
|
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. |
 |
→ |
 |
  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.
  43. Parting (guài). BreakthroughAdvise
Good intentions can lead to good or to trouble. Control your stream; be careful as it can destroy and disable.
Inital text of I ChingThe Judgement
Break-through. One must resolutely make the matter known at the court of the king. It must be announced truthfully. Danger. It is necessary to notify one's own city. It does not further to resort to arms. It furthers one to undertake something.
The Image
The lake has risen up to heaven: The image of Break-through. Thus the superior man dispenses riches downward and refrains from resting on his virtue.
- Mighty in the forward-striding toes. When one goes and is not equal to the task, one makes a mistake.
- A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night. Fear nothing.
- To be powerful in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The superior man is firmly resolved. He walks alone and is caught in the rain. He is bespattered, and people murmur against him. No blame.
- There is no skin on his thighs, and walking comes hard. If a man were to let himself be led like a sheep, remorse would disappear. But if these words are heard they will not be believed.
- In dealing with weeds, firm resolution is necessary. Walking in the middle remains free of blame.
- No cry. In the end misfortune comes.
Prediction
The excess of the creative power requires output. There are no obstacles, but you need to create them yourself- self-control and restraint are needed, otherwise impulse will result in aggression, a creative turn in destructive, chaos will prevail. Protecting your interests, do not be aggressive. Get ready to work alone. Gradual progress will slow. Difficulty is inside: you feel where to go, but do not realize why. It is time to clarify the purpose.
This hexagram signifies on the one hand a break-through after a long
accumulation of tension, as a swollen river breaks through its dikes, or in the
manner of a cloudburst. On the other hand, applied to human conditions, it
refers to the time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their
influence is on the wane; as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions
occurs, a break-through. The hexagram is linked with the third month
(April-May).
THE JUDGMENT
Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is
able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart
has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side-
therefore fight without quarter is necessary if the good is to prevail.
In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are, however, definite
rules that must not be disregarded, if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be
based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with
evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited.
Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the
struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of
weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose
in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion.
Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons
against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the
sharp edges of the weapons of evil becomes dulled. For the same reasons we
should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them,
they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make
energetic progress in the good.
THE IMAGE
When the water of a lake has risen up to heaven, there is reason to fear a
cloudburst. Taking this as a warning, the superior man forestalls a violent
collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without
considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. If a man were to
pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would
certainly experience a collapse. For all gathering is followed by dispersion.
Therefore the superior man begins to distribute while he is accumulating. In
the same way, in developing his character he takes care not to become
hardened in obstinacy but to remain receptive to impressions by help of strict
and continuous self-examination.
1
In times of resolute advance, the beginning is especially difficult. We feel
inspired to press forward but resistance is still strong; therefore we ought to
gauge our own strength and venture only so far as we can go with certainty of
success. To plunge blindly ahead is wrong, because it is precisely at the
beginning that an unexpected setback can have the most disastrous results.
2
Readiness is everything. Resolution is indissolubly bound up with caution.
If an individual is careful and keeps his wits about him, he need not become
excited or alarmed. If he is watchful at all times, even before danger is present,
he is armed when danger approaches and need not be afraid. The superior
man is on his guard against what is not yet in sight and on the alert for what
is not yet within hearing; therefore he dwells in the midst of difficulties as
thought hey did not exist. If a man develops his character, people submit to
him of their own accord. If reason triumphs, the passions withdraw of
themselves. To be circumspect and not to forget one's armor is the right way
to security.
3
Here we have a man in an ambiguous situation. While all others are
engaged in a resolute fight against all that is inferior, he alone has a certain
relationship with an inferior man. If he were to show strength outwardly
and turn against this man before the time is ripe, he would only endanger the
entire situation, because the inferior man would too quickly have recourse to
countermeasures. The task of the superior man becomes extremely difficult
here. He must be firmly resolved within himself and, while maintaining
association with the inferior man, avoid any participation in his evilness. He
will of course be misjudged. It will be thought that he belong to the party of
the inferior man. He will be lonely because no one will understand him. His
relations with the inferior man will sully him in the eyes of the multitude,
and they will turn against him, grumbling. But he can endure this lack of
appreciation and makes no mistake, because he remains true to himself.
4
Here a man is suffering from inner restlessness and cannot abide in his place.
He would like to push forward under any circumstances, but encounters
insuperable obstacles. Thus his situation entails an inner conflict. This is due
to the obstinacy with which he seeks to enforce his will. If he would desist
from this obstinacy, everything would go well. But this advice, like so much
other good counsel, will be ignored. For obstinacy makes a man unable to
hear, for all that he has ears.
5
Weeds always grow back again and are difficult to exterminate. So too the
struggle against an inferior man in a high position demands firm resolution.
One has certain relations with him, hence there is danger that one may give
up the struggle as hopeless. But this must not be. One must go on resolutely
and not allow himself to be deflected from him course. Only in this way does
one remain free of blame.
6
Victory seems to have been achieved. There remains merely a remnant of
the evil resolutely to be eradicated as the time demands. Everything looks
easy. Just there, however, lies the danger. If we are not on guard, evil will
succeed in escaping by means of concealment, and when it has eluded us new
misfortunes will develop from the remaining seeds, for evil does not die
easily. So too in dealing with the evil in own's own character, one must go to
work with thoroughness. If out of carelessness anything were to be
overlooked, new evil would arise from it.
Barbara Hejslip interpretationDuring the present period you are successful, but there is an opportunity to make a mistake and to push away from itself those who usually assisted you, and all this from - for your own obstinacies. Be softer in relations with them, and try to go him towards. Quite probably, that during this period you grow fond of the person of whom now even do not think. It, certainly, will influence your further behaviour. Do not play gamblings.
|
Richard Wilhelm's commentary