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
Six at the beginning means:
Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.
By growing used to what is dangerous, a man can easily allow it to become part of him. He is familiar with it and grows used to evil. With this he has lost the right way, and misfortune is the natural result.
Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.
By growing used to what is dangerous, a man can easily allow it to become part of him. He is familiar with it and grows used to evil. With this he has lost the right way, and misfortune is the natural result.
Six at the top means:
Bound with cords and ropes, and shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.
A man who in the extremity of danger has lost the right way and is irremediably entangled in his sins has no prospect of escape. He is like a criminal who sits shackled behind thorn hedged prison walls.
Bound with cords and ropes, and shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.
A man who in the extremity of danger has lost the right way and is irremediably entangled in his sins has no prospect of escape. He is like a criminal who sits shackled behind thorn hedged prison walls.
Transformed
29 - K`an / The Abysmal (Water)
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
This hexagram consists of a doubling of the trigram K`an. It is one of the eight hexagrams in which doubling occurs. The trigram K`an means a plunging in. A yang line has plunged in between two yin lines and is closed in by them like water in a ravine. The trigram K`an is also the middle son. The Receptive has obtained the middle line of the Creative, and thus K`an develops. As an image it represents water, the water that comes from above and is in motion on earth in streams and rivers, giving rise to all life on earth.
In mans world K`an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the body, the principle of light inclosed in the dark, that is to say, reason. The name of the hexagram, because the trigram is doubled, has the additional meaning, "repetition of danger". Thus, the hexagram is intended to designate an objective situation to which one must become accustomed, not a subjective attitude. For danger due to a subjective attitude means either foolhardiness or guile. Also, a ravine is used to symbolize danger, as it is a situation in which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water, he can escape if he behaves correctly.
Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fills up all the places through which it flows, it does not shrink from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Thus, likewise, if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation. Once we have gained inner mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will succeed. In danger all that counts really is carrying out all that has to be done with thoroughness and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in the danger.
Properly used, danger can have an important meaning as a protective measure. Thus, heaven has its perilous height protecting it against every attempt at invasion, and earth has its mountains and bodies of water, separating countries by their dangers. Thus also, rulers make use of danger to protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within.
Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others, everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
This hexagram consists of a doubling of the trigram K`an. It is one of the eight hexagrams in which doubling occurs. The trigram K`an means a plunging in. A yang line has plunged in between two yin lines and is closed in by them like water in a ravine. The trigram K`an is also the middle son. The Receptive has obtained the middle line of the Creative, and thus K`an develops. As an image it represents water, the water that comes from above and is in motion on earth in streams and rivers, giving rise to all life on earth.
In mans world K`an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the body, the principle of light inclosed in the dark, that is to say, reason. The name of the hexagram, because the trigram is doubled, has the additional meaning, "repetition of danger". Thus, the hexagram is intended to designate an objective situation to which one must become accustomed, not a subjective attitude. For danger due to a subjective attitude means either foolhardiness or guile. Also, a ravine is used to symbolize danger, as it is a situation in which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water, he can escape if he behaves correctly.
The Judgement
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fills up all the places through which it flows, it does not shrink from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Thus, likewise, if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation. Once we have gained inner mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will succeed. In danger all that counts really is carrying out all that has to be done with thoroughness and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in the danger.
Properly used, danger can have an important meaning as a protective measure. Thus, heaven has its perilous height protecting it against every attempt at invasion, and earth has its mountains and bodies of water, separating countries by their dangers. Thus also, rulers make use of danger to protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within.
The Image
Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal: The image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus, the superior man walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others, everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.