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
Six in the fourth place means:
If you walk in the middle And report the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the removal of the capital.
It is important that there should be men who mediate between leaders and followers. These should be disinterested people, especially in times of increase, since the benefit is to spread from the leader to the people. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way, but rather should really reach those for whom it is intended. This sort of intermediary, who also exercises a good influence on the leader, is especially important in times when it is a matter of great undertakings, decisive for the future and requiring the inner assent of all concerned.
If you walk in the middle And report the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the removal of the capital.
It is important that there should be men who mediate between leaders and followers. These should be disinterested people, especially in times of increase, since the benefit is to spread from the leader to the people. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way, but rather should really reach those for whom it is intended. This sort of intermediary, who also exercises a good influence on the leader, is especially important in times when it is a matter of great undertakings, decisive for the future and requiring the inner assent of all concerned.
Nine in the fifth place means:
If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue.
True kindness does not count upon nor ask about merit and gratitude but acts from inner necessity. And such a truly kind heart finds itself rewarded in being recognized, and thus the beneficent influence will spread unhindered.
If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue.
True kindness does not count upon nor ask about merit and gratitude but acts from inner necessity. And such a truly kind heart finds itself rewarded in being recognized, and thus the beneficent influence will spread unhindered.
Transformed
42 - Yii / Increase
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
Below: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
The idea of increase is expressed in the fact that the strong lowest line of the upper trigram has sunk down and taken its place under the lower trigram. This conception also expresses the fundamental idea on which the Book of Changes is based. To rule truly is to serve. A sacrifice of the higher element that produces an increase of the lower is called an out-and-out increase: it indicates the spirit that alone has power to help the world.
Sacrifice on the part of those above for the increase of those below fills the people with a sense of joy and gratitude that is extremely valuable for the flowering of the commonwealth. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings are possible, and even difficult and dangerous enterprises will succeed. Therefore, in such times of progress and successful development it is necessary to work and make the best use of the time. This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heaven, forming and bringing forth living beings. The time of INCREASE does not endure, therefore it must be utilized while it lasts.
While observing how thunder and wind increase and strengthen each other, a man can note the way to self-increase and self-improvement. When he discovers good in others, he should imitate it and thus make everything on earth his own. If he perceives something bad in himself, let him rid himself of it. In this way he becomes free of evil. This ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.
Above: SUN THE GENTLE, WIND
Below: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
The idea of increase is expressed in the fact that the strong lowest line of the upper trigram has sunk down and taken its place under the lower trigram. This conception also expresses the fundamental idea on which the Book of Changes is based. To rule truly is to serve. A sacrifice of the higher element that produces an increase of the lower is called an out-and-out increase: it indicates the spirit that alone has power to help the world.
The Judgement
INCREASE. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.Sacrifice on the part of those above for the increase of those below fills the people with a sense of joy and gratitude that is extremely valuable for the flowering of the commonwealth. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings are possible, and even difficult and dangerous enterprises will succeed. Therefore, in such times of progress and successful development it is necessary to work and make the best use of the time. This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heaven, forming and bringing forth living beings. The time of INCREASE does not endure, therefore it must be utilized while it lasts.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of INCREASE. Thus, If the superior man sees good, he imitates it. If he has faults, he rids himself of them.While observing how thunder and wind increase and strengthen each other, a man can note the way to self-increase and self-improvement. When he discovers good in others, he should imitate it and thus make everything on earth his own. If he perceives something bad in himself, let him rid himself of it. In this way he becomes free of evil. This ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.