus been opened, the force of ones personality will influence him. If in this way one finds no obstacles insurmountable, one can undertake even the most dangerous things, such as crossing the great water, and succeed. It is important to understand upon what the force inner truth depends. This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties may exist also among thieves, and it is true that such a bond acts as a force but, since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. All association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Where the community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest friendship often changes into hate. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything.
The Image
Wind over lake: the image of INNER TRUTH. Thus, the superior man discusses criminal cases in order to delay executions.Wind stirs water by penetrating it. Thus, the superior man, when obliged to judge the mistakes of men, tries to penetrate their minds with understanding, in order to gain a sympathetic appreciation of the circumstances. In ancient China, the entire administration of justice was guided by this principle. A deep understanding that knows how to pardon was considered the highest form of justice. This system was not without success, for its aim was to make so strong a moral impression that there was no reason to fear abuse of such mildness. For it sprang not from weakness but from a superior clarity.
Changing
Nine in the second place means:
The axle-trees are taken from the wagon.
Here, advance is checked just as in the third line of THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL. However, in the later the restraining force is slight, thus a conflict arises between the propulsive and the restraining movement, as a result of which the spokes fall out of the wagon wheels, while here the restraining force is absolutely superior, hence no struggle takes place. One submits and removes the axle-trees from the wagon, in other words, contents himself with waiting. In this way energy accumulates for a vigorous advance later on.
The axle-trees are taken from the wagon.
Here, advance is checked just as in the third line of THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL. However, in the later the restraining force is slight, thus a conflict arises between the propulsive and the restraining movement, as a result of which the spokes fall out of the wagon wheels, while here the restraining force is absolutely superior, hence no struggle takes place. One submits and removes the axle-trees from the wagon, in other words, contents himself with waiting. In this way energy accumulates for a vigorous advance later on.
Six in the fourth place means:
The headboard of a young bull. Great good fortune.
This line and the one following it are the two that tame the forward-pushing lower lines. Before a bulls horns grow out, a headboard is fastened to its forehead, so that later when the horns appear they cannot do harm. A good way to restrain wild force is to forestall it. By so doing one achieves an easy and great success.
The headboard of a young bull. Great good fortune.
This line and the one following it are the two that tame the forward-pushing lower lines. Before a bulls horns grow out, a headboard is fastened to its forehead, so that later when the horns appear they cannot do harm. A good way to restrain wild force is to forestall it. By so doing one achieves an easy and great success.
Transformed
26 - Ta Ch`u / The Taming Power of the Great
Above: KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The Creative is tamed by Kên, Keeping Still. This produces great power, a situation in contrast to that of the ninth hexagram, Hsiao Ch`u, THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL, in which the Creative is tamed by the Gentle alone. There one weak line must tame five strong lines, but here four strong lines are restrained by two weak lines. In addition to a minister, there is a prince, and the restraining power therefore is far stronger. The hexagram has a threefold meaning, expressing different aspects of the concept "holding firm". Heaven within the mountain gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding together, as the trigram Kên which holds the trigram Ch`ien still, and gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding back. The third idea is that of holding firm in the sense of caring for and nourishing. This last is suggested by the fact that a strong line at the top, which is the ruler of the hexagram, is honored and tended to as a sage. The third of these meanings also attaches specifically to this strong line at the top, which represents the sage.
To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clear-headed man who is honored by the ruler. The trigram Ch`ein points to strong creative power, and Kên indicates firmness and truth. Both point to light and clarity and to the daily renewal of character. Only through such daily self-renewal can a man continue at the height of his powers. Force of habit helps to keep order in quiet times, but in periods when there is a great storing up of energy, everything depends on the power of the personality. However, since the worthy are honored, as in the case of the strong personality entrusted with leadership by the ruler, it is an advantage not to eat at home but rather to earn ones bread by entering upon public office. Such a man is in harmony with heaven, and therefore even great and difficult undertakings, such as crossing the great water, succeed.
Heaven within the mountain points to hidden treasures. In the words and deeds of the past there lies hidden a treasure that men may use to strengthen and elevate their own characters. The way to study the past is not to confine oneself to mere knowledge of history but, through application of this knowledge, to give actuality to the past.
Above: KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The Creative is tamed by Kên, Keeping Still. This produces great power, a situation in contrast to that of the ninth hexagram, Hsiao Ch`u, THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL, in which the Creative is tamed by the Gentle alone. There one weak line must tame five strong lines, but here four strong lines are restrained by two weak lines. In addition to a minister, there is a prince, and the restraining power therefore is far stronger. The hexagram has a threefold meaning, expressing different aspects of the concept "holding firm". Heaven within the mountain gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding together, as the trigram Kên which holds the trigram Ch`ien still, and gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding back. The third idea is that of holding firm in the sense of caring for and nourishing. This last is suggested by the fact that a strong line at the top, which is the ruler of the hexagram, is honored and tended to as a sage. The third of these meanings also attaches specifically to this strong line at the top, which represents the sage.
The Judgement
THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clear-headed man who is honored by the ruler. The trigram Ch`ein points to strong creative power, and Kên indicates firmness and truth. Both point to light and clarity and to the daily renewal of character. Only through such daily self-renewal can a man continue at the height of his powers. Force of habit helps to keep order in quiet times, but in periods when there is a great storing up of energy, everything depends on the power of the personality. However, since the worthy are honored, as in the case of the strong personality entrusted with leadership by the ruler, it is an advantage not to eat at home but rather to earn ones bread by entering upon public office. Such a man is in harmony with heaven, and therefore even great and difficult undertakings, such as crossing the great water, succeed.
The Image
Heaven within the mountain: The image of THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus, the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity, and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character.Heaven within the mountain points to hidden treasures. In the words and deeds of the past there lies hidden a treasure that men may use to strengthen and elevate their own characters. The way to study the past is not to confine oneself to mere knowledge of history but, through application of this knowledge, to give actuality to the past.