There were "old" features in your gua (hexagram). It means that you have two hexagrams. The first one — is something that the Book tells you at the moment, the second is something it warns you about. |
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  1. Force (qián). The CreativeAdvise
Life is endless sequence of changes. Try to evaluate energy, learn to acquire, accumulate and give, lose. Swallow your pride. Do not try to raise higher Heavens as everything will return to the Earth. The great is similar to the small.
Inital text of I ChingThe Judgement
The Creative works sublime success,
Furthering through perseverance.
The Image
The movement of heaven is full of power.
Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.
- Hidden dragon. Do not act.
- Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man.
- All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame.
- Wavering flight over the depths.No blame.
- Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man.
- Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
There appears a flight of dragons without heads.
Good fortune. Prediction
It is beginning to everything. It is time to act in accordance with Higher Reason. Something started should be finished. Study to manage the creative process, be able to restrain and direct energy consciously. Do not think and reason about benefits. Do not reject joy and grief. Be constant and reserved in speech, careful and consistent in actions. Moving forward on the way to knowledge, improve your life, find new goals. Do not neglect trifles – the great consists of small things. Having raised high, do not be too proud; falling down, do not despair – nothing is constant. People, who cannot part with something, have lost the wisdom. Be careful even if there are no reasons. Any good hides danger and any danger hides good. Everything is dual.
The first hexagram is made up of six unbroken lines. These unbroken lines
stand for the primal power, which is light-giving, active, strong, and of the
spirit. The hexagram is consistently strong in character, and since it is
without weakness, its essence is power or energy. Its image is heaven. Its
energy is represented as unrestricted by any fixed conditions in space and is
therefore conceived of as motion. Time is regarded as the basis of this
motion. Thus the hexagram includes also the power of time and the power
of persisting in time, that is, duration.
The power represented by the hexagram is to be interpreted in a dual sense
in terms of its action on the universe and of its action on the world of men.
In relation to the universe, the hexagram expresses the strong, creative action
of the Deity. In relation to the human world, it denotes the creative action of
the holy man or sage, of the ruler or leader of men, who through his power
awakens and develops their higher nature.
THE JUDGMENT
According to the original meaning, the attributes [sublimity, potentiality of
success, power to further, perseverance] are paired. When an individual
draws this oracle, it means that success will come to him from the primal
depths of the universe and that everything depends upon his seeking his
happiness and that of others in one way only, that is, by perseverance in what
is right.
The specific meanings of the four attributes became the subject of
speculation at an early date. The Chinese word here rendered by "sublime"
means literally "head," "origin," "great." This is why Confucius says in
explaining it: "Great indeed is the generating power of the Creative; all beings
owe their beginning to it. This power permeates all heaven." For this
attribute inheres in the other three as well.
The beginning of all things lies still in the beyond in the form of ideas that
have yet to become real. But the Creative furthermore has power to lend
form to these archetypes of ideas. This is indicated in the word success, and
the process is represented by an image from nature: "The clouds pass and the
rain does its work, and all individual beings flow into their forms."
Applies to the human world, these attributes show the great man the way to
notable success: "Because he sees with great clarity and cause and effects, he
completes the six steps at the right time and mounts toward heaven on them
at the right time, as though on six dragons." The six steps are the six different
positions given in the hexagram, which are represented later by the dragon
symbol. Here it is shown that the way to success lies in apprehending and
giving actuality to the way of the universe [Tao], which, as a law running
through end and beginning, brings about all phenomena in time. Thus each
step attained forthwith becomes a preparation for the next. Time is no longer
a hindrance but the means of making actual what is potential.
The act of creation having found expression in the two attributes sublimity
and success, the work of conservation is shown to be a continuous
actualization and differentiation of form. This is expressed in the two terms
"furthering" (literally, "creating that which accords with the nature of a
given being") and "persevering" (literally, "correct and firm"). "The course of
the Creative alters and shapes beings until each attains its true, specific
nature, then it keeps them in conformity with the Great Harmony. Thus
does it show itself to further through perseverance."
In relation to the human sphere, this shows how the great man brings peace
and security to the world through his activity in creating order: "He towers
high above the multitude of beings, and all lands are united in peace."
Another line of speculation goes still further in separating the words
"sublime," "success," "furthering," "perseverance," and parallels them with
the four cardinal virtues in humanity. To sublimity, which, as the
fundamental principle, embraces all the other attributes, it links love. To the
attribute success are linked the morals, which regulate and organize
expressions of love and thereby make them successful. The attribute
furthering is correlated with justice, which creates the conditions in which
each receives that which accords with his being, that which is due him and
which constitutes his happiness. The attribute perseverance is correlated
with wisdom, which discerns the immutable laws of all that happens and can
therefore bring about enduring conditions. These speculations, already
broached in the commentary called Wên Yen , later formed the bridge
connecting the philosophy of the "five stages (elements) of change," as laid
down in the Book of History (Shu Ching) with the philosophy of the Book of
Changes, which is based solely on the polarity of positive and negative
principles. In the course of time this combination of the two systems of
thought opened the way for an increasingly intricate number symbolism.
THE IMAGE
Since there is only one heaven, the doubling of the trigram Ch'ien, of which
heaven is the image, indicates the movement of heaven. One complete
revolution of heaven makes a day, and the repetition of the trigram means
that each day is followed by another. This creates the idea of time. Since it is
the same heaven moving with untiring power, there is also created the idea
of duration both in and beyond time, a movement that never stops nor
slackens, just as one day follows another in an unending course. This
duration in time is the image of the power inherent in the Creative.
With this image as a model, the sage learns how best to develop himself so
that his influence may endure. He must make himself strong in every way,
by consciously casting out all that is inferior and degrading. Thus he attains
that tirelessness which depends upon consciously limiting the fields of his
activity.
1
In China the dragon has a meaning altogether different from that given it in
the Western world. The dragon is a symbol of the electrically charged,
dynamic, arousing force that manifests itself in the thunderstorm. In winter
this energy withdraws into the earth; in the early summer it becomes active
again, appearing in the sky as thunder and lightning. As a result the creative
forces on earth begin to stir again.
Here this creative force is still hidden beneath the earth and therefore has
no effect. In terms of human affairs, this symbolizes a great man who is still
unrecognized. Nonetheless he remains true to himself. He does not allow
himself to be influenced by outward success or failure, but confident in his
strength, he bides his time. Hence it is wise for the man who consults the
oracle and draws this line to wait in the calm strength of patience. The time
will fulfill itself. One need not fear least strong will should not prevail; the
main thing is not to expend one's powers prematurely in an attempt to obtain
by force something for which the time is not yet ripe.
2
Here the effects of the light-giving power begin to manifest themselves. In
terms of human affairs, this means that the great man makes his appearance
in his chosen field of activity. As yet he has no commanding position but is
still with his peers. However, what distinguishes him form the others is his
seriousness of purpose, his unqualified reliability, and the influence he exerts
on his environment with out conscious effort. Such a man is destined to
gain great influence and to set the world in order. Therefore it is favorable to
see him.
3
A sphere of influence opens up for the great man. His fame begins to spread.
The masses flock to him. His inner power is adequate to the increased outer
activity. There are all sorts of things to be done, and when others are at rest in
the evening, plans and anxieties press in upon him. But danger lurks here at
the place of transition from lowliness to the heights. Many a great man has
been ruined because the masses flocked to him and swept him into their
course. Ambition has destroyed his integrity. However, true greatness is not
impaired by temptations. He who remains in touch with the time that is
dawning, and with its demands is prudent enough to avoid all pitfalls, and
remains blameless.
4
A place of transition has been reached, and free choice can enter in. A
twofold possibility is presented to the great man: he can soar to the heights
and play an important part in the world, or he can withdraw into solitude
and develop himself. He can go the way of the hero or that of the holy sage
who seeks seclusion. There is no general law of his being. If the individual
acts consistently and is true to himself, he will find the way that is appropriate
for him. This way is right for him and without blame.
5
Here the great man has attained the sphere of the heavenly beings. His
influence spreads and becomes visible throughout the whole world.
Everyone who sees him may count himself blessed. Confucius says about this
line:
Things that accord in tone vibrate together. Things that have affinity in their
inmost natures seek one another. Water flows to what is wet, fire turns to
what is dry. Clouds (the breath of heaven) follow the dragon, wind (the breath
of earth) follows the tiger. Thus the sage arises, and all creatures follow him
with their eyes. What is born of heaven feels related to what is above. What
is born of earth feels related to what is below. Each follows its kind.
6
When a man seeks to climb so high that he loses touch with the rest of
mankind, he becomes isolated, and this necessarily leads to failure. This line
warns against titanic aspirations that exceed one's power. A precipitous fall
would follow.
When all the lines are nines, it means that the whole hexagram is in motion
and changes into the hexagram K'un, THE RECEPTIVE, whose character is
devotion. The strength of the Creative and the mildness of the Receptive
unite. Strength is indicated by the flight of dragons, mildness by the fact that
their heads are hidden. This means that mildness in action joined to strength
of decision brings good fortune.
Barbara Hejslip interpretationThis symbol consists of six lines. A kind, good sign. This hexagram man's, means month April and spring hopes. But be circumspect! Now you at top of mountain and while opportunities to go down at you are not present. Being above, be vigilant and judicious. Wait for large changes not later than in six months. Time favours to your undertakings. There is a known uncertainty at you in private life, it is necessary to bring in it clearness. Your desire will by all means be executed, if it reasonably and modestly. Someone resists to you but if you will be resolute and unshakable, you are expected with success. Test to which you undergo, you sustain.
  29. Gorge (kǎn). The Abysmal WaterAdvise
Once in the trap of looking out, do not leave attempts to escape, but act wisely, but then rise above the circumstances.
Inital text of I ChingThe Judgement
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.
The Image
Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal: The image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.
- Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.
- The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.
- Forward and backward, abyss on abyss. In danger like this, pause at first and wait, otherwise you will fall into a pit in the abyss. Do not act in this way.
- A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it; Earthen vessels simply handed in through the window. There is certainly no blame in this.
- The abyss is not filled to overflowing, it is filled only to the rim. No blame.
- Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls: For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.
Prediction
Time of rest is over, time of truth search begins. Self-discipline, persistence, dedication and presence of mind are necessary. They will help to overcome the inertia, the inertia of views, and pressure of external circumstances. With the inner truth, you will overcome obstacles. Active action is inside; outside - only accept the circumstances.
This hexagram consists of a doubling of the trigram K'an. It is one of the
eight hexagrams in which doubling occurs. The trigram K'an means a
plunging in. A yang line has plunged in between two yin lines and is closed
in by them like water in a ravine. The trigram K'an is also the middle son.
The Receptive has obtained the middle line of the Creative, and thus K'an
develops. As an image it represents water, the water that comes from above
and is in motion on earth in streams and rivers, giving rise to all life on
earth.
In man's world K'an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the
body, the principle of light inclosed in the dark--that is, reason. The name of
the hexagram, because the trigram is doubled, has the additional meaning,
"repetition of danger." Thus the hexagram is intended to designate an
objective situation to which one must become accustomed, not a subjective
attitude. For danger due to a subjective attitude means either foolhardiness
or guile. Hence too a ravine is used to symbolize danger; it is a situation in
which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water,
he can escape if he behaves correctly.
THE JUDGMENT
Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the
example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on,
and merely fills up all the places through which it flows; it does not shrink
from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose
its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Thus
likewise, if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can
penetrate the meaning of the situation. And once we have gained inner
mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will
succeed. In danger all that counts is really carrying out all that has to be done-
-thoroughness--and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in
the danger.
Properly used, danger can have an important meaning as a protective
measure. Thus heaven has its perilous height protecting it against every
attempt at invasion, and earth has its mountains and bodies of water,
separating countries by their dangers. Thus also rulers make use of danger to
protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within.
THE IMAGE
Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression
before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned
that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an
accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others everything
depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes
the material his own.
1
By growing used to what is dangerous, a man can easily allow it to become
part of him. He is familiar with it and grows used to evil. With this he has
lost the right way, and misfortune is the natural result.
2
When we are in danger we ought not to attempt to get out of it immediately,
regardless of circumstances; at first we must content ourselves with not being
overcome by it. We must calmly weigh the conditions of the time and by
satisfied with small gains, because for the time being a great success cannot be
attained. A spring flows only sparingly at first, and tarries for some time
before it makes its way in to the open.
3
Here every step, forward or backward, leads into danger. Escape is out of the
question. Therefore we must not be misled into action, as a result of which
we should only bog down deeper in the danger; disagreeable as it may be to
remain in such a situation, we must wait until a way out shows itself.
4
In times of danger ceremonious forms are dropped. What matters most is
sincerity. Although as a rule it is customary for an official to present certain
introductory gifts and recommendations before he is appointed, here
everything is simplified to the utmost. The gifts are insignificant, there is no
one to sponsor him, he introduces himself; yet all this need not be
humiliating if only there is the honest intention of mutual help in danger.
Still another idea is suggested. The window is the place through which light
enters the room. If in difficult times we want to enlighten someone, we must
begin with that which is in itself lucid and proceed quite simply from that
point on.
5
Danger comes because one is too ambitious. In order to flow out of a ravine,
water does not rise higher than the lowest point of the rim. So likewise a
man when in danger has only to proceed along the line of least resistance;
thus he reaches the goal. Great labors cannot be accomplished in such times; it
is enough to get out of the danger.
6
A man who in the extremity of danger has lost the right way and is
irremediably entangled in his sins has no prospect of escape. He is like a
criminal who sits shackled behind thorn hedged prison walls.
Barbara Hejslip interpretationDo not lose courage, but it is one of four worst combinations. In your life there has come time of losses and defeats. The only thing that it is possible to make,-it to reduce up to a probable minimum number of strokes of bad luck. Have patience and wait, while the goddess of happiness again will award you of the sight. Through two, the greatest - in five months position will start to change for the better. For now you have enough time to occupy in scientific researches, reading, simply homework, which usually enough. Be not nervous, and keep calmness. It is the period when introspection and a sober estimation of position is much more important, than desperate struggle against destiny.
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Richard Wilhelm's commentary