Yin/Yang Structure of Hexagrams

[peace]

Hi:
It's me again - since you all have been so helpful.

I'm reading Huang's book and it says there are natural positions for yin and yang line.
Bottom, 4th and 2nd for yang and the rest yin.

So - if you have a hexagram and the lines are in different order: say yang in bottom and 3rd (making this up) - does that mean the structure of the hexagram is "unnatural" and the hexagram itself reflects this?

Thanks,
Rosalie

 

[hilary]

Hi Rosalie,

Thanks for starting a thread on this: I was thinking it's time we had one.

Where does Huang say that 1,2 and 4 are naturally yang, though? I thought the theory was that lines 1, 3 and 5 'should' be yang and 2,4,6 'should' be yin?

 

[peace]

Sorry Hilary. You're right.

 

[hilary]

It's still a very good question, though. Does this mean that every hexagram except 63 is to some degree 'unnatural', and does this show up in the hexagram texts and lines?

 

[heylise]

In astrology there are 'good' aspects between planets and 'bad' ones. But a person with only good ones is either very dull, or never finds any challenge in his/her life. So only good aspects is not favorable for a happy or interesting life.

Life is not about good or bad, it is about things happening, having to cope with challenges, rejoicing in good luck, knowing how to deal with misfortune.

Many hexagrams talk about heavy times. They are very valuable, they warn you in time, tell you what you can do to turn the time to an auspicious one again.

LiSe

 

[peace]

I'm not understanding what you're saying.
What do the "correct" yin/yang lines mean and how do they relate to each hexagram?

Rosalie

 

[peace]

To continue:
In Army #7
The second line is yang and the Huang translation says that is good since the four yin lines represent the multitude.

And...yang should not be in 2nd place - right?

Thanks,
Rosalie

 

[hilary]

Personally, I think the short answer to this is that the theory of line correctness doesn't really work, though there's never a shortage of post-hoc explanations trying to make it work. If that were really how it went, then Hexagram 63 would be the best hexagram in the book, with every line in the 'right place'.

In practice, line correctness is only used together with the theory of line correspondence. Two lines 'correspond' when one is yin and the other is yang; the lines that are meant to come together in this way are 1 and 4, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6. In Hexagram 7, line 2 corresponds with line 5, and being yang it is taken to be the acting leader. Line 5 is the place of the king, and it's in a positive relationship with line 2 - 'hence' the orders coming from the king.

Good sources for this kind of explanation include Alfred Huang and Wilhelm (Book III). Another good one is Cheng Yi, as translated by Thomas Cleary in The Tao of Organization. Of 7,2 he says:

'There are other hexagrams in which the second yang is given responsibility by the fifth yin, but only in theArmy is the second yang in sole charge and the focus of allegiance of a group of all yins; so the meaning is most great.'

Speaking for myself, this kind of thing almost always leaves me cold. But that's the idea behind it as I understand it.

 

[hmesker]

Working with the hexagram image involves several rules, and the hexagram itself often determines which rule prevails over the other. If you take hexagram 7 as an example, you must bear in mind that the 'one rules many' rule takes much more weight than a few lines being out of place.

Besides that, there are no 'good' or 'bad' hexagrams; maybe some are 'difficult', but surely not bad. Hexagram 63 is indeed the hexagram with every line in the right place and is therefore equated with the climax, the peak - after which it all has to go down. This is not good, not bad - it is just how it is.

The theory of line correctness does have its value, but just as with all other systems in the Yi you must never use it on its own, or apply it too rigidly.

The hexagram image is a part of the Yi which is often neglected. Too bad, it is the yang in the Yi, it is the place where movement & dynamics can be seen, whereas the text does not change, it is yin, static. Use them both, with all the systems that can be found in it. It will greatly enhance your awareness of the Yi.

Harmen.

 

[bruce_g]

Great post, Harmen. Thanks. I was skeptical of your "several rules", but after seeing your #7 example I could see what you're saying. I agree with your take on line rules. As part of the integral linear structure, it must have some value, but its value is in proportion to the contextual field it?s operating in.