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Key for identifying the hexagrams:
|
 Ch'ien |
 Chen |
 K'an |
 Kên |
 K'un |
 Sun |
 Li |
 Tui |
||
|
Ch'ien |
 1 |
 34 |
 5 |
 26 |
 11 |
 9 |
 14 |
 43 |
||
|
Chen |
 25 |
 51 |
 3 |
 27 |
 24 |
 42 |
 21 |
 17 |
||
|
K'an |
 6 |
 40 |
 29 |
 4 |
 7 |
 59 |
 64 |
 47 |
||
|
Kên |
 33 |
 62 |
 39 |
 52 |
 15 |
 53 |
 56 |
 31 |
||
K'un |
 12 |
 16 |
 8 |
 23 |
 2 |
 20 |
 35 |
 45 |
||
|
Sun |
 44 |
 32 |
 48 |
 18 |
 46 |
 57 |
 50 |
 28 |
||
Li |
 13 |
 55 |
 63 |
 22 |
 36 |
 37 |
 30 |
 49 |
||
|
Tui |
 10 |
 54 |
 60 |
 41 |
 19 |
 61 |
 38 |
 58 |
1. Ch'ien / The Creative
above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgement
The Creative works sublime success,
Furthering through perseverance.
The Image
The movement of heaven is full of power.
Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Hidden dragon. Do not act.
Nine in the second place means:
Dragon appearing in the field.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Nine in the third place means:
All day long the superior man is creatively active.
At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares.
Danger. No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Wavering flight over the depths.
No blame.
l Nine in the fifth place means:
Flying dragon in the heavens.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Nine at the top means:
Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
When all the lines are nines, it means:
There appears a flight of dragons without heads.
Good fortune.
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2. K'un / The Receptive
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below K'un The Receptive, Earth
The Judgement
The Receptive brings about sublime success,
Furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead,
He goes astray;
But if he follows, he finds guidance.
It is favorable to find friends in the west and south,
To forego friends in the east and north.
Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image
The earth's condition is receptive devotion.
Thus the superior man who has breadth of character
Carries the outer world.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
When there is hoarfrost underfoot,
Solid ice is not far off.
l Six in the second place means:
Straight, square, great.
Without purpose,
Yet nothing remains unfurthered.
Six in the third place means:
Hidden lines.
One is able to remain persevering.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works, but bring to completion.
Six in the fourth place means:
A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.
Six in the fifth place means:
A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.
Six at the top means:
Dragons fight in the meadow.
Their blood is black and yellow.
When all the lines are sixes, it means:
Lasting perseverance furthers.
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3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning
above K'an The Abysmal, Water
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.
The Image
Clouds and thunder:
The image of Difficulty at the Beginning.
Thus the superior man
Brings order out of confusion.
The Lines
lNine at the beginning means:
Hesitation and hindrance.
It furthers one to remain persevering.
It furthers one to appoint helpers.
Six in the second place means:
Difficulties pile up.
Horse and wagon part.
He is not a robber;
He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste,
She does not pledge herself.
Ten years-then she pledges herself.
Six in the third place means:
Whoever hunts deer without the forester
Only loses his way in the forest.
The superior man understands the signs of the time
And prefers to desist.
To go on brings humiliation.
Six in the fourth place means:
Horse and wagon part.
Strive for union.
To go brings good fortune.
Everything acts to further.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Difficulties in blessing.
A little perseverance brings good fortune.
Great perseverance brings misfortune.
Six at the top means:
Horse and wagon part.
Bloody tears flow.
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above Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
below K'an The Abysmal, Water
The Judgement
Youthful Folly has success.
It is not I who seek the young fool;
The young fool seeks me.
At the first oracle I inform him.
If he asks two or three times, it is importunity.
If he importunes, I give him no information.
Perseverance furthers.
The Image
A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain:
The image of Youth.
Thus the superior man fosters his character
By thoroughness in all that he does.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
To make a fool develop
It furthers one to apply discipline.
The fetters should be removed.
To go on in this way brings humiliation.
lNine in the second place means:
To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune.
To know how to take women
Brings supreme good fortune.
The son is capable of taking charge of the household.
Six in the third place means:
Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze,
Loses possession of herself.
Nothing furthers.
Six in the fourth place means:
Entangled folly brings humiliation.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Childlike folly brings good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
In punishing folly
It does not further one
To commit transgressions.
The only thing that furthers
Is to prevent transgressions.
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5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment)
above K'an The Abysmal, Water
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgement
Waiting. If you are sincere,
You have light and success.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Clouds rise up to heaven:
The image of Waiting.
Thus the superior man eats and drinks,
Is joyous and of good cheer.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Waiting in the meadow.
It furthers one to abide in what endures.
No blame.
Nine in the second place means:
Waiting on the sand.
There is some gossip.
The end brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
Waiting in the mud
Brings about the arrival of the enemy.
Six in the fourth place means:
Waiting in blood.
Get out of the pit.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Waiting at meat and drink.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six at the top means:
One falls into the pit.
Three uninvited guests arrive.
Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune.
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above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below K'an The Abysmal, Water
The Judgement
Conflict. You are sincere
And are being obstructed.
A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune.
Going through to the end brings misfortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
It does not further one to cross the great water.
The Image
Heaven and water go their opposite ways:
The image of Conflict.
Thus in all his transactions the superior man
Carefully considers the beginning.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
If one does not perpetuate the affair,
There is a little gossip.
In the end, good fortune comes.
Nine in the second place means:
One cannot engage in conflict;
One returns home, gives way.
The people of his town,
Three hundred households,
Remain free of guilt.
Six in the third place means:
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance.
Danger. In the end, good fortune comes.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works.
Nine in the fourth place means:
One cannot engage in conflict.
One turns back and submits to fate,
Changes one's attitude,
And finds peace in perseverance.
Good fortune.
lNine in the fifth place means:
To contend before him
Brings good fortune.
Nine at the top means:.
Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one,
By the end of a morning
It will have been snatched away three times
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7. Shih / The Army
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below K'an The Abysmal, Water
The Judgement
The Army. The army needs perseverance
And a strong man.
Good fortune without blame.
The Image
In the middle of the earth is water:
The image of the Army.
Thus the superior man increases his masses
By generosity toward the people.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
An army must set forth in proper order.
If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.
lNine in the second place means:
In the midst of the army.
Good fortune. No blame.
The king bestows a triple decoration.
Six in the third place means:
Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon.
Misfortune.
Six in the fourth place means:
The army retreats. No blame.
lSix in the fifth place means:
There is game in the field.
It furthers one to catch it.
Without blame.
Let the eldest lead the army.
The younger transports corpses;
Then perseverance brings misfortune.
Six at the top means:
The great prince issues commands,
Founds states, vests families with fiefs.
Inferior people should not be employed.
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8. Pi / Holding Together [Union]
above K'an The Abysmal, Water
below K'un The Receptive, Earth
The Judgement
Holding Together brings good fortune.
Inquire of the oracle once again
Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
Then there is no blame.
Those who are uncertain gradually join.
Whoever comes too late
Meets with misfortune.
The Image
On the earth is water:
The image of Holding Together.
Thus the kings of antiquity
Bestowed the different states as fiefs
And cultivated friendly relations
With the feudal lords.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Hold to him in truth and loyalty;
This is without blame.
Truth, like a full earthen bowl:
Thus in the end
Good fortune comes from without.
Six in the second place means:
Hold to him inwardly.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
You hold together with the wrong people.
Six in the fourth place means:
Hold to him outwardly also.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Manifestation of holding together.
In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only
And foregoes game that runs off in front.
The citizens need no warning.
Good fortune.
Six at the top means:
He finds no head for holding together.
Misfortune.
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9. Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small
above Sun The Gentle, Wind
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgement
The Taming Power of the Small
Has success.
Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.
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 Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Return to the way.
How could there be blame in this?
Good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:
He allows himself to be drawn into returning.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The spokes burst out of the wagon wheels.
Man and wife roll their eyes.
nSix in the fourth place means:
If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way.
No blame.
lNine in the fifth place means:
If you are sincere and loyally attached,
You are rich in your neighbor.
Nine at the top means:
The rain comes, there is rest.
This is due to the lasting effect of character.
Perseverance brings the woman into danger.
The moon is nearly full.
If the superior man persists, Misfortune comes.
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10. Lu / Treading [Conduct]
above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below Tui The Joyous, Lake
The Judgement
Treading. Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man. Success.
The Image
Heaven above, the lake below:
The image of Treading.
Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low,
And thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Simple conduct. Progress without blame.
Nine in the second place means:
Treading a smooth, level course.
The perseverance of a dark man
Brings good fortune.
nSix in the third place means:
A one-eyed man is able to see,
A lame man is able to tread.
He treads on the tail of the tiger.
The tiger bites the man.
Misfortune.
Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He treads on the tail of the tiger.
Caution and circumspection
Lead ultimately to good fortune.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Resolute conduct.
Perseverance with awareness of danger.
Nine at the top means:
Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs.
When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.
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11. T'ai / Peace
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgement
Peace. The small departs,
The great approaches.
Good fortune. Success.
The Image
Heaven and earth unite: the image of Peace.
Thus the ruler
Divides and completes the course of heaven and earth;
He furthers and regulates the gifts of heaven and earth,
And so aids the people.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
lNine in the second place means:
Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness,
Fording the river with resolution,
Not neglecting what is distant,
Not regarding one's companions:
Thus one may manage to walk in the middle.
Nine in the third place means:
No plain not followed by a slope.
No going not followed by a return.
He who remains persevering in danger
Is without blame.
Do not complain about this truth;
Enjoy the good fortune you still possess.
Six in the fourth place means:
He flutters down, not boasting of his wealth,
Together with his neighbor,
Guileless and sincere.
lSix in the fifth place means:
The sovereign I
Gives his daughter in marriage.
This brings blessing
And supreme good fortune.
Six at the top means:
The wall falls back into the moat.
Use no army now.
Make your commands known within your own town.
Perseverance brings humiliation.
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12. P'i / Standstill [Stagnation]
above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below K'un The Receptive, Earth
The Judgement
Standstill. Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches.
The Image
Heaven and earth do not unite:
The image of Standstill.
Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth
In order to escape the difficulties.
He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind.
Perseverance brings good fortune and success.
nSix in the second place means:
They bear and endure;
This means good fortune for inferior people.
The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success.
Six in the third place means:
They bear shame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He who acts at the command of the highest
Remains without blame.
Those of like mind partake of the blessing.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Standstill is giving way.
Good fortune for the great man.
"What if it should fail, what if it should fail?"
In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.
Nine at the top means:
The standstill comes to an end.
First standstill, then good fortune.
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13. T'ung Jên / Fellowship with Men
above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below Li The Clinging, Flame
The Judgement
Fellowship with Men in the open.
Success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The perseverance of the superior man furthers.
The Image
Heaven together with fire:
The image of Fellowship with Men.
Thus the superior man organizes the clans
And makes distinctions between things.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Fellowship with men at the gate.
No blame.
lSix in the second place means:
Fellowship with men in the clan.
Humiliation.
Nine in the third place means:
He hides weapons in the thicket;
He climbs the high hill in front of it.
For three years he does not rise up.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He climbs up on his wall; he cannot attack.
Good fortune.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament,
But afterward they laugh.
After great struggles they succeed in meeting.
Nine at the top means:
Fellowship with men in the meadow.
No remorse.
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14. Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure
above Li The Clinging, Flame
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgement
Possession in Great Measure.
Supreme success.
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 Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
No relationship with what is harmful;
There is no blame in this.
If one remains conscious of difficulty,
One remains without blame.
Nine in the second place means:
A big wagon for loading.
One may undertake something.
No blame.
Nine in the third place means:
A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven.
A petty man cannot do this.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He makes a difference
Between himself and his neighbor.
No blame.
lSix in the fifth place means:
He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified,
Has good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
He is blessed by heaven.
Good fortune.
Nothing that does not further.
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15. Ch'ien / Modesty
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
The Judgement
Modesty creates success.
The superior man carries things through.
The Image
Within the earth, a mountain:
The image of Modesty.
Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much,
And augments that which is too little.
He weighs things and makes them equal.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
A superior man modest about his modesty
May cross the great water.
Good fortune.
Six in the second place means:
Modesty that comes to expression.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
lNine in the third place means:
A superior man of modesty and merit
Carries things to conclusion.
Good fortune.
Six in the fourth place means:
Nothing that would not further modesty
In movement.
Six in the fifth place means:
No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor.
It is favorable to attack with force.
Nothing that would not further.
Six at the top means:
Modesty that comes to expression.
It is favorable to set armies marching
To chastise one's own city and one's country.
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16. Yu / Enthusiasm
above Chen The Arousing, Thunder
below K'un The Receptive, Earth
The Judgement
Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers
And to set armies marching.
The Image
Thunder comes resounding out of the earth:
The image of Enthusiasm.
Thus the ancient kings made music
In order to honor merit,
And offered it with splendor
To the Supreme Deity,
Inviting their ancestors to be present.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Enthusiasm that expresses itself
Brings misfortune.
Six in the second place means:
Firm as a rock. Not a whole day.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse.
Hesitation brings remorse.
lNine in the fourth place means:
The source of enthusiasm.
He achieves great things.
Doubt not.
You gather friends around you
As a hair clasp gathers the hair.
Six in the fifth place means:
Persistently ill, and still does not die.
Six at the top means:
Deluded enthusiasm.
But if after completion one changes,
There is no blame.
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17. Sui / Following
above Tui The Joyous, Lake
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
Following has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers. No blame.
The Image
Thunder in the middle of the lake:
The image of Following.
Thus the superior man at nightfall
Goes indoors for rest and recuperation.
The Lines
lNine at the beginning means:
The standard is changing.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
To go out of the door in company
Produces deeds.
Six in the second place means:
If one clings to the little boy,
One loses the strong man.
Six in the third place means:
If one clings to the strong man,
One loses the little boy.
Through following one finds what one seeks.
It furthers one to remain persevering.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Following creates success.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
To go one's way with sincerity brings clarity.
How could there be blame in this?
lNine in the fifth place means:
Sincere in the good. Good fortune.
Six at the top means:
He meets with firm allegiance
And is still further bound.
The king introduces him
To the Western Mountain.
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18. Ku / Work on What Has Been Spoiled [Decay]
above Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
below Sun The Gentle, Wind
The Judgement
Work on What Has Been Spoiled
Has supreme success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Before the starting point, three days.
After the starting point, three days.
The Image
The wind blows low on the mountain:
The image of Decay.
Thus the superior man stirs up the people
And strengthens their spirit.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.
If there is a son,
No blame rests upon the departed father.
Danger. In the end good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother.
One must not be too persevering.
Nine in the third place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.
There will be little remorse. No great blame.
Six in the fourth place means:
Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father.
In continuing one sees humiliation.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.
One meets with praise.
Nine at the top means:
He does not serve kings and princes,
Sets himself higher goals.
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19. Lin / Approach
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below Tui The Joyous, Lake
The Judgement
Approach has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
When the eighth month comes,
There will be misfortune.
The Image
The earth above the lake:
The image of Approach.
Thus the superior man is inexhaustible
In his will to teach,
And without limits
In his tolerance and protection of the people.
The Lines
lNine at the beginning means:
Joint approach.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
lNine in the second place means:
Joint approach.
Good fortune.
Everything furthers.
Six in the third place means:
Comfortable approach.
Nothing that would further.
If one is induced to grieve over it,
One becomes free of blame.
Six in the fourth place means:
Complete approach.
No blame.
Six in the fifth place means:
Wise approach.
This is right for a great prince.
Good fortune.
Six at the top means:
Greathearted approach.
Good fortune. No blame.
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20. Kuan / Contemplation (View)
above Sun The Gentle, Wind
below K'un The Receptive, Earth
The Judgement
Contemplation. The ablution has been made,
But not yet the offering.
Full of trust they look up to him.
The Image
The wind blows over the earth:
The image of Contemplation.
Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world,
Contemplated the people,
And gave them instruction.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Boylike contemplation.
For an inferior man, no blame.
For a superior man, humiliation.
Six in the second place means:
Contemplation through the crack of the door.
Furthering for the perseverance of a woman.
Six in the third place means:
Contemplation of my life
Decides the choice
Between advance and retreat.
Six in the fourth place means:
Contemplation of the light of the kingdom.
It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Contemplation of my life.
The superior man is without blame.
lNine at the top means:
Contemplation of his life.
The superior man is without blame.
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21. Shih Ho / Biting Through
above Li The Clinging, Flame
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
Biting Through has success.
It is favorable to let justice be administered.
The Image
Thunder and lightning:
The image of Biting Through.
Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws
Through clearly defined penalties.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
His feet are fastened in the stocks,
So that his toes disappear.
No blame.
Six in the second place means:
Bites through tender meat,
So that his nose disappears.
No blame.
Six in the third place means:
Bites on old dried meat
And strikes on something poisonous.
Slight humiliation. No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Bites on dried gristly meat.
Receives metal arrows.
It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties
And to be persevering.
Good fortune.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Bites on dried lean meat.
Receives yellow gold.
Perseveringly aware of danger.
No blame.
Nine at the top means:
His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue,
So that his ears disappear.
Misfortune.
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22. Pi / Grace
above Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
below Li The Clinging, Flame
The Judgement
Grace has success.
In small matters
It is favorable to undertake something.
The Image
Fire at the foot of the mountain:
The image of Grace.
Thus does the superior man proceed
When clearing up current affairs.
But he dare not decide controversial issues in this way.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
He lends grace to his toes, leaves the carriage, and walks.
lSix in the second place means:
Lends grace to the beard on his chin.
Nine in the third place means:
Graceful and moist.
Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the fourth place means:
Grace or simplicity?
A white horse comes as if on wings.
He is not a robber,
He will woo at the right time.
Six in the fifth place means:
Grace in hills and gardens.
The roll of silk is meager and small.
Humiliation, but in the end good fortune.
lNine at the top means:
Simple grace. No blame.
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23. Po / Splitting Apart
above Kên Keeping Still, MountainThe Judgement
Splitting Apart. It does not further one
To go anywhere.
The Image
The mountain rests on the earth:
The image of Splitting Apart.
Thus those above can ensure their position
Only by giving generously to those below.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
The leg of the bed is split.
Those who persevere are destroyed.
Misfortune.
Six in the second place means:
The bed is split at the edge.
Those who persevere are destroyed.
Misfortune.
Six in the third place means:
He splits with them. No blame.
Six in the fourth place means:
The bed is split up to the skin.
Misfortune.
Six in the fifth place means:
A shoal of fishes. Favor comes through the court ladies.
Everything acts to further.
lNine at the top means:
There is a large fruit still uneaten.
The superior man receives a carriage.
The house of the inferior man is split apart.
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24. Fu / Return (The Turning Point)
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
Return. Success.
Going out and coming in without error.
Friends come without blame.
To and fro goes the way.
On the seventh day comes return.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The Image
Thunder within the earth:
The image of the Turning Point.
Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes
At the time of solstice.
Merchants and strangers did not go about,
And the ruler
Did not travel through the provinces.
The Lines
lNine at the beginning means:
Return from a short distance.
No need for remorse.
Great good fortune.
Six in the second place means:
Quiet return. Good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Repeated return. Danger. No blame.
Six in the fourth place means:
Walking in the midst of others,
One returns alone.
Six in the fifth place means:
Noblehearted return. No remorse.
Six at the top means:
Missing the return. Misfortune.
Misfortune from within and without.
If armies are set marching in this way,
One will in the end suffer a great defeat,
Disastrous for the ruler of the country.
For ten years
It will not be possible to attack again.
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25. Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected)
above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
Innocence. Supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
If someone is not as he should be,
He has misfortune,
And it does not further him
To undertake anything.
The Image
Under heaven thunder rolls:
All things attain the natural state of innocence.
Thus the kings of old,
Rich in virtue, and in harmony with the time,
Fostered and nourished all beings.
The Lines
lNine at the beginning means:
Innocent behavior brings good fortune.
Six in the second place means:
If one does not count on the harvest while plowing,
Nor on the use of the ground while clearing it,
It furthers one to undertake something.
Six in the third place means:
Undeserved misfortune.
The cow that was tethered by someone
Is the wanderer's gain, the citizen's loss.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He who can be persevering
Remains without blame.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Use no medicine in an illness
Incurred through no fault of your own.
It will pass of itself.
lNine at the top means:
Innocent action brings misfortune.
Nothing furthers.
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26. Ta Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Great
above Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
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.
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 thereby.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Danger is at hand. It furthers one to desist.
Nine in the second place means:
The axletrees are taken from the wagon.
Nine in the third place means:
A good horse that follows others.
Awareness of danger,
With perseverance, furthers.
Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Six in the fourth place means:
The headboard of a young bull.
Great good fortune.
lSix in the fifth place means:
The tusk of a gelded boar.
Good fortune.
lNine at the top means:
One attains the way of heaven. Success.
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27. I / The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)
above Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
The Corners of the Mouth.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Pay heed to the providing of nourishment
And to what a man seeks
To fill his own mouth with.
The Image
At the foot of the mountain, thunder:
The image of Providing Nourishment.
Thus the superior man is careful of his words
And temperate in eating and drinking.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
You let your magic tortoise go,
And look at me with the corners of your mouth drooping.
Misfortune.
Six in the second place means:
Turning to the summit for nourishment,
Deviating from the path
To seek nourishment from the hill.
Continuing to do this brings misfortune.
Six in the third place means:
Turning away from nourishment.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Do not act thus for ten years.
Nothing serves to further.
Six in the fourth place means:
Turning to the summit
For provision of nourishment
Brings good fortune.
Spying about with sharp eyes
Like a tiger with insatiable craving.
No blame.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Turning away from the path.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.
One should not cross the great water.
lNine at the top means:
The source of nourishment.
Awareness of danger brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
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28. Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great
above Tui The Joyous, Lake
below Sun The Gentle, Wind
The Judgement
Preponderance of the Great.
The ridgepole sags to the breaking point.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Success.
The Image
The lake rises above the trees:
The image of Preponderance of the Great.
Thus the superior man, when he stands alone,
Is unconcerned,
And if he has to renounce the world,
He is undaunted.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
To spread white rushes underneath.
No blame.
lNine in the second place means:
A dry poplar sprouts at the root.
An older man takes a young wife.
Everything furthers.
Nine in the third place means:
The ridgepole sags to the breaking point.
Misfortune.
lNine in the fourth place means:
The ridgepole is braced. Good fortune.
If there are ulterior motives, it is humiliating.
Nine in the fifth place means:
A withered poplar puts forth flowers.
An older woman takes a husband.
No blame. No praise.
Six at the top means:
One must go through the water.
It goes over one's head.
Misfortune. No blame.
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29. K'an / The Abysmal (Water)
above K'an The Abysmal, Water
below K'an The Abysmal, Water
The Judgement
The Abysmal repeated.
If you are sincere, you have success in your heart,
And whatever you do succeeds.
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.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Repetition of the Abysmal.
In the abyss one falls into a pit.
Misfortune.
lNine in the second place means:
The abyss is dangerous.
One should strive to attain small things only.
Six in the third place means:
Forward and backward, abyss on abyss.
In danger like this, pause at first and wait,
Otherwise you will fall into a pit in the abyss.
Do not act in this way.
Six in the fourth place means:
A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it;
Earthen vessels Simply handed in through the window.
There is certainly no blame in this.
lNine in the fifth place means:
The abyss is not filled to overflowing,
It is filled only to the rim.
No blame.
Six at the top means:
Bound with cords and ropes,
Shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls:
For three years one does not find the way.
Misfortune.
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30. Li / The Clinging, Fire
above Li The Clinging, Flame
below Li The Clinging, Flame
The Judgement
The Clinging. Perseverance furthers.
It brings success.
Care of the cow brings good fortune.
The Image
That which is bright rises twice:
The image of Fire.
Thus the great man, by perpetuating this brightness,
Illumines the four quarters of the world.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
The footprints run crisscross.
If one is seriously intent, no blame.
lSix in the second place means:
Yellow light. Supreme good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
In the light of the setting sun,
Men either beat the pot and sing
Or loudly bewail the approach of old age.
Misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Its coming is sudden;
It flames up, dies down, is thrown away.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Tears in floods, sighing and lamenting.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
The king uses him to march forth and chastise.
Then it is best to kill the leaders
And take captive the followers. No blame.
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31. Hsien / Influence (Wooing)
above Tui The Joyous, LakeThe Judgement
Influence. Success.
Perseverance furthers.
To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The Image
A lake on the mountain:
The image of Influence.
Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him
By his readiness to receive them.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
The influence shows itself in the big toe.
Six in the second place means:
The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs.
Misfortune.
Tarrying brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The influence shows itself in the thighs.
Holds to that which follows it.
To continue is humiliating.
lNine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
If a man is agitated in mind,
And his thoughts go hither and thither,
Only those friends
On whom he fixes his conscious thoughts
Will follow.
lNine in the fifth place means:
The influence shows itself in the back of the neck.
No remorse.
Six at the top means:
The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
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32. Hêng / Duration
above Chen The Arousing, Thunder
below Sun The Gentle, Wind
The Judgement
Duration. Success. No blame.
Perseverance furthers.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The Image
Thunder and wind: the image of Duration.
Thus the superior man stands firm
And does not change his direction.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Seeking duration too hastily brings misfortune persistently.
Nothing that would further.
lNine in the second place means:
Remorse disappears.
Nine in the third place means:
He who does not give duration to his character
Meets with disgrace.
Persistent humiliation.
Nine in the fourth place means:
No game in the field.
Six in the fifth place means:
Giving duration to one's character through perseverance.
This is good fortune for a woman, misfortune for a man.
Six at the top means:
Restlessness as an enduring condition brings misfortune.
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33. Tun / Retreat
above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
The Judgement
Retreat. Success.
In what is small, perseverance furthers.
The Image
Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat.
Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance,
Not angrily but with reserve.
The Lines
nSix at the beginning means:
At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous.
One must not wish to undertake anything.
nSix in the second place means:
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.
No one can tear him loose.
Nine in the third place means:
A halted retreat
Is nerve-wracking and dangerous.
To retain people as men- and maidservants
Brings good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man
And downfall to the inferior man.
lNine in the fifth place means:
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.
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34. Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great
above Chen The Arousing, Thunder
below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgement
The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
Thunder in heaven above:
The image of the Power of the Great.
Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths
That do not accord with established order.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Power in the toes.
Continuing brings misfortune.
This is certainly true.
Nine in the second place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The inferior man works through power.
The superior man does not act thus.
To continue is dangerous.
A goat butts against a hedge
And gets its horns entangled.
lNine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
The hedge opens; there is no entanglement.
Power depends upon the axle of a big cart.
Six in the fifth place means:
Loses the goat with ease.
No remorse.
Six at the top means:
A goat butts against a hedge.
It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward.
Nothing serves to further.
If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune.
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35. Chin / Progress
above Li The Clinging, Flame
below K'un The Receptive, Earth
The Judgement
Progress. The powerful prince
Is honored with horses in large numbers.
In a single day he is granted audience three times.
The Image
The sun rises over the earth:
The image of Progress.
Thus the superior man himself
Brightens his bright virtue.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Progressing, but turned back.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm.
No mistake.
Six in the second place means:
Progressing, but in sorrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Then one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress.
Six in the third place means:
All are in accord. Remorse disappears.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Progress like a hamster.
Perseverance brings danger.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Remorse disappears.
Take not gain and loss to heart.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Everything serves to further.
Nine at the top means:
Making progress with the horns is permissible
Only for the purpose of punishing one's own city.
To be conscious of danger brings good fortune.
No blame.
Perseverance brings humiliation.
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36. Ming I / Darkening of the Light
above K'un The Receptive, Earth
below Li The Clinging, Flame
The Judgement
Darkening of the Light. In adversity
It furthers one to be persevering.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth:
The image of Darkening of the Light.
Thus does the superior man live with the great mass:
He veils his light, yet still shines.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Darkening of the light during flight.
He lowers his wings.
The superior man does not eat for three days
On his wanderings.
But he has somewhere to go.
The host has occasion to gossip about him.
lSix in the second place means:
Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh.
He gives aid with the strength of a horse.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south.
Their great leader is captured.
One must not expect perseverance too soon.
Six in the fourth place means:
He penetrates the left side of the belly.
One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light,
And leaves gate and courtyard.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi.
Perseverance furthers.
nSix at the top means:
Not light but darkness.
First he climbed up to heaven,
Then he plunged into the depths of the earth.
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37. Chia Jên / The Family [The Clan]
above Sun The Gentle, Wind
below Li The Clinging, Flame
The Judgement
The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers.
The Image
Wind comes forth from fire:
The image of the Family.
Thus the superior man has substance in his words
And duration in his way of life.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Firm seclusion within the family.
Remorse disappears.
lSix in the second place means:
She should not follow her whims.
She must attend within to the food.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
When tempers flare up in the family,
Too great severity brings remorse.
Good fortune nonetheless.
When woman and child dally and laugh,
It leads in the end to humiliation.
Six in the fourth place means:
She is the treasure of the house.
Great good fortune.
lNine in the fifth place means:
As a king he approaches his family.
Fear not.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
His work commands respect.
In the end good fortune comes.
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38. K'uei / Opposition
above Li The Clinging, Flame
below Tui The Joyous, Lake
The Judgement
Opposition. In small matters, good fortune.
The Image
Above, fire; below, the lake:
The image of Opposition.
Thus amid all fellowship
The superior man retains his individuality.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Remorse disappears.
If you lose your horse, do not run after it;
It will come back of its own accord.
When you see evil people,
Guard yourself against mistakes.
lNine in the second place means:
One meets his lord in a narrow street.
No blame.
Six in the third place means:
One sees the wagon dragged back,
The oxen halted,
A man's hair and nose cut off.
Not a good beginning, but a good end.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Isolated through opposition,
One meets a like-minded man
With whom one can associate in good faith.
Despite the danger, no blame.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Remorse disappears.
The companion bites his way through the wrappings.
If one goes to him,
How could it be a mistake?
Nine at the top means:
Isolated through opposition,
One sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt,
As a wagon full of devils.
First one draws a bow against him,
Then one lays the bow aside.
He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time.
As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.
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39. Chien / Obstruction
above K'an The Abysmal, Water
below Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
The Judgement
Obstruction. The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image
Water on the mountain:
The image of Obstruction.
Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself
And molds his character.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming meets with praise.
Six in the second place means:
The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction,
But it is not his own fault.
Nine in the third place means:
Going leads to obstructions;
Hence he comes back.
Six in the fourth place means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to union.
lNine in the fifth place means:
In the midst of the greatest obstructions,
Friends come.
Six at the top means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to great good fortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
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40. Hsieh / Deliverance
above Chen The Arousing, Thunder
below K'an The Abysmal, Water
The Judgement
Deliverance. The southwest furthers.
If there is no longer anything where one has to go,
Return brings good fortune.
If there is still something where one has to go,
Hastening brings good fortune.
The Image
Thunder and rain set in:
The image of Deliverance.
Thus the superior man pardons mistakes
And forgives misdeeds.
The Lines
Six at the beginning means:
Without blame.
lNine in the second place means:
One kills three foxes in the field
And receives a yellow arrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
If a man carries a burden on his back
And nonetheless rides in a carriage,
He thereby encourages robbers to draw near.
Perseverance leads to humiliation.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Deliver yourself from your great toe.
Then the companion comes,
And him you can trust.
lSix in the fifth place means:
If only the superior man can deliver himself,
It brings good fortune.
Thus he proves to inferior men that he is in earnest.
Six at the top means:
The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall.
He kills it. Everything serves to further.
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41. Sun / Decrease
above Kên Keeping Still, Mountain
below Tui The Joyous, Lake
The Judgement
Decrease combined with sincerity
Brings about supreme good fortune
Without blame.
One may be persevering in this.
It furthers one to undertake something.
How is this to be carried out?
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
The Image
At the foot of the mountain, the lake:
The image of Decrease.
Thus the superior man controls his anger
And restrains his instincts.
The Lines
Nine at the beginning means:
Going quickly when one's tasks are finished
Is without blame.
But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others.
Nine in the second place means:
Perseverance furthers.
To undertake something brings misfortune.
Without decreasing oneself,
One is able to bring increase to others.
nSix in the third place means:
When three people journey together,
Their number decreases by one.
When one man journeys alone,
He finds a companion.
Six in the fourth place means:
If a man decreases his faults,
It makes the other hasten to come and rejoice.
No blame.
lSix in the fifth place means:
Someone does indeed increase him.
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Supreme good fortune.
nNine at the top means:
If one is increased without depriving others,
There is no blame.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.
One obtains servants
But no longer has a separate home.
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42. I / Increase
above Sun The Gentle, Wind
below Chen The Arousing, Thunder
The Judgement
Increase. It furthers one
To undertake something.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase.
Thus the superior man:
If he sees good, he imitates it;
If he has faults, he rids himself of them.
The Lines
nNine at the beginning means:
It furthers one to accomplish great deeds.
Supreme good fortune. No blame.
lSix in the second place means:
Someone does indeed increase him;
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
The king presents him before God.
Good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
One is enriched through unfortunate events.
No blame, if you are sincere
And walk in the middle,
And report with a seal to the prince.
nSi