I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
34 - Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The great lines, that is, the light, strong lines, are powerful. Four light lines have entered the hexagram from below and are about to ascend higher. The upper trigram is Chên, the Arousing; the lower is Ch`ien, the Creative. Ch`ien is strong, Chên produces movement. The union of movement and strength gives the meaning of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. The hexagram is linked with the second month (March-April).
The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on ones own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too, that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time, hence, the added statement that perseverance furthers. That is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point, namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united, we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.
Thunder as electrical energy mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore, in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The great lines, that is, the light, strong lines, are powerful. Four light lines have entered the hexagram from below and are about to ascend higher. The upper trigram is Chên, the Arousing; the lower is Ch`ien, the Creative. Ch`ien is strong, Chên produces movement. The union of movement and strength gives the meaning of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. The hexagram is linked with the second month (March-April).
The Judgement
THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers.The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on ones own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too, that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time, hence, the added statement that perseverance furthers. That is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point, namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united, we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.
The Image
Thunder in heaven above: The image of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus, the superior man does not tread upon paths that are not in accord with established order.Thunder as electrical energy mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore, in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.
Changing
Nine at the beginning means:
With no relationship with what is harmful, there is no blame in this. If one remains conscious of difficulty, one remains without blame.
Great possession that is still in its beginnings and that has not yet been challenged brings no blame, since there has been no opportunity to make mistakes, yet there are many difficulties to be overcome. It is only by remaining conscious of these difficulties that one can keep inwardly free of possible arrogance and wastefulness, and thus in principle overcome all cause for blame.
With no relationship with what is harmful, there is no blame in this. If one remains conscious of difficulty, one remains without blame.
Great possession that is still in its beginnings and that has not yet been challenged brings no blame, since there has been no opportunity to make mistakes, yet there are many difficulties to be overcome. It is only by remaining conscious of these difficulties that one can keep inwardly free of possible arrogance and wastefulness, and thus in principle overcome all cause for blame.
Transformed
14 - Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure
Above: LI THE CLINGING, FLAME
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The fire in heaven above shines far, and all things stand out in the light and become manifest. The weak fifth line occupies the place of honor and all the strong lines are in accord with it. All things come to the man who is modest and kind in a high position.
The two trigrams indicate that strength and clarity unite. Possession in great measure is determined by fate and accords with the time. How is it possible that the weak line has power to hold the strong lines fast and to possess them? It is done by virtue of unselfish modesty. The time is favorable, it is a time of strength within, clarity and culture without. Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way. This brings supreme success and wealth.
The sun in heaven above, shedding light over everything on earth, is the image of possession on a grand scale. But a possession of this sort must be administered properly. The sun brings both evil and good into the light of day. Man must combat and curb the evil, and must favor and promote the good. Only in this way does he fulfill the benevolent will of God, who desires only good and not evil.
Above: LI THE CLINGING, FLAME
Below: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
The fire in heaven above shines far, and all things stand out in the light and become manifest. The weak fifth line occupies the place of honor and all the strong lines are in accord with it. All things come to the man who is modest and kind in a high position.
The Judgement
POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE. Supreme success.The two trigrams indicate that strength and clarity unite. Possession in great measure is determined by fate and accords with the time. How is it possible that the weak line has power to hold the strong lines fast and to possess them? It is done by virtue of unselfish modesty. The time is favorable, it is a time of strength within, clarity and culture without. Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way. This brings supreme success and wealth.
The Image
Fire in heaven above: The image of POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE. Thus, the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, and thereby obeys the benevolent will of heaven.The sun in heaven above, shedding light over everything on earth, is the image of possession on a grand scale. But a possession of this sort must be administered properly. The sun brings both evil and good into the light of day. Man must combat and curb the evil, and must favor and promote the good. Only in this way does he fulfill the benevolent will of God, who desires only good and not evil.