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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  53. Infiltrating (jiàn). DevelopmentAdvise
Moving slowly, we can achieve more. Unhurried ride provides an opportunity not only to reach a distant goal, without riding a horse to death and breaking the wagon, but also allows much to see and learn.
Inital text of I ChingThe Judgement
Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
On the mountain, a tree: The image of Development. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, in order to improve the mores.
- The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame.
- The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune.
- The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau. The man goes forth and does not return. The woman carries a child but does not bring it forth. Misfortune. It furthers one to fight off robbers.
- The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame.
- The wild goose gradually draws near the summit. For three years the woman has no child. In the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune.
- The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune.
Prediction
Forces were set in motion. But this is only the beginning. Do not hurry time and events – way will be long, motion will be unhurried. Know how to wait patiently. Difficulties would be overcome if the effort is made. In relations with other be well-balanced, cautious. Keep the fight by the rules, look for peaceful solutions, do not be lazy to long negotiations - and then prevail over a rival. Personal relations are developing smoothly, in love - harmony.
This hexagram is made up of Sun (wood, penetration) above, i.e., without,
and Kên (mountain, stillness) below, i.e., within. A tree on a mountain
develops slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands
firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually,
step by step. The attributes of the trigrams also point to this: within is
tranquillity, which guards against precipitate actions, and without is
penetration, which makes development and progress possible.
THE JUDGMENT
The development of events that leads to a girl's following a man to his home
proceeds slowly. The various formalities must be disposed of before the
marriage takes place. This principle of gradual development can be applied to
other situations as well; it is always applicable where it is a matter of correct
relationships of co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official.
The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action
would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on
others, for here too the essential factor is a correct way of development
through cultivation of one's own personality. No influence such as that
exerted by agitators has a lasting effect.
Within the personality too, development must follow the same course if
lasting results are to be achieved. Gentleness that is adaptable, but at the same
time penetrating, is the outer form that should proceed from inner calm.
The very gradualness of the development makes it necessary to have
perseverance, for perseverance alone prevents slow progress from dwindling
to nothing.
THE IMAGE
The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development
influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a
swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of
influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening
is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such
progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for
the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through
careful and constant work on one's own moral development.
1
All the individual lines in this hexagram symbolize the gradual flight of the
wild goose. The wild goose is the symbol of conjugal fidelity, because it is
believed that this bird never takes another mate after the death of the first.
The initial line suggests the first resting place in the flight of water birds
from the water to the heights. The shore is reached. The situation is that of a
lonely young man who is just starting out to make his way in life. Since no
one comes to help him, his first steps are slow and hesitant, and he is
surrounded by danger. Naturally he is subjected to much criticism. But these
very difficulties keep him from being too hasty, and his progress is successful.
2
The cliff is a safe place on shore. The development has gone a step further.
The initial insecurity has been overcome, and a safe position in life has been
found, giving one enough to live on. This first success, opening up a path to
activity, brings a certain joyousness of mood, and one goes to meet the future
reassured.
It is said of the wild goose that it calls to its comrades whenever it finds
food; this is the symbol of peace and concord in good fortune. A man does
not want to keep his good luck for himself only, but is ready to share it with
others.
3
The high plateau is dry and unsuitable for the wild goose. If it goes there, it
has lost its way and gone too far. This is contrary to the law of development.
It is the same in human life. If we do not let things develop quietly but
plunge of our own choice too rashly into a struggle, misfortune results. A
man jeopardizes his own life, and his family perishes thereby. However, this
is not all necessary; it is only the result of transgressing the law of natural
development. If one does not willfully provoke a conflict, but confines
himself to vigorously maintaining his own position and to warding off
unjustified attacks, all goes well.
4
A tree is not a suitable place for a wild goose. But if it is clever, it will find a
flat branch on which it can get a footing. A man's life too, in the course of its
development, often brings him into inappropriate situations, in which he
finds it difficult to hold his own without danger. Then it is important to be
sensible and yielding. This enables him to discover a safe place in which life
can go on, although he may be surrounded by danger.
5
The summit is a high place. In a high position one easily becomes isolated.
One is misjudged by the very person on whom one is dependent-the woman
by her husband, the official by his superior. This is the work of deceitful
persons who have wormed their way in. The result is that relationships
remain sterile, and nothing is accomplished. But in the course of further
development, such misunderstandings are cleared away, and reconciliation is
achieved after all.
6
Here life comes to its end. A man's work stands completed. The path rises
high toward heaven, like the flight of wild geese when they have left the
earth far behind. There they fly, keeping to the order of their flight in strict
formation. And if their feathers fall, they can serve as ornaments in the
sacred dance pantomimes performed in the temples. Thus the life of a man
who has perfected himself is a bright light for the people of earth, who look
up to him as an example.
Barbara Hejslip interpretationMoving forward, carefully think over each step and then success will not change to you and in the further. If, not giving in on arrangements, you not begin to advance event, the happiness and success will be your satellites. The turtle has less chances to come to finish of the first, than at a hare. You in the beginning of a long way. Financial business will recover, and the patience and judiciousness will be renumerated eventually by performance of desires.
  61. Centre Confirming (zhōng fú). Inner TruthAdvise
Grain of faith moves mountains and work wonders. Act in accordance with your beliefs and do not palter with truth.
Inital text of I ChingThe Judgement
Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
Wind over lake: The image of Inner Truth. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases in order to delay executions.
- Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting.
- A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you.
- He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he sobs, now he sings.
- The moon nearly at the full. The team horse goes astray. No blame.
- He possesses truth, which links together. No blame.
- Cockcrow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune.
Prediction
It is time of action based on the need of your heart. Self-control leads to success of even those who have limited opportunities and capabilities. Something started not very well will results in good. «Somebody who cries will sing» (Happy ending of lawsuit is possible). If acting contrary to internal truth, the opposite will happen. «Who sings will cry». Unpleasant events are possible but not significant.
The wind blows over the lake and stirs the surface of the water. Thus visible
effects of the invisible manifest themselves. The hexagram consists of firm
lines above and below, while it is open in the center. This indicates a heart
free of prejudices and therefore open to truth. On the other hand, each of the
two trigrams has a firm line in the middle; this indicates the force of inner
truth in the influences they present.
The attributes of the two trigrams are: above, gentleness, forbearance
toward inferiors; below, joyousness in obeying superiors. Such conditions
create the basis of a mutual confidence that makes achievements possible.
The character of fu ("truth") is actually the picture of a bird's foot over a
fledgling. It suggests the idea of brooding. An egg is hollow. The light-giving
power must work to quicken it from outside, but there must be a germ of life
within, if life is to be awakened. Far-reaching speculations can be linked with
these ideas.
THE JUDGMENT
Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most
difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before
its influence can extend to such creatures. In dealing with persons as
intractable and as difficult to influence as a pig or a fish, the whole secret of
success depends on finding the right way of approach. One must first rid
oneself of all prejudice and, so to speak, let the psyche of the other person act
on one without restraint. Then one will establish contact with him,
understand and gain power over him. When a door has thus been opened,
the force of one's personality will influence him. If in this way one finds no
obstacles insurmountable, one can undertake even the most dangerous
things, such as crossing the great water, and succeed.
But it is important to understand upon what the force inner truth depends.
This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties
may exist also among thieves; it is true that such a bond acts as a force but,
since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. All association on
the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Where the
community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest
friendship often changes into hate. Only when the bond is based on what is
right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over
everything.
THE IMAGE
Wind stirs water by penetrating it. Thus the superior man, when obliged to
judge the mistakes of men, tries to penetrate their minds with understanding,
in order to gain a sympathetic appreciation of the circumstances. In ancient
China, the entire administration of justice was guided by this principle. A
deep understanding that knows how to pardon was considered the highest
form of justice. This system was not without success, for its aim was to make
so strong a moral impression that there was no reason to fear abuse of such
mildness. For it sprang not from weakness but from a superior clarity.
1
The force of inner truth depends chiefly on inner stability and preparedness.
From this state of mind springs the correct attitude toward the outer world.
But if a man should try to cultivate secret relationships of a special sort, it
would deprive him of his inner independence. The more reliance he places
on the support of others, the more uneasy and anxious he will become as to
whether these secret ties are really tenable. In this way inner peace and the
force of inner truth are lost.
2
This refers to the involuntary influence of a man's inner being upon persons
of kindred spirit. The crane need not show itself on a high hill. It may be
quite hidden when it sounds its call; yet its young will hear its not, will
recognize it and give answer. Where there is a joyous mood, there a comrade
will appear to share a glass of wine.
This is the echo awakened in men through spiritual attraction. Whenever
a feeling is voiced with truth and frankness, whenever a deed is the clear
expression of sentiment, a mysterious and far-reaching influence is exerted.
At first it acts on those who are inwardly receptive. But the circle grows larger
and larger. The root of all influence lies in one's own inner being: given true
and vigorous expression in word and deed, its effect is great. The effect is but
the reflection of something that emanates from one's own heart. Any
deliberate intention of an effect would only destroy the possibility of
producing it. Confucius says about this line:
The superior man abides in his room. If his words are well spoken, he meets
with assent at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more
then from near by! If the superior man abides in his room and his words are
not well spoken, he meets with contradiction at a distance of more than a
thousand miles. How much more then from near by! Words go forth from
one's own person and exert their influence on men. Deeds are born close at
hand and become visible far away. Words and deeds are the hinge and
bowspring of the superior man. As hinge and bowspring move, they bring
honor or disgrace. Through words and deeds the superior man moves
heaven and earth . Must one not, then, be cautious?
3
Here the source of a man's strength lies not in himself but in his relation to
other people. No matter how close to them he may be, if his center of gravity
depends on them, he is inevitably tossed to and fro between joy and sorrow.
Rejoicing to high heaven, then sad unto death-this is the fate of those who
depend upon an inner accord with other persons whom they love. Here we
have only the statement of the law that this is so. Whether this condition is
felt to be an affliction of the supreme happiness of love, is left to the
subjective verdict of the person concerned.
4
To intensify the power of inner truth, a man must always turn to his
superior, from whom he can receive enlightenment as the moon receives
light form the sun. However, this requires a certain humility, like that of the
moon when it is not yet quite full. At the moment when the moon becomes
full and stands directly opposite the sun, it begins to wane. Just as on the one
hand we must be humble and reverent when face to face with the source of
enlightenment, so likewise must we on the other renounce factionalism
among men. Only be pursuing one's course like a horse that goes straight
ahead without looking sidewise at its mate, can one retain the inner freedom
that helps one onward.
5
This describes the ruler who holds all elements together by the power of his
personality. Only when the strength of his character is so ample that he can
influence all who are subject to him, is he as he needs to be. The power of
suggestion must emanate from the ruler. It will firmly knit together and
unite all his adherents. Without this central force, all external unity is only
deception and breaks down at the decisive moment.
6
The cock is dependable. It crows at dawn. But it cannot itself fly to heaven. It
just crows. A man may count on mere words to awaken faith. This may
succeed now and then, but if persisted in, it will have bad consequences.
Barbara Hejslip interpretationNow it is necessary for you to work in cooperation with others but in any way to one. You are inclined to overestimate the mental faculties; be careful of it, differently can become simply unrestrained and haughty arrogent man. And it can prevent to realization of your plans. Try to be more modest. Your desires will be executed only in the event that they are reasonable and fair. In the near future your opportunities and abilities on advantage will be estimated by the heads; it very much will assist you to promote on a way of success.
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Richard Wilhelm's commentary