I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
36 - Ming I / Darkening of the Light
Above: K`UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
Below: LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
Here the sun has sunk under the earth and is therefore darkened. The name of the hexagram means literally "wounding of the bright", thus the individual lines contain frequent references to wounding. The situation is the exact opposite of that in the foregoing hexagram. In the latter a wise man at the head of affairs has able helpers, and in company with them makes progress, but here a man of dark nature is in a position of authority and brings harm to the wise and able man.
One must not unresistingly let himself be swept along by unfavorable circumstances, nor permit his steadfastness to be shaken. He can avoid this by maintaining his inner light, while remaining outwardly yielding and tractable. With this attitude he can overcome even the greatest adversities.
In some situations indeed a man must hide his light, in order to make his will prevail despite difficulties in his immediate environment. Perseverance must dwell in his inmost consciousness and should not be discernible from without. Only thus is a man able to maintain his will in the face of difficulties.
In a time of darkness it is essential to be cautious and reserved. One should not needlessly awaken overwhelming enmity by inconsiderate behavior. In such times one ought not to fall in with the practices of others neither should one drag them censoriously into the light. In social intercourse one should not try to be all-knowing. One should let many things pass, without being duped.
Above: K`UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
Below: LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
Here the sun has sunk under the earth and is therefore darkened. The name of the hexagram means literally "wounding of the bright", thus the individual lines contain frequent references to wounding. The situation is the exact opposite of that in the foregoing hexagram. In the latter a wise man at the head of affairs has able helpers, and in company with them makes progress, but here a man of dark nature is in a position of authority and brings harm to the wise and able man.
The Judgement
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. In adversity, it furthers one to be persevering.One must not unresistingly let himself be swept along by unfavorable circumstances, nor permit his steadfastness to be shaken. He can avoid this by maintaining his inner light, while remaining outwardly yielding and tractable. With this attitude he can overcome even the greatest adversities.
In some situations indeed a man must hide his light, in order to make his will prevail despite difficulties in his immediate environment. Perseverance must dwell in his inmost consciousness and should not be discernible from without. Only thus is a man able to maintain his will in the face of difficulties.
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 masses while he veils his light, yet still shines.In a time of darkness it is essential to be cautious and reserved. One should not needlessly awaken overwhelming enmity by inconsiderate behavior. In such times one ought not to fall in with the practices of others neither should one drag them censoriously into the light. In social intercourse one should not try to be all-knowing. One should let many things pass, without being duped.
Changing
Six at the beginning means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame.
All the individual lines in this hexagram symbolize the gradual flight of the wild goose. The wild goose is the symbol of conjugal fidelity, because it is believed that this bird never takes another mate after the death of the first. The initial line suggests the first resting place in the flight of water birds from the water to the heights. The shore is reached. The situation is that of a lonely young man who is just starting out to make his way in life. Since no one comes to help him, his first steps are slow and hesitant, and he is surrounded by danger. Naturally he is subjected to much criticism, but these very difficulties keep him from being too hasty, and his progress is successful.
The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame.
All the individual lines in this hexagram symbolize the gradual flight of the wild goose. The wild goose is the symbol of conjugal fidelity, because it is believed that this bird never takes another mate after the death of the first. The initial line suggests the first resting place in the flight of water birds from the water to the heights. The shore is reached. The situation is that of a lonely young man who is just starting out to make his way in life. Since no one comes to help him, his first steps are slow and hesitant, and he is surrounded by danger. Naturally he is subjected to much criticism, but these very difficulties keep him from being too hasty, and his progress is successful.
Six in the second place means:
The wild geese gradually draw near the cliff, eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune.
The cliff is a safe place on shore. The development has gone a step further. The initial insecurity has been overcome, and a safe position in life has been found, giving one enough to live on. This first success, opening up a path to activity, brings a certain joyousness of mood, and one goes to meet the future reassured. It is said of the wild goose that it calls to its comrades whenever it finds food, and this is the symbol of peace and concord in good fortune. A man does not want to keep his good luck for himself only, but is ready to share it with others.
The wild geese gradually draw near the cliff, eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune.
The cliff is a safe place on shore. The development has gone a step further. The initial insecurity has been overcome, and a safe position in life has been found, giving one enough to live on. This first success, opening up a path to activity, brings a certain joyousness of mood, and one goes to meet the future reassured. It is said of the wild goose that it calls to its comrades whenever it finds food, and this is the symbol of peace and concord in good fortune. A man does not want to keep his good luck for himself only, but is ready to share it with others.
Nine at the top means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the clouds heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune.
Here life comes to its end. A man`s work stands completed. The path rises high toward heaven, like the flight of wild geese when they have left the earth far behind. There they fly, keeping to the order of their flight in strict formation. If their feathers fall, they can serve as ornaments in the sacred dance pantomimes performed in the temples. Thus, the life of a man who has perfected himself is a bright light for the people of earth, who look up to him as an example.
The wild goose gradually draws near the clouds heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune.
Here life comes to its end. A man`s work stands completed. The path rises high toward heaven, like the flight of wild geese when they have left the earth far behind. There they fly, keeping to the order of their flight in strict formation. If their feathers fall, they can serve as ornaments in the sacred dance pantomimes performed in the temples. Thus, the life of a man who has perfected himself is a bright light for the people of earth, who look up to him as an example.
Transformed
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.