Memorizing the I Ching Hexagram 9

rosada · Oct 1, 2006

9. Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small

THE JUDGEMENT
THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL
Has success.
Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.

rosada · Oct 2, 2006

"This extremely fortunate hexagram consists of the trigram for Wind over the trigram for Heaven, and is commonly called 'The Harvest'. Likewise, at this time in your life certain past efforts will finally pay off.
"However, if you have avoided certain responsibilities in the past,now is a time of mild retribution and frustration. After all, a lazy farmer is a sad farmer when it comes time for the Harvest. Keep in mind, however, that generally the Harvest hexagram is a sign of approaching good times." ---I Ching, The Ancient Art of Fortune Telling.

lightofreason · Oct 2, 2006

"HSIAO CH'U - HSIAO : little, common, unimportant; adapting to what crosses your path; ability to move in harmonious relation to the vicissitudes of life...

CH'U : hoard, gather, retain, herd together; control, restrain; domesticate, tame, train; raise, feed, sustain, bring up. The ideogram: field and black, fertile black soil good for pastures, accumulated through retaining silt." ERANOS p168

Image :
"[With perseverence comes influence]: Small Gains. One highlights the noble to enhance one's way."

With/from perseverence (heaven in lower) comes becoming influencial (wind in upper)

The source of nourishment for 'small gainings' (its 48-ness) is described by analogy to 27 - generic issues of foundation setting and what to put into it.

The infrastructure (its 27-ness) is described by analogy to 48 - a focus on setting down a source of nourishment, establishing a well to build a collective around it.

27 and 48 favour foundation setting and here do double duty where 09 links them together as both key to unlock as well as descriptors of what is behind the lock.

the opposite of 09 is 16 where the focus is on planning etc - here the focus is on making small gains (ad hoc) and standing on them to become 'noticed' and so be influencial.

from the outside we have a look described by analogy to 29 - containment/control
Inside the focus, the look, is on guidance/direction-setting (30)

From an emotional perspective we have thenegative of "with/from anger comes anticipation of wrong doing" - the positve form being "with self-devotion comes anticipation of right doing"

the emotions of hope and anticipation are the same other than in hope we sit back in the chair, with anticipation we sit forward, on the edge of the chair. Both cover this sense of 'what is to come....'

Chris.

rosada · Oct 2, 2006

When I get around to writing my own I Ching I am going to call this the hexagram of the Personal Assistant. Hexagram 8 being about Union and it's implication that to form a Union with another requires either being the leader or finding someone you wish to follow gives me the impression the I Ching is advising it is best to find someone or some cause or ideal to follow. Then hexagram 9 seems to discribe how to be the Follower, the personal assistant who kinda tidys things up, handles the details.

rosada · Oct 2, 2006

THE IMAGE

THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL

The wind drives accross heaven.
Thus the superior man
Refines the outward aspect of his nature.

rosada · Oct 3, 2006

Thoughts...To understand a hexagrams I look to the one immediately preceeding, and consider that, as yang at it's fullest becomes yin, the following one will somehow be the opposite of the former. Thus with hexagram 1, when Conciousness has reached it's full potential it becomes Unconcious, hex. 2. An example could be when you memorize something. At first you study it very conciously, but as you master it, it becomes unconcious, you have it with out being concious.. But then if you don't think about it for sometime, it becomes so unconcious that you have forgotten it and thus, hex.3, a bit of Difficulty to bring it up to conciousness when you go to remember it. Anyway, hex. 8 Union, was all about forming partnerships, and particularly about finding ones place in the Union, am I a leader or a follower? And I suppose because we cannot chose to lead (that depends on other people choosing to follow us), ultimately hex.8 Partnership evolves into it's opposite hex.9, The Lone Follower, or the assistant, the one who sees where the leader is headed (and this wouldn't have to be a person, it could mean just seeing where things are going) and conciously strives to put things in alighnment with the flow. Taking care of details, refining the outward appearance.

rosada · Oct 3, 2006

Hex 9.1

Return to the way.
How could there be blame in this?
Good fortune.

rosada · Oct 3, 2006

Why would 9.1 be Return to the way? I understand as far as the yang and yin lines. The strong yang at the beginning is in correspondence to the yielding yin line in the forth place, suggesting retreat, giving way, and the good fortune of all struggle being avoided.
But how does this make sence in terms of The Journey? Well, as I look at 8.6, that awful line that tells us nothing comes together, perhaps 9.1 means okay calm down, you missed the boat but maybe it wasn't your boat, so relax and get back with the flow once again. Oh, and maybe rethink the tattoo.

autumn · Oct 3, 2006

I am interested to hear what others say about this hexagram. I've always thought of it in a nuetral or slightly negative way. I don't know why. I think because of the image of no rain and dense clouds, like the world is holding its breath in anticipation, but nothing is accomplished yet. But it isn't supposed to be negative, I guess- it's just advising small ways to have success.

Maybe 57 is the key to understanding line 1 of hexagram 9. Trying to go one way, and finding that one cannot, so adapting oneself and finding the original path.

lightofreason · Oct 4, 2006

rosada said:
Thoughts...To understand a hexagrams I look to the one immediately
preceeding, and consider that, as yang at it's fullest becomes yin, the ollowing one will somehow be the opposite of the former.

By only using the traditional sequence to do this you are misleading yourself in the context of STRUCTURE.

The King Wen perspective comes out of the King Wen compass pattern (later heaven) that is temporal, circular, five-phase oriented (other than mountain being at the end) - there is a narrative bias here.

BEHIND the King Wen perspective is the Fu Xi perspective (early heaven) and THAT focuses on the generation of hexagrams from self-referencing of yin/yang dichotomy (and so giving us the binary sequence). The emphasis is on STRUCTURE and on the descriptive. IC+ focuses on this realm in uncovering the properties and methods of the categories of the IC and so the set of universal categories then coloured and used for local narratives.

The traditional sequence appears to focus on qualitative distinctions based around self-referencing of the qualities of 01/64 - this is a form of 'logic of relationships' such that 01 is to 02 as 01 is to 64; 03 is to 04 as 01 is to 64 etc etc For comments on this sequence derivation see http://members.iimetro.com.au/~lofting/myweb/cracked.html - this gives us a clue as to the reason of pairs in the traditional sequence - the sequence was derived from self-referencing qualities where the emphasis seems to be on issues of purity/mixed 01,02....63,64 and on rotations (see my page http://members.iimetro.com.au/~lofting/myweb/icmatrix.html to see the dynamics of rotations etc - as well the XOR work that shows XOR/AND interactions work through rotations)

The binary sequence is not so derived in that it focuses on the natural recursion of the qualities represented by 01/02. Thus it spans

02,23,08,20.... 34,14,43,01

(see the order in http://members.iimetro.com.au/~lofting/myweb/icpoints.html or the diagram http://members.iimetro.com.au/~lofting/myweb/DIAG1.gif )

The method of derivation, self-referencing, guarantees sequences made-up of pairs where the 'root' pair guides interpretations - thus for the binary the root pair is of yin/yang (represented in the poles of the sequence 02/01).

See diagram http://members.iimetro.com.au/~lofting/myweb/btree.png

What the binary sequence does is give us pairs of hexagrams where the only difference is in the top line. We can derive other sequences focused on different line combinations etc but the binary gives the core qualities derived from yin/yang recursion.

What IDM identifies is that the AD HOC nature of deriving meaning from reality allows for various starting points but over time they will all start to bring out the ONE set of categories used in all meaning derivation - IOW over time all the differences are shown to represent the one sameness. However, that sameness is so large, and so vague, that we need the local perspectives to give us local meanings.

Comments on the pairs from the binary and the traditional are covered in my 'x' pages - e.g. for 09 we have http://members.iimetro.com.au/~lofting/myweb/lofting/x110111.html

Chris.

rosada · Oct 4, 2006

You may have a point there, Chris, but so far what I'm doing works for me, while what you are suggesting makes no sence to me. I've tried looking at your web pages and they are way out of my understanding too. Sorry. Thanks for trying.

lightofreason · Oct 4, 2006

rosada said:
You may have a point there, Chris, but so far what I'm doing works for me, while what you are suggesting makes no sence to me. I've tried looking at your web pages and they are way out of my understanding too. Sorry. Thanks for trying.

What does not make sense here?...

In the binary sequence hexagram 09 pairs with hexagram 05.
This pairing reflects the overall focus on betterment, be it through establishing contacts whilst waiting for the 'right moment' (05) or through the summing of small gains upon which to stand and so eventually be noticed (09).

In the binary sequence hexagram 09 opposes hexagram 16.
This pair reflects methods in achievement, either through making small gains (09) or by the use of foresight and so planning (16).

At the LOCAL level we are dealing with an octet of hexagrams with the HEAVEN trigram as base. In this sequence hexagram 09, the focus on making small gains to stand upon and be noticed, is 'opposed' by hexagram 34, the external source of invigoration/inspiration. More so, the immediate inspiration of 34 is reflected in a more balanced format by the gradual accumulation (and so integrating) small gains reflected in 09.

lightofreason · Oct 4, 2006

Line 1
"Although capable, one has limited strength and should not be impatient. Refrain from going on this path. Go back."

"with/from small gaining comes becoming influencial" - the need to become influencial can be premature (bottom line position)

57 from a trigram position reads "with/from cultivation (wind in lower) comes becoming influencial (wind in upper)"

From an emotional perspective, wind represents the negative of anticipation of wrong doing, as well as the positive of anticipation of right doing (cultivation)

Chris.

rosada · Oct 4, 2006

Now this I could understand! Thank you so much!:bows:

rosada · Oct 4, 2006

Hex 9.2

9.2
He allows himself to be
drawn into returning.
Good fortune.

rosada · Oct 4, 2006

Like you Autumn, I have always felt this hexagram to be vaguely negative or at best no better than neutral, a sort of Virgoesque feeling of plodding along, the solitary sage. Yet now that we are reading it one line at a time, it's rather cozy and homey feeling - or is that just because I have a cup of tea here this afternoon as I sit before the computer? Whatever, this 9.2 line seems friendly enough. I like Joseph Murhy's, Secrets of the I Ching. He attempts to connect biblical pasages with the hexagrams. for Taming Power of the Small he quotes the 23 Psalm, "The lord is my shepard; I shall not want." I suppose the idea is that if hex 9 truly is about being a follower, you might as well follow the best! For 9.2 Murphy offers this pasage from Acts 7:9 - 10:
"God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions."
He goes on to say,
"Do not try to force things. Relax, let go and trust the Infinite Intelligence to bring things to pass in the right way at the right time."

Another interpretation, this one from Brian Walker, The I Ching or Book of Changes,
"You may see from your intuition or the experience of others that the way is not open. If so, remain in the quiet company of the Sage and renew your devotion to the truth."

On the home frount, it's raining here in Washington today, so am remaining quietly at home. Also dickering with Dad, is he going to come up for a visit or not? Guess this isn't the day to mount a full campaign. 9.3 doesn't look too good either.

rosada · Oct 5, 2006

9.3

9.3
The spokes of burst out of the wagon wheels.
Man and wife roll their eyes.

rosada · Oct 5, 2006

Not many contributers to this hex 9 thread. Are folks losing interest in this project, or is it just the nature of Hexagram 9 to have the sence of being on one's own? Hexagram 8, Union, was all about making connections so perhaps it's logical that the next hexagram would be the reverse of that unity feeling and would be a feeling of isolation. So I guess although I'm feeling a tad solitary this week (thank goodness for Chis and autumn!), that's par for this course. Furthermore, 9.3 is particularly NOT the time to force anything. So I'm just hinting it would be nice to hear an echo, but nothing to roll our eyes over.
BTW, I've taken to recording the individual lines on three by five cards. I put the line number, hexagram figure and Wilhelm translation on the frount and jot down any insights and experiences on the back. In this way it's easy to use these notes not only as flash cards, but also for quickly comparing the various hexagrams, like lining up all the cards refering to line one to get a sence of what that line is all about, or lining up all the cards that refer to "good fortune" or "no blame".

Trojina · Oct 5, 2006

If I can back track what is one led to return to as if one were an animal on a leash in 9.2 ? I presume returning to how you were before you took a wrong route ?

I agree Rosada hex 9 has a cosy feel, funny isn't it. I can't believe 'm saying a hexagram can be cosy, lol. I think its for the reasons you said theres kind of Virgoan housewifely vibe to it - not conquering the world, just the washing up - kind of pottering around and tidying up. Maybe its all those kinds of activitys, applied to the self, trying to refine ones outer expression ?

Hmm clearly this fails in 9.3. They roll their eyes

? Karcher sees this not as argument but coming together, they 'turn' their eyes to one another. Wilhelm give the impresson the eyes are being rolled in exasperation.

rosada · Oct 6, 2006

9.2 an animal on a leash? I don't know if that's what the ancients would say, but that's exactly how it felt to me. I was trying to take advantage of some stupid fill-out-this-computer-survey-get-a-$50-MacDonald's-coupon offer, and the computer totally froze up so I had to confess to my dear computer phobic husband what I had done and after he calmed down from his 20 minute rant about what happens to people who fill out surveys on computers (they get their credit cards stolen and are arrested by the C.I.A.), he punched a bunch of bottons at random which actually did get the computer unstuck but also erased all my stored emails. grrr. But as I said, he did get the computer working so now I have returned to The Path, which in this household means no off the path computer explorations!

Anyway, I like your take on 9. I was thinking of refining the outward appearance so as to make a good impression on some one else, but your idea of this being a time to get one's house in order just for the sake of the self makes more sence.

I don't have Karcher's book so I don't know how he arrived at his conclusion. Wilhelm makes a pretty persuasive argument that the husband and wife are raging at each other because it is a strong line in a strong place, but line 3 is unstable because it is a place of transition - so a feeling of forcing things. Do you - or anyone else - have a thought on the 9.3 changing to 61, Inner Truth. Is this why Karcher thought the husband and wife are in agreement?

frank_r · Oct 6, 2006

9.3 Although there is a level of frustration that will stay(trigram heaven is changing in trigram lake both Metal). And the communication over this is only minor( the only roll or turn there eyes)

The man and wife are not blaming the other for there own frustration, this is making the Path free for a new beginning(The nucleur trigram lake is changing in thunder).

So later they see by expressing long term emotions and frustrations in a subtle way that they understand and have confidence in each other(61)

rosada · Oct 6, 2006

Thank you Frank! I really appreciate how you tied it in with the inner trigram too. I hope you'll continue to post these insights!

rosada · Oct 6, 2006

Hex 9.4

9.4
If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way.
No blame.
...
If one is in the difficult and responcible position of counselor to a powerful man, one should restrain him in such a way that right may prevail. Therein lies a danger so great that the threat of actual bloodshed may arise. Nonetheless, the power of disinterested truth is greater than all these obstacles. It carries such weight that the end is achieved, and all danger of bloodshed and all fear disappear.
- Wilhelm

rosada · Oct 6, 2006

9.4
Sincere speech avoids bloodshed
You have the calmness and sincerity needed to dispel anxiety and the threat of conflict. A forceful approach is not appropriate at this time.
-Sorrell

lightofreason · Oct 6, 2006

Line 3
"One should be wary of going forward too far too fast. Under current conditions things can quickly break down."

with/from small-gaining (09) comes yielding/softening (61) (hard only on the surface and so prone to collapse if the surface is broken - in the binary sequence 61 is next to 54 - immaturing - on one side although more paired with 60 (limitations, standardising) - ...60,61,54,38...)

Line 4
"One experiences an awesome and sudden change. If inner and outer are in accord, no harm."

with/from small-gaining (09) comes singlemindedness (01) (In pure yang you have to be 'in accord' ;-))

Chris.

lightofreason · Oct 6, 2006

if we use XOR so the infrastructure (27-ness) of 09 to 61 can be described by analogy to the 'change' of 48 to 29. (thus we are dealing with issues covering with/from foundation setting comes control - which 'fits' the line comments in we have not set our foundations properly and so are unstable, going too fast etc)

lightofreason said:
Line 3
"One should be wary of going forward too far too fast. Under current conditions things can quickly break down."

XOR for line 4 gives us an infrastructure of 09-to-01 described by analogy of 48 to 28 - with/from foundation setting comes excess, going beyond the normal etc.

lightofreason said:
Line 4
"One experiences an awesome and sudden change. If inner and outer are in accord, no harm."

Chris.

rosada · Oct 7, 2006

Thoughts..
9.4, I'm thinking this is an incredible line. As Chris says, awesome change. If inner and outer are in accord, no blame. It's is literally the line of "Truth will out" or "Love will find a way." Without forcing anything, the truth becomes obvious. 9 as the midwife, the witness. the perfect conciousness that observes without distortion.

Where is this coming from? Consider 9.3 leading to 61.0 Inner Truth. When conciousness has touched Inner Truth, it then rises to the surface, past the boundry of the bottom trigram and into the relm of the upper trigram? So 9.4 represents this incredible awakening, like a dolphin leaping out of the sea. Note 9.4 leads to hex1, Awakening?

ewald · Oct 7, 2006

rosada said:
9.4
If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way.
No blame.
[...]
- Wilhelm

In the Chinese original text, there is no character meaning something like "if" here. Where Wilhelm has "sincere," I usually have "confidence" or "trust."
I have:

There is confidence that bloodiness passes.
Leaving cautiousness behind is without fault.

This is a situation where one worries whether the troubles are finally over. They are, so one can stop being cautious. Cautiousness is a kind of restraint, and hex 9 is about restraint, so this fits well with this hexagram's theme.

lightofreason · Oct 7, 2006

ERANOS text for 9.4

Possessing conformity, (Yu Fu)
Blood departing, awe issuing-forth. (hsueh ch'u, T'i Ch'u (Different icon))
Without fault.

ideogram : stem with branches and leaves emerging.

Yu Fu = "inner and outer in accord; confidence ofthe spirits has been captured; sincere, truthful; proper to take action"

Hsueh = "yin fluid that maintains life, money, property" IOW the term 'blood' is a metaphor as well as taken literally. if you make your translations too literal you can introduce mis-interpretations in that the chinese symbols themselves are usually general in form, context sensitive and so variations, metaphors, analogies etc.

THEN one also needs to consider where the hexagram is going and what has caused the change...

Chris.

frank_r · Oct 7, 2006

Thank you rosada for your friendly comment.

Hexagram 9 feels very important to me, it even kept me awake last night. Coming after 8 where you feel with whom you are connected you come in 9 where you go very deep into your self.

Also with 9.4 where the upper man line of the centre is changing, now it's changing from wind into heaven. Now both trigrams are becoming heaven, both becoming metal. The trigram that is confronting you with your free will. The trigram of the autumn, where all aspects of the last year are coming to the surface, now you have the choice to choose what you want to take with you to next year.

Metal is the element for grief and contracted/ concentrated emotions, metal gives energy to a new beginning in water. And with making connnection with these emotions the fear of starting something new can go away.

Memorizing the I Ching Hexagram 9

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