Inverted King Wen Pairs

The King Wen sequence of hexagram pairs are mostly quian gua, made by physically inverting one of the hexagrams.  Eight hexagrams are the same when inverted, so they are paired with their pang tong gua, or the hexagram made by reversing the yang lines to yin and vice versa.  And eight more are the same whether inverted or reversed, making four pairs that can be thought of as either quian gua or pang tong gua.

   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 

Unlike the pang tong gua, the quian gua include a number of lines that contain duplicated text, or at least echoes of key words.  Interestingly, some, but not all, of these corresponding lines have an inverted relationship.  For example, lines 41:5 and 42:2 both contain the text, “Someone does indeed increase him.  Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.”  But one line is in the fifth place, and the other in the second, as if they had “crossed over” when one hexagram was inverted.

Is there any pattern to whether corresponding lines are crossed over, or remain parallel?  For example, does corresponding text in the hexagrams that are both quian gua and pang tong gua, and are the same inverted and reversed, differ from corresponding text in quian gua that must be inverted?  It does not appear that there is any pattern; both relationships are found in both kinds of hexagrams.  The table below demonstrates these relationships.  The text is the word-for-word gloss by Gregory C. Richter so the words themselves may be compared.

These hexagrams must be inverted, and have crossed lines:
15:6 – 16:1EXPRESS MODESTY / EXPRESS HAPPINESS
41:5 – 42:2PERHAPS INCREASE IT.  TEN PAIR OF TORTOISE.  NOT CAN OPPOSE.
43:4 – 44:3BUTTOCKS NO FLESH.  YOU GO INFERIOR INDEED.
These hexagrams must be inverted, and have parallel lines:
7:5 – 8:5FOWL
21:1 – 22:1FOOT
45:2 – 46:2TRUST THEN FAVORABLE ACT SPRING-OFFERING
These hexagrams are the same inverted and reversed, and have parallel lines:
11:1 – 12:1PULL REED; ROOT TAKE THEIR GATHERING.
These hexagrams are the same inverted and reversed, and have both crossed and parallel lines:
63:3 – 64:4ATTACK DEMON PLACE.  THREE YEAR . . . .
63:1 – 64:1,2DRAG YOUR WHEEL.  WET ITS TAIL.  NO HARM. / WET ITS TAIL.  MISFORTUNE.  DRAG YOUR WHEEL.
63:6 – 64:6WET YOUR HEAD

I have listed the line texts of the King Wen pairs below in crossed-over fashion, just to see what they look like.  Corresponding text is highlighted:  parallel in red, and crossed-over in blue.  The text is bold in a few more places where the relationship is not exact.

index
1.  Ch’ien / The Creative 2.  K’un / The Receptive
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
THE CREATIVE works sublime success,
Furthering through perseverance.		 THE RECEPTIVE brings about sublime success,
Furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead,
He goes astray;
But if he follows, he finds guidance.
It is favorable to find friends in the west and south,
To forego friends in the east and north.
Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Hidden dragon.  Do not act.		 Six at the top means:
Dragons fight in the meadow.
Their blood is black and yellow.
Nine in the second place means:
Dragon appearing in the field.
It furthers one to see the great man.		 Six in the fifth place means:
A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
All day long the superior man is creatively active.
At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares.
Danger.  No blame.		 Six in the fourth place means:
A tied-up sack.  No blame, no praise.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Wavering flight over the depths.
No blame.		 Six in the third place means:
Hidden lines.
One is able to remain persevering.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works, but bring to completion.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Flying dragon in the heavens.
It furthers one to see the great man.		 Six in the second place means:
Straight, square, great.
Without purpose,
Yet nothing remains unfurthered.
Nine at the top means:
Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.		 Six at the beginning means:
When there is hoarfrost underfoot,
Solid ice is not far off.
When all the lines are nines, it means:
There appears a flight of dragons without heads.
Good fortune.		 When all the lines are sixes, it means:
Lasting perseverance furthers.
index
3.  Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning 4.  Mêng / Youthful Folly
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING works supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Nothing should be undertaken.
It furthers one to appoint helpers.		 YOUTHFUL FOLLY has success.
It is not I who seek the young fool;
The young fool seeks me.
At the first oracle I inform him.
If he asks two or three times, it is importunity.
If he importunes, I give him no information.
Perseverance furthers.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Hesitation and hindrance.
It furthers one to remain persevering.
It furthers one to appoint helpers.		 Nine at the top means:
In punishing folly
It does not further one
To commit transgressions.
The only thing that furthers
Is to prevent transgressions.
Six in the second place means:
Difficulties pile up.
Horse and wagon part.
He is not a robber;
He wants to woo when the time comes.
The maiden is chaste,
She does not pledge herself.
Ten years—then she pledges herself.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Childlike folly brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Whoever hunts deer without the forester
Only loses his way in the forest.
The superior man understands the signs of the time
And prefers to desist.
To go on brings humiliation.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Entangled folly bring humiliation.
Six in the fourth place means:
Horse and wagon part.
Strive for union.
To go brings good fortune.
Everything acts to further.		 Six in the third place means:
Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze,
Loses possession of herself.
Nothing furthers.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Difficulties in blessing.
A little perseverance brings good fortune.
Great perseverance brings misfortune.		 Nine in the second place means:
To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune.
To know how to take women
Brings good fortune.
The son is capable of taking charge of the household.
Six at the top means:
Horse and wagon part.
Bloody tears flow.		 Six at the beginning means:
To make a fool develop
It furthers one to apply discipline.
The fetters should be removed.
To go on in this way bring humiliation.
index
5.  Hsü / Waiting (Nourishment) 6.  Sung / Conflict
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
WAITING.  If you are sincere,
You have light and success.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.		 CONFLICT.  You are sincere
And are being obstructed.
A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune.
Going through to the end brings misfortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
It does not further one to cross the great water.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Waiting in the meadow.
It furthers one to abide in what endures.
No blame.		 Nine at the top means:
Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one,
By the end of a morning
It will have been snatched away three times.
Nine in the second place means:
Waiting on the sand.
There is some gossip.
The end brings good fortune.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
To contend before him
Brings supreme good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
Waiting in the mud
Brings about the arrival of the enemy.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
One cannot engage in conflict.
One turns back and submits to fate,
Changes one’s attitude,
And finds peace in perseverance.
Good fortune.
Six in the fourth place means:
Waiting in blood.
Get out of the pit.		 Six in the third place means:
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance.
Danger.  In the end, good fortune comes.
If by chance you are in the service of a king,
Seek not works.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Waiting at meat and drink.
Perseverance brings good fortune.		 Nine in the second place means:
One cannot engage in conflict;
One returns home, gives way.
The people of his town,
Three hundred households,
Remain free of guilt.
Six at the top means:
One falls into the pit.
Three uninvited guests arrive.
Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune.		 Six at the beginning means:
If one does not perpetuate the affair,
There is a little gossip.
In the end, good fortune comes.
index
7.  Shih / The Army 8.  Pi / Holding Together [Union]
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
THE ARMY.  The army needs perseverance
And a strong man.
Good fortune without blame.		 HOLDING TOGETHER brings good fortune.
Inquire of the oracle once again
Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
Then there is no blame.
Those who are uncertain gradually join.
Whoever come too late
Meets with misfortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
An army must set forth in proper order.
If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.		 Six at the top means:
He finds no head for holding together.
Misfortune.
Nine in the second place means:
In the midst of the army.
Good fortune.  No blame.
The king bestows a triple decoration.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
Manifestation of holding together.
In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only
And forgoes game that runs off in front.
The citizens need no warning.
Good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon.
Misfortune.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Hold to him outwardly also.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the fourth place means:
The army retreats.  No blame.		 Six in the third place means:
You hold together with the wrong people.
Six in the fifth place means:
There is game in the field.
It furthers one to catch it.
Without blame.
Let the eldest lead the army.
The younger transports corpses;
Then perseverance brings misfortune.		 Six in the second place means:
Hold to him inwardly.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six at the top means:
The great prince issues commands,
Founds states, vests families with fiefs.
Inferior people should not be employed.		 Six at the beginning means:
Hold to him in truth and loyalty;
This is without blame.
Truth, like a full earthen bowl:
Thus in the end
Good fortune comes from without.
index
9.  Hsiao Ch’u / The Taming Power of the Small 10.  Lü / Treading [Conduct]
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL
Has success.
Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.		 TREADING.  Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man.  Success.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Return to the way.
How could there be blame in this?
Good fortune.		 Nine at the top means:
Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs.
When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.
Nine in the second place means:
He allows himself to be drawn into returning.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
Resolute conduct.
Perseverance with awareness of danger.
Nine in the third place means:
The spokes burst out of the wagon wheels,
Man and wife roll their eyes.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
He treads on the tail of the tiger.
Caution and circumspection
Lead ultimately to good fortune.
Six in the fourth place means:
If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way.
No blame.		 Six in the third place means:
A one-eyed man is able to see,
A lame man is able to tread.
He treads on the tail of the tiger.
The tiger bites the man.
Misfortune.
Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince.
Nine in the fifth place means:
If you are sincere and loyally attached,
You are rich in your neighbor.		 Nine in the second place means:
Treading a smooth, level course.
The perseverance of a dark man
Brings good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
The rain comes, there is rest.
This is due to the lasting effect of character.
Perseverance brings the woman into danger.
The moon is nearly full.
If the superior man persists,
Misfortune comes.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Simple conduct.  Progress without blame.
index
11.  T’ai / Peace 12.  P’i / Standstill [Stagnation]
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
PEACE.  The small departs,
The great approaches.
Good fortune.  Success.		 STANDSTILL.  Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind.
Undertakings bring good fortune.		 Nine at the top means:
The standstill comes to an end.
First standstill, then good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:
Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness,
Fording the river with resolution,
Not neglecting what is distant,
Not regarding one’s companions:
Thus one may manage to walk in the middle.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
Standstill is giving way.
Good fortune for the great man.
“What if it should fail, what if it should fail?”
In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.
Nine in the third place means:
No plain not followed by a slope.
No going not followed by a return.
He who remains persevering in danger
Is without blame.
Do not complain about this truth;
Enjoy the good fortune you still possess.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
He who acts at the command of the highest
Remains without blame.
Those of like mind partake of the blessing.
Six in the fourth place means:
He flutters down, not boasting of his wealth,
Together with his neighbor,
Guileless and sincere.		 Six in the third place means:
They bear shame.
Six in the fifth place means:
The sovereign I
Gives his daughter in marriage.
This brings blessing
And supreme good fortune.		 Six in the second place means:
They bear and endure;
This means good fortune for inferior people.
The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success.
Six at the top means:
The wall falls back into the moat.
Use no army now.
Make your commands known within your own town.
Perseverance brings humiliation.		 Six at the beginning means:
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it.
Each according to his kind.
Perseverance brings good fortune and success.
index
13.  T’ung Jên / Fellowship with Men 14.  Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
FELLOWSHIP WITH MEN in the open.
Success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The perseverance of the superior man furthers.		 POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE.
Supreme success.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Fellowship with men at the gate.
No blame.		 Nine at the top means:
He is blessed by heaven.
Good fortune.
Nothing that does not further.
Six in the second place means:
Fellowship with men in the clan.
Humiliation.		 Six in the fifth place means:
He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified,
Has good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
He hides weapons in the thicket;
He climbs the high hill in front of it.
For three years he does not rise up.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
He makes a difference
Between himself and his neighbor.
No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He climbs up on his wall; he cannot attack.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the third place means:
A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven.
A petty man cannot do this.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament,
But afterward they laugh.
After great struggles they succeed in meeting.		 Nine in the second place means:
A big wagon for loading.
One may undertake something.
No blame.
Nine at the top means:
Fellowship with men in the meadow.
No remorse.		 Nine at the beginning means:
No relationship with what is harmful;
There is no blame in this.
If one remains conscious of difficulty,
One remains without blame.
index
15.  Ch’ien / Modesty 16.  Yü / Enthusiasm
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
MODESTY creates success.
The superior man carries things through.		 ENTHUSIASM.  It furthers one to install helpers
And to set armies marching.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
A superior man modest about his modesty
May cross the great water.
Good fortune.		 Six at the top means:
Deluded enthusiasm.
But if after completion one changes,
There is no blame.
Six in the second place means:
Modesty that comes to expression.
Perseverance brings good fortune.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Persistently ill, and still does not die.
Nine in the third place means:
A superior man of modesty and merit
Carries things to conclusion.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
The source of enthusiasm.
He achieves great things.
Doubt not.
You gather friends around you
As a hair clasp gathers the hair.
Six in the fourth place means:
Nothing that would not further modesty
In movement.		 Six in the third place means:
Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse.
Hesitation brings remorse.
Six in the fifth place means:
No boasting of wealth before one’s neighbor.
It is favorable to attack with force.
Nothing that would not further.		 Six in the second place means:
Firm as a rock.  Not a whole day.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six at the top means:
Modesty that comes to expression.
It is favorable to set armies marching
To chastise one’s own city and one’s country.		 Six at the beginning means:
Enthusiasm that expresses itself
Brings misfortune.
index
17.  Sui / Following 18.  Ku / Work on What Has Been Spoiled [Decay]
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
FOLLOWING has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.  No blame.		 WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED
Has supreme success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Before the starting point, three days.
After the starting point, three days.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
The standard is changing.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
To go out of the door in company
Produces deeds.		 Nine at the top means:
He does not serve kings and princes,
Sets himself higher goals.
Six in the second place means:
If one clings to the little boy,
One loses the strong man.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.
One meets with praise.
Six in the third place means:
If one clings to the strong man,
One loses the little boy.
Through following one finds what one seeks.
It furthers one to remain persevering.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father.
In continuing one sees humiliation.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Following creates success.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
To go one’s way with sincerity brings clarity.
How could there be blame in this?		 Nine in the third place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.
There will be a little remorse.  No great blame.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Sincere in the good.  Good fortune.		 Nine in the second place means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother.
One must not be too persevering.
Six at the top means:
He meets with firm allegiance
And is still further bound.
The king introduces him
To the Western Mountain.		 Six in the beginning means:
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.
If there is a son,
No blame rests upon the departed father.
Danger.  In the end good fortune.
index
19.  Lin / Approach 20.  Kuan / Contemplation (View)
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
APPROACH has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
When the eighth month comes,
There will be misfortune.		 CONTEMPLATION.  The ablution has been made,
But not yet the offering.
Full of trust they look up to him.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Joint approach.
Perseverance brings good fortune.		 Nine at the top means:
Contemplation of his life.
The superior man is without blame.
Nine in the second place means:
Joint approach.
Good fortune.
Everything furthers.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
Contemplation of my life.
The superior man is without blame.
Six in the third place means:
Comfortable approach.
Nothing that would further.
If one is induced to grieve over it,
One becomes free of blame.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Contemplation of the light of the kingdom.
It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king.
Six in the fourth place means:
Complete approach.
No blame.		 Six in the third place means:
Contemplation of my life
Decides the choice
Between advance and retreat.
Six in the fifth place means:
Wise approach.
This is right for a great prince.
Good fortune.		 Six in the second place means:
Contemplation through the crack of the door.
Furthering for the perseverance of a woman.
Six at the top means:
Greathearted approach.
Good fortune.  No blame.		 Six at the beginning means:
Boylike contemplation.
For an inferior man, no blame.
For a superior man, humiliation.
index
21.  Shih Ho / Biting Through 22.  Pi / Grace
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
BITING THROUGH has success.
It is favorable to let justice be administered.		 GRACE has success.
In small matters
It is favorable to undertake something.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
His feet are fastened in the stocks,
So that his toes disappear.
No blame.		 Nine at the top means:
Simple grace.  No blame.
Six in the second place means:
Bites through tender meat,
So that his nose disappears.
No blame.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Grace in hills and gardens.
The roll of silk is meager and small.
Humiliation, but in the end good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Bites on old dried meat
And strikes on something poisonous.
Slight humiliation.  No blame.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Grace or simplicity?
A white horse comes as if on wings.
He is not a robber,
He will woo at the right time.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Bites on dried gristly meat.
Receives metal arrows.
It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties
And to be persevering.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the third place means:
Graceful and moist.
Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the fifth place means:
Bites on dried lean meat.
Receives yellow gold.
Perseveringly aware of danger.
No blame.		 Six in the second place means:
Lends grace to the beard on his chin.
Nine at the top means:
His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue,
So that his ears disappear.
Misfortune.		 Nine at the beginning means:
He lends grace to his toes, leaves the carriage, and walks.
index
23.  Po / Splitting Apart 24.  Fu / Return (The Turning Point)
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
SPLITTING APART.  It does not further one
To go anywhere.		 RETURN.  Success.
Going out and coming in without error.
Friends come without blame.
To and fro goes the way.
On the seventh day comes return.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
The leg of the bed is split.
Those who persevere are destroyed.
Misfortune.		 Six at the top means:
Missing the return.  Misfortune.
Misfortune from within and without.
If armies are set marching in this way,
One will in the end suffer a great defeat,
Disastrous for the ruler of the country.
For ten years
It will not be possible to attack again.
Six in the second place means:
The bed is split at the edge.
Those who persevere are destroyed.
Misfortune.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Noblehearted return.  No remorse.
Six in the third place means:
He splits with them.  No blame.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Walking in the midst of others,
One returns alone.
Six in the fourth place means:
The bed is split up to the skin.
Misfortune.		 Six in the third place means:
Repeated return.  Danger.  No blame.
Six in the fifth place means:
A shoal of fishes.  Favor comes through the court ladies.
Everything acts to further.		 Six in the second place means:
Quiet return.  Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
There is a large fruit still uneaten.
The superior man receives a carriage.
The house of the inferior man is split apart.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Return from a short distance.
No need for remorse.
Great good fortune.
index
25.  Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected) 26.  Ta Ch’u / The Taming Power of the Great
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
INNOCENCE.  Supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
If someone is not as he should be,
He has misfortune,
And it does not further him
To undertake anything.		 THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT.
Perseverance furthers.
Not eating at home brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Innocent behavior brings good fortune.		 Nine at the top means:
One attains the way of heaven.  Success.
Six in the second place means:
If one does not count on the harvest while plowing,
Nor on the use of the ground while clearing it,
It furthers one to undertake something.		 Six in the fifth place means:
The tusk of a gelded boar.
Good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Undeserved misfortune.
The cow that was tethered by someone
Is the wanderer’s gain, the citizen’s loss.		 Six in the fourth place means:
The headboard of a young bull.
Great good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He who can be persevering
Remains without blame.		 Nine in the third place means:
A good horse that follows others.
Awareness of danger,
With perseverance, furthers.
Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Use no medicine in an illness
Incurred through no fault of your own.
It will pass of itself.		 Nine in the second place means:
The axletrees are taken from the wagon.
Nine at the top means:
Innocent action brings misfortune.
Nothing furthers.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Danger is at hand.  It furthers one to desist.
index
27. I / The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment) 28. Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
THE CORNERS OF THE MOUTH.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Pay heed to the providing of nourishment
And to what a man seeks
To fill his own mouth with.		 PREPONDERANCE OF THE GREAT.
The ridgepole sags to the breaking point.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Success.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
You let your magic tortoise go,
And look at me with the corners of your mouth drooping.
Misfortune.		 Six at the top means:
One must go through the water.
It goes over one’s head.
Misfortune. No blame.
Six in the second place means:
Turning to the summit for nourishment,
Deviating from the path
To seek nourishment from the hill.
Continuing to do this brings misfortune.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
A withered poplar puts forth flowers.
An older woman takes a husband.
No blame. No praise.
Six in the third place means:
Turning away from nourishment.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Do not act thus for ten years.
Nothing serves to further.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
The ridgepole is braced. Good fortune.
If there are ulterior motives, it is humiliating.
Six in the fourth place means:
Turning to the summit
For provision of nourishment
Brings good fortune.
Spying about with sharp eyes
Like a tiger with insatiable craving.
No blame.		 Nine in the third place means:
The ridgepole sags to the breaking point.
Misfortune.
Six in the fifth place means:
Turning away from the path.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.
One should not cross the great water.		 Nine in the second place means:
A dry poplar sprouts at the root.
An older man takes a young wife.
Everything furthers.
Nine at the top means:
The source of nourishment.
Awareness of danger brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.		 Six at the beginning means:
To spread white rushes underneath.
No blame.
index
29. K’an / The Abysmal (Water) 30. Li / The Clinging, Fire
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
The Abysmal repeated.
If you are sincere, you have success in your heart,
And whatever you do succeeds.		 THE CLINGING. Perseverance furthers.
It brings success.
Care of the cow brings good fortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
Repetition of the Abysmal.
In the abyss one falls into a pit.
Misfortune.		 Nine at the top means:
The king uses him to march forth and chastise.
Then it is best to kill the leaders
And take captive the followers. No blame.
Nine in the second place means:
The abyss is dangerous.
One should strive to attain small things only.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Tears in floods, sighing and lamenting.
Good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
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 this way.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
Its coming is sudden;
It flames up, dies down, is thrown away.
Six in the fourth place means:
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.		 Nine in the third place means:
In the light of the setting sun,
Men either beat the pot and sing
Or loudly bewail the approach of old age.
Misfortune.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The abyss is not filled to overflowing,
It is filled only to the rim.
No blame.		 Six in the second place means:
Yellow light. Supreme good fortune.
Six at the top means:
Bound with cords and ropes,
Shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls:
For three years one does not find the way.
Misfortune.		 Nine at the beginning means:
The footprints run crisscross.
If one is seriously intent, no blame.
index
31.  Hsien / Influence (Wooing) 32.  Hêng / Duration
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
Influence.  Success.
Perseverance furthers.
To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.		 DURATION.  Success.  No blame.
Perseverance furthers.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
The influence shows itself in the big toe.		 Six at the top means:
Restlessness as an enduring condition brings misfortune.
Six in the second place means:
The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs.
Misfortune.
Tarrying brings good fortune.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Giving duration to one’s character through perseverance.
This is good fortune for a woman, misfortune for a man.
Nine in the third place means:
The influence shows itself in the thighs.
Holds to that which follows it.
To continue is humiliating.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
No game in the field.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
If a man is agitated in mind,
And his thoughts go hither and thither,
Only those friends
On whom he fixes his conscious thoughts
Will follow.		 Nine in the third place means:
He who does not give duration to his character
Meets with disgrace.
Persistent humiliation.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The influence shows itself in the back of the neck.
No remorse.		 Nine in the second place means:
Remorse disappears.
Six at the top means:
The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.		 Six at the beginning means:
Seeking duration too hastily brings misfortune persistently.
Nothing that would further.
index
33.  Tun / Retreat 34.  Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
RETREAT.  Success.
In what is small, perseverance furthers.		 THE POWER OF THE GREAT.  Perseverance furthers.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
At the tail in retreat.  This is dangerous.
One must not wish to undertake anything.		 Six at the top means:
A goat butts against a hedge.
It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward.
Nothing serves to further.
If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune.
Six in the second place means:
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.
No one can tear him loose.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Loses the goat with ease.
No remorse.
Nine in the third place means:
A halted retreat
Is nerve-wracking and dangerous.
To retain people as men—and maidservants
Brings good fortune.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
The hedge opens; there is no entanglement.
Power depends upon the axle of a big cart.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man
And downfall to the inferior man.		 Nine in the third place means:
The inferior man works through power.
The superior man does not act thus.
To continue is dangerous.
A goat butts against a hedge
And gets its horns entangled.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Friendly retreat.  Perseverance brings good fortune.		 Nine in the second place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
Cheerful retreat.  Everything serves to further.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Power in the toes.
Continuing brings misfortune.
This is certainly true.
index
35.  Chin / Progress 36.  Ming I / Darkening of the Light
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
PROGRESS.  The powerful prince
Is honored with horses in large numbers.
In a single day he is granted audience three times.		 DARKENING OF THE LIGHT.  In adversity
It furthers one to be persevering.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
Progressing, but turned back.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm.
No mistake.		 Six at the top means:
Not light but darkness.
First he climbed up to heaven,
Then he plunged into the depths of the earth.
Six in the second place means:
Progressing, but in sorrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Then one obtains great happiness from one’s ancestress.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi.
Perseverance furthers.
Six in the third place means:
All are in accord.  Remorse disappears.		 Six in the fourth place means:
He penetrates the left side of the belly.
One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light
And leaves gate and courtyard.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Progress like a hamster.
Perseverance brings danger.		 Nine in the third place means:
Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south.
Their great leader is captured.
One must not expect perseverance too soon.
Six in the fifth place means:
Remorse disappears.
Take not gain and loss to heart.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Everything serves to further.		 Six in the second place means:
Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh.
He gives aid with the strength of a horse.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
Making progress with the horns is permissible
Only for the purpose of punishing one’s own city.
To be conscious of danger brings good fortune.
No blame.
Perseverance brings humiliation.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Darkening of the light during flight.
He lowers his wings.
The superior man does not eat for three days
On his wanderings.
But he has somewhere to go.
The host has occasion to gossip about him.
index
37.  Chia Jên / The Family [The Clan] 38.  K’uei / Opposition
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
THE FAMILY.  The perseverance of the woman furthers. OPPOSITION.  In small matters, good fortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Firm seclusion within the family.
Remorse disappears.		 Nine at the top means:
Isolated through opposition,
One sees one’s companion as a pig covered with dirt,
As a wagon full of devils.
First one draws a bow against him,
Then one lays the bow aside.
He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time.
As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.
Six in the second place means:
She should not follow her whims.
She must attend within to the food.
Perseverance brings good fortune.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Remorse disappears.
The companion bites his way through the wrappings.
If one goes to him,
How could it be a mistake?
Nine in the third place means:
When tempers flare up in the family,
Too great severity brings remorse.
Good fortune nonetheless.
When woman and child dally and laugh
It leads in the end to humiliation.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
Isolated through opposition,
One meets a like-minded man
With whom one can associate in good faith.
Despite the danger, no blame.
Six in the fourth place means:
She is the treasure of the house.
Great good fortune.		 Six in the third place means:
One sees the wagon dragged back,
The oxen halted,
A man’s hair and nose cut off.
Not a good beginning, but a good end.
Nine in the fifth place means:
As a king he approaches his family.
Fear not.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the second place means:
One meets his lord in a narrow street.
No blame.
Nine at the top means:
His work commands respect.
In the end good fortune comes.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Remorse disappears.
If you lose your horse, do not run after it;
It will come back of its own accord.
When you see evil people,
Guard yourself against mistakes.
index
39.  Chien / Obstruction 40.  Hsieh / Deliverance
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
OBSTRUCTION.  The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Perseverance brings good fortune.		 DELIVERANCE.  The southwest furthers.
If there is no longer anything where one has to go,
Return brings good fortune.
If there is still something where one has to go,
Hastening brings good fortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming meets with praise.		 Six at the top means:
The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall.
He kills it.  Everything serves to further.
Six in the second place means:
The king’s servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction,
But it is not his own fault.		 Six in the fifth place means:
If only the superior man can deliver himself,
It brings good fortune.
Thus he proves to inferior men that he is in earnest.
Nine in the third place means:
Going leads to obstructions;
Hence he comes back.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
Deliver yourself from your great toe.
Then the companion comes,
And him you can trust.
Six in the fourth place means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to union.		 Six in the third place means:
If a man carries a burden on his back
And nonetheless rides in a carriage,
He thereby encourages robbers to draw near.
Perseverance leads to humiliation.
Nine in the fifth place means:
In the midst of the greatest obstructions,
Friends come.		 Nine in the second place means:
One kills three foxes in the field
And receives a yellow arrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six at the top means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to great good fortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.		 Six at the beginning means:
Without blame.
index
41.  Sun / Decrease 42.  I / Increase
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
DECREASE combined with sincerity
Brings about supreme good fortune
Without blame.
One may be persevering in this.
It furthers one to undertake something.
How is this to be carried out?
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.		 INCREASE.  It furthers one
To undertake something.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Going quickly when one’s tasks are finished
Is without blame.
But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others.		 Nine at the top means:
He brings increase to no one.
Indeed, someone even strikes him.
He does not keep his heart constantly steady.
Misfortune.
Nine in the second place means:
Perseverance furthers.
To undertake something brings misfortune.
Without decreasing oneself,
One is able to bring increase to others.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not.
Supreme good fortune.
Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue.
Six in the third place means:
When three people journey together,
Their number decreases by one.
When one man journeys alone,
He finds a companion.		 Six in the fourth place means:
If you walk in the middle
And report to the prince,
He will follow.
It furthers one to be used
In the removal of the capital.
Six in the fourth place means:
If a man decreases his faults,
It makes the other hasten to come and rejoice.
No blame.		 Six in the third place means:
One is enriched through unfortunate events.
No blame, if you are sincere
And walk in the middle,
And report with a seal to the prince.
Six in the fifth place means:
Someone does indeed increase him.
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Supreme good fortune.		 Six in the second place means:
Someone does indeed increase him;
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
The king presents him before God.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
If one is increased without depriving others,
There is no blame.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.
One obtains servants
But no longer has a separate home.		 Nine at the beginning means:
It furthers one to accomplish great deeds.
Supreme good fortune.  No blame.
index
43.  Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness) 44.  Kou / Coming to Meet
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
above CH’IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
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.		 COMING TO MEET.  The maiden is powerful.
One should not marry such a maiden.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Mighty in the forward-striding toes.
When one goes and is not equal to the task,
One makes a mistake.		 Nine at the top means:
He comes to meet with his horns.
Humiliation.  No blame.
Nine in the second place means:
A cry of alarm.  Arms at evening and at night.
Fear nothing.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
A melon covered with willow leaves.
Hidden lines.
Then it drops down to one from heaven.
Nine in the third place means:
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.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
No fish in the tank.
This leads to misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
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.		 Nine in the third place means:
There is no skin on his thighs,
And walking comes hard.
If one is mindful of the danger,
No great mistake is made.
Nine in the fifth place means:
In dealing with weeds,
Firm resolution is necessary.
Walking in the middle
Remains free of blame.		 Nine in the second place means:
There is a fish in the tank.  No blame.
Does not further guests.
Six at the top means:
No cry.
In the end misfortune comes.		 Six at the beginning means:
It must be checked with a brake of bronze.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune.
Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around.
index
45.  Ts’ui / Gathering Together [Massing] 46.  Shêng / Pushing Upward
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
GATHERING TOGETHER.  Success.
The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to see the great man.
This brings success.  Perseverance furthers.
To bring great offerings creates good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.		 PUSHING UPWARD has supreme success.
One must see the great man.
Fear not.
Departure toward the south
Brings good fortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
If you are sincere, but not to the end,
There will sometimes be confusion, sometimes gathering together.
If you call out,
Then after one grasp of the hand you can laugh again.
Regret not.  Going is without blame.		 Six at the top means:
Pushing upward in darkness.
It furthers one
To be unremittingly persevering.
Six in the second place means:
Letting oneself be drawn
Brings good fortune and remains blameless.
If one is sincere,
It furthers one to bring even a small offering.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
One pushes upward by steps.
Six in the third place means:
Gathering together amid sighs.
Nothing that would further.
Going is without blame.
Slight humiliation.		 Six in the fourth place means:
The king offers him Mount Ch’i.
Good fortune.  No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Great good fortune.  No blame.		 Nine in the third place means:
One pushes upward into an empty city.
Nine in the fifth place means:
If in gathering together one has position,
This brings no blame.
If there are some who are not yet sincerely in the work,
Sublime and enduring perseverance is needed.
Then remorse disappears.		 Nine in the second place means:
If one is sincere,
It furthers one to bring even a small offering.
No blame.
Six at the top means:
Lamenting and sighing, floods of tears.
No blame.		 Six at the beginning means:
Pushing upward that meets with confidence
Brings great good fortune.
index
47.  K’un / Oppression (Exhaustion) 48.  Ching / The Well
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
OPPRESSION.  Success.  Perseverance.
The great man brings about good fortune.
No blame.
When one has something to say,
It is not believed.		 THE WELL.  The town may be changed,
But the well cannot be changed.
It neither decreases nor increases.
They come and go and draw from the well.
If one gets down almost to the water
And the rope does not go all the way,
Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
One sits oppressed under a bare tree
And strays into a gloomy valley.
For three years one sees nothing.		 Six at the top means:
One draws from the well
Without hindrance.
It is dependable.
Supreme good fortune.
Nine in the second place means:
One is oppressed while at meat and drink.
The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming.
It furthers one to offer sacrifice.
To set forth brings misfortune.
No blame.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
In the well there is a clear, cold spring
From which one can drink.
Six in the third place means:
A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
And leans on thorns and thistles.
He enters his house and does not see his wife.
Misfortune.		 Six in the fourth place means:
The well is being lined.  No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage.
Humiliation, but the end is reached.		 Nine in the third place means:
The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
This is my heart’s sorrow,
For one might draw from it.
If the king were clear-minded,
Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.
Nine in the fifth place means:
His nose and feet are cut off.
Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands.
Joy comes softly.
It furthers one to make offerings and libations.		 Nine in the second place means:
At the wellhole one shoots fishes.
The jug is broken and leaks.
Six at the top means:
He is oppressed by creeping vines.
He moves uncertainly and says, “Movement brings remorse.”
If one feels remorse over this and makes a start,
Good fortune comes.		 Six at the beginning means:
One does not drink the mud of the well.
No animals come to an old well.
index
49.  Ko / Revolution (Molting) 50.  Ting / The Caldron
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
REVOLUTION.  On your own day
You are believed.
Supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Remorse disappears.		 THE CALDRON.  Supreme good fortune.
Success.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.		 Nine at the top means:
The ting has rings of jade.
Great good fortune.
Nothing that would not act to further.
Six in the second place means:
When one’s own day comes, one may create revolution.
Starting brings good fortune.  No blame.		 Six in the fifth place means:
The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings.
Perseverance furthers.
Nine in the third place means:
Starting brings misfortune.
Perseverance brings danger.
When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times,
One may commit himself,
And men will believe him.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
The legs of the ting are broken.
The prince’s meal is spilled
And his person is soiled.
Misfortune.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Remorse disappears.  Men believe him.
Changing the form of government brings good fortune.		 Nine in the third place means:
The handle of the ting is altered.
One is impeded in his way of life.
The fat of the pheasant is not eaten.
Once rain falls, remorse is spent.
Good fortune comes in the end.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The great man changes like a tiger.
Even before he questions the oracle
He is believed.		 Nine in the second place means:
There is food in the ting.
My comrades are envious,
But they cannot harm me.
Good fortune.
Six at the top means:
The superior man changes like a panther.
The inferior man molts in the face.
Starting brings misfortune.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.		 Six at the beginning means:
A ting with legs upturned.
Furthers removal of stagnating stuff.
One takes a concubine for the sake of her son.
No blame.
index
51.  Chên / The Arousing (Shock, Thunder) 52.  Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
above KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
SHOCK brings success.
Shock comes—oh, oh!
Laughing words—ha, ha!
The shock terrifies for a hundred miles,
And he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.		 KEEPING STILL.  Keeping his back still
So that he no longer feels his body.
He goes into his courtyard
And does not see his people.
No blame.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Shock comes—oh, oh!
Then follow laughing words—ha, ha!
Good fortune.		 Nine at the top means:
Noblehearted keeping still.
Good fortune.
Six in the second place means:
Shock comes bringing danger.
A hundred thousand times
You lose your treasures
And must climb the nine hills.
Do not go in pursuit of them.
After seven days you will get them back again.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Keeping his jaws still.
The words have order.
Remorse disappears.
Six in the third place means:
Shock comes and makes one distraught.
If shock spurs to action
One remains free of misfortune.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Keeping his trunk still.
No blame.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Shock is mired.		 Nine in the third place means:
Keeping his hips still.
Making his sacrum stiff.
Dangerous.  The heart suffocates.
Six in the fifth place means:
Shock goes hither and thither.
Danger.
However, nothing at all is lost.
Yet there are things to be done.		 Six in the second place means:
Keeping his calves still.
He cannot rescue him whom he follows.
His heart is not glad.
Six at the top means:
Shock brings ruin and terrified gazing around.
Going ahead brings misfortune.
If it has not yet touched one’s own body
But has reached one’s neighbor first,
There is no blame.
One’s comrades have something to talk about.		 Six at the beginning means:
Keeping his toes still.
No blame.
Continued perseverance furthers.
index
53.  Chien / Development (Gradual Progress) 54.  Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
DEVELOPMENT.  The maiden
Is given in marriage.
Good fortune.
Perseverance furthers.		 THE MARRYING MAIDEN.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Nothing that would further.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the shore.
The young son is in danger.
There is talk.  No blame.		 Six at the top means:
The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits in it.
The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows.
Nothing that acts to further.
Six in the second place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff.
Eating and drinking in peace and concord.
Good fortune.		 Six in the fifth place means:
The sovereign I gave his daughter in marriage.
The embroidered garments of the princess
Were not as gorgeous
As those of the servingmaid.
The moon that is nearly full
Brings good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
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.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time.
A late marriage comes in due course.
Six in the fourth place means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the tree.
Perhaps it will find a flat branch.  No blame.		 Six in the third place means:
The marrying maiden as a slave.
She marries as a concubine.
Nine in the fifth place means:
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.		 Nine in the second place means:
A one-eyed man who is able to see.
The perseverance of a solitary man furthers.
Nine at the top means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights.
Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance.
Good fortune.		 Nine at the beginning means:
The marrying maiden as a concubine.
A lame man who is able to tread.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
index
55.  Fêng / Abundance [Fullness] 56.  Lü / The Wanderer
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
ABUNDANCE has success.
The king attains abundance.
Be not sad.
Be like the sun at midday.		 THE WANDERER.  Success through smallness.
Perseverance brings good fortune
To the wanderer.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
When a man meets his destined ruler,
They can be together ten days,
And it is not a mistake.
Going meets with recognition.		 Nine at the top means:
The bird’s nest burns up.
The wanderer laughs at first,
Then must needs lament and weep.
Through carelessness he loses his cow.
Misfortune.
Six in the second place means:
The curtain is of such fullness
That the polestars can be seen at noon.
Through going one meets with mistrust and hate.
If one rouses him through truth,
Good fortune comes.		 Six in the fifth place means:
He shoots a pheasant.
It drops with the first arrow.
In the end this brings both praise and office.
Nine in the third place means:
The underbrush is of such abundance
That the small stars can be seen at noon.
He breaks his right arm.  No blame.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
The wanderer rests in a shelter.
He obtains his property and an ax.
My heart is not glad.
Nine in the fourth place means:
The curtain is of such fullness
That the polestars can be seen at noon.
He meets his ruler, who is of like kind.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the third place means:
The wanderer’s inn burns down.
He loses the steadfastness of his young servant.
Danger.
Six in the fifth place means:
Lines are coming,
Blessing and fame draw near.
Good fortune.		 Six in the second place means:
The wanderer comes to an inn.
He has his property with him.
He wins the steadfastness of a young servant.
Six at the top means:
His house is in a state of abundance.
He screens off his family.
He peers through the gate
And no longer perceives anyone.
For three years he sees nothing.
Misfortune.		 Six at the beginning means:
If the wanderer busies himself with trivial things,
He draws down misfortune upon himself.
index
57.  Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind) 58.  Tui / The Joyous, Lake
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
above TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
THE GENTLE.  Success through what is small.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
It furthers one to see the great man.		 THE JOYOUS.  Success.
Perseverance is favorable.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
In advancing and in retreating,
The perseverance of a warrior furthers.		 Six at the top means:
Seductive joyousness.
Nine in the second place means:
Penetration under the bed.
Priests and magicians are used in great number.
Good fortune.  No blame.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
Sincerity toward disintegrating influences is dangerous.
Nine in the third place means:
Repeated penetration.  Humiliation.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
Joyousness that is weighed is not at peace.
After ridding himself of mistakes a man has joy.
Six in the fourth place means:
Remorse vanishes.
During the hunt
Three kinds of game are caught.		 Six in the third place means:
Coming joyousness.  Misfortune.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse vanishes.
Nothing that does not further.
No beginning, but an end.
Before the change, three days.
After the change, three days.
Good fortune.		 Nine in the second place means:
Sincere joyousness.  Good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
Nine at the top means:
Penetration under the bed.
He loses his property and his ax.
Perseverance brings misfortune.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Contented joyousness.  Good fortune.
index
59.  Huan / Dispersion [Dissolution] 60.  Chieh / Limitation
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
DISPERSION.  Success.
The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers.		 LIMITATION.  Success.
Galling limitation must not be persevered in.
THE LINES THE LINES
Six at the beginning means:
He brings help with the strength of a horse.
Good fortune.		 Six at the top means:
Galling limitation.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Remorse disappears.
Nine in the second place means:
At the dissolution
He hurries to that which supports him.
Remorse disappears.		 Nine in the fifth place means:
Sweet limitation brings good fortune.
Going brings esteem.
Six in the third place means:
He dissolves his self.  No remorse.		 Six in the fourth place means:
Contented limitation.  Success.
Six in the fourth place means:
He dissolves his bond with his group.
Supreme good fortune.
Dispersion leads in turn to accumulation.
This is something that ordinary men do not think of.		 Six in the third place means:
He who knows no limitation
Will have cause to lament.
No blame.
Nine in the fifth place means:
His loud cries are as dissolving as sweat.
Dissolution!  A king abides without blame.		 Nine in the second place means:
Not going out of the gate and the courtyard
Brings misfortune.
Nine at the top means:
He dissolves his blood.
Departing, keeping at a distance, going out,
Is without blame.		 Nine at the beginning means:
Not going out of the door and the courtyard
Is without blame.
index
61. Chung Fu / Inner Truth 62. Hsiao Kuo / Preponderance of the Small
above SUN THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD
below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
above CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
below KÊN KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
INNER TRUTH. Pigs and fishes.
Good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers.		 PREPONDERANCE OF THE SMALL. Success.
Perseverance furthers.
Small things may be done; great things should not be done.
The flying bird brings the message:
It is not well to strive upward,
It is well to remain below.
Great good fortune.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
Being prepared brings good fortune.
If there are secret designs, it is disquieting.		 Six at the top means:
He passes him by, not meeting him.
The flying bird leaves him.
Misfortune.
This means bad luck and injury.
Nine in the second place means:
A crane calling in the shade.
Its young answers it.
I have a good goblet.
I will share it with you.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Dense clouds,
No rain from our western territory.
The prince shoots and hits him who is in the cave.
Six in the third place means:
He finds a comrade.
Now he beats the drum, now he stops.
Now he sobs, now he sings.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
No blame. He meets him without passing by.
Going brings danger. One must be on guard.
Do not act. Be constantly persevering.
Six in the fourth place means:
The moon nearly at the full.
The team horse goes astray.
No blame.		 Nine in the third place means:
If one is not extremely careful,
Somebody may come up from behind and strike him.
Misfortune.
Nine in the fifth place means:
He possesses truth, which links together.
No blame.		 Six in the second place means:
She passes by her ancestor
And meets her ancestress.
He does not reach his prince
And meets the official.
No blame.
Nine at the top means:
Cockcrow penetrating to heaven.
Perseverance brings misfortune.		 Six at the beginning means:
The bird meets with misfortune through flying.
index
63.  Chi Chi / After Completion 64.  Wei Chi / Before Completion
above K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
below K’AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
THE JUDGMENT THE JUDGMENT
AFTER COMPLETION.  Success in small matters.
Perseverance furthers.
At the beginning good fortune,
At the end disorder.		 BEFORE COMPLETION.  Success.
But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing,
Gets his tail in the water,
There is nothing that would further.
THE LINES THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means:
He brakes his wheels.
He gets his tail in the water.
No blame.		 Nine at the top means:
There is drinking of wine
In genuine confidence.  No blame.
But if one wets his head,
He loses it, in truth.
Six in the second place means:
The woman loses the curtain of her carriage.
Do not run after it;
On the seventh day you will get it.		 Six in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
No remorse.
The light of the superior man is true.
Good fortune.
Nine in the third place means:
The Illustrious Ancestor
Disciplines the Devil’s Country.
After three years he conquers it.
Inferior people must not be employed.		 Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
Shock, thus to discipline the Devil’s Country.
For three years, great realms are awarded.
Six in the fourth place means:
The finest clothes turn to rags.
Be careful all day long.		 Six in the third place means:
Before completion, attack brings misfortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Nine in the fifth place means:
The neighbor in the east who slaughters an ox
Does not attain as much real happiness
As the neighbor in the west
With his small offering.		 Nine in the second place means:
He brakes his wheels.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six at the top means:
He gets his head in the water.  Danger.		 Six at the beginning means:
He gets his tail in the water.
Humiliating.


Index:

1.  Ch’ien / The Creative
2.  K’un / The Receptive
3.  Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning
4.  Mêng / Youthful Folly
5.  Hsü / Waiting (Nourishment)
6.  Sung / Conflict
7.  Shih / The Army
8.  Pi / Holding Together [Union]
9.  Hsiao Ch’u / The Taming Power of the Small
10.  Lü / Treading [Conduct]
11.  T’ai / Peace
12.  P’i / Standstill [Stagnation]
13.  T’ung Jên / Fellowship with Men
14.  Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure
15.  Ch’ien / Modesty
16.  Yü / Enthusiasm
17.  Sui / Following
18.  Ku / Work on What Has Been Spoiled [Decay]
19.  Lin / Approach
20.  Kuan / Contemplation (View)
21.  Shih Ho / Biting Through
22.  Pi / Grace
23.  Po / Splitting Apart
24.  Fu / Return (The Turning Point)
25.  Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected)
26.  Ta Ch’u / The Taming Power of the Great
27.  I / The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)
28.  Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great
29.  K’an / The Abysmal (Water)
30.  Li / The Clinging, Fire
31.  Hsien / Influence (Wooing)
32.  Hêng / Duration
33.  Tun / Retreat
34.  Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great
35.  Chin / Progress
36.  Ming I / Darkening of the Light
37.  Chia Jên / The Family [The Clan]
38.  K’uei / Opposition
39.  Chien / Obstruction
40.  Hsieh / Deliverance
41.  Sun / Decrease
42.  I / Increase
43.  Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)
44.  Kou / Coming to Meet
45.  Ts’ui / Gathering Together [Massing]
46.  Shêng / Pushing Upward
47.  K’un / Oppression (Exhaustion)
48.  Ching / The Well
49.  Ko / Revolution (Molting)
50.  Ting / The Caldron
51.  Chên / The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)
52.  Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain
53.  Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)
54.  Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden
55.  Fêng / Abundance [Fullness]
56.  Lü / The Wanderer
57.  Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)
58.  Tui / The Joyous, Lake
59.  Huan / Dispersion [Dissolution]
60.  Chieh / Limitation
61.  Chung Fu / Inner Truth
62.  Hsiao Kuo / Preponderance of the Small
63.  Chi Chi / After Completion
64.  Wei Chi / Before Completion


    0 8 16 24 32 40 48 56
  000 100 010 110 001 101 011 111
000 2 16 8 45 23 35 20 12
100 24 51 3 17 27 21 42 25
010 7 40 29 47 4 64 59 6
110 19 54 60 58 41 38 61 10
001 15 62 39 31 52 56 53 33
101 36 55 63 49 22 30 37 13
011 46 32 48 28 18 50 57 44
111 11 34 5 43 26 14 9 1

Columns are the upper trigrams, rows the lower.
The number at the intersection of a column and row is the King Wen number for the hexagram.