I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
09 - Hsiao Ch`u / The Taming Power of the Small
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
This hexagram means the force of the small, the power of the shadowy that restrains, tames, impedes. A weak line in the fourth place, that of the minister, holds the five strong lines in check. In the image it is the wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds, the rising breath of the creative, and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. The hexagram presents a configuration of circumstances in which a strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
This image refers to the state of affairs in China at the time when King Wên, who came originally from the west, was in the east at the court of the reigning tyrant Chou Hsin. The moment for action on a large scale had not yet arrived. King Wên could only keep the tyrant somewhat in check by friendly persuasion. Hence, the image of many clouds, promising moisture and blessing to the land, although as yet no rain falls. The situation is not unfavorable as there is a prospect of ultimate success, but there are still obstacles in the way, and we can merely take preparatory measures. Only through the small means of friendly persuasion can we exert any influence. The time has not yet come for sweeping measures, however, we may be able, to a limited extent, to act as a restraining and subduing influence. To carry out our purpose we need firm determination within, and gentleness and adaptability in external relations.
The wind can indeed drive the clouds together in the sky, yet, being nothing but air, without solid body, it does not produce great or lasting effects. So also an individual, in times when he can produce no great effect in the outer world, can do nothing except refine the expression of his nature in small ways.
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
This hexagram means the force of the small, the power of the shadowy that restrains, tames, impedes. A weak line in the fourth place, that of the minister, holds the five strong lines in check. In the image it is the wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds, the rising breath of the creative, and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. The hexagram presents a configuration of circumstances in which a strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
The Judgement
THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.This image refers to the state of affairs in China at the time when King Wên, who came originally from the west, was in the east at the court of the reigning tyrant Chou Hsin. The moment for action on a large scale had not yet arrived. King Wên could only keep the tyrant somewhat in check by friendly persuasion. Hence, the image of many clouds, promising moisture and blessing to the land, although as yet no rain falls. The situation is not unfavorable as there is a prospect of ultimate success, but there are still obstacles in the way, and we can merely take preparatory measures. Only through the small means of friendly persuasion can we exert any influence. The time has not yet come for sweeping measures, however, we may be able, to a limited extent, to act as a restraining and subduing influence. To carry out our purpose we need firm determination within, and gentleness and adaptability in external relations.
The Image
The wind drives across heaven: The image of THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL. Thus, the superior man refines the outward aspect of his nature.The wind can indeed drive the clouds together in the sky, yet, being nothing but air, without solid body, it does not produce great or lasting effects. So also an individual, in times when he can produce no great effect in the outer world, can do nothing except refine the expression of his nature in small ways.
Changing
Nine in the fifth place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the summit. For three years the woman has no child, but in the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune.
The summit is a high place. In a high position one easily becomes isolated. One is misjudged by the very person on whom one is dependent, the woman by her husband, the official by his superior. This is the work of deceitful persons who have wormed their way in. The result is that relationships remain sterile, and nothing is accomplished. However, in the course of further development, such misunderstandings are cleared away, and reconciliation is achieved after all.
The wild goose gradually draws near the summit. For three years the woman has no child, but in the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune.
The summit is a high place. In a high position one easily becomes isolated. One is misjudged by the very person on whom one is dependent, the woman by her husband, the official by his superior. This is the work of deceitful persons who have wormed their way in. The result is that relationships remain sterile, and nothing is accomplished. However, in the course of further development, such misunderstandings are cleared away, and reconciliation is achieved after all.
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.