I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
43 - Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)
Above: TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
This hexagram signifies on the one hand a break-through after a long accumulation of tension, as a swollen river breaks through its dikes, or in the manner of a cloudburst. On the other hand, applied to human conditions, it refers to the time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their influence is on the wane, and as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions occurs, a break-through. The hexagram is linked with the third month (April-May).
Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side, therefore a fight with no quarter given is necessary if the good is to prevail. In a resolute struggle of good against evil, there are definite rules that must not be disregarded if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited, nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore, it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil becomes dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.
When the water of a lake has risen up to heaven, there is good reason to fear a cloudburst. Taking this as a warning, the superior man forestalls a violent collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse, for all gathering is followed by dispersion. Therefore, the superior man begins to distribute while he is accumulating. In the same way, in developing his character he takes care not to become hardened in obstinacy but to remain receptive to impressions by help of strict and continuous self-examination.
Above: TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
This hexagram signifies on the one hand a break-through after a long accumulation of tension, as a swollen river breaks through its dikes, or in the manner of a cloudburst. On the other hand, applied to human conditions, it refers to the time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their influence is on the wane, and as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions occurs, a break-through. The hexagram is linked with the third month (April-May).
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 ones own city. It does not further to resort to arms, it furthers one to undertake something.Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side, therefore a fight with no quarter given is necessary if the good is to prevail. In a resolute struggle of good against evil, there are definite rules that must not be disregarded if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited, nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore, it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil becomes dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.
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.When the water of a lake has risen up to heaven, there is good reason to fear a cloudburst. Taking this as a warning, the superior man forestalls a violent collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse, for all gathering is followed by dispersion. Therefore, the superior man begins to distribute while he is accumulating. In the same way, in developing his character he takes care not to become hardened in obstinacy but to remain receptive to impressions by help of strict and continuous self-examination.
Changing
Nine at the beginning means:
Danger is at hand. It furthers one to desist.
A man wishes to make vigorous advance, but circumstances present an obstacle. He sees himself held back firmly. If he should attempt to force an advance, it would lead him into misfortune. Therefore, it is better for him to compose himself and to wait until an outlet is offered for release of his stored-up energies.
Danger is at hand. It furthers one to desist.
A man wishes to make vigorous advance, but circumstances present an obstacle. He sees himself held back firmly. If he should attempt to force an advance, it would lead him into misfortune. Therefore, it is better for him to compose himself and to wait until an outlet is offered for release of his stored-up energies.
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.
Nine in the third place means.
A good horse that follows others. Awareness of danger combined with perseverance, furthers. Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The way opens and the hindrance has been cleared away. A man is in contact with a strong will acting in the same direction as his own, and goes forward like a good horse following another. Danger still threatens, and he must remain aware of it, or he will be robbed of his firmness. Thus, he must acquire skill on the one hand in what will take him forward, and on the other in what will protect him against unforeseen attacks. It is good in such a case to have a goal toward which to strive.
A good horse that follows others. Awareness of danger combined with perseverance, furthers. Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The way opens and the hindrance has been cleared away. A man is in contact with a strong will acting in the same direction as his own, and goes forward like a good horse following another. Danger still threatens, and he must remain aware of it, or he will be robbed of his firmness. Thus, he must acquire skill on the one hand in what will take him forward, and on the other in what will protect him against unforeseen attacks. It is good in such a case to have a goal toward which to strive.
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.