I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
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.
Changing
Nine at the beginning means:
Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame.
The danger is not yet close. One is still waiting on the open plain. Conditions are still simple, yet there is a feeling of something impending. One must continue to lead a regular life as long as possible. Only in this way does one guard against a premature waste of strength, keep free of blame and error that would become a source of weakness later on.
Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame.
The danger is not yet close. One is still waiting on the open plain. Conditions are still simple, yet there is a feeling of something impending. One must continue to lead a regular life as long as possible. Only in this way does one guard against a premature waste of strength, keep free of blame and error that would become a source of weakness later on.
Nine in the second place means:
Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip, but the end brings good fortune.
The danger gradually comes closer. Sand is near the bank of the river, and the water means danger. Disagreements crop up. General unrest can easily develop in such times, and we lay the blame on one another. He who stays calm will succeed in making things go well in the end. Slander will be silenced if we do not gratify it with injured retorts.
Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip, but the end brings good fortune.
The danger gradually comes closer. Sand is near the bank of the river, and the water means danger. Disagreements crop up. General unrest can easily develop in such times, and we lay the blame on one another. He who stays calm will succeed in making things go well in the end. Slander will be silenced if we do not gratify it with injured retorts.
Transformed
05 - Hsü / Waiting (Nourishment)
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
All beings have need of nourishment from above. But the gift of food comes in its own time, and for this one must wait. This hexagram shows the clouds in the heavens, giving rain to refresh all that grows and to provide mankind with food and drink. The rain will come in its own time. We cannot make it come, we have to wait for it. The idea of waiting is further suggested by the attributes of the two trigrams: strength within, danger in front. Strength in the face of danger does not plunge ahead but bides its time, whereas weakness in the face of danger grows agitated and has not the patience to wait.
Waiting is not merely empty hoping, it has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. Such certainty alone gives that light which leads to success. This leads to the perseverance that brings good fortune and bestows power to cross the great water.
One is faced with a danger that has to be overcome. Weakness and impatience can do nothing. Only a strong man can stand up to his fate, for his inner security enables him to endure to the end. This strength shows itself in uncompromising truthfulness with himself. It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any sort of self-deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events by which the path to success may be recognized. This recognition must be followed by resolute and persevering action, for only the man who goes to meet his fate resolutely is equipped to deal with it adequately. Only then he will be able to cross the great water, that is to say, he will be capable of making the necessary decisions and of surmounting the dangers.
Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
When clouds rise in the sky, it is a sign that it will rain. There is nothing to do but to wait until after the rain falls. It is the same in life when destiny is at work. We should not worry and seek to shape the future by interfering in things before the time is ripe. We should quietly fortify the body with food and drink and the mind with gladness and good cheer. Fate comes when it will, and thus we are ready.
Above: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
All beings have need of nourishment from above. But the gift of food comes in its own time, and for this one must wait. This hexagram shows the clouds in the heavens, giving rain to refresh all that grows and to provide mankind with food and drink. The rain will come in its own time. We cannot make it come, we have to wait for it. The idea of waiting is further suggested by the attributes of the two trigrams: strength within, danger in front. Strength in the face of danger does not plunge ahead but bides its time, whereas weakness in the face of danger grows agitated and has not the patience to wait.
The Judgement
WAITING. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.Waiting is not merely empty hoping, it has the inner certainty of reaching the goal. Such certainty alone gives that light which leads to success. This leads to the perseverance that brings good fortune and bestows power to cross the great water.
One is faced with a danger that has to be overcome. Weakness and impatience can do nothing. Only a strong man can stand up to his fate, for his inner security enables him to endure to the end. This strength shows itself in uncompromising truthfulness with himself. It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any sort of self-deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events by which the path to success may be recognized. This recognition must be followed by resolute and persevering action, for only the man who goes to meet his fate resolutely is equipped to deal with it adequately. Only then he will be able to cross the great water, that is to say, he will be capable of making the necessary decisions and of surmounting the dangers.
The Image
Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of WAITING.Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
When clouds rise in the sky, it is a sign that it will rain. There is nothing to do but to wait until after the rain falls. It is the same in life when destiny is at work. We should not worry and seek to shape the future by interfering in things before the time is ripe. We should quietly fortify the body with food and drink and the mind with gladness and good cheer. Fate comes when it will, and thus we are ready.