My question: Shall I loan my friend money? Hexagram 40.3.6 > 50

[danadanadana]

My question: Shall I loan my friend money? Hexagram 40.3.6 > 50
I am thinking of offering to help an old friend with a small loan. I would be grateful for any further insight from you all!

 

[loverofknowledge]

Hi, this is an interesting reading.

40.3 : shouldering a burden in a carriage attracts bandits
40.6 the duke shoots a hawk and gains in so doing

50: being of service

Maybe it is saying: are you sure that your friend is not a bandit? who is going to make off with your money? If you are sure your friend is trustworthy, how could the loan allow the "duke" to catch a hawk?
Is the duke you? Your friend? somebody else?
It may be a good move. I see the two lines as offering you the chance to clarify the intentions and purpose of the loan.

 

[danadanadana]

Thank you, LoverofKnowledge!
I will be sure to clarify my intentions with my friend.
I am curious if you have any thoughts about the changing lines leading to hexagram 50?

 

[loverofknowledge]

Thank you, LoverofKnowledge!
I will be sure to clarify my intentions with my friend.
I am curious if you have any thoughts about the changing lines leading to hexagram 50?

Hi,
40.3 and 40.6

40.3 :don't make yourself a victim to bandits, just because you have financial resources

40.6: this loan could allow the "duke" finally to capture the hawk, -- meaning a great prize, which will bring glory to him and others

SO: is there a way that your friend and/or you -- or a bigger group -- will be gaining from the loan? Will your friend, like the duke, be able to accomplish something significant?

Be sure that the loan is going to allow your friend, or you , or everybody concerned to actually achieve something worthwhile.

otherwise you might just make yourself a victim to bandits

How does that resonate for you ?

 

[danadanadana]

Yes, this does resonate.
Actually you remind me that the reason my friend needs a loan is because she was robbed during a yard sale at her home by people driving a new pick-up truck!
I think maybe this loan would be especially meaningful at this time.

 

[rosada]

The Bible says ASK and ye shall receive.
From my own experience in loaning friends money I just want to suggest that how you offer is important. Rather than saying, "I'd like to loan you the money," I think it's better to say something like, "If you could use a loan, all you have to do is ask." The difference is that if you say, "I'd like to make you a loan," you not only are reinforcing that she's needy but also as it is your pleasure to make the loan there is no strong obligation on her part to repay you. (40.3 Taking on her burden could attract problems) On the other hand, by inviting your friend to ask for the loan you are putting her in a position of authority and responsibility. She will come up with a plan of how much she needs and how she'll pay you back. She is then not reinforcing the idea of her being a victim, she is a simply a person successfully solving a problem. (40.6)

 

[danadanadana]

Thank you, Rosada for this insight. I appreciate the idea that the way money is given and taken is subject to subtle influences such as the specific wording of an offer/deal. Very good point! I do not see my friends as needy, but offering a loan could give that impression, especially if she is feeling insecure because of her temporary situation. That would not be helpful!

 

[loverofknowledge]

hexagram 50 --- as the relating hexagram -- speaks to me of a deep generosity. So there's that too.

 

[Wyndham]

Hi dana...,

Given what seems to be the remarkably unproblematic nature of your relationship to your friend, i find rosada's comment especially helpful.

Are you familiar with this short thread from 2009?

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/friends/showthread.php?7479-Intro-and-40-3-6

It offers a fascinating contrast to your reading, I think, and might help you see your situation from a different angle. In any case, it's another fine example of how good it can be to share a reading with others.