Zhōu Yì
周易
Changes
of the Zhou
Divination friendly translation prepared by
Mathew Blackwell*
(© June 2026)
(A copy of this webpage left on the Wayback Machine in July of 2026)
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1. Qián - Pure Creative Force (Heaven) Yuán hēng, lì zhēn THE CREATIVE - Original success from the source. |
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天行健，君子以自强不息。 The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the noble person makes himself strong and untiring. |
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初九 潛龍勿用。
Qián lóng, wù yòng.
Nine at the beginning means:
Hidden dragon: Do not take action.
[Your potential is present/latent and not yet ready to appear/emerge.]
九二 見龍在田。利見大人。
Jiàn lóng zài tián, lì jiàn dà rén.
Nine in the second place means:
Dragon emerging in the open field.
It benefits to see the great person.
[Creative energy is starting to manifest visibly; proper guidance is valuable.]
九三 君子終日乾乾。夕惕若厲。无咎。
Jūn zǐ zhōng rì qián qián, xī tí ruò, lì wú jiù.
Nine in the third place means:
The noble person is creatively active [diligent, unceasing, vigilant] all day.
At night, alert as if in danger.
No blame.
[Sustained effort with ongoing alertness prevents mistakes and ensures sustained momentum.]
九四 或躍在淵。无咎。
Huò yuè zài yuān, wú jiù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Wavering leap over the abyss.
[“At times he leaps in the chasm” - Testing one’s strength before full ascent, not danger per se.]
No blame.
[Pivotal transition - advance cautiously. A trial movement upward — neither rushing nor holding back.]
九五 飛龍在天。利見大人。
Fēi lóng zài tiān, lì jiàn dà rén.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Dragon soaring in the sky/heavens.
It benefits to see the great person.
[Creative power at its peak; wise cooperation brings success.]
上九 亢龍有悔。
Kàng lóng yǒu huǐ.
Nine at the top means:
An arrogant [overextended] dragon will have cause for regret.
[Pushing creative force too far leads to arrogance and downfall — know when to stop ascending.]
用九 見羣龍无首。吉。
Jiàn qún lóng wú shǒu. Jí.
When all the lines are nines, it means:
Appearing dragons without a head [without a single leader].
Good fortune.
[Pure creative energy flows collectively without dominance (with no single dominant ruler/leader).]
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2. Kūn - The Receptive (Earth) 坤。元亨利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往。先迷後得。主利。西南得朋。東北喪朋。安貞吉。 Yuán hēng lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn 。Jūn zǐ yǒu yōu wǎng。Xiān mí hòu dé。Zhǔ lì。Xī nán dé péng。Dōng běi sāng péng。Ān zhēn jí。 THE RECEPTIVE affords prime success. |
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地势坤，君子以厚德载物。 Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù. The earth's condition is Kūn (The Receptive). In correspondence with this, the superior person Supports and carries things with a generous virtue. |
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初六 履霜堅冰至。
Lǚ shuāng, jiān bīng zhì.
Six at the beginning means:
Treading on frost:
Solid ice is coming.
[Caution — small issues are building/solidifying toward bigger restrictions. Act before they harden.]
六二 直方大。不習无不利。
Zhí fāng dà, bù xí wú bù lì.
Six in the second place means:
Straight, square, great [these describe Earth’s virtues].
Even without practice [repetition, being trained],
Nothing is not beneficial.
[Everything aligns beneficially through receptivity (natural correctness/sincerity) - no need to overprepare or push.]
六三 含章可貞。或從王事。无成有終。
Hán zhāng kě zhēn. Huò cóng wáng shì, wú chéng yǒu zhōng.
Six in the third place means:
Holding pattern [qualities, latent brilliance] within,
One can persevere correctly.
Perhaps following in the king's service:
Without claiming accomplishment,
Yet bringing things to completion.
[Hide your strengths/potential, maintain correctness - don't seek credit; focus on completion.]
六四 括囊。无咎无譽。
Guā náng, wú jiù wú yù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Tying the sack. No blame, no praise.
[Seal things up tightly (like tying a sack) for neutrality. Doing nothing extra is the right action.]
六五 黃裳。元吉。
Huáng cháng, yuán jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
A yellow lower garment [lower skirt].
Prime good fortune.
[Modesty and grounded virtue in a position of influence (the center position) yield great rewards.]
上六 龍戰于野。其血玄黃。
Lóng zhàn yú yě, qí xuè xuán huáng.
Six at the top means:
Dragons fight in the open fields.
Their blood is dark and yellow.
[Over-yielding turns chaotic/disorderly, leads to conflict in which both sides are harmed; boundaries are needed.]
用六 利永貞。
Lì yǒng zhēn。
When all the lines are sixes, it means:
Beneficial to be perpetually correct [persevering].
[Pure receptivity requires eternal vigilance and correctness to avoid weakness/dissolution.]
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3. Zhūn - Sprouting (Initial Difficulty) 屯。元亨利貞。勿用有攸往。利建侯。 Zhūn yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu. SPROUTING - Great originating success [great beginning - success later], |
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云雷，屯。君子以经纶。 Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún. Clouds and thunder: Zhūn. The nobleman uses this To order and regulate (affairs). |
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初九 磐桓。利居貞。利建侯。
Pán huán, lì jū zhēn, lì jiàn hóu.
Nine at the beginning means:
Hesitating, circling.
Beneficial to abide [and] divine [again].
Beneficial to establish a lord [proper leadership (or guidance)].
[Everything feels wobbly - stop, stay where you are, divine again, and gather helpers/support before acting.]
六二 屯如邅如。乘馬班如。匪寇婚媾。女子貞不字。十年乃字。
Zhūn rú, zhān rú, chéng mǎ bān rú, fěi kòu hūn gòu, nǚ zǐ zhēn bù zì, shí nián nǎi zì.
Six in the second place means:
Sprouting, [yet] halting.
Riding horses, arrayed in rows [in ranks].
[Riding horses in circles / hesitating. Protective delay. The hesitation prevents rushing into danger.]
They are not bandits/robbers,
[But] seek marriage.
The woman divines:
Does not bear a child [now].
Ten years, then she bears.
[In the thick of early confusion — do not force progress; alliance is coming but not yet ripe — wait.]
六三 即鹿無虞。惟入于林中。君子幾不如舍。往吝。
Jí lù wú yú, wéi rù yú lín zhōng, jūn zǐ jī bù rú shě, wǎng lìn.
Six in the third place means:
Pursuing a deer without a forester
[You] enter the forest [blindly].
For the noble one, the subtle signs indicate
Going forward is worse than stopping.
To go brings regret.
[Going deeper into the unknown alone (without guidance) leads to getting lost - abandon the chase now.]
六四 乘馬班如。求婚媾。往吉。无不利。
Chéng mǎ bān rú, qiú hūn gòu, wǎng jí, wú bù lì.
Six in the fourth place means:
Riding horses, arrayed in rows [in ranks].
[Riding horses in circles represent inner conflict and hesitation about which way to go]
[If] seeking marriage [alliance]
[Then] to go is auspicious.
Nothing that is not beneficial.
[The time for alliance has arrived — move forward.]
九五 屯其膏。小貞吉。大貞凶。
Zhūn qí gāo, xiǎo zhēn jí, dà zhēn xiōng.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Its fat [resources, richness] is blocked/constrained [obstructed or "stored"].
Small steadfastness/constancy [divination]: auspicious.
Great steadfastness/constancy [divination]: ominous.
[You possess resources/richness but cannot yet distribute them effectively - small steps succeed, big moves fail now.]
上六 乘馬班如。泣血漣如。
Chéng mǎ bān rú, qì xuè lián rú.
Six at the top means:
Riding horses, arrayed in rows [in formation].
[The horses are still circling, but now there is no way out and no help to be found]
Weeping tears of blood, continuously flowing.
[This represents despair and being trapped in the chaotic "sprouting" phase]
[Exhaustion and grief; still circling, still undecided, the difficulty has reached its peak before ending.]
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4. Méng - Youthful Ignorance (Inexperience, Enshrouding Ignorance, Unformed Potential) 蒙。亨。匪我求童蒙。童蒙求我。初筮告。再三瀆。瀆則不告。利貞。 Méng hēng. Fěi wǒ qiú tóngméng. Tóngméng qiú wǒ. Chū shì gào. Zài sān dú. Dú zé bù gào. Lì zhēn. YOUTHFUL IGNORANCE brings about success. |
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山下出泉，蒙。君子以果行育德。 Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé. At the foot of the mountain, a spring emerges: this is the image of Méng. Thus, the noble person, in his conduct, is resolute, And thereby nurtures his character. |
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初六 發蒙。利用刑人。用說桎梏。以往吝。
Fā méng, lì yòng xíng rén, yòng shuō zhì gù, yǐ wǎng lìn.
Six at the beginning means:
To enlighten/educate the ignorant
It is beneficial to use firm guidance/discipline [or a model person].
It is beneficial to remove fetters and shackles [hindrances and restraints].
To proceed further [too far] brings humiliation/disgrace.
[To get out of ignorance, firm but fair rules/examples are to be used; release restrictions gradually.]
九二 包蒙吉。納婦吉。子克家。
Bāo méng jí. Nà fù jí. Zǐ kè jiā.
Nine in the second place means:
To embrace [take on] the ignorant brings good fortune.
To take a wife [accept a woman]
Brings good fortune.
The son is capable of managing the household.
[Accepting and containing ignorance or uncertainties leads to good outcomes.]
六三 勿用取女。見金夫。不有躬。无攸利。
Wù yòng qǔ nǚ, jiàn jīn fū, bù yǒu gōng, wú yōu lì.
Six in the third place means:
Do not take a maiden [in marriage] who
Upon seeing a wealthy/strong man,
Loses control of herself.
Nothing is beneficial.
[Avoid alliances, choices, or pursuits driven by superficial attraction or greed - they collapse under pressure.]
六四 困蒙。吝。
Kùn méng, lìn.
Six in the fourth place means:
To be trapped/hemmed in by ignorance
Brings regret/humiliation/shame.
[Stuck in the midst of obscurity, (surrounded by yin lines), hemmed in by ignorance or confusion.]
六五 童蒙。吉。
Tóng méng jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Childlike ignorance brings good fortune.
[Innocent, unpretentious ignorance is lucky — humility/openness attracts help without resistance.]
上九 擊蒙。不利為寇。利禦寇。
Jī méng, bù lì wéi kòu, lì yù kòu.
Nine at the top means:
Striking the ignorant -
It is not beneficial
To act as a bandit/aggressor.
It is beneficial
To resist/ward off aggressors.
[Dispelling obscurity forcefully - correct ignorance/confusion through defense/firmnes, not offense/aggression.]
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5. Xū - Waiting (Needing) 需。有孚。光亨貞吉。利涉大川。 Xū yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān. WAITING. With sincerity and confidence [inner trust], |
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云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。 Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè. Clouds rise up to heaven: this is the image of Waiting. Thus, the superior person eats, drinks, feasts, And enjoys himself in peace. |
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初九 需于郊。利用恆。无咎。
Xū yú jiāo. Lì yòng héng, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Waiting in the outskirts/open field.
It is beneficial to use constancy.
No blame.
[In a safe, distant position, maintain steady persistence without advancing yet - wait calmly and do not rush.]
九二 需于沙。小有言。終吉。
Xū yú shā. Xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.
Nine in the second place means:
Waiting on the sand.
There is a little gossip/talk.
In the end, good fortune.
[Tolerate/ignore temporary friction or rumors — patience turns it positive; don't react defensively.]
九三 需于泥。致寇至。
Xū yú ní, zhì kòu zhì.
Nine in the third place means:
Waiting in the mud
Brings about the arrival of robbers/bandits.
[If stuck, reassess, forcing things invites trouble: haste here draws adversaries; seek higher ground.]
六四 需于血。出自穴。
Xū yú xuè, chū zì xué.
Six in the fourth place means:
Waiting in blood [in a bloody struggle].
[But then] emerging/comes out of the pit/cave.
[A turning point from severe crisis to release; endure the struggle, and emergence/recovery follows.]
九五 需于酒食。貞吉。
Xū yú jiǔ shí, zhēn jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Waiting with wine and food.
Firm correctness/perseverance brings good fortune.
[Confident, enjoyable, secure and well-supported waiting where needs are met. Stay correct and success comes naturally.]
上六 入于穴。有不速之客三人來。敬之終吉。
Rù yú xué, yǒu bù sù zhī kè sān rén lái, jìng zhī zhōng jí.
Six at the top means:
One enters the pit/cave.
There come three uninvited guests [not enemies, not friends, just unforeseen factors].
Respect them, and in the end
There will be good fortune.
[Surprises in isolation; humility toward the unforeseen resolves positively. Cooperation brings good fortune.]
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6. Sòng - Contention (Litigation, Conflicts, Quarrels) 訟。有孚。窒惕。中吉。終凶。利見大人。不利涉大川。 Sòng yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān. CONTENTION. There is sincerity, |
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天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。 Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ. Heaven and water move in opposite directions: this is the image of Contention. In the same way, the superior person, in initiating affairs, Carefully plans the beginnings. |
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初六 不永所事。小有言。終吉。
Bù yǒng suǒ shì, xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.
Six at the beginning means:
Not perpetuating/dragging out the affair [conflict].
There is a little gossip/rumor.
In the end, good fortune.
[The early stage of a dispute where it's minor and not worth dragging out.]
九二 不克訟。歸而逋其邑。人三百戶。无眚。
Bù kè sòng, guī ér bù. Qí yì rén sān bǎi hù, wú shěng.
Nine in the second place means:
Not able to prevail/win in contention.
He returns and flees [to avoid escalation]
[To] his town of
Three hundred households [a safe base - moderate community].
[There will be] no trouble/calamity.
[Recognizing when a fight is unwinnable and prioritizing self-preservation over pride.]
六三 食舊德。貞。厲終吉。或從王事。无成。
Shí jiù dé, zhēn lì, zhōng jí. Huò cóng wáng shì, wú chéng.
Six in the third place means:
Nourishing oneself on ancient virtue.
Being steadfast/firm is dangerous.
In the end, good fortune.
Possibly following the king's affairs;
Do not claim achievements/accomplishments.
[Draw strength from your moral foundation or history (hold to humble virtue); avoid ambition in disputes.]
九四 不克訟。復即命。渝安貞。吉。
Bù kè sòng. Fù jí mìng. Yú ānzhēn. Jí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Not able to prevail in contention.
He turns back
And submits to [accepts] the mandate.
Changing to find peace/security in steadfastness/correctness.
Good fortune.
[You can't prevail, but instead of fleeing, you turn back, accept the situation (rightful authority) and adapt.]
九五 訟。元吉。
Sòng yuán jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Contention before Him.
Primordial [primal, original] good fortune.
[Disputes brought before a wise/fair/just arbiter end in profound good fortune for all.]
上九 或錫之鞶帶。終朝三褫之。
Huò xī zhī pán dài, zhōng zhāo sān chǐ zhī.
Nine at the top means:
Perhaps he is granted a leather belt [as a reward].
By the end of the morning,
It will be stripped/taken from him three times.
[This warns against victories won through force/over-aggression; hollow victories don't last.]
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7. Shī - The Army (The Multitude, Troops) 師。貞。丈人吉。无咎。 Shī zhēn, zhàng rén jí, wú jiù. THE ARMY. Perseverance [in correctness]. |
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地中有水，師。君子以容民畜众。 Dì zhōng yǒu shuǐ, shī. Jūn zǐ yǐ róng mín xù zhòng. Water is within the earth: The Army. The noble man, by this, nurtures the people And gathers the multitudes. |
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初六 師出以律。否臧凶。
Shī chū yǐ lǜ, fǒu zāng xiōng.
Six at the beginning means:
The army sets out with [strict] discipline.
If not well/good [disciplined/regulated], misfortune.
[At the start (of a plan or mobilization), success begins with strict discipline/order and rules.]
九二 在師中吉。无咎。王三錫命。
Zài shī zhōng jí, wú jiù, wáng sān xī mìng.
Nine in the second place means:
[Being] in the midst of the army.
Auspicious. No blame.
The king bestows a triple decoration/honor.
[Positioned centrally and strongly (like a general amid troops), this brings good fortune without error.]
六三 師或輿尸。凶。
Shī huò yú shī, xiōng.
Six in the third place means:
The army perhaps carries corpses [in carts].
[Burdened by consequences, mismanagement, demoralization]
Misfortune.
[Weak, exhausted and overextended, the army hauls dead bodies. Burdened by mistakes/consequences; stop and reorganize.]
六四 師左次。无咎。
Shī zuǒ cì, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
The army camps on the left flank [withdraws (deploying aside) to a defensive position].
No blame.
[Strategically retreating or positioning defensively (in supporting position), this prudence avoids blame.]
六五 田有禽。利執言。无咎。長子帥師。弟子輿尸。貞凶。
Tián yǒu qín, lì zhí yán, wú jiù. Cháng zǐ shuài shī, dì zǐ yú shī, zhēn xiōng.
Six in the fifth place means:
In the fields there is game [opportunity].
Favorable to capture it [and] speak [firmly/decisively].
No blame.
The eldest son leads the army.
Younger brothers carry corpses [in carts].
Perseverance/constancy [here] brings misfortune.
[If the supporting ranks lag behind, or there is poor coordination, doom follows.]
[Opportunity arises, favoring decisive capture and firm words (leadership) . No blame if handled right.]
上六 大君有命。開國承家。小人勿用。
Dà jūn yǒu mìng, kāi guó chéng jiā, xiǎo rén wù yòng.
Six at the top means:
The great ruler issues commands/mandates,
Inaugurating/establishing states and bestowing fiefs.
Petty men are not to be used/employed.
[After success, the supreme leader assigns roles to reliable or principled people, founding nations and lineages.]
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8. Bǐ - Holding Together (Union, Alliance) 比。吉。原筮元永貞。无咎。不寧方來。後夫凶。 Bǐ, jí. Yuán shì, yuán yǒng zhēn, wú jiù. Bù níng fāng lái, hòu fū xiōng. HOLDING TOGETHER [brings] good fortune. |
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水上有地，比。君子以建万国，亲诸侯。 Shuǐ shàng yǒu dì, bǐ. Jūnzǐ yǐ jiàn wànguó, qīn zhūhóu. Water over earth: this is the image of Holding Together. Thus the superior man Establishes the myriad states And draws close To the feudal lords. |
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初六 有孚比之。无咎。有孚盈缶。終來有它吉。
Yǒu fú bǐ zhī, wú jiù. Yǒu fú yíng fǒu, zhōng lái yǒu tā, jí.
Six at the beginning means:
Holding together with truth and confidence.
[Sincerity in uniting]
No blame.
Truthfulness/sincerity is like [filling] a full earthen vessel [to the brim].
In the end,
There will be other
[Unexpected or additional] good fortune.
[At the base, sincerity and true confidence are key to starting any real union.]
六二 比之自內。貞吉。
Bǐ zhī zì nèi, zhēn jí.
Six in the second place means:
Holding together from within.
[From the inner self]
[Correct] perseverance brings good fortune.
[Union stems from inner authenticity/personal integrity, not external pressure. Stay centered and true.]
六三 比之匪人。
Bǐ zhī fěi rén.
Six in the third place means:
Holding together with the wrong/improper people.
["non-persons" or bandits; people without integrity, unreliable, criminals, etc.]
[Warning against uniting with unsuitable or harmful people (like outlaws). Be careful whom you join.]
六四 外比之。貞吉。
Wài bǐ zhī, zhēn jí.
Six in the fourth place means:
Holding together with those on the outside [your usual circle].
[External alliances]
[Correct] perseverance [brings] good fortune.
[External alliances, when pursued with correct intention and perseverance, succeed.]
九五 顯比。王用三驅。失前禽。邑人不誡。吉。
Xiǎn bǐ, wáng yòng sān qū, shī qián qín, yì rén bù jiè, jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Manifest Holding Together.
The king uses the hunt of three drivers
[Surrounding the game on three sides],
Letting go [letting it escape] the game that runs ahead [without coercion].
The townsfolk need no warning/urging/admonition.
[Union is natural/free; no need to force]
Good fortune.
[The pinnacle of manifest union, where a leader (king) draws followers openly and fairly. Support comes willingly.]
上六 比之无首。凶。
Bǐ zhī wú shǒu, xiōng.
Six at the top means:
Holding together without a head.
[No leader or beginning]
Misfortune.
[Union without proper leadership, purpose or guiding principle (no "head" means no direction, start, or authority).]
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9. Xiǎo Xù - Small Taming Power (Gentle Restraint/Holding Back, Small Accumulating) 小畜。亨。密雲不雨。自我西郊。 Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo. SMALL TAMING POWER. |
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风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。 Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé. Wind moves above heaven: the image of Small Accumulation. Thus, the noble person refines the pattern Of his/her virtuous power. |
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初九 復自道。何其咎。吉。
Fù zì dào, hé qí jiù, jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Returning to one's own path.
How could there be blame?
Auspicious.
[Self-correction early on, staying true to one's principles.]
九二 牽復。吉。
Qiān fù, jí.
Nine in the second place means:
Drawn back [being led/pulled back] to return,
Auspicious.
[Being pulled or drawn back to alignment through gentle external influence or camaraderie. Do not resist the gentle pull.]
九三 輿說輻。夫妻反目。
Yú shuō fú, fū qī fǎn mù.
Nine in the third place means:
The wagon's spokes come apart [breakdown or halt in progress].
Husband and wife roll their eyes [at each other].
[“Husband and wife turn their eyes away (from one another),” i.e., discord]
[Pushing ahead too hard in a restrained situation causes stalls or conflicts.]
六四 有孚。血去惕出。无咎。
Yǒu fú, xuè qù tì chū, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Being truthful/sincere, blood departs, fear goes out.
[Sincerity leading to release from harm and anxiety]
No blame.
[By being genuine and yielding wisely, dangers recede and anxiety fades without blame.]
九五 有孚攣如。富以其鄰。
Yǒu fú luán rú, fù yǐ qí lín.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Being truthful/sincere and bound together [linked sincerity - firmly connected].
Riches through one's neighbors [shared prosperity].
[Success comes from trustworthy connections — your influence benefits others nearby, creating mutual gain.]
上九 既雨既處。尚德載。婦貞厲。月幾望。君子征凶。
Jì yǔ jì chù, shàng dé zài, fù zhēn lì. Yuè jī wàng, jūn zǐ zhēng xiōng.
Nine at the top means:
The rain has come, the resting has come.
Esteeming virtue and carrying it [forward].
[Exalting virtue accumulated]
For a woman, constancy is perilous.
[A woman's persistence brings danger]
The moon is almost full.
For the noble person,
To advance brings misfortune.
[You've achieved a stable point (the cycle is complete) — stop and consolidate. Continuing aggressively brings harm.]
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10. Lǚ - Treading (Conduct, Proper Behavior, Etiquette) 履。虎尾。不咥人。亨。 Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng. TREADING. Treading on a tiger's tail. |
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上天下泽，履。君子以辨上下，定民志。 Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì. Above, heaven; below, the lake: The image of Treading. In accordance with this, the noble man distinguishes high And low And stabilizes the people's will. |
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初九 素履往。无咎。
Sù lǚ wǎng. Wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Plain/simple treading. Going forth [setting out].
No blame.
[Starting out simply and without pretense, like walking plainly without drawing attention.]
九二 履道坦坦。幽人貞吉。
Lǚ dào tǎn tǎn, yōu rén zhēn jí.
Nine in the second place means:
Treading the road, level and smooth.
The reclusive/secluded person's determination/firmness [with inner resolve]
[Inwardness and sincerity, not literal isolation]
Is auspicious.
[The path is smooth and level, but your own resolve, solitude or detachment lead to clarity.]
六三 眇能視。跛能履。履虎尾。咥人凶。武人為于大君。
Miǎo néng shì, bǒ néng lǚ, lǚ hǔ wěi, dié rén, xiōng. Wǔ rén wéi yú dà jūn.
Six in the third place means:
One-eyed, yet able to see,
Lame, yet able to tread
[Mismatch between ambition and capability].
Treads on a tiger's tail.
It bites the person.
Inauspicious.
A warrior acts on behalf of the great ruler.
[A warning that the person acts beyond his capacity]
[Inauspicious for pushing forward when you're not fully prepared or qualified. Don’t take on more than you can handle.]
九四 履虎尾。愬愬終吉。
Lǚ hǔ wěi, sù sù, zhōng jí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Treads on a tiger's tail.
Cautious and fearful [wary and apprehensive],
In the end auspicious.
[Tension resolved through vigilance - proceed with anxiety as your guide — it keeps you safe.]
九五 夬履。貞厲。
Guài lǚ, zhēn lì.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Resolute treading.
Determination/firmness confronts/meets peril.
[This calls for firm, decisive action, but warns that such resolve inherently faces peril/imminent danger.]
上九 視履考祥。其旋元吉。
Shì lǚ kǎo xiáng, qí xuán yuán jí.
Nine at the top means:
Look to your treading and examine its omens.
The turning point [reflection on one's path]
Is supremely auspicious.
[At the end of a process, evaluate your actions holistically — it promises renewal/great fortune through hindsight.]
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11. Tài - Peace (Prosperity, Harmony, Smooth Flowing) 泰。小往大來。吉亨。 Tài, xiǎo wǎng dà lái, jí hēng. PEACE. The small departs, |
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天地交泰，后以财成天地之道，辅相天地之宜，以左右民。 Tiān dì jiāo tài, hòu yǐ cái chéng tiān dì zhī dào, fǔ xiāng tiān dì zhī yí, yǐ zuǒ yòu mín. Heaven and earth commune: the image of Peace. Thus the ruler Regulates and completes the ways of heaven and earth, Assists and aligns with the appropriateness of heaven and earth, And thereby supports the people. |
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初九 拔茅茹。以其彙。征吉。
Bá máo rú, yǐ qí huì, zhēng jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Pulling up rush-grass by the roots
And with it its kind.
To advance is auspicious.
[Actions draw in allies or like-minded elements (or consequences) naturally.]
九二 包荒。用馮河。不遐遺。朋亡。得尚于中行。
Bāo huāng, yòng féng hé, bù xiá yí, péng wáng, dé shàng yú zhōng xíng.
Nine in the second place means:
Embracing the wilds [barrenness, uncultured -
desolate or challenging people or situations],
Using the courage to wade rivers,
[Bold fording without hesitation]
Not neglecting/forgetting the distant,
Not forming cliques [perhaps friends are lost]:
One attains esteem/honor
By walking the central path.
[Honor comes from balanced, central conduct. Act bravely and inclusively; avoid factions — fairness brings honor.]
九三 无平不陂。无往不復。艱貞无咎。勿恤其孚。于食有福。
Wú píng bù bēi, wú wǎng bù fù, jiān zhēn wú jiù, wù xù qí fú, yú shí yǒu fú.
Nine in the third place means:
There is no level without a slope.
No going without a return.
To remain steadfast/firm in hardship
Is without blame.
Do not grieve over one's sincerity.
In one's sustenance
There is good fortune.
[Blessings in daily provisions or nourishment]
[Awareness of change prevents shock. Accept ups and downs — stay sincere. Blessings come in daily sustenance.]
六四 翩翩。不富以其鄰。不戒以孚。
Piān piān, bù fù yǐ qí lín, bù jiè yǐ fú.
Six in the fourth place means:
Fluttering about/downward [fluttering descent or hesitation],
Not enriching oneself with/through one's neighbors,
Being without caution [cleverness/cunning], yet sincere.
[Approach others humbly and sincerely, without calculation; this fosters genuine bonds. Humility keeps things smooth.]
六五 帝乙歸妹。以祉元吉。
Dì Yǐ guī mèi, yǐ zhǐ yuán jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Di Yi [Emperor Yi] gives his younger sister in marriage
Thereby comes blessing
And supreme auspiciousness.
[Harmony through equal, sincere, balanced, respectful partnerships; yields lasting prosperity.]
上六 城復于隍。勿用師。自邑告命。貞吝。
Chéng fù yú huáng, wù yòng shī, zì yì gào mìng, zhēn lìn.
Six at the top means:
The walls collapse back into the moat.
Do not use the army.
From one's own town proclaim the orders.
Steadfastness leads to humiliation.
[Blind persistence brings regret due to inevitable decline]
[End of the cycle; overreaching brings downfall, so adapt humbly, withdraw gracefully, and wait for renewal.]
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12. Pǐ -Obstruction (Stagnation, Standstil, Blockage in Flow) 否。之匪人。不利君子貞。大往小來。 Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái. OBSTRUCTION. Not the way of humane conduct [unfit for human flourishing]. |
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天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。 Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù. Heaven and Earth do not commune: the image of Obstruction. Thus, the noble person restrains his virtue To avoid calamity. He does not permit himself to be honored with salary and position. |
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初六 拔茅茹。以其彙。貞吉。亨。
Bá máo rú, yǐ qí huì, zhēn jí, hēng.
Six at the beginning means:
Pulling up rush-grass by the roots
And with it its kind.
Steadfastness brings good fortune
There is success.
[Actions draw in allies or like-minded elements (or consequences) naturally.]
六二 包承。小人吉。大人否。亨。
Bāo chéng, xiǎo rén jí, dà rén pǐ hēng.
Six in the second place means:
They bear and endure [embracing submission];
For the small [minded] person, good fortune.
For the great person, obstruction, [yet]
There is success.
[For a leader or principled individual by accepting it temporarily, you still achieve success in the end.]
六三 包羞。
Bāo xiū.
Six in the third place means:
They bear shame.
[This line warns of humiliation or regret from trying to force fit into an corrupt or blocked situation. Withdraw early.]
九四 有命无咎。疇離祉。
Yǒu mìng, wú jiù, chóu lí zhǐ.
Nine in the fourth place means:
There is a command/mandate/fate [from above],
No blame.
Companions partake in the blessing.
[This marks the start of overcoming stagnation, where action aligns with the greater flow.]
九五 休否。大人吉。其亡其亡。繫于苞桑。
Xiū pǐ, dà rén jí. Qí wáng qí wáng, xì yú bāo sāng.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The obstruction ceases.
Good fortune for the great person.
"It is perishing! It is perishing!"
Thus tied to a clump of mulberry shoots.
[Security amid peril]
[Alert to dangers - security is like being tied to a sturdy mulberry cluster—firm and enduring amid threats.]
上九 傾否。先否後喜。
Qīng pǐ, xiān pǐ hòu xǐ.
Nine at the top means:
The obstruction is overturned.
First obstruction, later joy.
[Endure the last hurdles knowing breakthrough and happiness follow; act decisively to end the standstill.]
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13. Tóng Rén - Fellowship/Concord (Associating/Aligning with People) 同人。于野。亨。利涉大川。利君子貞。 Tóng rén yú yě, hēng. Lì shè dà chuān, lì jūn zǐ zhēn. FELLOWSHIP WITH PEOPLE in the open fields [away from cliques, narrow loyalties]. |
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天火同人。君子以类族辨物。 Tiān huǒ tóng rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ lèi zú biàn wù. Heaven above and fire below: this is the image of Fellowship. The noble one, in accordance with this, classifies clans And discriminates among things. |
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初九 同人于門。无咎。
Tóng rén yú mén, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Fellowship with people at the gate.
No blame.
[Association begins simply and publicly, like meeting at the entrance without hidden agendas.]
六二 同人于宗。吝。
Tóng rén yú zōng, lìn.
Six in the second place means:
Fellowship with people within one's own clan.
Humiliation.
[Limiting fellowship to one's inner circle or family creates narrowness and eventual shame or regret.]
九三 伏戎于莽。升其高陵。三歲不興。
Fú róng yú mǎng, shēng qí gāo líng, sān suì bù xīng.
Nine in the third place means:
Hides arms in the thick grass [dense underbrush].
Climbing up that high mound.
For three years does not rise up [initiate action].
[Suspicion, distrust and hidden aggression (covert hostility) lurk, leading to a long stalemate/paralysis and no progress.]
九四 乘其墉。弗克攻。吉。
Chéng qí yōng, fú kè gōng, jí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Climbing atop that city wall;
But unable to launch an attack.
Good fortune.
[Reaching a position of advantage but recognizing the futility of aggression, leading to restraint and positive outcomes.]
九五 同人先號咷而後笑。大師克相遇。
Tóng rén, xiān háo táo ér hòu xiào. Dà shī kè xiāng yù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
In fellowship, first wailing and lamenting,
But later laughter.
The great army prevails, and they can meet [reconcile after conflict].
[Current divisions/hardships in alliances will end happily if you persist with strong leadership (enabling cooperation).]
上九 同人于郊。无悔。
Tóng rén yú jiāo, wú huǐ.
Nine at the top means:
Fellowship with people in the distant suburbs/outskirts.
No regret/remorse.
[Association remains distant and peripheral, without deep involvement or regret. This position avoids blame.]
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14. Dà Yǒu - Great Possession (Great Having) 大有。元亨。 Dà yǒu, yuán hēng. GREAT POSSESSION. |
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火在天上，大有。君子以遏恶扬善，顺天休命。 Huǒ zài tiān shàng, dà yǒu. Jūn zǐ yǐ è è yáng shàn, shùn tiān xiū mìng. Fire above heaven: this is the image of The Great Possession. The noble one, in accordance with this, restrains evil and promotes goodness, Complying with Heaven's excellent decree. |
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初九 无交害。匪咎。艱則无咎。
Wú jiāo hài, fěi jiù, jiān zé wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
No relationship/interaction with what is harmful;
It is not blameworthy.
If [one remains] mindful/aware of difficulty/hardship,
One avoids blame.
[At the start of abundance, avoid entanglements with harmful influences or people.]
九二 大車以載。有攸往。无咎。
Dà chē yǐ zài, yǒu yōu wǎng, wú jiù.
Nine in the second place means:
A great cart/wagon is used for carrying [loaded for transport].
There is a place to go.
No blame.
[You have substantial resources or support (like a sturdy wagon) to carry out plans.]
九三 公用亨于天子。小人弗克 。
Gōng yòng hēng yú tiān zǐ, xiǎo rén fú kè.
Nine in the third place means:
A prince/duke/noble presents his tribute [offering/sacrifice]
To the Son of Heaven [the emperor].
A petty person is not capable of [cannot achieve] this.
[In a position of power, offer your best to higher authorities or causes (like a noble's tribute or ritual offerings).]
九四 匪其彭。无咎。
Fěi qí péng, wú jiù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Not being arrogant.
[He does not make a display of his abundance - lit. not making oneself “big/swollen”]
No blame.
[Amidst abundance, refrain from arrogance or showing off compared to peers.]
六五 厥孚交如。威如。吉。
Jué fú jiāo rú wēi rú, jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
His sincerity/trustworthiness is interlaced [with others],
[And it appears in] awe-inspiring dignity.
Good fortune.
[As a leader, build sincere, mutual trust with others while upholding authority and dignity.]
上九 自天祐之。吉无不利。
Zì tiān yòu zhī, jí wú bù lì.
Nine at the top means:
From Heaven, there is protection [blessing] for him.
Good fortune.
Nothing not beneficial.
[Heavenly protection or unexpected aid supports you in abundance. All actions benefit from this grace.]
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15. Qiān - Modesty (Humility) 謙。亨。君子有終。 Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng. MODESTY. Success [Smooth progress]. |
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地中有山，謙。君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。 Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī. Within the earth is a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus, the noble person reduces the excessive And augments the deficient. He weighs things and renders them equal. |
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初六 謙謙君子。用涉大川。吉。
Qiān qiān jūn zǐ, yòng shè dà chuān, jí.
Six at the beginning means:
A noble person of modesty upon modesty [doubly modest].
Useful to cross the great river.
Auspicious.
[Double humility (謙謙) means extreme self-effacement, like a low position that builds strength.]
六二 鳴謙。貞吉。
Míng qiān, zhēn jí.
Six in the second place means:
Modesty that makes itself heard [resonant modesty].
[Expressed by action that others naturally notice]
Perseverance/correctness brings auspiciousness.
[Humility that "resounds" (鳴) means your modest actions naturally gain recognition without forcing it.]
九三 勞謙君子。有終吉。
Láo qiān jūn zǐ, yǒu zhōng, jí.
Nine in the third place means:
A noble person of meritorious modesty.
[Humility earned through hard work]
He brings things to a good end [completion].
Auspicious.
[Hard-earned (勞, toil) humility after effort, like a leader who merits respect but remains modest.]
六四 无不利, 撝謙。
Wú bù lì, huī qiān.
Six in the fourth place means:
Nothing that is not beneficial.
Spread modesty about [act modestly in all dealings].
[In interactions or plans, infuse everything with modesty — no harm comes, and opportunities arise.]
六五 不富以其鄰。利用侵伐。无不利。
Bù fù yǐ qí lín, lì yòng qīn fá, wú bù lì.
Six in the fifth place means:
Not using [relying on] wealth with/in relation to one's neighbors.
Advantageous to apply effort / correct faults [corrective action].
[Address, work on, apply effort toward, delve into; to work on what is weak or faulty]
Nothing that is not beneficial.
[In a ruling position, do not rely on wealth or status (不富) but unite with neighbors (以其鄰) humbly.]
上六 鳴謙。利用行師。征邑國。
Míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.
Six at the top means:
Modesty that makes itself heard [resonant/resounding modesty].
[Openly expressed by action that others naturally notice]
Advantageous to mobilize the army,
To discipline one's own city-state.
[Resounding humility used for internal correction or self-discipline rather than external aggression.]
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16. Yù - Enthusiasm (Delight in Harmony, Motivated Readiness, Inspired Movement) 豫。利建侯行師。 Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī. ENTHUSIASM. It is advantageous to appoint helpers [feudal lords/capable leaders] |
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雷出地奋，豫。先王以作乐崇德，殷荐之上帝，以配祖考。 Léi chū dì fèn, yù. Xiān wáng yǐ zuò yuè chóng dé, yīn jiàn zhī shàng dì, yǐ pèi zǔ kǎo. Thunder emerges from the earth, rousing it: this is the image of ENTHUSIASM. The ancient kings, accordingly, made music To honor virtue, Offering it abundantly To the Supreme Deity (Shang Di), And in so doing, Associated (the ceremony) with their ancestors. |
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初六 鳴豫。凶。
Míng yù, xiōng.
Six at the beginning means:
Proclaiming [one's] enthusiasm.
Ominous.
[Boastful or premature expression of enthusiasm leading to misfortune.]
六二 介于石。不終日。貞吉。
Jiè yú shí. Bù zhōngrì. Zhēnjí.
Six in the second place means:
Firm as a rock. Not lasting [waiting] the whole day.
[Not letting doubt linger all day, leading to resolute action]
Perseverance brings good fortune.
[Don't let doubt drag on all day; quick decisiveness through persistence brings good results.]
六三 盱豫悔。遲有悔。
Xū yù huǐ. Chí yǒu huǐ.
Six in the third place means:
Gazing upward [in] enthusiasm
[Perhaps admiring superiors or ideals too eagerly]
Brings regret.
Delay will [also] bring regret/remorse [from hesitation].
[Looking up in eager/deluded/obsequious enthusiasm, leading to remorse from hesitation.]
九四 由豫。大有得。勿疑。朋盍簪。
Yóu yù, dà yǒu dé, wù yí. Péng hé zān.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The source of the enthusiasm.
There is great gain.
Doubt not.
Friends gather
Like hair clasped by a pin.
[Conveys being the origin of enthusiasm, achieving big things without doubt, and attracting allies naturally.]
六五 貞疾。恆不死。
Zhēn jí, héng bù sǐ.
Six in the fifth place means:
Persistent in illness [constantly afflicted],
[Could mean literal sickness, obstacles, or inner weakness]
Yet not dying [enduring without collapse].
[Enthusiasm persists amid chronic "illness" but it doesn't lead to total collapse — not thriving, not ruined.]
上六 冥豫。成有渝。无咎。
Míng yù, chéng yǒu yú, wú jiù.
Six at the top means:
Darkened, deluded/blind enthusiasm.
[Deluded/misguided enthusiasm that can be corrected after culmination]
[If there is] change after completion,
No blame.
[Excitement has gone too far or feels misguided, it's time to shift course; post-climax—correction avoids blame.]
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17. Suí - Following (Adapting, Conforming, Going Along With Circumstances) 隨。元亨利貞。无咎。 Suí, yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wú jiù. FOLLOWING: Great/primordial success. |
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澤中有雷，隨。君子以嚮晦入宴息。 Zé zhōng yǒu léi, suí. Jūn zǐ yǐ xiàng huì rù yàn xī. Thunder within the lake: the image of Following. Thus, the noble person at the approach of dusk Goes inside to rest and recuperate. |
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初九 官有渝。貞吉。出門交有功。
Guān yǒu yú. Zhēnjí. Chūmén jiāo yǒugōng.
Nine at the beginning means:
The standard/norms [or official duty] has a change.
Correct persistence brings good fortune.
Going out the gate to interact [to engage with others]
Achieves merit [brings achievement].
[Norms or roles are shifting; openness to change (adapting) and sticking to what's right brings good results.]
六二 係小子。失丈夫。
Xì xiǎo zǐ, shī zhàng fū.
Six in the second place means:
Tying oneself to the small-minded person [or youth],
One loses the great man [mature/strong/worthy person].
[Warns against short-sighted alliances; choose influences carefully to avoid isolation from better paths.]
六三 係丈夫。失小子。隨有求得。利居貞。
Xì zhàngfū. Shī xiǎozǐ. Suí yǒu qiú dé. Lì jū zhēn.
Six in the third place means:
Tying oneself to the great man [mature/strong/worthy person],
One loses the small-minded person [or youth].
In following, there is seeking and obtaining [what is sought is gained].
Beneficial to abide in correct persistence.
[By aligning with/following the strong and mature, you naturally let go of the immature; goals are achieved.]
九四 隨有獲。貞凶。有孚在道以明。何咎。
Suí yǒu huò, zhēn xiōng. Yǒu fú zài dào, yǐ míng, hé jiù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Following has a gain/acquisition.
Correct/rigid persistence leads to misfortune.
Being sincere and on the correct/proper path brings clarity.
What blame is there?
[Gaining through following, but rigid persistence here invites trouble. Instead, act with genuine trust in the right path.]
九五 孚于嘉。吉。
Fú yú jiā, jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Sincerity in [following] excellence [what is good]. Good fortune.
[True faith in what is truly good/excellent (heartfelt alignment to virtue) yields positive results.]
上六 拘係之。乃從維之。王用亨于西山。
Jū xì zhī, nǎi cóng wéi zhī, wáng yòng hēng yú xī shān.
Six at the top means:
Seized and tied up
Then further bound and secured.
The king uses him [employs this]
In the sacrifice/offerings on the Western Mountain.
[Implies a forced or ultimate/decisive commitment (total surrender or being "offered up"), perhaps to a higher cause.]
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18. Gǔ - Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Correcting Decay, Poison, Repairing Corruption) 蠱。元亨。利涉大川。先甲三日。後甲三日。 Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì. WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED |
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山下有風，蠱。君子以振民育德。 Shān xià yǒu fēng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé. Wind beneath the mountain: the image of Decay. Thus the superior person invigorates the people And nurtures virtue. |
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初六 幹父之蠱。有子。考无咎。厲終吉。
Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yǒu zǐ, kǎo wú jiù, lì zhōng jí.
Six in the beginning means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father [the father’s corruption].
If there is a son,
The deceased father is without blame.
Danger. In the end good fortune.
[You (the "son") are inheriting decay from a paternal/authoritative figure - step up early to fix foundational issues.]
九二 幹母之蠱。不可貞。
Gàn mǔ zhī gǔ, bù kě zhēn.
Nine in the second place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother [the mother’s corruption - emotional or relational disorder].
One must not be overly firm/persistent [too rigidly correct].
[Avoiding excessive rigidity - some problems require tact, softness, patience]
[Dealing with maternal or nurturing decay. Avoid being too rigid or insistent — flexibility is key here.]
九三 幹父之蠱。小有悔。无大咎。
Gàn fù zhī gǔ, xiǎo yǒu huǐ, wú dà jiù.
Nine in the third place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father [the father’s corruption].
There is a little regret. No great blame.
[No major fault in overcorrecting but some friction is unavoidable]
[Overzealous in fixing paternal decay — you might be rough or go too far, causing minor regret, but no major harm.]
六四 裕父之蠱。往見吝。
Yù fù zhī gǔ, wǎng jiàn lìn.
Six in the fourth place means:
Tolerating/enlarging/indulging what has been spoiled by the father [the father’s corruption].
[Worsening the decay by inaction]
Going forward leads to regretful humiliation.
[You're enabling or worsening the father's decay through tolerance or excess indulgence. This brings shame and regret.]
六五 幹父之蠱。用譽。
Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.
Six in the fifth place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father [the father’s corruption].
One meets with praise.
[Effectively managing paternal corruption in a position of influence; your efforts earn trust, recognition and praise.]
上九 不事王侯。高尚其事。
Bù shì wáng hóu, gāo shàng qí shì.
Nine at the top means:
He does not serve kings and/or lords,
He elevates his own affairs [personal pursuits].
[Transcending the cycle of decay altogether by withdrawing from corrupt systems/worldly ambitions (not serving rulers).]
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19. Lín - Approaching (Overseeing, Attending, Facing) 臨。元亨利貞。至于八月有凶。 Lín, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng. APPROACHING. The primal offering is successful [supreme success]. |
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地上有澤，臨。君子以教思無窮，容保民无疆。 Dì shàng yǒu zé, lín. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiào sī wú qióng, róng bǎo mín wú jiāng. Earth above Lake: This is the image of Lín (Approach). In accordance with this, the nobleman is inexhaustible In his teaching and concern, And boundless In his acceptance and protection of the people. |
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初九 咸臨貞吉。
Xián lín, zhēn jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Joint/influencing/shared approach.
[All-encompassing approach]
Steadfastness brings good fortune.
[Starting with broad, mutual influence ("all-encompassing" like affecting everyone involved).]
九二 咸臨吉。无不利。
Xián lín, jí, wú bù lì.
Nine in the second place means:
Joint/influencing/shared approach.
[All-encompassing approach]
Good fortune.
Nothing that is not beneficial.
[Building on the first line, this reinforces total positivity through unified approaching. Mutual trust deepens.]
六三 甘臨。无攸利。既憂之。无咎。
Gān lín, wú yōu lì, jì yōu zhī, wú jiù.
Six in the third place means:
Sweet/ingratiating approach.
[Overly pleasing approach]
Nothing to be benefited by [gained].
If one becomes anxious
[Remorseful, concerned] about it,
There will be no blame.
[An overly pleasing or artificial approach ("sweetened" like flattery or superficial charm), yields no real gain.]
六四 至臨。无咎。
Zhì lín, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Utmost/complete/direct approach.
[Perfection without fault]
No blame.
[The approach reaches its fullest, most direct arrival without excess. You show up personally and directly.]
六五 知臨。大君之宜。吉。
Zhī lín, dà jūn zhī yí, jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Wise/knowing approach.
Fitting for a great ruler.
Good fortune.
[Wise/insightful approaching, suited to leadership ("knowing" as intelligent oversight). Leadership through understanding.]
上六 敦臨。吉。无咎。
Dūn lín, jí, wú jiù.
Six at the top means:
Sincere/dignified/generous approach.
Good fortune. No blame.
[Thick/substantial (heartfelt depth), sincere generosity in approaching; dignified/genuine care without self-interest.]
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20. Guān - Contemplation (Observing, Seeing, Viewing Clearly) 觀。盥而不薦。有孚顒若。 Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò. CONTEMPLATION. The ritual ablution [washing of hands] has been performed, |
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風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。 Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào. Wind moves over the earth: The image of Observing. Thus the ancient kings inspected the regions, Observed the people, And instituted instruction. |
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初六 童觀。小人无咎。君子吝。
Tóng guān, xiǎo rén wú jiù, jūn zǐ lìn.
Six at the beginning means:
Childish observing.
For the petty person, no blame.
For the noble person, humiliation.
[Immature, childlike observation — superficial and without depth, like a kid staring without understanding.]
六二 闚觀。利女貞。
Kuī guān, lì nǚ zhēn.
Six in the second place means:
Peeping [through the crack of the door] observation.
Advantageous for a woman's constancy [to remain patient and steady].
[Viewing secretly, like spying through a door crack — limited/indirect and from a hidden, subordinate position.]
六三 觀我生進退。
Guān wǒ shēng, jìn tuì.
Six in the third place means:
Observing my life [course/life's progress, life conduct, way of living, character in action]
Deciding advance and retreat.
[Observation turns inward: examining your own life's path to decide whether to advance or retreat.]
六四 觀國之光。利用賓于王。
Guān guó zhī guāng, lì yòng bīn yú wáng.
Six in the fourth place means:
Contemplating the glory [radiance, culture, order, splendor] of the kingdom.
Advantageous to be a guest of the king.
[Observing the kingdom's glory from a favorable spot, close enough to appreciate its light.]
九五 觀我生。君子无咎。
Guān wǒ shēng, jūn zǐ wú jiù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Contemplating my life [course/life's progress, life conduct, way of living, character in action].
For the noble person, no blame.
[As a firm line in the ruler's position, this is self-contemplation from authority: viewing own life's conduct.]
上九 觀其生。君子无咎。
Guān qí shēng, jūn zǐ wú jiù.
Nine at the top means:
Contemplating the lives [course/life's progress, life conduct, way of living, character in action] of others.
For the noble person, no blame.
[Detached observation/understanding of others' lives from the highest vantage, beyond personal involvement.]
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21. Shì Kè - Biting and Chewing (Biting Through, Penetrating Obstacles, Removing Obstructions) 噬嗑。亨。利用獄。 Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù. BITING AND CHEWING. Success [penetration, smooth progress, offering accepted]. |
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雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。 Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ. Thunder and lightning: the image of Biting and Chewing. The ancient kings, by this, Made punishments clear and regulations precise. |
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初九 履校滅趾。无咎。
Jù xiào miè zhǐ, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Shackles [on the feet] injuring the toes.
[Minor restraint leading to self-inflicted harm]
No blame.
[An initial small setback/punishment (not halting progress entirely) or self-limitation prevents worse errors later.]
六二 噬膚滅鼻。无咎。
Shì fū miè bí, wú jiù.
Six in the second place means:
Biting through tender skin/flesh,
Destroying the nose [nose disappears in effort].
[Easy progress but eagerness causes overextension/overreach]
No blame.
[Progress is smooth against weak resistance, but excess enthusiasm can lead to unnecessary damage; still, it's justified.]
六三 噬腊肉。遇毒。小吝。无咎。
Shì là ròu, yù dú. Xiǎo lìn, wú jiù.
Six in the third place means:
Biting through dried [salted/aged, jerky-like] meat.
Encountering poison.
[Uncovers hidden complications]
A small humiliation/regret. No blame.
[Dealing with old, hardened problems uncovers hidden complications; endure the minor sting to clear it.]
九四 噬乾胏。得金矢。利艱貞。吉。
Shì gān zī, dé jīn shǐ, lì jiān zhēn, jí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Biting through a dried bone-with-meat [bone with sinew].
Obtaining a metal arrowhead.
[A reward from persistence]
Beneficial to be steadfast [with uprightness] in hardship.
Auspicious.
[Hard obstacles require steady effort, leading to useful gains (like tools for future action).]
六五 噬乾肉。得黃金。貞厲。无咎。
Shì gān ròu, dé huáng jīn, zhēn lì, wú jiù.
Six in the fifth place means:
Biting through dried meat.
Obtaining yellow metal [gold].
[A great reward]
Steadfastness/uprightness is precarious [perseverance amid danger].
[Maintaining integrity is risky here]
No blame.
[In a position of authority, resolving core issues yields riches/insights - firm correctness despite peril.]
上九 何校滅耳。凶。
Hé xiào miè ěr, xiōng.
Nine at the top means:
A carrying-wood [yoke/cangue] injures the ears.
[Severe punishment for overstepping]
Misfortune.
[Excessive force or biting too hard results in entrapment; you've gone too far, ignoring warnings.]
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22. Bì - Adornment (Grace, Ornamentation, Elegance, Cultured Refinement) 賁。亨。小利有攸往。 Bì, hēng, xiǎo lì yǒu yōu wǎng. ADORNMENT. Success [penetration, smooth progress, offering accepted]. |
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山下有火，賁。君子以明庶政，无敢折獄。 Shān xià yǒu huǒ, bì. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shù zhèng, wú gǎn zhé yù. Fire at the foot of the mountain: this is the image of Adornment. The noble man, in accordance with this, Makes clear the multitude of governmental affairs But does not dare to adjudicate legal disputes. |
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初九 賁其趾。舍車而徒。
Bì qí zhǐ, shě chē ér tú.
Nine at the beginning means:
Adorning his toes.
He leaves the carriage and walks on foot.
[Advises humility and self-reliance in initial steps—avoid ostentation; refine your basics and move forward modestly.]
六二 賁其須。
Bì qí xū.
Six in the second place means:
Adorning his beard.
[Secondary adornment attached to something primary]
[Enhancing or supporting a leader/idea without taking center stage—be the graceful assistant or refinement to others.]
九三 賁如濡如。永貞吉。
Bì rú rú rú, yǒng zhēn jí.
Nine in the third place means:
Adorned and/as if glossy/shining/lustrous.
Perpetual [long-term] constancy brings good fortune.
[This depicts adornment that's glossy, vibrant and appealing — stick with integrity for good outcomes.]
六四 賁如皤如。白馬翰如。匪寇婚媾。
Bì rú bó rú, bái mǎ hàn rú, fěi kòu hūn gòu.
Six in the fourth place means:
Adorned yet/as if plain/white.
A white horse, poised as if winged [in flight].
It is not a robber,
But a suitor for marriage.
[Time of uncertainty where plain honesty attracts allies — move quickly but purely toward connections.]
六五 賁于丘園。束帛戔戔。吝。終吉。
Bì yú qiū yuán, shù bó jiān jiān, lìn, zhōng jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Adorning [on] the hill gardens.
The bundle of silk is meager/scant.
Humiliation/regret/difficulty,
But in the end good fortune.
[This advises frugality/humility in high positions/gifts—don't overdo; even meager efforts bring good results if genuine.]
上九 白賁。无咎。
Bái bì, wú jiù.
Nine at the top means:
Simple/white adornment. No blame.
[Suggests transcending superficiality — embrace minimalism or simplicity rooted in truth for blameless progress.]
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23. Bō - Splitting Apart (Stripping Away, Flaking Off, Erosion) 剝。不利有攸往。 Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng. SPLITTING APART. |
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山附於地，剝。上以厚下，安宅。 Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái. Mountain resting upon the earth: Stripping Away. Those above use (this principle) to thicken (i.e., enrich, secure) those below, Thereby stabilizing their abode. |
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初六 剝牀以足。蔑貞凶。
Bō chuáng yǐ zú, miè zhēn xiōng.
Six at the beginning means:
Stripping the bed at its legs.
Destroying the firm [basis].
[The upright foundation is destroyed]
Misfortune.
[The decay begins at the foundation, like removing the legs from a bed—initial undermining of support or principles.]
六二 剝牀以辨。蔑貞凶。
Bō chuáng yǐ biàn, miè zhēn xiōng.
Six in the second place means:
Stripping the bed up to the frame [edge].
Destroying the firm [basis].
[The upright foundation is destroyed]
Misfortune.
[The decline is advancing; don't compromise core values, or the whole thing collapses.]
六三 剝之无咎。
Bō zhī wú jiù.
Six in the third place means:
Stripping away [from them].
[He detaches from what is disintegrating]
No blame.
[In a deteriorating situation, separating yourself from the negative influences can be blameless and even protective.]
六四 剝牀以膚。凶。
Bō chuáng yǐ fū, xiōng.
Six in the fourth place means:
Stripping the bed up to the skin [the bedding surface].
[Escalation to personal harm]
Misfortune.
[The erosion reaches the "skin" or surface of the bed, implying direct harm — misfortune is imminent and personal.]
六五 貫魚。以宮人寵。无不利。
Guàn yú yǐ gōng rén chǒng, wú bù lì.
Six in the fifth place means:
Stringing fish [on a line/in order].
[Harmonious arrangement]
Using the favor of the palace women.
[Yielding, receptive, orderly support]
Nothing not advantageous.
[Even in stripping times, a position of subtle leadership or alliance with gentle, supportive forces can turn the tide.]
上九 碩果不食。君子得輿。小人剝廬。
Shuò guǒ bù shí, jūn zǐ dé yú, xiǎo rén bō lú.
Nine at the top means:
A large uneaten fruit [potential - seed preserved for renewal].
The noble person obtains a carriage.
The petty person has his hut stripped away.
[If you've endured with integrity, renewal is near—hold on to your principles for transport to better times.]
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24. Fù - Return (The Turning Point, Renewal) 復。亨。出入无疾。朋來无咎。反復其道。七日來復。利有攸往。 Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng. RETURN [to the proper course]. Success [smooth progress]. |
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雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。 Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng. Thunder within the Earth: The image of RETURN. Thus, the ancient kings, on the solstice day, closed the passes. Merchants and travelers did not journey, And the ruler did not inspect the regions. |
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初九 不遠復。无祗悔。元吉。
Bù yuǎn fù, wú zhī huǐ, yuán jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Returning without having gone far [astray].
There is no great/serious remorse/regret.
Primordial [great] good fortune.
[It means catching a mistake early, before straying too deeply — symbolizing quick/immediate self-correction.]
六二 休復。吉。
Xiū fù, jí.
Six in the second place means:
Blessed [peaceful, restful, auspicious, excellent, beautiful or lovely] return.
Good fortune.
[This is highly favorable; emulate those who return gracefully, without ego. A calm and willing return brings success.]
六三 頻復。厲。无咎。
Pín fù, lì wú jiù.
Six in the third place means:
Repeated [hesitant] return [to the proper course].
[You keep slipping and correcting yourself]
Perilous.
[Not ideal, but better than refusing correction]
No blame.
[Hesitating repeatedly, going back and forth as if indecisive or overcorrecting-recognize the risk but push through.]
六四 中行獨復。
Zhōng xíng dú fù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Walking in the center [the middle path],
Returning alone.
[Others may continue wrongly; you correct yourself independently]
[In group decisions or social contexts, trust your inner sense/balance and return solo if needed.]
六五 敦復。无悔。
Dūn fù, wú huǐ.
Six in the fifth place means:
Sincere/substantial return [Dūn implying thick, firm generosity].
[This is wholehearted correction, not cosmetic change]
No remorse.
[Returning fully and sincerely; with genuine, honest, substantial, steady heart—thick like earth, without superficiality.]
上六 迷復。凶。有災眚。用行師。終有大敗。以其國君凶。至于十年不克征。
Mí fù, xiōng, yǒu zāi shěng. Yòng xíng shī, zhōng yǒu dà bài, yǐ qí guó jūn xiōng, zhì yú shí nián bù kè zhēng.
Six at the top means:
Lost [opportunity for] return.
[Being deluded, confused or missing the path - lost from the path of return]
Misfortune.
There is calamity and harm/damage.
[If] used to march an army,
In the end there will be a great defeat,
Disastrous for the ruler of the state.
Even for ten years,
One will be unable to launch a [successful] campaign [again].
[You've missed the window for correction — continuing aggressively brings calamity and long-lasting defeat.]
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25. Wú Wàng - Innocence (No Falsehood, No Errancy, Without Preconception) 无妄。元亨利貞。其匪正有眚。不利有攸往。 Wú wàng, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Qí fěi zhèng yǒu shěng, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng. INNOCENCE [acting naturally, free of deceit or delusion]. |
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天下雷行，物與无妄。先王以茂對時育萬物。 Tiān xià léi xíng, wù yǔ wú wàng. Xiān wáng yǐ mào duì shí yù wàn wù. Under heaven, thunder moves; All things are (in a state of) No falsehood. The early kings, (in accordance with this), Used richness (of virtue) to correspond to the seasons And nourish the myriad things. |
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初九 无妄。往吉。
Wú wàng, wǎng jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Innocence. Going forth: auspicious.
[Acting without delusion here means starting fresh with pure intent, leading to good fortune in moving ahead.]
六二 不耕穫。不菑畬。則利有攸往。
Bù gēng huò, bù zī yú, zé lì yǒu yōu wǎng.
Six in the second place means:
Not [aiming for the] harvest while plowing,
Not [aiming for the] cultivated field while opening new land [newly cleared first-year field],
Then it is beneficial to have somewhere to go.
[Focus on the process, not the payoff — let outcomes unfold naturally. Work for the right reason, not for gain.]
六三 无妄之災。或繫之牛。行人之得。邑人之災。
Wú wàng zhī zāi, huò xì zhī niú, xíng rén zhī dé, yì rén zhī zāi.
Six in the third place means:
The misfortune/calamity of innocence:
[Like] someone tethering a cow/ox, a passerby gets it,
[And it becomes] the misfortune/loss for the villager.
[Sometimes calamity strikes without fault on your part — like random bad luck in a state of truth.]
九四 可貞。无咎。
Kě zhēn, wú jiù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Capable of constancy/steadfastness.
[Hold your ground. Stay true. No need for dramatic action]
No blame.
[In challenges/under pressure, hold to integrity and naturalness — blame won't stick if you're upright.]
九五 无妄之疾。勿藥有喜。
Wú wàng zhī jí, wù yào yǒu xǐ.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The illness [affliction, disturbance] of innocence:
[An unexpected ailment or issue that's not self-inflicted]
Do not use medicine [force a remedy].
There will be a [reason for] relief and joy.
[This line teaches non-intervention in divination:Sometimes, doing nothing is the cure. Some troubles are self-correcting.]
上九 无妄。行有眚。无攸利。
Wú wàng, xíng yǒu shěng, wú yōu lì.
Nine at the top means:
Innocence.
[If one keeps] acting there will be trouble [misfortune, calamity].
Nothing is beneficial.
[You've reached the end of a natural cycle — pushing further invites disaster. Knowing when to stop is wisdom.]
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26. Dà Xù - Great Taming Power (Great Restraining, Great Accumulation) 大畜。利貞。不家食。吉。利涉大川。 Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān. GREAT TAMING POWER. |
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天在山中，大畜。君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。 Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé. Heaven within the mountain: the image of The Great Accumulation. Thus, the superior person extensively studies The words and deeds of the past In order to accumulate and build up his virtue. |
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初九 有厲。利已。
Yǒu lì, lì yǐ.
Nine at the beginning means:
There is danger.
It is beneficial to stop/halt/desist.
[Recognize obstacles and voluntarily halt progress before momentum creates trouble — desist from action to avoid harm.]
九二 輿說輹。
Yú shuō fú.
Nine in the second place means:
The carriage sheds/detaches its axle fitting [axle-pin/coupling bar/linchpin].
[Sudden halt or breakdown; movement becomes impossible; forced stopping prevents premature advance]
[External circumstances impose restraint when one's drive is strong but not yet timely; progress is blocked.]
九三 良馬逐。利艱貞。曰閑輿衛。利有攸往。
Liáng mǎ zhú, lì jiān zhēn. Yuē xián yú wèi, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.
Nine in the third place means:
Good horses chase [follow in succession] one another.
Benefit lies in perseverance/firmness amidst hardship.
Daily practicing chariot-driving and defense.
It is beneficial to have a place/direction to go.
[Momentum building through disciplined effort - strength is now available—but must remain trained and disciplined.]
六四 童牛之牿。元吉。
Tóng niú zhī gù, yuán jí.
Six in the fourth place means:
A wooden board is placed on the horns of a young ox/bull.
[Preventive measure]
Primordial good fortune.
[Early, gentle control/restraint to neutralize potential threats, leading to primal (fundamental) good fortune.]
六五 豶豕之牙。吉。
Fēn shǐ zhī yá, jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
The tusks of a gelded boar.
[Implying the tamed/harmless nature of the boar]
Good fortune.
[Wise restraint transforms threats into assets; power is controlled without destruction, bringing auspiciousness.]
上九 何天之衢。亨。
Hé tiān zhī qú, hēng.
Nine at the top means:
How vast/broad is the road to heaven! Success.
[Heaven's vast pathway—a broad, unobstructed road symbolizing ultimate freedom after accumulation and restraint.]
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27. Yí - The Jaws (Nourishing) 頤。貞吉。觀頤。自求口實。 Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí. THE JAWS. |
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山下有雷，頤。君子以慎言語，節飲食。 Shān xià yǒu léi, yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn yán yǔ, jié yǐn shí. Thunder below the Mountain: the image of Yí. Thus, the superior person is cautious in speech And temperate in eating and drinking. |
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初九 舍爾靈龜。觀我朶頤。凶。
Shě ěr líng guī, guān wǒ duǒ yí, xiōng.
Nine at the beginning means:
You abandon your luminous/magic/spiritual tortoise,
[Oracle-like quality of the tortoise shell used in divination]
[And] watch my dangling jaws.
[Envy of what others consume or possess]
Misfortune.
[It warns against abandoning your own inner wisdom or resources, instead, you envy others' gains.]
六二 顛頤。拂經于丘。頤征凶。
Diān yí. Fú jīng yú qiū. Yí zhēng xiōng.
Six in the second place means:
Inverting the nourishing [seeking from above].
Going against the constant [way] to seek nourishment on the hill.
To advance [for] nourishment brings misfortune.
[A weak line seeking nourishment unnaturally—turning upward or afar (the hill) instead of from proper sources below.]
六三 拂頤。貞凶。十年勿用。无攸利。
Fú yí, zhēn xiōng, shí nián wù yòng, wú yōu lì.
Six in the third place means:
Going against the nourishing [principle].
[Rejecting proper nourishment]
Perseverance brings misfortune.
For ten years, do not employ [this course].
Nothing is beneficial.
[Another weak line rejecting proper nourishment, perhaps through excess or indulgence. This deviation is very severe.]
六四 顛頤。吉。虎視眈眈。其欲逐逐。无咎。
Diān yí, jí. Hǔ shì dān dān, qí yù zhú zhú, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Inverting the nourishing [giving to those below].
Good fortune.
A tiger's gaze is menacing [possess a dignified and authoritative demeanor],
Its desires ardent and pressing/relentless [reference to the first line],
[Yet] there is no blame.
[A weak line in a high position provides nourishment downward to those below, like a leader feeding subordinates.]
六五 拂經。居貞吉。不可涉大川。
Fú jīng, jū zhēn jí, bù kě shè dà chuān.
Six in the fifth place means:
Going against/rejecting the constant [way or the established order].
[A ruler with insufficient talent to support the people]
Dwelling in perseverance brings good fortune.
[One] cannot cross the great river.
[A weak central line (ruler position) deviates from the norm but can succeed by staying put and persevering correctly.]
上九 由頤。厲吉。利涉大川。
Yóu yí. Lì jí. Lì shè dàchuān.
Nine at the top means:
From [him] comes nourishing.
[The source of nourishment - a truly virtuous and capable person, a pillar of the state]
Danger [from heavy responsibility or exposure], [but] good fortune.
Beneficial to cross the great river.
[The strong line at the apex is the ultimate source of nourishment for all below, like a benefactor or inspiration.]
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28. Dà Guò - Great Excess (Great Surpassing/Overload, Great Overburden) 大過。棟撓。利有攸往。亨。 Dà guò, dòng náo, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, hēng. GREAT EXCESS. |
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澤滅木，大過。君子以獨立不懼，遯世无悶。 Zé miè mù, dà guò. Jūn zǐ yǐ dú lì bù jù, dùn shì wú mèn. A lake submerges the wood: The Great Excess. The superior person thereby stands alone Without fear, And withdraws from the world without distress. |
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初六 藉用白茅。无咎。
Jiè yòng bái máo, wú jiù.
Six at the beginning means:
To place [an offering] using white mao grass.
[Caution and humility in using soft grass for padding]
No blame.
[Protecting something valuable with gentleness and care to avoid damage and later trouble.]
九二 枯楊生稊。老夫得其女妻。无不利。
Kū yáng shēng tí, lǎo fū dé qí nǚ qī, wú bù lì.
Nine in the second place means:
A withered poplar produces sprouts.
An old man obtains a young woman as a wife.
Nothing not beneficial.
[All-around advantage]
[Renewal emerges from decay, like a withered tree sprouting anew - the mismatch actually complements and rejuvenates.]
九三 棟橈。凶。
Dòng náo, xiōng.
Nine in the third place means:
The ridgepole sags [to the breaking point].
Misfortune.
[This is a warning of misfortune from pushing too far without support. Rigidity in the midst of excess leads to failure.]
九四 棟隆。吉。有它吝。
Dòng lóng, jí. Yǒu tā lìn.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The ridgepole arches upward [rising or peaking].
Auspicious.
If there is something else,
[Unexpected additional complications]
There is cause for regret.
[The beam is now elevated/strengthened, countering the sag and bringing good fortune. But stay vigilant!]
九五 枯楊生華。老婦得其士夫。无咎无譽。
Kū yáng shēng huá, lǎo fù dé qí shì fū, wú jiù wú yù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
A withered poplar produces flowers.
An old woman obtains a young/capable man as a husband.
[A late renewal occurs, but may be more appearance than lasting substance]
No blame. No praise.
[Lacking corresponding lines with other lines, it reverses course by associating with the sixth line at the top.]
上六 過涉滅頂。凶。无咎。
Guò shè miè dǐng, xiōng, wú jiù.
Six at the top means:
Wading too far to cross [the river],
[The water] submerges the crown of the head.
[Overstepping in a crossing - going too far into the water, it covers the head.]
Misfortune. No blame.
[The excess goes too far, like wading into a river so deep it drowns you. Intent might be noble or unavoidable.]
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29. Kǎn - Repeated Danger (The Abyss, Pit, Deep Water) 習坎。有孚。維心亨。行有尚。 Xí kǎn, yǒu fú, wéi xīn hēng, xíng yǒu shàng. REPEATED DANGER. |
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水流至坎，習坎。君子以常德行，習教事。 Shuǐ liú zhì kǎn, xí kǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ cháng dé xíng, xí jiào shì. Water flows on, one gorge after another: the image of REPEATED DANGER. Thus, the noble person constantly practices virtuous conduct And repeats the work of instruction. |
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初六 習坎。入于坎窞。凶。
Xí kǎn, rù yú kǎn dàn, xiōng.
Six at the beginning means:
Repeated danger.
In the abyss one falls into a pit.
[One difficulty followed by another, perhaps because of careless reaction]
Misfortune.
[At the bottom of the first pit, one blindly enters a deeper hole within it—total immersion in danger without awareness.]
九二 坎有險。求小得。
Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.
Nine in the second place means:
The abyss is dangerous.
One should strive to attain small things only.
[Survival matters more than ambition. Small gains are possible despite the peril.]
[Solid amid danger. The pit is hazardous. Seek only small gains—modest progress is possible, but ambition leads to loss.]
六三 來之坎坎。險且枕。入于坎窞。勿用。
Lái zhī kǎn kǎn, xiǎn qiě zhěn, rù yú kǎn dàn, wù yòng.
Six in the third place means:
Coming [from pits] and going [to pits], abyss upon abyss.
Danger surrounds and piles up.
[Danger is both imminent and "pillowed" - resting upon, or layered; presses on every side.]
Falling into the deepest pit [the cavern within the chasm].
Do not act [do nothing / refrain from using / employing force - every option is dangerous]
[Moving forward is fraught with peril, as is turning back; Caught in a dilemma: any action will lead to deep entrapment.]
六四 樽酒簋貳。用缶。納約自牖。終无咎。
Zūn jiǔ guǐ èr, yòng fǒu, nà yuē zì yǒu, zhōng wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
A jar of wine, two baskets of grain/food.
Using [plain] earthenware vessels.
[Symbolizes humble, direct sincerity in crisis - a simple offering]
Pledges simply handed in through the window.
[The window is the symbol of a barrier that permits transaction but forbids true opening. It admits light but not passage.]
In the end, no blame.
[Help has arrived, but you receive it without ever leaving your enclosure. Solving a crisis of the engulfing darkness with a remedy that accepts the barrier.]
九五 坎不盈。祗既平。无咎。
Kǎn bù yíng, zhī jì píng, wú jiù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The abyss is not filled [to overflowing],
It is filled only to the brim [leveled or evened out; brought to level balance].
No blame [danger is contained, not eliminated].
[Equilibrium: contain the risk without overfilling; steady filling leads to safety—don't push beyond the brim.]
上六 係用徽纆。寘于叢棘。三歲不得。凶。
Xì yòng huī mò, zhì yú cóng jí, sān suì bù dé, xiōng.
Six at the top means:
Bound with [black] ropes and [three-strand] cords,
Placed among a thicket of thorns [prison walls]:
For three years [long time] one does not find the way/release.
[Cannot escape / cannot attain]
Misfortune.
[An extremely treacherous person, extreme entrapment and severe consequences due to persistent wrongdoing/stubborn folly.]
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30. Lí - The Clinging (Adherence, Attachment, Radiance, Fire) 離。利貞。亨。畜牝牛。吉。 Lí lì zhēn, hēng. Xù pìn niú, jí. THE CLINGING. Beneficial to be [correctly] steadfast. |
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明兩作，離。大人以繼明照四方。 Brightness doubled constitutes Lí. The great person, by causing this brightness to continue unceasingly, Illuminates the four quarters (of the world). |
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初九 履錯然。敬之。无咎。
Lǚ cuò rán, jìng zhī wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
The footprints are criss-crossed, disordered.
[Treading/stepping in confusion and disorder]
If one is reverent [cautious/respectful] towards this [situation],
There will be no blame.
[Meet the confusion with reverence and careful respect (to the process, to others, to proper order). Do not barge through.]
六二 黃離。元吉。
Huáng lí, yuán jí.
Six in the second place means:
Yellow light [radiance/clinging].
Primordial [supreme] good fortune.
[Hold the middle path — balanced/centered clarity and steady attachment to what is right bring supreme good fortune.]
九三 日昃之離。不鼓缶而歌。則大耋之嗟。凶。
Rì zè zhī lí, bù gǔ fǒu ér gē, zé dà dié zhī jiē, xiōng.
Nine in the third place means:
In the light of the setting sun,
[End of a day, phase, or even life stage]
If one does not beat the earthen pot and sing,
Then [there will be] the sighing lament
Of the great aged [one].
Ominous.
[Choosing joy now prevents the misfortune of bitter hindsight - do not postpone appreciation or enjoyment until “later”.]
九四 突如其來如。焚如。死如。棄如。
Tū rú qí lái rú, fén rú, sǐ rú, qì rú.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Suddenly it comes, abruptly:
Blazing [like fire]. Dying [like fire]. Cast away [like ashes].
[This describes anything that explodes into brilliance without sustainable fuel — passion, opportunity, crisis etc.]
六五 出涕沱若。戚嗟若。吉。
Chū tì tuó ruò, qī jiē ruò, jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Gushing tears in torrents, sobbing and lamenting.
Auspicious.
[Deep, uncontrollable emotional release - this honest sorrow is auspicious because it clears the way for renewal.]
上九 王用出征。有嘉。折首。獲匪其醜。无咎。
Wáng yòng chū zhēng, yǒu jiā zhé shǒu, huò fěi qí chǒu, wú jiù.
Nine at the top means:
The king uses it [radiance/clear discernment] to launch a campaign.
There is praise [excellence/commendation].
He cuts off the heads of the leaders [the ugly/evil ones],
Captures those who are not the ugly/evil ones [not the primary culprits].
No blame.
[When truth is clear, remove the true source of harm without excess.]
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31. Xián - Mutual Influence (Mutual Affinity, Sensation, Wooing) 咸。亨。利貞。取女吉。 Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí. MUTUAL INFLUENCE. Success [smooth passage, offering accepted]. |
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山上有澤，咸。君子以虛受人。 Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén. A lake is above a mountain: this is the image of Influence. The noble man, in accordance with this, Receives people With emptiness (an open mind). |
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初六 咸其拇。
Xián qí mǔ.
Six at the beginning means:
Influence reaches its big toe.
[The very first, almost invisible stirring. Too weak to act on yet. Nothing substantial has happened.]
六二 咸其腓。凶。居吉。
Xián qí féi, xiōng, jū jí.
Six in the second place means:
Influence reaches its calves [of the legs].
Ominous.
[Movement begins, but still reactive/instinctive]
To remain still / to abide: auspicious.
[Stronger movement appears, but it is still in the lower, animal part of the body. Wait - let the influence mature.]
九三 咸其股。執其隨。往吝。
Xián qí gǔ, zhí qí suí, wǎng lìn.
Nine in the third place means:
Influence reaches its thigh.
Grasping/clinging/holding to that which follows it.
[Letting oneself be carried by impulse, or following external pull instead of inner center]
To advance / to proceed: regret.
[If you let lower instincts or external pressure “lead” you forward, you will regret it.]
九四 貞吉悔亡。憧憧往來。朋從爾思。
Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Chōng chōng wǎng lái, péng cóng ěr sī.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Steadfastness and correctness bring good fortune.
Regret disappears.
Agitated / restless / hesitant coming and going;
Companions and friends follow your true thoughts [inner intent].
[Influence is balanced and heartfelt. True friends/allies will sense/align with your real inner thoughts and follow them.]
九五 咸其脢。无悔。
Xián qí méi, wú huǐ.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Influence reaches the flesh of the back.
[Along the spine / between the shoulders - deep core. Deep, unconscious alignment - stable, integrated influence]
No remorse.
[Influence has sunk deep into the core of your being. The connection is solid and stable (beyond superficial fluctuation).]
上六 咸其輔頰舌。
Xián qí fǔ jiá shé.
Six at the top means:
Influence reaches the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
[Influence reaches only the mouth—mere words/smiles/flirtation, or empty talk. It lacks real substance. No real influence]
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32. Héng - Constancy (Perseverance, Duration, Endurance) 恆。亨。无咎。利貞。利有攸往。 Héng. Hēng. Wú jiù. Lìzhēn. Lì yǒu yōu wǎng. CONSTANCY. Success. No blame. |
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雷風，恆。君子以立不易方。 Léi fēng, héng. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì bù yì fāng. Thunder and wind: this constitutes the image of Duration. The noble person, in accordance with this, Establishes himself And does not change his direction/foundation. |
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初六 浚恆貞凶。无攸利。
Jùn héng zhēn xiōng. Wú yōu lì.
Six at the beginning means:
Seeking depth in constancy prematurely.
Steadfastness brings misfortune.
Nothing is beneficial.
[You cannot force deep roots or total commitment on day one. “Going all in” too soon backfires if you stubbornly persist.]
九二 悔亡。
Huǐ wáng.
Nine in the second place means:
Regret vanishes.
[Any doubt, hesitation, or small regret you feel about committing will naturally dissolve if you simply keep going.]
九三 不恆其德。或承之羞。貞吝。
Bù héng qí dé, huò chéng zhī xiū, zhēn lìn.
Nine in the third place means:
Not persevering in one's virtue.
[Inconsistency in core values or character]
Will perhaps receive shame.
[Wavering undermines everything]
Steadfastness leads to humiliation.
[Align actions with your principles consistently. Wavering undermines everything.]
九四 田无禽。
Tián wú qín.
Nine in the fourth place means:
In the field, no game [no opportunity, support, resources].
[Persistent effort in the wrong place or at the wrong time yields zero results,no matter how long one persists.]
六五 恒其德貞。婦人吉。夫子凶。
Héng qí dé, zhēn, fù rén jí, fū zǐ xiōng.
Six in the fifth place means:
Persevering in one's virtue with steadfastness [and correctness].
For a woman, auspicious, for a man, misfortune.
[Match the quality of your perseverance to your actual role/position or power dynamic (receptive vs. active).]
上六 振恆凶。
Zhèn héng, xiōng.
Six at the top means:
Agitating constancy brings misfortune.
[Restlessness at the end stage exhausts the situation. It disrupts what was successfully sustained.]
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33. Dùn - Withdrawal (Retreating, Receding, Retiring) 遯。亨。小利貞。 Dùn, hēng. Xiǎo lì zhēn. WITHDRAWAL. [Controlled distancing from danger] |
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天下有山，遯。君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。 Tiān xià yǒu shān, dùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ yuǎn xiǎo rén, bù è ér yán. Under heaven there is the mountain: the image of Withdrawal. Thereby, the noble man keeps petty men at a distance, Not with hate but with dignified reserve. |
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初六 遯尾厲。勿用有攸往。
Dùn wěi, lì, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng.
Six at the beginning means:
Withdrawal [too slowly] at the tail/rear. Danger.
[The person withdraws too late and remains exposed to pursuing danger]
Do not undertake any going forth [further action].
[You are lagging behind in the retreat (“at the tail”). The advancing pressures are right on your heels. Danger. Stop.]
六二 執之用黃牛之革。莫之勝說。
Zhí zhī yòng huáng niú zhī gé, mò zhī shèng shuō.
Six in the second place means:
Bind it [hold fast to the retreat] with the hide of a yellow ox.
[Commit to your withdrawal with unbreakable firmness]
No one can loosen it.
[Stay resolute in your decision to step back. Do not allow yourself to be pulled back into the situation.]
九三 係遯。有疾厲。畜臣妾吉。
Xì dùn, yǒu jí lì, xù chén qiè jí.
Nine in the third place means:
A hampered/bound/attached withdrawal.
There is distress/sickness and danger.
To keep/support/maintain servants and concubines
[Limit responsibilities to what is close and manageable]
Brings good fortune.
[You may not be able to retreat fully from outer affairs, but keeping your personal base in order brings good fortune.]
九四 好遯。君子吉。小人否。
Hào dùn, jūn zǐ jí, xiǎo rén pǐ.
Nine in the fourth place means:
A timely and willing withdrawal.
[Good/excellent/well-timed withdrawal]
For the noble man, good fortune.
For the petty man, obstruction/inability/misfortune.
[This is a good/well-timed/voluntary withdrawal. Retreat gracefully/willingly; it benefits those who understand the times.]
九五 嘉遯貞吉。
Jiā dùn, zhēn jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
A praiseworthy/excellent/admirable withdrawal.
Steadfastness/correct perseverance brings good fortune.
[This is the line of the wise leader who recognizes the perfect moment and withdraws calmly, clearly, and with dignity.]
上九 肥遯 无不利。
Féi dùn, wú bù lì.
Nine at the top means:
A plenteous/free/flying withdrawal.
[Fat/plump/abundant or prosperous/ample/full withdrawal]
Nothing would not be beneficial.
[Complete inner detachment has been achieved. You are free, unburdened, and clear. Everything now goes well.]
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34. Dà Zhuàng - Great Strength (Great Power/Vigor, The Force of the Great, Raw Advance) 大壯。利貞。 Dà zhuàng, lì zhēn. GREAT STRENGTH. |
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雷在天上，大壯。君子以非禮勿履。 Léi zài tiān shàng, dà zhuàng. Jūn zǐ yǐ fēi lǐ wù lǚ. Thunder above Heaven: the image of Dà Zhuàng. Thus, the noble person does not tread on paths That are not in accordance with ritual/propriety. |
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初九 壯于趾。征凶有孚。
Zhuàng yú zhǐ, zhēng xiōng, yǒu fú.
Nine at the beginning means:
Strength/Power is in the toes.
To set forth/advance brings misfortune.
This is certain [lit. there is sincerity/trust/truth].
[The warning is reliable/trustworthy]
[Your strength is real but still only at the foundation level (toes). It cannot yet support full forward movement.]
九二 貞吉。
Zhēn jí.
Nine in the second place means:
Firm correctness brings good fortune.
[Balanced, centered strength. Simply staying steadfast and correct in your principles or path brings good fortune.]
九三 小人用壯。君子用罔。貞厲。羝羊觸藩。羸其角。
Xiǎo rén yòng zhuàng, jūn zǐ yòng wǎng, zhēn lì, dī yáng chù fān, léi qí jiǎo.
Nine in the third place means:
The inferior person uses [raw] force.
The superior person uses strategy/wise restraint [a net].
[He does not use brute force]
Steadfastness leads to danger.
A ram butts against the hedge.
Its horns get entangled.
[Continuing with brute force is dangerous (leads to being stuck exactly like the ram whose horns are caught in the hedge).]
九四 貞吉。悔亡。藩決不羸。壯于大輿之輹。
Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Fān jué bù léi, zhuàng yú dà yú zhī fù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Regret vanishes.
The hedge is broken open, the horns are not entangled.
The strength/power is in the axle-strut [linchpin, axle support, brake-block]
[Hidden structural strength capable of carrying heavy load]
Of a great cart [strength is solid enough to carry heavy loads].
[Power has matured and is now properly placed. Steadfastness brings success and clears any earlier doubts.]
六五 喪羊于易。无悔。
Sàng yáng yú yì, wú huǐ.
Six in the fifth place means:
Loses the ram/goat with ease in the field/boundary.
[Aggressive force naturally falls away]
No regret.
[In a balanced/flexible/leadership position aggressive/stubborn force naturally falls away. It happens easily.]
上六 羝羊觸藩。不能退。不能遂。无攸利。艱則吉。
Dī yáng chù fān, bù néng tuì, bù néng suì, wú yōu lì, jiān zé jí.
Six at the top means:
A ram butts against the hedge.
It can neither retreat nor advance.
Nothing is beneficial.
If it recognizes the difficulty,
Then there will be good fortune.
[Peak of power has turned into impasse. Pure stubbornness achieves nothing. Acknowledge the problem honestly.]
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35. Jìn - Advancing (Progress, Rising, Promotion, Civilized Advance) 晉。康侯用錫馬蕃庶。晝日三接。 Jìn, kāng hóu yòng xī mǎ fán shù, zhòu rì sān jiē. ADVANCING. [Illumination becoming recognized publicly - a worthy person being recognized] |
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明出地上，晉。君子以自昭明德。 Míng chū dì shàng, jìn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zì zhāo míng dé. Brightness emerges above the earth: this is the image of Advance. The noble person, in accordance with this, Illuminates his own bright virtue. |
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初六 晉如摧如。貞吉。罔孚。裕无咎。
Jìn rú cuī rú, zhēn jí. Wǎng fú, yù wú jiù.
Six at the beginning means:
Advancing, yet being obstructed [pressed back, hindered, restrained].
Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Not yet trusted.
Being generous/ample [in patience/spirit]:
[Magnanimous / tolerant / liberal in attitude/conduct]
No blame.
[Initial obstacles or lack of immediate trust are normal at the very start of visible progress; remain steadfast.]
六二 晉如愁如。貞吉。受茲介福。于其王母。
Jìn rú, chóu rú, zhēn jí. Shòu zī jiè fú yú qí wáng mǔ.
Six in the second place means:
Advancing, yet in sorrow/concern [anxious, troubled].
Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Receiving this great blessing
Coming from his royal ancestress [王母, lit. "kingly mother"].
[Even if the path feels sorrowful or blocked for a moment, perseverance brings the blessing from a higher source.]
六三 眾允悔亡。
Zhòng yǔn, huǐ wáng.
Six in the third place means:
The multitude [the people, others] agrees/approves [and trusts].
Regret vanishes.
[When others begin to align and consent, any earlier regrets or doubts dissolve.]
九四 晉如鼫鼠。貞厲。
Jìn rú shí shǔ, zhēn lì.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Advancing like a flying-squirrel/rat [rock-rat (鼫鼠), marmot-like rodent, greedy/scurrying creature].
[A creature that attempts many things but masters none]
Steadfastness leads to danger.
[Beware of scattered efforts, trying to advance in too many directions at once, or timidly/greedily without full mastery.]
六五 悔亡。失得勿恤。往吉无不利。
Huǐ wáng, shī dé wù xù, wǎng jí, wú bù lì.
Six in the fifth place means:
Regret vanishes.
Do not be anxious over loss and gain.
[Calculation drops away, movement becomes natural and correct]
Going forward brings good fortune.
Nothing is unfavorable.
[In the most favorable position (line 5), stay detached from personal worries about gain or loss. Simply advance.]
上九 晉其角。維用伐邑。厲吉无咎。貞吝。
Jìn qí jiǎo, wéi yòng fá yì, lì jí, wú jiù, zhēn lìn.
Nine at the top means:
Advancing to its horns [the peak/tip, extreme point].
It is appropriate to use this [strength]
To chastise one's own city [discipline one's own domain].
Danger, but good fortune in the end [peril yet auspicious].
No blame.
But [if one persists in this stance]
Steadfastness [continued thus] leads to humiliation/distress.
[Here, the advance has become sharp - use that confrontational energy only to correct and discipline your own territory.]
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36. Míng Yí - Brightness Wounded (Darkening of the Light, Light Obscured) 明夷。利艱貞。 Míng yí, lì jiān zhēn. BRIGHTNESS WOUNDED. Beneficial to persevere steadfastly |
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明入地中，明夷。君子以莅眾用晦而明。 Míng rù dì zhōng, míng yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì zhòng yòng huì ér míng. Brightness enters into the earth: Brightness Wounded. The noble man, in overseeing the multitude, Uses obscurity to remain bright. |
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初九 明夷于飛。垂其翼。君子于行。三日不食。有攸往。主人有言。
Míng yí yú fēi, chuí qí yì. Jūn zǐ yú xíng, sān rì bù shí, yǒu yōu wǎng, zhǔ rén yǒu yán.
Nine at the beginning means:
Brightness wounded while in flight,
Drooping its wings.
[A wounded bird fleeing]
The noble man is on a journey,
Not eating for three days.
He has a place to go.
The host has words [of criticism/reproach].
[The superior person sees corruption early, leaves before destruction fully arrives, accepts hardship and criticism.]
[You are already under attack/forced to flee. Like a wounded bird, you must accept temporary deprivation and criticism.]
六二 明夷。夷于左股。用拯馬壯吉。
Míng yí, yí yú zuǒ gǔ, yòng zhěng mǎ zhuàng, jí.
Six in the second place means:
Brightness wounded, wounding the left thigh.
[Injured but not destroyed]
Rescued/saved by the strength of a fast/strong horse.
[Accept help immediately. Do not reject assistance out of pride.]
Auspicious.
[You are wounded but not fatally. Help (a “strong horse”—allies, resources, or sudden opportunity) arrives to rescue you.]
九三 明夷于南狩。得其大首。不可疾貞。
Míng yí yú nán shòu, dé qí dà shǒu, bù kě jí zhēn.
Nine in the third place means:
Brightness wounded on the southern hunt.
[Possibly royal military expedition imagery]
Capturing its great chief [leader of the hostile force].
It is not permissible to hasten [press forward hastily] steadfastness.
[It warns against rushing forward even after a victory]
[A moment of success against the source of darkness—you “capture the great chief” but do not rush into bold action.]
六四 入于左腹。獲明夷之心。于出門庭。
Rù yú zuǒ fù, huò míng yí zhī xīn, yú chū mén tíng.
Six in the fourth place means:
Entering the left side of the belly,
[Entering deeply inside]
Obtaining the heart [intention] of Brightness Wounded,
[Understanding the core corruption and/or concealed brightness]
Then going out the gate and courtyard.
[Once he has this insight, withdraws immediately and quietly]
[You have penetrated close to the heart of the darkness - do not linger once you see the truth; escape while you can.]
六五 箕子之明夷。利貞。
Jī zǐ zhī míng yí, lì zhēn.
Six in the fifth place means:
The Brightness Wounded of Jizi.
[Prince Ji faked madness to save his life]
Beneficial to be steadfast.
[Sometimes the only way to preserve your integrity/life is to appear useless, mad, or harmless to those in power.]
上六 不明晦。初登于天。後入于地。
Bù míng huì, chū dēng yú tiān, hòu rù yú dì.
Six at the top means:
No brightness — darkness.
[Darkness] at first ascending to heaven,
Afterwards entering into the earth.
[The oppressive force that “ascended to heaven” (gained total power) now “enters the earth” (falls completely).]
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37. Jiā Rén - The Family (The Household, Family Members) 家人。利女貞。 Jiā rén, lì nǚ zhēn. THE FAMILY. Beneficial is the woman's constancy [in her proper role]. |
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風自火出，家人。君子以言有物，行有恆。 Fēng zì huǒ chū, jiā rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ yán yǒu wù, xíng yǒu héng. 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. |
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初九 閑有家。悔亡。
Xián yǒu jiā, huǐ wáng.
Nine at the beginning means:
Establishing firm regulations [barriers/restrictions/limits/boundaries] within the family.
Regret vanishes.
[Order must be established at the very beginning, before habits harden. Set clear, fair rules and expectations early.]
六二 无攸遂。在中饋。貞吉。
Wú yōu suì, zài zhōng kuì, zhēn jí.
Six in the second place means:
[She] should not follow her own course/direction.
[Should not pursue independent initiatives/act autonomously outside proper role]
Attending to the central provisioning [i.e. cooking/domestic management - rather than competing for dominance].
Constancy brings good fortune.
[The person in the supportive/inner position (e.g. wife) should not try to run the show or pursue personal agendas.]
九三 家人嗃嗃。悔厲吉。婦子嘻嘻。終吝。
Jiā rén hè hè, huǐ lì jí; fù zǐ xī xī, zhōng lìn.
Nine in the third place means:
The household is sternly regimented [severe scolding, harsh seriousness].
[There will be] regret, severity,
But also good fortune.
If the wife and children giggle and play frivolously,
In the end there will be humiliation.
[Firm discipline is necessary for maintaining order, even if it feels harsh and creates temporary regret or tension.]
六四 富家大吉。
Fù jiā, dà jí.
Six in the fourth place means:
[She is] enriching the family.
[Making abundant, wealthy]
Great good fortune.
[When the inner manager (e.g wife) focuses on genuine enrichment the whole house prospers abundantly.]
九五 王假有家。勿恤吉。
Wáng jiǎ yǒu jiā, wù xù jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The king approaches his family.
Do not worry.
Good fortune.
[The leader must personally “come to” the family—be present, caring, and involved rather than distant or authoritarian.]
上九 有孚威如。終吉。
Yǒu fú wēi rú, zhōng jí.
Nine at the top means:
Possessing sincerity and dignified authority.
In the end, good fortune.
[Lasting success rests on the leader’s (or elder’s) inner sincerity combined with natural dignity.]
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38. Kuí - Opposition (Estrangement, Discord, Alienation, Disunion) 睽。小事吉。 Kuí, xiǎo shì jí. OPPOSITION. In small matters, good fortune. |
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上火下澤，睽。君子以同而異。 Shàng huǒ xià zé, kuí. Jūn zǐ yǐ tóng ér yì. Above is fire, below is a marsh: the image of Opposition. Thus the superior person, while in harmony with others, Retains his individuality. |
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初九 悔亡。喪馬勿逐自復。見惡人。无咎。
Huǐ wáng, sàng mǎ, wù zhú, zì fù; jiàn è rén, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Regret vanishes.
If you lose your horse, do not pursue it;
It will return of itself.
When you see an evil man [bad/ill-disposed/troublesome/hostile/disagreeable/morally dubious person],
There is no blame.
[Early discord often brings a feeling of loss or regret. Let the “horse” go if it drifts – chasing it drives it farther.]
九二 遇主于巷。无咎。
Yù zhǔ yú xiàng, wú jiù.
Nine in the second place means:
You meet/encounter your lord/master in a narrow lane.
[By taking a humble, indirect, approach (the sideways route) when the direct path is blocked —the separation is bridged]
No blame.
[Inconvenient/awkward/unpleasant/unexpected/unavoidable encounter with your superior - you are not to be blamed for this.]
六三 見輿曳。其牛掣。其人天且劓。无初有終。
Jiàn yú yè, qí niú chè, qí rén tiān qiě yì, wú chū yǒu zhōng.
Six in the third place means:
One sees the cart being pulled back,
Its oxen being held back/restrained;
A man’s hair and nose cut off.
[Criminal punishments - tattooed forehead and nose cut off]
There is no good beginning,
But there is a good end.
[You feel thoroughly obstructed, publicly humiliated - it begins very badly yet if you endure the outcome turns positive.]
九四 睽孤。遇元夫。交孚。厲无咎。
Kuí gū, yù yuán fū, jiāo fú, lì wú jiù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Isolated in opposition/estrangement,
One meets a person of fundamental character
[Principal/prime/leading man of solid worth/genuine person of strength and integrity]
With whom one can join in sincere faith [mutual trust].
Despite danger, no blame.
[You are alone in the midst of discord, but here you meet a person of genuine, solid character whom you can trust.]
六五 悔亡。厥宗噬膚。往何咎。
Huǐ wáng, jué zōng shì fū, wǎng hé jiù.
Six in the fifth place means:
Regret vanishes.
Your kinsman [from your clan/own group]
Bites through the tender skin.
[Obstacles dissolve easily - connection restores itself naturally/natural allies reconnect]
Going forward,
What blame is there?
[The earlier regret over the estrangement disappears because your own people make quick, easy progress.]
上九 睽孤。見豕負塗。載鬼一車。先張之弧。後說之弧。匪寇婚媾。往遇雨則吉。
Kuí gū jiàn shǐ fù tú, zài guǐ yī chē, xiān zhāng zhī hú, hòu shuō zhī hú, fěi kòu hūn gòu, wǎng yù yǔ zé jí.
Nine at the top means:
Isolated in opposition/estrangement,
One sees a pig laden with mire,
A carriage full of demons.
First he draws his bow against them,
Then he lays the bow aside.
They are not robbers, they come to seek marriage.
Going forward, [if you] encounter rain,
[Emotional reconciliation, release of tension, restored harmony]
Then there will be good fortune.
[At the extreme of isolation, misperception is at its height: you see allies as filthy or demonic (cart full of ghosts).]
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39. Jiǎn - Obstruction (Limping, Hardship) 蹇。利西南。不利東北。利見大人。貞吉。 Jiǎn, lì xī nán, bù lì dōng běi. Lì jiàn dà rén, zhēn jí. OBSTRUCTION. Beneficial to the southwest [Kun/Earth direction]. |
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山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。 Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé. Water on the mountain: this is the image of Limping. Thus, the noble person turns back to reflect upon himself To cultivate his character. |
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初六 往蹇來譽。
Wǎng jiǎn lái yù.
Six at the beginning means:
Going brings obstructions,
Coming [withdrawing, returning, not advancing further] brings praise.
[You are at the very start of the obstacle. If you push ahead now (“going”), you only create more limping/greater difficulty.]
六二 王臣蹇蹇。匪躬之故。
Wáng chén jiǎn jiǎn, fěi gōng zhī gù.
Six in the second place means:
The king’s servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction,
It is not for reasons of his own person [his own body/self; not selfishly motivated].
[You are in the position of the loyal servant — doing your duty, not acting for personal gain. Obstacles pile up anyway.]
九三 往蹇來反。
Wǎng jiǎn lái fǎn.
Nine in the third place means:
Going brings obstructions,
So he comes back [returning is desirable/better].
[Strong urge to advance, but it only produces more limping. The correct and wise move is to turn back, return, regroup.]
六四 往蹇來連。
Wǎng jiǎn lái lián.
Six in the fourth place means:
Going brings obstructions,
Coming [withdrawing, returning, not advancing further] brings connection [union, alliance, joining].
[Forward action is still blocked. By returning or changing course you now form a real connection — e.g. an alliance.]
九五 大蹇朋來。
Dà jiǎn, péng lái.
Nine in the fifth place means:
In the midst of the greatest obstructions,
Friends come.
[Leadership in hardship draws sincere support. True allies gather around responsible leadership during hardship.]
上六 往蹇來碩。吉。利見大人。
Wǎng jiǎn lái shuò. Jí. Lì jiàn dàrén.
Six at the top means:
Going brings obstructions,
Coming [withdrawing, returning, not advancing further] brings greatness [something substantial, significant].
Good fortune.
Beneficial to see the great person.
[The difficulty has reached its peak. Continuing to push is useless. By completing the turn something eminent emerges.]
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40. Jiě - Release (Liberation, Deliverance, Unbinding, Resolution) 解。利西南。无所往。其來復吉。有攸往。夙吉。 Jiě, lì xī nán. Wú suǒ wǎng, qí lái fù jí. Yǒu yōu wǎng, sù jí. RELEASE. |
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雷雨作，解。君子以赦過宥罪。 Léi yǔ zuò, xiè. Jūn zǐ yǐ shè guò yòu zuì. Thunder and rain act: this is the image of Release. The noble person, in accordance with this, Pardons transgressions and forgives crimes. |
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初六 无咎。
Wú jiù.
Six at the beginning means:
No blame.
[Simply allowing the release to happen naturally. The release is uncomplicated - avoid creating new complications.]
九二 田獲三狐。得黃矢。貞吉。
Tián huò sān hú, dé huáng shǐ, zhēn jí.
Nine in the second place means:
Hunting in the field one captures three foxes;
[Removes three (multiple) sly or hidden obstacles/cunning influences/subtle problems]
One obtains a yellow arrow.
[A tangible reward or balanced and accurate means of correction]
Perseverance brings good fortune.
[By facing subtle or tricky issues directly but fairly your upright approach will clear them and bring a tangible reward.]
六三 負且乘。致寇至。貞吝。
Fù qiě chéng, zhì kòu zhì, zhēn lìn.
Six in the third place means:
Carrying a burden/load on one's back
While riding in a carriage -
[Someone of low station attempting outward prestige]
This invites robbers to come.
[Improper positioning attracts danger]
Perseverance brings humiliation.
[You are in the wrong position: carrying heavy responsibilities while pretending to a higher status - it attracts trouble.]
九四 解而拇。朋至斯孚。
Xiè ér mǔ, péng zhì sī fú.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Release your big toe/thumb.
[The small but stubborn point of attachment that still holds you back]
Then friends will arrive
In truth/confidence.
[Identify the one small thing still anchoring you in the old tension and let it go. Then, supportive relationships arrive.]
六五 君子維有解。吉。有孚于小人。
Jūn zǐ wéi yǒu xiè, jí; yǒu fú yú xiǎo rén.
Six in the fifth place means:
The noble person alone possesses the capacity for release,
[Only the superior person can bring authentic resolution]
Good fortune.
There is sincerity [being believed] toward the petty people.
[Even difficult people respond to genuine sincerity]
[True/lasting release can only be brought about by the noble person—the one acting from integrity/higher understanding.]
上六 公用射隼于高墉之上。獲之无不利。
Gōng yòng shè sǔn yú gāo yōng zhī shàng, huò zhī, wú bù lì.
Six at the top means:
A duke uses this [his bow and arrow] to shoot a falcon
[A cunning and vicious petty person; destructive influence; aggressive predatory force]
Atop a high wall
[The threat is elevated/visible/entrenched]
Capturing it.
[Resolving the discord]
There is nothing that is not advantageous.
[The process of deliverance is almost complete. The last remaining obstacle is visible/elevated then removed completely.]
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41. Sǔn - Decrease (Diminution, Loss, Reduction) 損。有孚。元吉。无咎可貞。利有攸往。曷之用。二簋可用享。 Sǔn yǒu fú. Yuánjí. Wú jiù kě zhēn. Lì yǒu yōu wǎng. Hé zhī yòng. Èr guǐ kěyòng xiǎng. DECREASE. |
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山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。 Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù. At the mountain's base is a lake: Diminution. The noble man, by this, restrains his anger And curbs his desires. |
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初九 已事遄往。无咎。酌損之。
Yǐ shì chuán wǎng, wú jiù, zhuó sǔn zhī.
Nine at the beginning means:
Ceasing affairs, hastening to go [proceeding swiftly].
No blame.
Consider how [much] to diminish it.
[Reduce carefully with discretion/moderation - avoid reckless reduction]
[Right at the start, stop whatever you are currently occupied with and move quickly toward the new, reduced situation.]
九二 利貞。征凶。弗損益之。
Lì zhēn, zhēng xiōng, fú sǔn, yì zhī.
Nine in the second place means:
Beneficial to be steadfast.
Going on an expedition [advancing aggressively]: ominous.
Without decreasing [oneself],
[One is able to] bring increase [to others].
[Avoid self-damaging action/self-sacrifice beyond balance]
[Hold firm to your principles. Do not weaken yourself through excessive sacrifice or ambitious action.]
六三 三人行。則損一人。一人行。則得其友。
Sān rén xíng, zé sǔn yī rén. Yī rén xíng, zé dé qí yǒu.
Six in the third place means:
Three people traveling [together],
Then they lose one person.
One person traveling,
Then he obtains his friend.
[Three is one too many — excess creates loss. One alone naturally attracts the right companion.]
六四 損其疾。使遄有喜。无咎。
Sǔn qí jí, shǐ chuán yǒu xǐ, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Diminish his ailment,
Make [the decrease of the ailment] swift,
[Delay worsens the problem]
And there will be joy [from the swift reduction].
No blame.
[There is a specific “ailment” (problem, flaw, illness, bad habit, debt, toxic element) that needs to be reduced.]
六五 或益之十朋之龜。弗克違。元吉。
Huò yì zhī, shí péng zhī guī fú kè wéi, yuán jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Someone perhaps increases him.
Ten pairs of tortoise shells cannot oppose it.
Supreme good fortune.
[Help/increase is coming to/through you-it is so solidly fortunate even the most powerful oracle cannot contradict it.]
上九 弗損益之。无咎。貞吉。利有攸往。得臣无家。
Fú sǔn, yì zhī, wú jiù, zhēn jí, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, dé chén wú jiā.
Nine at the top means:
Without decreasing, there is increase,
There is no blame.
Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Beneficial to have somewhere to go.
He obtains servants [followers, assistants, ministers, supporters]
But no longer has a separate home [a private household].
[The decrease has done its work. Now the direction reverses into increase, but without taking from anyone else.]
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42. Yì - Increase (Augmenting, Gaining, Benefiting) 益。利有攸往。利涉大川。 Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān. INCREASE [that nourishes life]. It is beneficial |
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風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。 Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi. Wind above, Thunder below: this is the image of Increase. The noble person, seeing good, moves toward it. Having faults, he corrects them. |
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初九 利用為大作。元吉无咎。
Lì yòng wéi dà zuò, yuán jí, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Beneficial to use [this] for great undertakings.
Primordial/great good fortune. No blame.
[Strong, creative position at the start. Launch big initiatives or commit fully now. The timing is excellent.]
六二 或益之十朋之龜。弗克違。永貞吉。王用享于帝吉。
Huò yì zhī shí péngzhī guī. Fú kè wéi. Yǒng zhēnjí. Wángyòngxiǎng yú dì jí.
Six in the second place means:
Someone does indeed increase him [it],
Ten pairs of tortoises [shells] cannot oppose it.
[Even divination cannot contradict the favorable movement]
Persistent perseverance [lasting correctness] brings good fortune.
The king presents an offering to the Di [Supreme Deity].
Good fortune.
[Help/increase comes unexpectedly from outside sources—trust it and express thanks to the divine or those above.]
六三 益之用凶事。无咎。有孚中行。告公用圭。
Yì zhī yòng xiōng shì, wú jiù. Yǒu fú, zhōng xíng gào gōng yòng guī.
Six in the third place means:
Increase [comes through] dealing with calamitous affairs.
No blame, [if he is] sincere
[And] walks in the middle,
And reports to the duke
With a jade tablet [圭 guī].
[Trustworthy representation, official integrity, honorable communication]
[Growth can arrive precisely through difficulties/crises. Handling the hardship correctly turns it into lasting increase.]
六四 中行。告公從。利用為依遷國。
Zhōng xíng gào gōng cóng, lì yòng wéi yī qiān guó.
Six in the fourth place means:
[If he] walks in the middle
And reports to the duke,
He [the duke] will follow.
Beneficial to be used
In the removal of the capital.
[Gaining trust through balanced conduct]
[Balanced action plus clear reporting gains full support from leadership. Excellent for major structural changes.]
九五 有孚惠心。勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。
Yǒu fú huì xīn, wù wèn yuán jí. Yǒu fú huì wǒ dé.
Nine in the fifth place means:
[If in] truth/sincerity you have a kind heart, do not inquire [further]:
Supreme good fortune.
There is sincerity toward my virtue.
[Lit. His sincerity/inner truth benefits my virtue].
[Act from genuine kindness and sincerity without calculating returns or seeking reassurance. Supreme success follows.]
上九 莫益之。或擊之。立心勿恆。凶。
Mò yì zhī. Huò jī zhī. Lì xīn wù héng. Xiōng.
Nine at the top means:
No one increases him
[Nor does he bring increase to anyone]
Someone even strikes him.
He does not keep his heart/mind constantly steady.
Misfortune.
[If you stop giving increase to others or become self-serving, further growth halts and opposition arises.]
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43. Guài - Resoluteness (Decisiveness, Decisive Action/Resolution, Break-through) 夬。揚于王庭。孚號有厲。告自邑。不利即戎。利有攸往。 Guài, yáng yú wáng tíng, fú hào yǒu lì, gào zì yì, bù lì jí róng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng. RESOLUTENESS. [Decisive separation through open declaration] |
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澤上于天，夬。君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。 Zé shàng yú tiān, guài. Jūn zǐ yǐ shī lù jí xià, jū dé zé jì. A lake above heaven: this is the image of Resolution. The superior person, in accordance with this, Bestows blessings upon those below. (But if he) rests on his virtue, (That) is cause for caution. |
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初九 壯于前趾。往不勝為咎。
Zhuàng yú qián zhǐ, wǎng bù shèng wéi jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Strength in the [forward-moving] toes.
[Eagerness, premature advance, acting before full readiness]
To go forth and not be victorious,
Constitutes a mistake.
[You feel the urge to act — the toes are already pushing forward. But the rest of the body is not yet fully engaged.]
九二 惕號。莫夜有戎。勿恤。
Tì hào, mò yè yǒu róng, wù xù.
Nine in the second place means:
[Anxious] cries of alarm.
At evening and night there are armed men.
Do not worry.
[Stay vigilant/ready to sound the alarm. Unexpected opposition may appear suddenly, but there is no real cause for worry.]
九三 壯于頄。有凶。君子夬夬。獨行遇雨。若濡有慍。无咎。
Zhuàng yú kuí, yǒu xiōng. Jūn zǐ guài guài, dú xíng yù yǔ, ruò rú yǒu yùn, wú jiù.
Nine in the third place means:
Strength in the cheekbones.
[Outward boldness or grim determination; aggressive expression, confrontational appearance]
There is misfortune.
The superior person is decisively resolute.
Walking alone, he meets with rain.
[Difficulty, emotional soaking, humiliation, isolation]
[He is] as if soaked,
And [people are] resentful.
No blame.
[Outward shows of strength or confrontation will backfire but steadfast inner resolve remains blameless.]
九四 臀无膚。其行次且。牽羊悔亡。聞言不信。
Tún wú fū, qí xíng cì qiě, qiān yáng huǐ wáng, wén yán bù xìn.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The buttocks have no skin.
[Painful inability to sit/rest - ancient image of severe discomfort]
[His] steps falter and hesitate.
[If one] leads the sheep forward, regret vanishes.
[Softness, yielding guidance, non-forceful movement]
[But] hearing these words,
[One] does not believe [them].
[The counter-intuitive advice is to yield/follow gently. This is how the obstruction dissolves and regret vanishes.]
九五 莧陸夬夬。中行无咎。
Xiàn lù guài guài, zhōng xíng wú jiù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
[Like dealing with] xianlu [a tenacious weed],
Decisive resolutness [is needed].
Walking the central path,
No blame.
[Some problems are like the xianlu weed — tough, deep-rooted, and quick to regrow. Half-measures will not suffice.]
上六 无號。終有凶。
Wú hào, zhōng yǒu xiōng.
Six at the top means:
No [warning] cry/proclamation [is raised].
[What should have been named was not named]
In the end, there is misfortune.
[Victory is not secure until the last step is taken decisively. Otherwise misfortune returns in the end.]
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44. Gòu - Unexpected Meeting (Encountering, Coming to Meet, Coupling) 姤。女壯。勿用取女。 Gòu, nǚ zhuàng, wù yòng qǔ nǚ. UNEXPECTED MEETING. The woman is powerful [vigorous/strong/bold]. |
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天下有風，姤。後以施命誥四方。 Tiān xià yǒu fēng, gòu. Hòu yǐ shī mìng gào sìfāng. Under heaven there is wind: Gou. Thereby, the ruler issues his commands And proclaims (them) to the four quarters. |
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初六 繫于金柅。貞吉。有攸往。見凶。羸豕孚蹢躅。
Xì yú jīn nǐ. Zhēnjí. Yǒu yōu wǎng. Jiàn xiōng. Léi shǐ fú dí zhú.
Six at the beginning means:
Tied to a metal brake-block.
Correct persistence brings good fortune.
Having somewhere to go [if one proceeds] brings misfortune [lit. misfortune appears].
A lean/emaciated sow [mature female pig]
Is genuinely/truly restless [and pacing about].
[The pig is weak and restrained yet potentially troublesome]
[The intrusive influence is at its earliest/most containable stage. Tie it down firmly or it will cause trouble later.]
九二 包有魚。无咎。不利賓。
Bāo yǒu yú, wú jiù, bù lì bīn.
Nine in the second place means:
The wrappings contain a fish.
No blame.
Not beneficial for guests/outsiders [keep it private; do not share it with outsiders].
[You have successfully caught and contained the intrusive force ("fish"). No blame – this is correct action.]
九三 臀无膚。其行次且。厲。无大咎。
Tún wú fū. Qí xíng cì qiě. Lì. Wú dà jiù.
Nine in the third place means:
Buttocks without skin.
[The association/contact is causing real discomfort or awkwardness]
His walking is hesitant and limping.
[The encounter has already produced consequences]
Danger.
No great blame.
[You have come into direct, raw contact with the encounter and it has left you exposed/sore. There is real danger here.]
九四 包无魚。起凶。
Bāo wú yú, qǐ xiōng.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The wrappings/enclosure contain no fish.
[The contained influence has slipped away]
To stir [things] up brings misfortune.
[Best to withdraw and wait]
[Accept that the opportunity for containment has passed. Do not force matters now.]
九五 以杞包瓜。含章。有隕自天。
Yǐ qǐ bāo guā, hán zhāng, yǒu yǔn zì tiān.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Using willow to wrap the melon.
[The ruler does not suppress through force]
Containing the pattern [brilliance, distinction].
[Concealing inner excellence]
There is a fall from heaven.
[A sudden descent/gift from above]
[Wise, protective containment from a position of strength. A sudden blessing or opportunity will fall from heaven.]
上九 姤其角。吝。无咎。
Gòu qí jiǎo, lìn, wú jiù.
Nine at the top means:
Meeting it at the horns.
[The encounter remained superficial and harmless]
Difficulty and regret. No blame.
[You have kept proper distance. You did the right thing by not getting deeply involved.]
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45. Cuì - Gathering Together (Massing, Clustering, Aggregation) 萃。亨。王假有廟。利見大人。亨。利貞。用大牲吉。利有攸往。 Cuì hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào. Lì jiàn dàrén. Hēng. Lìzhēn. Yòng dà shēng jí. Lì yǒu yōu wǎng. GATHERING TOGETHER.
[Concentration of people, resources, loyalties, emotions, and spiritual energies around a common center] |
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澤上于地，萃。君子以除戎器，戒不虞。 Zé shàng yú dì, cuì. Jūn zǐ yǐ chú róng qì, jiè bù yú. Lake over Earth: the image of Gathering. Thus, the superior person repairs weapons of war To guard against the unforeseen. |
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初六 有孚不終。乃亂乃萃。若號一握為笑。勿恤。往无咎。
Yǒu fú bù zhōng, nǎi luàn nǎi cuì. Ruò hào, yī wò wéi xiào, wù xù, wǎng wú jiù.
Six at the beginning means:
Having sincerity/trust, but not to the end,
[There is sincerity, but it does not last]
Leads to confusion and gathering [disordered/forced clustering].
If one cries/calls out,
After one grasp of the hand there can be laughter.
Do not worry. Going forth, no blame.
[Initial confusion is resolved by reconnecting sincerely with the right people.]
六二 引吉无咎。孚乃利用禴。
Yǐn jí, wú jiù, fú nǎi lì yòng yuè.
Six in the second place means:
Being drawn/led [together] brings good fortune.
No blame.
If there is sincerity,
It is [even] beneficial to use
The simple [summer] offering [yuè sacrifice].
[Allowing yourself to be drawn or guided by the group (or a leader) leads to positive results without error.]
六三 萃如嗟如。无攸利。往无咎。小吝。
Cuì rú jiē rú, wú yōu lì, wǎng wú jiù, xiǎo lìn.
Six in the third place means:
Gathering together amid sighs and laments.
[Someone who wants connection but feels excluded, left out or disconnected]
No benefit in anything [in current actions].
Going forth, no blame.
There is minor humiliation [slight embarrassment].
[If gathering feels sorrowful/frustrating, like sighing over unfulfilled connections, step ahead to find better alignment.]
九四 大吉无咎。
Dà jí wú jiù.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Great good fortune. No blame.
[The individual serves as an effective bridge between leader and people. Unity functions naturally.]
[This strong position in the gathering brings major success (effortless good fortune through proper alliances).]
九五 萃有位。无咎匪孚。元永貞。悔亡。
Cuì yǒu wèi, wú jiù. Fěi fú, yuán yǒng zhēn, huǐ wáng.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Gathering [while in an authoritative] position.
[Position of influence]
No blame.
[If] trust is not yet complete/firm/established,
[Use/maintain] primordial, enduring perseverance,
[Then] regret vanishes.
[If others' trust isn't fully established (people doubt your motives), rely on fundamental, long-lasting integrity.]
上六 齎咨涕洟。无咎。
Jī zī tì yí, wú jiù.
Six at the top means:
Lamenting and sighing, weeping and sniveling.
[Expressesing its desire for gathering through weeping and wailing - this is genuine emotional distress]
No blame.
[The person remains outside the gathering and deeply feels the separation/isolation. The longing itself is genuine.]
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46. Shēng - Ascending (Pushing Upward, Rising, Gradual Advancement) 升。元亨。用見大人。勿恤。南征吉。 Shēng, yuán hēng, yòng jiàn dàrén, wù xù, nán zhēng jí. ASCENDING. [Describes gradual, organic, patient advancement which comes through steady development] |
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地中生木，升。君子以順德，積小以高大。 Dì zhōng shēng mù, shēng. Jūn zǐ yǐ shùn dé, jī xiǎo yǐ gāo dà. Within the earth, wood grows: this is the image of Ascending. The noble person, in accordance with this, Fosters his character, Accumulating the small To achieve height and greatness. |
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初六 允升大吉。
Yǔn shēng, dà jí.
Six at the beginning means:
Truly [trustworthy, confidently, allowed, indeed] ascending.
[Permitted or confident rise]
Greatly auspicious.
[In a low position, your ascent begins with trust from others — permission or encouragement allows smooth progress.]
九二 孚乃利用禴。无咎。
Fú nǎi lì yòng yuè, wú jiù.
Nine in the second place means:
[With true] sincerity it is thus beneficial
To make even the simplest offering [the yuè sacrifice - a small offering].
No blame.
[Even with limited resources, sincere intent makes modest actions (like a small sacrifice) effective and blameless.]
九三 升虛邑。
Shēng xū yì.
Nine in the third place means:
Ascending into an empty city.
[As it ascends, it forges ahead without doubt or fear]
[This warns of apparent ease hiding lack of substance; progress feels unimpeded but may lead to isolation or disillusion.]
六四 王用亨于岐山。吉。无咎。
Wáng yòng hēng yú qí shān, jí wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
The king performs the offering at Mount Qi.
Auspicious. No blame.
[This symbolizes ritual alignment with higher powers/traditions; humble devotion/proper procedures aid advancement.]
六五 貞吉升階。
Zhēn jí, shēng jiē.
Six in the fifth place means:
Steadfastness is auspicious.
Ascending the steps.
[Staying firm and persevering leads to good fortune, as you climb actual steps toward achievement.]
上六 冥升。利于不息之貞。
Míng shēng, lì yú bù xī zhī zhēn.
Six at the top means:
Darkened [hidden] ascending
[or Ascending in darkness]
Beneficial for unceasing steadfastness.
[Warning: Over-ambition without clarity (blind or obscured ascending) leads to exhaustion; refocus on enduring principles.]
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47. Kùn - Confinement (Exhaustion, Oppression, Entrapment, Distress) 困。亨。貞大人吉。无咎。有言不信。 Kùn, hēng, zhēn dàrén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn. CONFINEMENT. |
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澤無水，困。君子以致命遂志。 Zé wú shuǐ, kùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì. Above the lake there is no water: this is the image of Confinement. The superior person, in the face of this, Stakes his life to fulfill his will. |
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初六 臀困于株木。入于幽谷。三歲不覿。
Tún kùn yú zhū mù, rù yú yōu gǔ, sān suì bù dí.
Six at the beginning means:
Buttocks confined [under/against] a bare [tree] stump.
[Discomfort and immobility from poor choices or bad positioning]
He enters into a dark valley.
[Retreating into isolation or obscurity]
For three years he does not appear [is not seen].
[Long period of withdrawal]
[This line depicts the lowest level of entrapment: it warns of getting stuck in a low/hidden place due to passivity/errors.]
九二 困于酒食。朱紱方來。利用享祀。征凶无咎。
Kùn yú jiǔ shí, zhū fú fāng lái, lì yòng xiǎng sì. Zhēng xiōng, wú jiù.
Nine in the second place means:
Confined amidst wine and food.
The scarlet knee-covers are about to arrive.
[Symbols of high-ranking help or authority]
It is beneficial to use this in offering sacrifice.
[Humble, ritual actions to align with higher powers]
To advance brings misfortune.
No blame.
[One is "trapped" while in abundance (wine and food); comfort or indulgence that distracts from the real adversity.]
六三 困于石。據于蒺蔾。入于其宮。不見其妻。凶。
Kùn yú shí, jù yú jí lí, rù yú qí gōng, bù jiàn qí qī, xiōng.
Six in the third place means:
Confined by/among stones,
Leaning on thorns and brambles.
[Self-inflicted suffering from relying on unreliable or harmful things. The person seeks support but chooses things that injure him]
He enters his house/palace/dwelling and does not see his wife.
[Symbolizes domestic or relational disconnection - even home offers no comfort]
Misfortune.
[This cautions against stubborn attachments or illusions that worsen isolation; it's a low point of adversity.]
九四 來徐徐。困于金車。吝。有終。
Lái xú xú, kùn yú jīn chē, lìn, yǒu zhōng.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He comes slowly [progress is slow], confined in/by a golden carriage.
[Perhaps symbolizing pride, obligations, or external honors that weigh him down]
Distress [regret and difficulty], but there is an end.
[If advancement feels hindered by your own status/tools, proceed cautiously/humbly — the slowness is protective.]
九五 劓刖。困于赤紱。乃徐有說。利用祭祀。
Yì yuè, kùn yú chì fú, nǎi xú yǒu shuō, lì yòng jì sì.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Nose and feet cut off [extreme restriction].
Confined by the scarlet knee-covers.
[A ruler constrained by office. Power itself becomes imprisonment. Perhaps overbearing authority or protocol from equals/peers]
Then, slowly, there is [relief and] joy.
It is beneficial to use this
In making offerings and sacrifices.
[Turning to inner rituals or humility for relief]
[Ruler-like position in crisis: endure the mutilating constraints with grace - joy follows through spiritual focus.]
上六 困于葛藟。于臲卼。曰動悔有悔。征吉。
Kùn yú gé lěi, yú niè wù, yuē dòng huǐ. Yǒu huǐ, zhēng jí.
Six at the top means:
Confined by creeping/tangled vines.
[Entangling growths that bind softly but persistently]
Teetering anxiously [in a precarious and anxious position].
[The prison now is largely mental. The person fears action. The fear itself becomes the confinement]
He says, "To move brings regret" [if I move, I will regret it].
If he feels regret and moves,
There will be good fortune.
[Only movement breaks the entanglement]
[Peak of adversity: hesitation breeds more entanglement—recognize the regret, then move forward with resolve to break free.]
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48. Jǐng - The Well (Replenishing Vitality, Restoring Essence, Reviving Life Force) 井。改邑不改井。无喪无得。往來井井。汔至亦未繘井。羸其瓶。凶。 Jǐng, gǎi yì bù gǎi jǐng, wú sàng wú dé. Wǎng lái jǐng jǐng, qì zhì yì wèi jué jǐng, léi qí píng, xiōng. THE WELL. [The well symbolizes a lasting source of value/life] |
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木上有水，井。君子以勞民勸相。 Mù shàng yǒu shuǐ, jǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ láo mín quàn xiāng. Water above, Wood below: the image of The Well. Thus the noble person encourages the people at their work And urges them to help one another. |
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初六 井泥不食。舊井无禽。
Jǐng ní bù shí, jiù jǐng wú qín.
Six at the beginning means:
Muddy well, not for drinking.
An old well [attracts] no birds [creatures].
[This depicts a valuable yet neglected resource, silted-up well full of mud, undrinkable and abandoned even by animals.]
九二 井谷射鮒。甕敝漏。
Jǐng gǔ shè fù, wèng bì lòu.
Nine in the second place means:
At the well's gully [well hollow, well bottom, well depression],
One shoots [fishes for] small fish [minnows].
The water jug is broken and leaks.
[This represents squandered potential — focusing on trivial gains with faulty tools, leading to waste.]
九三 井渫不食。為我心惻。可用汲。王明。並受其福。
Jǐng xiè bù shí, wéi wǒ xīn cè, kě yòng jí, wáng míng bìng shòu qí fú.
Nine in the third place means:
The well has been dredged [cleaned], but not drunk from.
This is sorrow to my heart.
For it could be drawn from.
If the king were discerning,
All would receive its blessing.
[Symbolizes overlooked value or potential that's ready but unused. A good opportunity or resource exists but is ignored.]
六四 井甃无咎。
Jǐng zhòu, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
The well is lined with brick/stone/tile. No blame.
[The well is being properly repaired or reinforced, ensuring stability without fault.]
九五 井冽。寒泉食。
Jǐng liè hán quán shí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The well is clear;
The cold spring [water] is drunk.
[Symbolizes accessible, high-quality resources or wisdom, fully utilized for nourishment.]
上六 井收勿幕。有孚元吉。
Jǐng shōu wù mù, yǒu fú yuán jí.
Six at the top means:
The well's drawing is complete;
Do not cover it.
There is sincerity.
Primordial/great good fortune.
[The well is fully operational and water is being drawn ("received"), so do not curtain or cover it — keep it open.]
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49. Gé - Radical Change (Revolution, Reform, Molting, Renewal, "Leather/Hide") 革。巳日乃孚。元亨。利貞。悔亡。 Gé, jǐ rì nǎi fú. Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, huǐ wáng. RADICAL CHANGE. |
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澤中有火，革。君子以治曆明時。 Zé zhōng yǒu huǒ, gé. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì lì míng shí. Fire in the midst of the Lake: the image of Gé. The noble man, in accordance with this, Regulates the calendar And makes clear the seasons. |
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初九 鞏用黃牛之革。
Gǒng yòng huáng niú zhī gé.
Nine at the beginning means:
Bound with the leather of a yellow ox.
[Symbolizes calm strength and self-control]
[At the start of change, restraint is key. Don't act yet; the time isn't ripe, so hold back to avoid tearing things apart.]
六二 巳日乃革之。征吉无咎。
Jǐ rì nǎi gé zhī, zhēng jí, wú jiù.
Six in the second place means:
On the jǐ-day [when the time is ripe],
Then enact the change.
To advance is auspicious. No blame.
[Now the timing aligns ("day of ji"), so move ahead confidently and implement the change deliberately and with purpose.]
九三 征凶貞厲。革言三就。有孚。
Zhēng xiōng, zhēn lì, gé yán sān jiù, yǒu fú.
Nine in the third place means:
To advance brings misfortune.
Steadfastness brings danger.
"The change" talk has gone round three times,
[Repeated deliberation - thorough consultation before action]
Then there is trust.
[Rushing ahead leads to disaster, even holding firm is risky without consensus. Sincerity is built after trust is secured.]
九四 悔亡有孚。改命吉。
Huǐ wáng, yǒu fú gǎi mìng, jí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Regret vanishes.
Having trust, changing the mandate:
[Altering fate or the heavenly mandate (a fundamental change in direction or role)]
Auspicious.
[This line marks a pivot where change becomes endorsed, gains legitimate authority.]
九五 大人虎變。未占有孚。
Dàrén hǔ biàn, wèi zhān yǒu fú.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The great man changes like a tiger.
[A leader or great person enacts transformation dramatically; the change is obvious to everyone]
Before consulting the oracle [even without divining],
There is trust [trust exists without needing confirmation].
[Sincerity is so evident that no oracle consultation is needed — intuition suffices.]
上六 君子豹變。小人革面。征凶。居貞吉。
Jūn zǐ bào biàn, xiǎo rén gé miàn, zhēng xiōng, jū zhēn jí.
Six at the top means:
The noble man changes like a leopard.
[The superior person refines change subtly - more refined than tiger transformation]
The petty man changes his face [outward aspect - superficial reform].
To advance brings misfortune.
[Now is the time to stabilize what has been achieved]
Abiding in steadfastness is auspicious.
[After major shifts, focus on internal refinement; avoid overreaching, and stability will be fortunate.]
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50. Dǐng - The Cauldron (The Ritual Sacrificial Vessel) 鼎。元吉。亨。 Dǐng, yuán jí, hēng. THE CAULDRON. |
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木上有火，鼎。君子以正位凝命。 Mù shàng yǒu huǒ, dǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèng wèi níng mìng. Wood above has fire, (this is the image of) Dǐng. The nobleman uses it to rectify his position And consolidate his mandate. |
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初六 鼎顛趾。利出否。得妾以其子。无咎。
Dǐng diān zhǐ, lì chū pǐ, dé qiè yǐ qí zǐ, wú jiù.
Six at the beginning means:
The cauldron's feet are upturned.
[The cauldron is turned upside down]
Beneficial to expel the foul/stagnant.
[Symbolizing the need to clear out old and useless]
Takes a concubine for the sake of her son.
[Concubine along with her son]
[Accepting something unconventional or humble for long-term gain/greater purpose]
No blame.
[If facing a blockage or outdated situation, actively remove obstacles; embrace non-traditional alliances or methods.]
九二 鼎有實。我仇有疾。不我能即。吉。
Dǐng yǒu shí, wǒ chóu yǒu jí, bù wǒ néng jí, jí.
Nine in the second place means:
The cauldron has substance [solid contents/food].
My adversaries/counterpart are afflicted/envious,
[But they] cannot reach/attack me.
[Self-sufficiency and protection through inner strength (because one's position is sound)]
Auspicious.
[Trust your resources and position; external threats are impotent if you stay grounded.]
九三 鼎耳革。其行塞。雉膏不食。方雨虧悔。終吉。
Dǐng ěr gé, qí xíng sè, zhì gāo bù shí, fāng yǔ kuī huǐ, zhōng jí.
Nine in the third place means:
The cauldron's handles/ears are altered/transformed [impaired].
Its movement/function [use] is obstructed.
The pheasant's rich fat is not eaten.
Just as rain falls, regret diminishes.
Ultimately auspicious.
[Here progress is stalled by misalignment or unreadiness — good opportunities are present but not yet graspable.]
九四 鼎折足。覆公餗。其形渥。凶。
Dǐng zhé zú, fù gōng sù, qí xíng wò, xiōng.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The cauldron's legs are broken/defective.
[The structure fails under the weight of responsibility]
The prince's thick gruel is overturned/spilled.
And his person is stained/soiled.
[Structural weakness leading to loss and humiliation]
Ominous.
[Disaster strikes: the cauldron's supports fail - this warns of structural weakness leading to loss and humiliation.]
六五 鼎黃耳金鉉。利貞。
Dǐng huáng ěr jīn xuàn, lì zhēn.
Six in the fifth place means:
The cauldron has yellow ears/handles, golden carrying rings/yokes.
[Symbolizing reliable, balanced leadership]
[The xuan (弦), a bronze tool for lifting the ding, is used to lift the two handles]
Beneficial to be/remain steadfast.
[You're in a position of influence or harmony; hold firm to your principles and use supportive tools/people wisely.]
上九 鼎玉鉉。大吉。无不利。
Dǐng yù xuàn, dà jí, wú bù lì.
Nine at the top means:
The cauldron has jade carrying rings/yokes.
[Elevating the vessel to its highest potential - noble refinement, spiritual excellence]
Greatly auspicious.
[Power and virtue are fully united]
[Embodies both firmness and gentleness, representing a wise and virtuous gentleman who is both talented and humble]
Nothing not beneficial.
[Culmination of refinement; embrace elevated ideals or methods for widespread gain. Nothing hinders progress.]
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51. Zhèn - The Arousing (Shock, Thunder, Sudden Awakening) 震。亨。震來虩虩。笑言啞啞。震驚百里。不喪匕鬯。 Zhèn, hēng. Zhèn lái xì xì, xiào yán yǎ yǎ. Zhèn jīng bǎi lǐ, bù sàng bǐ chàng. SHOCK brings about success. |
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洊雷，震。君子以恐懼修省。 Jiàn léi, zhèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ kǒng jù xiū xǐng. Repeated thunder constitutes the image of Zhèn. The superior person, through fear and trepidation, Cultivates and examines his person. |
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初九 震來虩虩。後笑言啞啞。吉。
Zhèn lái xì xì, hòu xiào yán yǎ yǎ, jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Shock comes - terrifying, terrifying!
Afterwards, laughing talk - ah, ah!
Good fortune.
[At the onset, shock hits hard with raw fear (trembling repeated). But it passes, leading to joyful relief (ha ha).]
六二 震來厲。億喪貝。躋于九陵。勿逐。七日得。
Zhèn lái lì, yì sàng bèi, jī yú jiǔ líng, wù zhú, qī rì dé.
Six in the second place means:
Shock comes, dangerous.
One may lose one's cowrie treasures [shell money].
Climbing the nine mounds [high hills],
[Withdraw to a vantage point, gain perspective]
Do not pursue.
In seven days, you will regain them.
[Shock brings real danger, potentially causing great loss. Instead of pursuing frantically, ascend to higher ground.]
六三 震蘇蘇。震行无眚。
Zhèn sū sū, zhèn xíng wú shěng.
Six in the third place means:
Shock [comes] leaving one shaken and unsettled;
[Great shock causing his spirit to scatter and become disoriented].
[Restless, reviving slowly]
If one acts in the shock,
One will be without fault.
[Shock stirs a sluggish/uneasy revival (like after fainting). If you respond actively to the shock, you avoid mistakes.]
九四 震遂泥。
Zhèn suì ní.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Shock is mired in mud [sinks into the mud].
[Being stuck, ineffective in aftermath. Fear has become paralysis.]
六五 震往來厲。意无喪有事。
Zhèn wǎng lái lì, yì wú sàng, yǒu shì.
Six in the fifth place means:
Shock goes and comes, dangerous.
[Yet] essentially nothing is lost;
There are affairs to be attended to.
[Shock oscillates (comes and goes), posing ongoing severity. Yet, despite the scale, nothing essential is truly lost.]
上六 震索索。視矍矍。征凶。震不于其躬。于其鄰。无咎。婚媾有言。
Zhèn suǒ suǒ, shì jué jué, zhēng xiōng, zhèn bù yú qí gōng, yú qí lín, wú jiù, hūn gòu yǒu yán.
Six at the top means:
Shock brings paralyzed stiffness and frightened glances.
Advancing brings misfortune.
If the shock has not yet reached one's own person
But has reached one's neighbor,
There is no blame.
[Blamelessness if shock hits others first]
One's companions will have words [of criticism].
[Shock induces paralysis (stiff, frozen) and panicked looks (darting eyes, repeated). Pushing forward is disastrous.]
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52. Gèn - Keeping Still (Stillness, Stilling, Arresting, Mountain) 艮。其背。不獲其身。行其庭。不見其人。无咎。 Gèn qí bèi, bù huò qí shēn, xíng qí tíng, bù jiàn qí rén, wú jiù. KEEPING STILL. |
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兼山，艮。君子以思不出其位。 Jiān shān, gèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ sī bù chū qí wèi. Mountains joined together: The image of Gèn (Stillness). Thus the superior man Does not allow his thoughts to go Beyond his position/situation. |
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初六 艮其趾。无咎。利永貞。
Gèn qí zhǐ, wú jiù, lì yǒng zhēn.
Six at the beginning means:
Stilling his toes.
No blame.
Beneficial to be constant and steadfast.
[To remain steadfast over time]
[Halting early prevents mistakes. Recognize a problematic course early and refrain from taking the first step.]
六二 艮其腓。不拯其隨。其心不快。
Gèn qí féi, bù zhěng qí suí, qí xīn bù kuài.
Six in the second place means:
Stilling his calves.
He cannot rescue/save the one he follows.
His heart is not glad/happy.
[The person wishes to follow or help someone but cannot. Thus frustration arises.]
[Don't chase what you can't control; accept limitations to avoid frustration.]
九三 艮其限。列其夤。厲熏心。
Gèn qí xiàn, liè qí yín, lì xūn xīn.
Nine in the third place means:
Stilling his waist/loins.
His spine muscles are split/torn [cleaving the spine].
Danger. It smothers/scorches/suffocates the heart [emotional distress].
[Over-rigidity causing inner harm.]
六四 艮其身。无咎。
Gèn qí shēn, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
Stilling his torso/trunk.
No blame.
[Centered calm without overreaching. Stillness is natural rather than forced.]
六五 艮其輔。言有序。悔亡。
Gèn qí fǔ, yán yǒu xù, huǐ wáng.
Six in the fifth place means:
Stilling his jaws/cheeks.
Words have sequence/order [measured speech].
Regret vanishes.
[Restraint in communication leads to harmony.]
上九 敦艮吉。
Dūn gèn, jí.
Nine at the top means:
Sincerely/Massively stilling [Profound stillness].
Auspicious.
[Full, genuine stillness at the peak — solid and unwavering. It is complete inner stability.]
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53. Jiàn - Gradual Advance (Gradual Progress, Development) 漸。女歸吉。利貞。 Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn. GRADUAL ADVANCE. [When] a young woman is married [and joins her new household] |
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山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。 Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú. Above the mountain, there is wood: the image of Gradual Advance. Thus, the noble person dwells in worthy virtue And improves (or beautifies) the customs. |
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初六 鴻漸于干。小子厲有言。無咎。
Hóng jiàn yú gān, xiǎo zǐ lì, yǒu yán, wú jiù.
Six at the beginning means:
The wild goose gradually advances to the riverbank [near the shore].
The youngest son [young person] is in danger.
[Beginner or subordinate in a vulnerable position]
There is [criticism and] gossip. No blame.
[You're exposed and may face minor threats/judgments. If you proceed gradually without overreacting, there's no fault.]
六二 鴻漸于磐。飲食衎衎。吉。
Hóng jiàn yú pán, yǐn shí kàn kàn, jí.
Six in the second place means:
The wild goose gradually advances to the boulder [large rock].
Eating and drinking are joyful and harmonious.
[Supportive environment where basic needs are met harmoniously]
Auspicious.
[Progress is smooth when you find reliable allies or resources; enjoyment comes from simple, balanced interactions.]
九三 鴻漸于陸。夫征不復。婦孕不育。凶。利禦寇。
Hóng jiàn yú lù, fū zhēng bù fù, fù yùn bù yù, xiōng; lì yù kòu.
Nine in the third place means:
The wild goose gradually advances to the highland [dry plateau].
The husband goes to war and does not return.
The wife is pregnant but does not rear/raise [the child].
[Does not give birth perhaps - fails to nurture]
Misfortune.
Beneficial for guarding against/fending off robbers/bandits.
[Haste or improper timing disrupts natural order, leading to separation, loss, or incomplete efforts.]
六四 鴻漸于木。或得其桷。无咎。
Hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
The wild goose gradually advances to the tree.
Perhaps it obtains a flat [stable] branch [on which to rest].
[Perch that's secure but precarious]
No blame.
[In an awkward or unstable situation, adaptability leads to safety and allows safe and blameless progress.]
九五 鴻漸于陵。婦三歲不孕。終莫之勝。吉。
Hóng jiàn yú líng, fù sān suì bù yùn, zhōng mò zhī shèng, jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The wild goose gradually advances to the hill [summit].
For three years the woman does not conceive.
In the end, nothing can overcome her [defeat her purpose].
[Persistence overcomes barriers - fate or obstacles cannot prevent eventual success]
Auspicious.
[Long waits or obstacles in leadership/central positions eventually resolve favorably if you endure/maintain virtue.]
上九 鴻漸于陸。其羽可用為儀。吉。
Hóng jiàn yú lù, qí yǔ kě yòng wéi yí, jí.
Nine at the top means:
The wild goose gradually advances to the plateau [crossroads/thoroughfare].
[Or high, level ground - beyond ordinary concerns]
Its feathers can be used for ceremonial rites.
Auspicious.
[Completion of gradual progress leads to spiritual or exemplary influence.]
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54. Guī Mèi - The Marrying Maiden (The Secondary Bride, The Younger Sister Marries) 歸妹。征凶。无攸利。 Guī Mèi, zhēng xiōng, wú yōu lì. THE MARRYING MAIDEN. |
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澤上有雷，歸妹。君子以永終知敝。 Zé shàng yǒu léi, guī mèi. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǒng zhōng zhī bì. Thunder over the Lake: The image of THE MARRYING MAIDEN. Thus the superior person understands transience Within the everlasting nature of endings. |
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初九 歸妹以娣。跛能履。征吉。
Guī mèi yǐ dì. Bǒ néng lǚ. Zhēng jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
The marrying maiden as a secondary bride/wife [concubine].
A lame person who is [still] able to tread.
[Even with limitations, steady progress is possible if you don't overextend]
To set forth brings good fortune.
[If you're in a low/restricted position (e.g. new job), persist quietly—good results follow from adaptability, not complaint.]
九二 眇能視。利幽人之貞。
Miǎo néng shì. Lì yōu rén zhī zhēn.
Nine in the second place means:
A one-eyed person who is [still] able to see.
[Limited resources or perspective/understanding yet sufficient for the task]
The perseverance of a secluded person [someone withdrawn or in solitude] is fruitful.
[Withdrawing or staying low-key (like a hermit) allows perseverance to pay off]
[This line advises solitude and inner strength during uncertainty; don't seek alliances or visibility yet.]
六三 歸妹以須。反歸以娣。
Guī mèi yǐ xū, fǎn guī yǐ dì.
Six in the third place means:
The marrying maiden as a [waiting] attendant.
[Lowly or delayed position like a servant or someone biding time (woman awaiting marriage)]
She turns back/returns and is married off
As a secondary bride/wife [concubine].
[Overall, this line warns of impatience or overreaching from a weak spot, resulting in demotion.]
九四 歸妹愆期。遲歸有時。
Guī mèi qiān qī, chí guī yǒu shí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The marrying maiden delays the date [misses the appointed time].
[Delaying a union or action beyond the expected moment, avoiding haste]
A late/delayed marriage has its proper time.
[Waiting aligns with proper timing, turning potential misfortune into opportunity]
[Restraint here builds strength; don't rush into commitments.]
六五 帝乙歸妹。其君之袂。不如其娣之袂良。月幾望吉。
Dì Yǐ guī mèi, qí jūn zhī mèi, bù rú qí dì zhī mèi liáng, yuè jī wàng, jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Emperor Yi [father of King Wen] gives his daughter in marriage.
The sleeves of the ruler's daughter
Are not as splendid
As those of the secondary bride/wife [concubine].
[Voluntary humility despite high status affirms success from this restraint]
The moon is almost full.
[Approaching fulfillment without excess]
Good fortune.
[Even from a position of power, act with understatement and equality—avoid ostentation. Prioritize harmony over show.]
上六 女承筐无實。士刲羊无血。无攸利。
Nǚ chéng kuāng wú shí, shì kuī yáng wú xuè, wú yōu lì.
Six at the top means:
The woman holds/carries the basket,
But there is no fruit in it [it is empty].
The man stabs [sacrifices] the sheep,
But no blood flows.
Nothing that would further.
[Actions here are futile, lacking sincerity or vitality-Everything looks correct externally, yet nothing real is happening]
[This line signals hollow efforts or endings without results; abandon pursuits.]
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55. Fēng - Abundance (Abundance of Clear Discernment, Peak Fullness, Blinded by Success) 豐。亨。王假之。勿憂。宜日中。 Fēng, hēng, wáng jiǎ zhī, wù yōu, yí rì zhōng. ABUNDANCE. Success [smooth progress]. |
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雷電皆至，豐。君子以折獄致刑。 Léi diàn jiē zhì, fēng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhé yù zhì xíng. Thunder and lightning both arrive: this is the image of Abundance. Thus, the noble person, in judging legal cases, Carries out punishments. |
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初九 遇其配主。雖旬无咎。往有尚。
Yù qí pèi zhǔ, suī xún wú jiù, wǎng yǒu shàng.
Nine at the beginning means:
Meeting one's matching lord.
[Meeting a complementary equal, fitting counterpart, perhaps line two]
Even for ten days [a whole cycle], no blame.
Going forth [together] brings esteem [elevation and honor].
[A strong start in abundance: you meet a complementary ally or equal (like a matched lord) who shares your path.]
六二 豐其蔀。日中見斗。往得疑疾。有孚發若。吉。
Fēng qí bù, rì zhōng jiàn dǒu, wǎng dé yí jí, yǒu fú fā ruò, jí.
Six in the second place means:
Abundance covered by a screen.
[Implies obstruction or veiling abundance - something obscuring abundance].
At midday, seeing the Dipper.
Going forth meets with suspicion and illness.
[Doubt or mistrust leading to affliction]
If there is sincerity/truthfulness, and it is expressed/activated,
[Like the sun breaking through]
There will be good fortune.
[Obstructions cloud your view; counter them with genuine faith and initiative to dispel doubts and achieve good outcomes.]
九三 豐其沛。日中見沬。折其右肱。无咎。
Fēng qí pèi, rì zhōng jiàn mèi, zhé qí yòu gōng, wú jiù.
Nine in the third place means:
Abundance is like a dense/dark curtain.
[Excessive abundance floods like a heavy curtain].
At midday, seeing small stars [faint specks].
Breaking his right arm. No blame.
[Your ability to act is temporarily impaired, yet this is not your fault]
[Excessive abundance is dimming the day to where only faint specks (foam-like stars or illusions) appear.]
九四 豐其蔀。日中見斗。遇其夷主。吉。
Fēng qí bù, rì zhōng jiàn dǒu, yù qí yí zhǔ, jí.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Abundance covered by a screen.
[Implies obstruction or veiling abundance - something obscuring abundance].
At midday, seeing the Dipper.
Meeting one's leveling lord [meeting the equal who knows the dark].
[Balancing counterpart is yielding line five, concealed brightness]
Good fortune.
[Similar veiling as in line 2 but here, you encounter an "equalizing ruler"—a balancing counterpart who levels the excess.]
六五 來章。有慶譽吉。
Lái zhāng, yǒu qìng yù, jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Coming [with] brightness [patterned brilliance - outer expression of inner clarity].
[Clarity and excellence arrive - like beneficial influences or allies]
There is cause for celebration and praise.
Good fortune.
[Positive qualities become visible and attract support, recognition, and success.]
上六 豐其屋。蔀其家。闚其戶。闃其无人。三歲不覿。凶。
Fēng qí wū, bù qí jiā, kuī qí hù, què qí wú rén, sān suì bù dí, xiōng.
Six at the top means:
Enlarging his house.
[His house is in full abundance]
Covering his household [family] with thatch.
[Screens off his family]
Peeping through his door/gate [looking inside the house/yard],
It is still and without people.
For three years, he does not see anyone.
[Abundance turns inward and excessive - external prosperity grows, but isolation grows with it]
Misfortune.
[The house is overfull, veiling the family (hiding inner life), long isolated period leads to misfortune from seclusion.]
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56. Lǚ - Странац (Луталица) 旅。小亨。旅貞吉。 Lǚ xiǎo hēng. Lǚ zhēnjí. THE TRAVELER. Success through smallness [modest/limited success is possible]. |
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山上有火，旅。君子以明慎用刑，而不留狱。 Fire on the mountain: the image of THE TRAVELER. Thus the noble person is clear-minded and cautious In applying punishments, And does not protract legal disputes. |
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初六 旅瑣瑣。斯其所取災。
Lǚ suǒ suǒ, sī qí suǒ qǔ zāi.
Six at the beginning means:
The traveler is mean and petty [acts in a trivial, petty way].
[Perhaps obsessing over minor details or acting cheaply; losing dignity]
This is what brings calamity upon himself [like attracting thieves or mishaps].
[At the start, the traveler behaves in a small-minded, fussy manner. This self-sabotaging attitude draws trouble.]
六二 旅即次。懷其資。得童僕貞。
Lǚ jí cì, huái qí zī, dé tóng pú zhēn.
Six in the second place means:
The traveler comes to his lodging [at an inn].
[Settles temporarily]
He is in possession of his traveling funds [carries his resources].
He gains the steadfastness/loyalty of a young servant.
[The traveler reaches a safe resting spot, has his essentials, secures reliable help. This builds a stable base.]
九三 旅焚其次。喪其童僕。貞厲。
Lǚ fén qí cì, sàng qí tóng pú, zhēn lì.
Nine in the third place means:
The traveler's lodging [inn] burns down
He loses the steadfastness/loyalty of his young servant.
[Overconfidence or haste causes disaster]
Perseverance/correctness brings danger.
[As the situation demands quick adaptation - danger lies in stubbornness/persistence]
[If you're pushing too hard in unstable conditions, you risk losing what little support you have. Step back, reassess.]
九四 旅于處。得其資斧。我心不快。
Lǚ yú chù, dé qí zī fǔ, wǒ xīn bù kuài.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The traveler is in a resting/dwelling place [a shelter].
He obtains/acquires his traveling funds and his axe [a weapon for protection].
But my heart/mind is not joyful [at ease].
[Emotional discomfort signals something's off - caution against complacency]
[Even with material security, emotional discomfort signals something's off; perhaps isolation or unresolved issues.]
六五 射雉。一矢亡。終以譽命。
Shè zhì, yī shǐ wáng, zhōng yǐ yù mìng.
Six in the fifth place means:
He shoots a pheasant
One arrow is spent/lost.
[A small effort yields a prize, though with a minor loss]
In the end, he receives praise and an appointment [a mandate].
[This leads to recognition and a new role or opportunity]
[In uncertain travels, a calculated risk/modest action can bring rewards/elevation. Accept small costs for bigger gains.]
上九 鳥焚其巢。旅人先笑後號咷。喪牛于易。凶。
Niǎo fén qí cháo, lǚ rén xiān xiào hòu háo táo, sàng niú yú yì, xiōng.
Nine at the top means:
A bird burns its nest.
[Like a bird destroying its own home through carelessness/excessive elevation]
The traveler first laughs,
Afterwards wails and laments.
He loses his ox through carelessness [lit. in a borderland; in Yi 易].
[Ox symbolizing livelihood, reliability or direction]
Misfortune.
[Total misfortune from negligence]
[The traveler starts with joy or overconfidence but ends in sorrow—losing something vital in a lax/frontier-like setting.]
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57. Xùn - The Gentle Penetrating (Wind, The Gentle, Compliance, Subtle Influence) 巽。小亨。利有攸往。利見大人。 Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén. THE GENTLE PENETRATING. |
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隨風，巽。君子以申命行事。 Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì. Following wind: The image of Xùn. Thus, the superior person reiterates commands And carries out affairs. |
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初六 進退。利武人之貞。
Jìn tuì, lì wǔ rén zhī zhēn.
Six at the beginning means:
Hesitant advance and retreat.
The perseverance of a warrior is advantageous.
[A warrior here means discipline, not force]
[This line shows indecision, like someone wavering between moving forward or pulling back in a new venture.]
九二 巽在牀下。用史巫。紛若。吉。无咎。
Xùn zài chuáng xià, yòng shǐ wū fēn ruò, jí, wú jiù.
Nine in the second place means:
Penetrating under the bed.
[Gentle influence reaches hidden or low places - the obscure or subconscious]
Use/employ scribes and shamans, in abundance and variety.
[Seeking diverse advice from experts, diviners, or counselors in a thorough, even chaotic way]
Auspicious. No blame.
[By humbly consulting multiple sources without ego, you uncover truths (hidden causes of a problem) and resolve issues.]
九三 頻巽吝。
Pín xùn, lìn.
Nine in the third place means:
Constrained penetration.
[Overdoing the penetration - again and again penetrating]
[Frequent/repeated penetration - implying over-insistence]
Regret/humiliation.
[The meaning highlights exhaustion from forcing subtlety into aggression, leading to regret or embarrassment.]
六四 悔亡。田獲三品。
Huǐ wáng, tián huò sān pǐn.
Six in the fourth place means:
Regret vanishes.
In the hunt,
Capturing three kinds of game.
[Regret from past mistakes fades as practical success arrives-consistent effort now yields substantial practical results.]
九五 貞吉悔亡。无不利。无初有終。先庚三日。後庚三日。吉。
Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, wú bù lì, wú chū yǒu zhōng, xiān gēng sān rì, hòu gēng sān rì, jí.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Firm correctness in perseverance brings auspiciousness.
Regret vanishes.
Nothing is not advantageous.
No beginning [the beginning was flawed], but there is an [good] end.
Before the Geng day [the change or renewal], three days;
After the Geng day [the change or renewal], three days.
[Advises careful timing, preparation and reflection afterwards]
Auspicious.
[This line is about strategic planning around transitions (correction or reform), ensuring lasting success through patience.]
上九 巽在牀下。喪其資斧。貞凶。
Xùn zài chuáng xià, sàng qí zī fǔ, zhēn xiōng.
Nine at the top means:
Penetrating under the bed.
[Gentle influence reaches hidden or low places - the obscure or subconscious]
Loses his resources/assets and axe.
[Overextension of gentleness — penetrating too far into the hidden - the person loses practical power]
Firm perseverance brings misfortune.
[Subtlety has become ineffective or paranoid - when influence reaches its limit, it collapses]
[Recognize when to stop probing or yielding; persistence in a lost cause leads to ruin—withdraw to prevent total loss.]
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58. Duì - The Joyous (Open Exchange, Joyful Expression, The Lake) 兌。亨。利貞。 Duì, hēng, lì zhēn. THE JOYOUS. Success [smooth progress]. |
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麗澤，兌。君子以朋友講習。 Lì zé, duì. Jūn zǐ yǐ péng yǒu jiǎng xí. Lakes joined together: this is the image of Duì. In accordance with this, The superior person engages with friends In discussion and practice. |
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初九 和兌吉。
Hé duì, jí.
Nine at the beginning means:
Harmonious joyousness. Auspicious.
[This line shows joy arising from inner balance and mutual accord, without conflict. It's a strong starting position.]
九二 孚兌吉。悔亡。
Fú duì, jí, huǐ wáng.
Nine in the second place means:
Sincere/trusting joyousness. Auspicious.
Remorse/regret disappears.
[Here, joy stems from genuine trust and honesty, dispelling any past doubts or mistakes.]
六三 來兌凶。
Lái duì, xiōng.
Six in the third place means:
Incoming [solicitous, flattery] joyousness.
[Joy that "comes in" or is sought externally, with a pleading or ingratiating tone]
Ominous.
[Joy sought externally (from outside yourself) or through flattery arrives, but it's unstable and leads to trouble.]
九四 商兌未寧。介疾有喜。
Shāng duì wèi níng, jiè jí yǒu xǐ.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Debated/weighed [calculating] joyousness is not yet at peace.
[Yet] by distancing from
[Or setting boundaries against] the affliction, there is joy.
[Actively reject harmful elements (people, habits) to find peace]
[Joy is debated/weighed internally, causing unrest. By setting firm boundaries against negative influences, true joy emerges.]
九五 孚于剝。有厲。
Fú yú bāo, yǒu lì.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Sincerity/trust placed
In that which strips away [erodes, decay].
[Like deceitful allies or fading opportunities]
There is danger.
[Placing faith in destructive forces that decay or strip away stability is perilous.]
上六 引兌。
Yǐn duì.
Six at the top means:
Seductive [leading/drawing-in] joyousness
[Alluring but empty pleasures that lead nowhere.]
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59. Huàn - Dispersing (Dissolving Obstacles, Dispersing Separation, Scattering) 渙。亨。王假有廟。利涉大川。利貞。 Huàn, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn. DISPERSING [brings] success. |
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風行水上，渙。先王以享于帝立廟。 Fēng xíng shuǐ shàng, huàn. Xiān wáng yǐ xiǎng yú dì lì miào. Wind moves over water: this is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, accordingly, Presented offerings to the Lord on High (上帝 Shàngdì) And established temples. |
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初六 用拯馬壯吉。
Yòng zhěng mǎ zhuàng, jí.
Six at the beginning means:
Using a strong horse for rescue.
[Swift, decisive action now prevents worse problems later]
Auspicious.
[Trouble/blockage is approaching. Don't hesitate—grab strong, reliable help immediately and rescue the situation.]
九二 渙奔其机。悔亡。
Huàn bēn qí jī, huǐ wáng.
Nine in the second place means:
In dispersion,
Rushing to one's [place of] support [perhaps the bottom line].
[A safe base, trusted advisor, or core principle]
Regret vanishes.
[Things are scattering around you. Do not cling or panic. Quickly move toward a solid place or person of support.]
六三 渙其躬。无悔。
Huàn qí gōng, wú huǐ.
Six in the third place means:
Dispersing one's own self [his self-interest].
[Let go of “me-first” thinking or personal attachment]
No regret.
[Sacrifice your own ego or comfort for the larger situation.]
六四 渙其羣元吉。渙有丘。匪夷所思。
Huàn qí qún, yuán jí. Huàn yǒu qiū, fěi yí suǒ sī.
Six in the fourth place means:
Dispersing one's clique.
Primordial good fortune.
Dispersing forms a hill/mound [accumulation of higher gathering].
Not what the common/ordinary mind thinks of.
[After the scattering, something stronger and higher naturally gathers (the “mound”).]
九五 渙汗其大號。渙。王居无咎。
Huàn hàn qí dà hào, huàn wáng jū, wú jiù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Dispersion [like the streaming of] sweat
In king's great proclamation/announcement.
[The “sweat” metaphor emphasizes something irreversible and relieving]
[When] the king resides/abides in disarray [taking his proper position]
No blame.
[Clear/firm decision or announcement issued (or received) spreads like sweat from effort: once out, it cannot be taken back and brings relief.]
上九 渙其血。去逖出。无咎。
Huàn qí xuè, qù tì chū, wú jiù.
Nine at the top means:
Dispersing his blood [danger/injury, emotional entanglement or blood ties].
[The danger or toxic tie (symbolized by “blood”) is now dispersing]
Departing, keeping at a distance, going out,
[Leave it completely behind — go far away, depart, create distance]
No blame.
[... and you will be safe]
[Remove yourself completely from the danger or harmful attachment. Distance brings safety.]
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60. Jié - Limitation (Measure, Proper Limits, Measured Restraint) 節。亨。苦節不可貞。 Jié, hēng. Kǔ jié, bù kě zhēn. LIMITATION [brings about] success. |
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澤上有水，節。君子以制數度，議德行。 Over the lake there is water: this constitutes the image of Limitation. Thus, the noble person establishes regulations and measures, And examines virtue and conduct. |
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初九 不出戶庭。无咎。
Bù chū hù tíng, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
Not going out through the door of the [inner] courtyard.
[Stay inside your immediate private sphere (within familiar boundaries) until conditions become clearer]
No blame.
[No error comes from beginning with restraint; the time to expand has not arrived.]
九二 不出門庭。凶。
Bù chū mén tíng, xiōng.
Nine in the second place means:
Not going out through the door of the outer courtyard.
Misfortune.
[Limitation must not become permanent isolation. When the moment to engage arrives, step out.]
六三 不節若。則嗟若。无咎。
Bù jié ruò, zé jiē ruò, wú jiù.
Six in the third place means:
If one does not practice limitation,
Then there will be sighing [lamentation].
No blame.
[You are not applying the necessary limit, and the result is audible regret.]
六四 安節亨。
Ān jié, hēng.
Six in the fourth place means:
At ease [comfortable] with limitation. Success.
[The limitation you have set now feels natural and secure.]
九五 甘節吉。往有尚。
Gān jié, jí. Wǎng yǒu shàng.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Sweet limitation [brings] good fortune.
[The limitation is no longer experienced as sacrifice - it has become wisdom]
Going forward meets with esteem [brings honor].
[The limitation has become “sweet” – pleasant, balanced, even enjoyable.]
上六 苦節貞凶。悔亡。
Kǔ jié, zhēn xiōng, huǐ wáng.
Six at the top means:
Bitter limitation.
[Even if one is] steadfast, [it leads to] misfortune.
Regret vanishes.
[The limitation has turned bitter and you are trying to hold it with pure willpower.]
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61. Zhōng Fú - Centered Sincerity (Inner Truth, Genuine Trust) 中孚。豚魚吉。利涉大川。利貞。 Zhōng fú, tún yú jí, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn. CENTERED SINCERITY. [True sincerity reaches even] piglets and fish, |
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風行澤中，中孚。君子以議獄緩死。 Fēng xíng zé zhōng, zhōng fú. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì yù huǎn sǐ. Wind moves over the lake: the image of Inner Truth. Thus, the superior person deliberates over litigation And delays death penalties. |
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初九 虞吉。有他不燕。
Yú jí, yǒu tā bù yàn.
Nine at the beginning means:
Being prepared/at peace brings auspiciousness.
[Your foundation must be inner preparedness and peace]
If there are other aims [concerns/intentions/agenda], it will not be tranquil [at ease/peaceful].
[Stay centered in sincerity without secret plans or divided loyalties]
[Inner truth requires freedom from hidden agendas; divided motives destroy peace.]
九二 鳴鶴在陰。其子和之。我有好爵。吾與爾靡之。
Míng hè zài yīn, qí zǐ hé zhī, wǒ yǒu hǎo jué, wú yǔ ěr mǐ zhī.
Nine in the second place means:
A calling crane is in the shade.
Its young one harmonizes with it [answers it].
"I have a fine cup of wine,
I will share it [completely] with you".
[True sincerity creates natural resonance/response - no force, just mutual joy.]
六三 得敵。或鼓或罷。或泣或歌。
Dé dí, huò gǔ huò bà, huò qì huò gē.
Six in the third place means:
One encounters an opponent [or an equal/perfect counterpart, exact match, friend, comrade].
Now drumming, now stopping;
Now weeping, now singing.
[Your center of gravity is now outside yourself (tied to the other person), you lose steadiness.]
六四 月幾望。馬匹亡。无咎。
Yuè jī wàng, mǎ pǐ wáng, wú jiù.
Six in the fourth place means:
The moon is nearly full.
A team horse loses its mate.
[Mate separated/companion gone]
No blame.
[Near-perfect sincerity sometimes requires releasing a close tie. Doing so cleanly brings no blame.]
九五 有孚攣如。无咎。
Yǒu fú luán rú. Wú jiù.
Nine in the fifth place means:
There is truth/sincerity
That binds everything/all together.
No blame.
[The leader or decision-maker whose inner truth creates real cohesion. People unite voluntarily/without coercion.]
上九 翰音登于天。貞凶。
Hàn yīn dēng yú tiān, zhēn xiōng.
Nine at the top means:
A fowl's [cock’s] cry ascends to heaven.
[Empty display — the cock crows loudly as if it could reach heaven, but it cannot fly]
Steadfastness [in this] brings misfortune.
[Empty display replaces genuine sincerity; insisting on appearances rather than reality brings misfortune.]
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62. Xiǎo Guò - Small Exceeding (Minor Surpassing) 小過。亨。利貞。可小事。不可大事。飛鳥遺之音。不宜上宜下。大吉。 Xiǎo guò, hēng. Lì zhēn. Kě xiǎo shì, bù kě dà shì. Fēi niǎo yí zhī yīn, bù yí shàng, yí xià, dà jí. SMALL EXCEEDING. Success. |
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山上有雷，小過。君子以行過乎恭，喪過乎哀，用過乎儉。 Shān shàng yǒu léi, xiǎo guò. Jūn zǐ yǐ xíng guò hū gōng, sàng guò hū āi, yòng guò hū jiǎn. Thunder over the mountain: the image of Minor Surpassing. Thus, the superior person, in conduct, surpasses in reverence; In mourning, surpasses in grief; In expenditure, surpasses in frugality. |
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初六 飛鳥以凶。
Fēi niǎo yǐ xiōng.
Six at the beginning means:
The flying bird brings misfortune.
[The bird flies too soon. Stay grounded - do nothing ambitious yet - attempting too much too soon invites failure.]
六二 過其祖。遇其妣。不及其君。遇其臣。无咎。
Guò qí zǔ, yù qí bǐ. Bù jí qí jūn, yù qí chén, wú jiù.
Six in the second place means:
Surpassing one's grandfather [male ancestor];
Meeting one's grandmother [ancestress].
Not reaching one's prince [the ruler];
Meeting his minister.
No blame.
[Do not force your way to the highest position - walk the humble path: work through appropriate/accessible connections.]
九三 弗過防之。從或戕之。凶。
Fú guò fáng zhī, cóng huò qiāng zhī, xiōng.
Nine in the third place means:
[If one] does not exceed [the limit] in order to guard against [harm],
If one proceeds anyway [simply going along as if everything is normal; disdains taking thorough precautions]
Then perhaps someone may injure him [from behind, unexpectedly].
Misfortune.
[Avoid carelessness; neglecting obvious dangers invites harm. The time demands attention to small/insignificant things.]
九四 无咎。弗過遇之。往厲必戒。勿用永貞。
Wú jiù. Fú guò yù zhī, wǎng lì bì jiè, wù yòng yǒng zhēn.
Nine in the fourth place means:
No blame. Without exceeding [the limit], one meets him [the right person or situation].
Going forward is dangerous. One must be cautious/watchful.
Do not act. Be constantly persevering.
[Stop, be extremely cautious, do not act. Hold your position and remain vigilant. Just keep persevering in quiet correctnes.]
六五 密雲不雨。自我西郊。公弋取彼在穴。
Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo, gōng yì qǔ bǐ zài xué.
Six in the fifth place means:
Dense clouds, no rain,
Coming from our western suburbs.
The duke shoots with a stringed arrow
And takes/catches it [the bird] in its cave/nest/hole.
[Even when larger goals are blocked, a carefully aimed small action will hit its target and bring success.]
上六 弗遇過之。飛鳥離之。凶。是謂災眚。
Fú yù guò zhī, fēi niǎo lí zhī, xiōng, shì wèi zāi shěng.
Six at the top means:
Not meeting [the right moment/proper occasion], but exceeding it [passing beyond it].
The flying bird leaves it behind.
Misfortune.
This is called calamity and disaster.
[You missed the right moment to connect or act - you went too far. Stop and retreat immediately.]
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63. Jì Jì - Already Completed (After Completion, Already Across, Already Forded) 既濟。亨小。利貞。初吉。終亂。 Jì jì, hēng xiǎo, lì zhēn. Chū jí, zhōng luàn. ALREADY COMPLETED. Success in small matters. |
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水在火上，既濟。君子以思患而預防之。 Water over Fire: the image of ALREADY FORDED. In the same manner, the superior person thinks of potential harm And takes preventive measures against it. |
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初九 曳其輪。濡其尾。无咎。
Yè qí lún, rú qí wěi, wú jiù.
Nine at the beginning means:
He drags [draws back/pulls/restrains/breaks] his wheels.
He wets his tail [in the water].
No blame.
[Slow down, a small inconvenience ahead - no big deal. A small setback encourages caution and prevents greater problems.]
六二 婦喪其茀。勿逐。七日得。
Fù sàng qí fà, wù zhú, qī rì dé.
Six in the second place means:
A woman loses her carriage curtain.
Do not chase it [pursue/seek after it];
In seven days you will get it.
[What belongs to you will return naturally]
[Something valuable but secondary has slipped away - do not force the issue. Not every loss requires immediate action.]
九三 高宗伐鬼方。三年克之。小人勿用。
Gāo zōng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián kè zhī, xiǎo rén wù yòng.
Nine in the third place means:
The High Ancestor [King Wu Ding of Shang]
Attacked the Demon Region [Gui Territory].
For three years he conquered/subjugated it.
Petty people are not to be employed.
[Prolonged struggle was necessary and successful, but lowering standards now would be wrong.]
六四 繻有衣袽。終日戒。
Xū yǒu yī rú, zhōng rì jiè.
Six in the fourth place means:
[Even the] fine silk clothes become patched rags.
Be on guard all day.
[A warning of sudden reversal of fortunes - success itself creates the conditions for decline.]
九五 東鄰殺牛。不如西鄰之禴祭。實受其福。
Dōng lín shā niú, bù rú xī lín zhī yuè jì, shí shòu qí fú.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox
But it is not equal
To the western neighbor's
Simple summer offering [Yuè jì - modest offering].
Truly, one receives the blessing.
[Quality of intent matters more than quantity of expenditure]
[Extravagance and show do not impress Heaven. Modest, heartfelt effort does.]
上六 濡其首。厲。
Rú qí shǒu, lì.
Six at the top means:
He wets his head [in the water]. Danger.
[Danger of post-success "drowning" - do not dwell on the crossing experience, move on.]
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64. Wèi Jì - Not Yet Across (Before Completion, Not Yet Completed) 未濟。亨。小狐汔濟。濡其尾。无攸利。 Wèi jì, hēng. Xiǎo hú qì jì, rú qí wěi, wú yōu lì. NOT YET ACROSS. Success. |
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火在水上，未濟。君子以慎辨物居方。 Fire above water: This is the image of Not Yet Across. The noble person, by this, is careful in distinguishing things And positioning them appropriately. |
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初六 濡其尾。吝。
Rú qí wěi. Lìn.
Six at the beginning means:
Gets its tail soaked/wet [in the river water].
Humiliation [regrettable embarrassment].
[Early, avoidable mistake (a beginner's mistake), that brings distress or humiliation. Not catastrophic.]
九二 曳其輪。貞吉。
Yè qí lún. Zhēnjí.
Nine in the second place means:
He drags [draws back/pulls/restrains/breaks] his wheels.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
[Even though you feel the goal is close, this is the moment to slow down and hold firm. Success comes through restraint.]
六三 未濟征凶。利涉大川。
Wèi jì, zhēng xiōng, lì shè dà chuān.
Six in the third place means:
Not yet across,
To advance brings misfortune.
[Yet] it is advantageous to cross the great river.
[Reckless advance fail; full, properly prepared commitment, timed correctly, succeeds.]
九四 貞吉悔亡。震用伐鬼方。三年有賞于大國。
Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, zhèn yòng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián yǒu shǎng yú dà guó.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Regret vanishes.
Using thunderous/vigorous force,
He attacks the Gui Fang region [the Devil’s Country].
[After] three years,
He is rewarded by the great kingdom.
[This is the stage where long, disciplined effort against serious obstacles finally pays off.]
六五 貞吉无悔。君子之光。有孚吉。
Zhēnjí wú huǐ. Jūnzǐ zhī guāng. Yǒu fú jí.
Six in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
No regret.
The splendor of the noble person.
[The noble person's radiance]
Possessing sincerity
Brings good fortune.
[Lead by quiet example and unwavering truthfulness. People will naturally follow and support you.]
上九 有孚于飲酒。无咎。濡其首。有孚失是。
Yǒu fú yú yǐnjiǔ. Wú jiù. Rú qí shǒu. Yǒu fú shī shì.
Nine at the top means:
Possessing sincerity in drinking wine.
No blame.
If he gets his head soaked [i.e. overindulges],
He loses that sincerity
[And thus] this correctness.
[The moment of completion is the most dangerous. Celebrate moderately.]
