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The 64
Guà Míng
A Hexagram Index
01. Qián
乾
The Creative
Khien shows what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
䷀
The movement of heaven is full of power. The superior man nerves himself to untiring activity.
02. Kūn
坤
The Receptive
Khun requires the exercise of maintaining perseverance, like that of a mare.
䷁
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. The superior man carries the outer world with breadth of character.
03. Zhūn
屯
Difficulty at the Beginning
Tun indicates that there will be great progress and success, but it demands firm correctness.
䷂
Clouds and thunder form Tun. The superior man adjusts his measures of government accordingly.
04. Méng
蒙
Youthful Folly
Meng intimates progress and success. I do not seek the youthful inexperienced, he seeks me.
䷃
A spring flowing out from a mountain forms Meng. The superior man strives to be resolute in conduct.
05. Xū
需
Waiting / Nourishment
Xu shows that, with sincerity, there will be brilliant success in firm correctness.
䷄
Clouds ascending high into the sky form Xu. The superior man eats, drinks, and feasts comfortably.
06. Sòng
讼
Conflict
Sung shows how conflict brings about blockages despite sincerity.
䷅
Heaven and water moving apart create Conflict. The superior man, in all his transactions, considers the beginning.
07. Shī
师
The Army
Shi indicates that an army requires perseverance and a strong leader.
䷆
Water within the earth forms the Army. The superior man increases his masses by his generosity toward the people.
08. Bǐ
比
Holding Together
Bi shows that holding together brings good fortune.
䷇
Water on the face of the earth forms Holding Together. The ancient kings created the various states and maintained friendly relations with the feudal lords.
09. Xiǎo Chù
卦
Small Accumulation
Siao Khu indicates that under its conditions there is progress and success. We see dense clouds, but no rain coming from our borders in the west.
䷈
The wind drives across the heaven: the image of The Taming Power of the Small. Thus the superior man refines the outward manifestation of his virtue.
10. Lǚ
卦
Treading / Conduct
Li indicates a footing on a tiger's tail which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.
䷉
Heaven above, the lake below: the image of Treading. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.
11. Tài
卦
Peace / Prosperity
Thai indicates that in it the small departs and the great arrives. There will be good fortune, with progress and success.
䷊
Heaven and earth unite: the image of Peace. Thus the ruler divides and completes the course of heaven and earth; he furthers and regulates the gifts of heaven and earth, and so aids the people.
12. Pǐ
卦
Obstruction / Standstill
Phi indicates the exclusion of good men. It does not promise advantage to the superior man. The great departs and the small arrives.
䷋
Heaven and earth do not unite: the image of Standstill. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner virtue in order to escape the difficulties. He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
13. Tóng Rén
卦
Fellowship / Union
Thung Zan appears here as in the remote districts of the country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.
䷌
Heaven together with fire: the image of Fellowship with Men. Thus the superior man organizes the clans and distinguishes things.
14. Dà Yǒu
卦
Great Possession
Tha Yu indicates that in the state which it implies there will be great progress and success.
䷍
Fire in heaven above: the image of Possession in Great Measure. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, and thereby obeys the benevolent will of heaven.
15. Qiān
卦
Humility
Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, being humble, will have a good issue to his undertakings.
䷎
Within the earth there is a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man diminishes that which is too much, and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.
16. Yù
卦
Enthusiasm / Excess
Yü indicates that it will be advantageous to appoint feudal princes, and put the hosts in motion.
䷏
Thunder comes resounding out of the earth: the image of Enthusiasm. Thus the ancient kings made music in order to honor merit, and offered it with splendor to the Supreme Deity, inviting their ancestors to be present.
17. Suí
卦
Following
Sui indicates that under its conditions there will be great progress and success. But it is right to be firm and correct. There will be no error.
䷐
Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of Following. Thus the superior man at nightfall goes indoors for rest and recuperation.
18. Gǔ
卦
Correcting / Decay
Ku indicates great progress and success. It is advantageous to cross the great stream. Let him consider well what he has to do three days before the turning-point, and three days after.
䷑
The wind blows low on the mountain: the image of Decay. Thus the superior man stirs up the people and strengthens their spirit.
19. Lín
卦
Approach
Lin indicates that under the conditions supposed in it there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.
䷒
The earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.
20. Guān
卦
Contemplation / View
Kuan shows that the worshipper has washed his hands, but not yet presented his offerings; with sincerity and an appearance of dignity, he commands reverent regard.
䷓
The wind blows over the earth: the image of Contemplation. Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world, contemplated the people, and gave them instruction.
21. Shì Shì
卦
Biting Through
Shi Ho indicates successful progress. It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.
䷔
Thunder and lightning: the image of Biting Through. Thus the kings of old made the penalties clear and enforced the laws.
22. Bì
卦
Grace / Elegance
Pi indicates that there should be free course and progress. In small matters it will be advantageous to take action.
䷕
Fire at the foot of the mountain: the image of Grace. Thus the superior man throws light on current affairs but does not venture to decide important matters of law in this way.
23. Bō
卦
Splitting Apart
Po indicates that it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.
䷖
The mountain rests on the earth: the image of Splitting Apart. Thus those above can ensure their position only by giving generously to those below.
24. Fù
卦
Return / Turning Point
Fû indicates that there will be progress and success. In the coming and going of its movements there is no affliction. Friends come, and there is no error.
䷗
Thunder within the earth: the image of Turning Back. Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes at the time of the solstice. Merchants and strangers did not travel, and the ruler did not go through the provinces.
25. Wú Wàng
卦
Innocence / The Unexpected
Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while with firm correctness there will be advantage. If its subject be not correct, he will fall into errors.
䷘
Under heaven thunder rolls: all things attain the natural state of Innocence. Thus the kings of old, rich in virtue, and in harmony with the time, fostered and nourished all beings.
26. Dà Chù
卦
Great Accumulation
Ta Khu indicates that under the conditions which it denotes it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. If its subject do not seek to enjoy his revenues at home, there will be good fortune.
䷙
The mountain in the midst of heaven: the image of The Taming Power of the Great. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.
27. Yí
卦
Providing Nourishment
Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune. We must look at what those are eating, and what they are trying to provide for their own mouths.
䷚
At the foot of the mountain, thunder: the image of Providing Nourishment. Thus the superior man is careful of his words and temperate in eating and drinking.
28. Dà Guò
卦
Great Preponderance
Ta Kwo shows a beam that is weak. It will be advantageous to move in any direction whatever. There will be success.
䷛
The lake rises above the trees: the image of Preponderance of the Great. Thus the superior man, when he stands alone, is unconcerned, and if he has to renounce the world, he is undaunted.
29. Kǎn
卦
The Abysmal / Water
Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is penetrating, and the action preferred shall be fortunate.
䷜
Water comes on uninterruptedly and flows on: the image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.
30. Lí
卦
The Clinging / Fire
Lî indicates that with firm correctness there will be success; and in maintaining a docile nature, like that of a cow, there will be good fortune.
䷝
That which is bright rises twice: the image of Fire. Thus the great man, by perpetuating this brightness, illumines the four quarters of the world.
31. Xián
卦
Influence / Wooing
Hsien indicates that there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, as in marrying a young lady.
䷞
A lake on the mountain: the image of Influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him by his readiness to receive them.
32. Héng
卦
Duration / Constancy
Hang indicates successful progress and no error. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct. It will be advantageous to move in any direction whatever.
䷟
Thunder and wind: the image of Duration. Thus the superior man stands firm and does not change his direction.
33. Dùn
卦
Retreat
Thun indicates successful progress. In small matters it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
䷠
Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve.
34. Dà Zhuàng
卦
Great Power
Ta Chwang indicates that under the conditions which it denotes it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
䷡
Thunder in heaven above: the image of The Power of the Great. Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths that do not accord with established order.
35. Jìn
卦
Progress
Zin indicates a state in which a feudal prince is rewarded with an increased number of horses by the king, and is admitted to interviews with him three times in one day.
䷢
The sun rises over the earth: the image of Progress. Thus the superior man himself brightens his bright virtue.
36. Míng Yí
卦
Darkening of the Light
Ming Î indicates that in the circumstances which it denotes it will be advantageous to be firm and correct under difficulties.
䷣
The light has sunk into the earth: the image of Darkening of the Light. Thus the superior man lives with the great multitude; he veils his light, yet still shines.
37. Jiā Rén
卦
The Family
Kiâ Zan indicates that for the realization of what it denotes, it is advantageous for the wife to be firm and correct.
䷤
Wind comes forth from fire: the image of The Family. Thus the superior man terminates his words with deeds and maintains constancy in his way of life.
38. Kuí
卦
Opposition
Khwei indicates that in small matters there will be good fortune.
䷥
Above, fire; below, the lake: the image of Opposition. Thus amid all fellowship the superior man retains his individuality.
39. Jiǎn
卦
Obstruction / Hardship
Kien indicates that in the circumstances which it denotes advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous also to see the great man.
䷦
Water on the mountain: the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character.
40. Xiè
卦
Deliverance
Kieh indicates that in the circumstances which it denotes advantage will be found in the south-west. If there be no movement in any direction, return to the old state is good.
䷧
Thunder and rain set in: the image of Deliverance. Thus the superior man pardons mistakes and forgives misdeeds.
41. Sǔn
卦
Decrease
Sun shows that in what is denoted by it, if there be sincerity, there will be great good fortune, and no error. It may be used in any movement. One may use two baskets for offerings.
䷨
At the foot of the mountain, the lake: the image of Decrease. Thus the superior man controls his anger and curbs his desires.
42. Yì
卦
Increase
Yî indicates that in the state which it denotes there will be advantage in every movement which shall be made. It will be advantageous even to cross the great stream.
䷩
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man, if he sees good, imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them.
43. Guài
卦
Breakthrough / Resoluteness
Kwâi requires the matters in question to be publicly declared at the royal court. The name of the wrong must be proclaimed with sincerity and candour.
䷪
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.
44. Gòu
卦
Coming to Meet
Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry such a female.
䷫
Under heaven, mild wind: the image of Coming to Meet. Thus the prince disseminates his commands and proclaims them to the four quarters of the world.
45. Cuì
卦
Gathering Together
Zhui indicates that in the state which it denotes the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous also to see the great man; then there will be progress and success.
䷬
Over the earth is the lake: the image of Gathering Together. Thus the superior man renews his weapons in order to meet the unforeseen.
46. Shēng
卦
Pushing Upward
Shing indicates that under its conditions there will be great progress and success. There is no occasion for anxiety. We shall see the great man. Movement towards the south will be fortunate.
䷭
Within the earth, wood grows: the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man in his devotion attaches himself to small things, in order to attain high and great things.
47. Kùn
卦
Oppression / Exhaustion
Khwăn indicates progress and success. For the firm and correct, the great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speech, his words cannot be relied on.
䷮
The lake has no water: the image of Oppression. Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will.
48. Jǐng
卦
The Well
Zing shows that the site of a town may be changed, but the well undergoes no change. It neither suffers from loss, nor derives any gain. People come and go, drawing from it.
䷯
Water over wood: the image of The Well. Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work and exhorts them to help one another.
49. Gé
卦
Revolution / Molting
Keh indicates that in the case of what it denotes, when the change has been made on the day marked out for it, there will be faith in it. There will be great progress and success.
䷰
Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution. Thus the superior man sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear.
50. Dǐng
卦
The Cauldron
Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.
䷱
Fire over wood: the image of The Cauldron. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct.
51. Zhèn
卦
The Arousing / Thunder
Kan gives the intimation of ease and development. When the movement comes, its subject will find himself in a state of apprehension; but yet he will be laughing and talking cheerfully.
䷲
Thunder comes repeated: the image of Shock. Thus in fear and trembling the superior man sets his life in order and examines himself.
52. Gèn
卦
Keeping Still / Mountain
Kan denotes resting or keeping still, resting when it is time to rest, and acting when it is time to act. When one's movements and restings all take place at the proper time, his course is brilliant.
䷳
Keeping still: the mountain stands close to the mountain. Thus the superior man does not permit his thoughts to go beyond his situation.
53. Jiàn
卦
Development / Gradual Progress
Kien shows that the marriage of a young lady, and her good fortune, will be due to the gradual advance; and it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
䷴
On the mountain, a tree: the image of Development. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, in order to improve morals.
54. Guī Mèi
卦
The Marrying Maiden
Kwei Mei indicates that to undertake any movement under the conditions which it denotes will be lead to what is unfortunate. No advantage will be gained in any direction.
䷵
Thunder above the lake: the image of The Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end.
55. Fēng
卦
Abundance
Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point which the name denotes, there is no occasion to be anxious. He should be like the sun at noon.
䷶
Thunder and lightning come together: the image of Abundance. Thus the superior man decides lawsuits and carries out punishments.
56. Lǚ
卦
The Wanderer
Lü intimates that in the condition which it denotes there may be some little progress and success. If the stranger or traveler be firm and correct, there will be good fortune.
䷷
Fire on the mountain: the image of The Wanderer. Thus the superior man is clear-minded and cautious in imposing penalties, and does not protract lawsuits.
57. Xùn
卦
The Gentle / Wind
Sun intimates that under the conditions which it denotes there will be some little progress and success. It will be advantageous to move in any direction whatever.
䷸
The wind drives following the wind: the image of The Gentle. Thus the superior man disseminates his commands and carries out his business.
58. Duì
卦
The Joyous / Lake
Tui intimates that under the conditions which it denotes there will be progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
䷹
Lakes resting one upon the other: the image of The Joyous. Thus the superior man joins with his friends for discussion and practice.
59. Huàn
卦
Dispersion / Dissolution
Hwân intimates that under its conditions there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.
䷺
The wind drives across the water: the image of Dispersion. Thus the kings of old sacrificed to the Lord and built temples.
60. Jié
卦
Limitation
Zieh intimates progress and attainment. But if the regulations which it prescribes be severe and distressing, they cannot be permanent.
䷻
Water over the lake: the image of Limitation. Thus the superior man creates number and measure, and examines virtue and correct conduct.
61. Zhōng Fú
卦
Inmost Sincerity
Chung Fû moves even the pig and fish, and leads to good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
䷼
Wind over the lake: the image of Inner Truth. Thus the superior man discusses deliberative matters of law in order to execute justice softly.
62. Xiǎo Guò
卦
Small Preponderance
Siao Kwo intimates progress and attainment; but in matters of great importance, it is not right to take action. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
䷽
Thunder over the lake: the image of Preponderance of the Small. Thus the superior man in his conduct is mindfully modest, in mourning he is deeply sorrowful, and in his expenditures he is exceptionally thrifty.
63. Jì Jì
卦
After Completion
Kî Zî intimates progress and success in small matters, and advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.
䷾
Water over fire: the image of After Completion. Thus the superior man takes thought of misfortune beforehand and arms himself against it.
64. Wèi Jì
卦
Before Completion
Wei Zî intimates progress and success. But if the young fox, having nearly crossed the stream, should get its tail wet, there will be no advantage in any way.
䷿
Fire over water: the image of Before Completion. Thus the superior man is careful in differentiating things, so that each finds its proper place.
Historical text interpretations and poetic judgments are sourced from James Legge’s translation of The Yî King (1882), Part II of The Texts of Confucianism, published in Max Müller's Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI. This open-access content resides unconditionally in the Public Domain.
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