hexagram19
above K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH below TUI THE JOYOUS, LAKE
The Chinese word lin has a range of meanings that is not exhausted by any single word of another language. The ancient explanations in the Book of Changes give as its first meaning, “becoming great.” What becomes great are the two strong lines growing into the hexagram from below; the light-giving power expands with them. The meaning is then further extended to include the concept of approach, especially the approach of what is strong and highly placed in relation to what is lower. Finally the meaning includes the attitude of condescension of one in a high position toward the people, and in general the setting to work on affairs. this hexagram is linked with the twelfth month (January-February), when after the winter solstice, the light power begins to ascend again. THE JUDGMENT
APPROACH has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, There will be misfortune.
The hexagram as a whole points to a time of joyous, hopeful progress. Spring is approaching. Joy and forbearance bring high and low nearer together. Success is certain. But we must work with determination and perseverance to make full use of the propitiousness of the time. And on thing more: spring does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. Then only two strong, light lines are left; these do not advance but are in retreat (see next hexagram). We must take heed of this change in good time. If we meet evil before it becomes reality-before it has even begun to stir-we can master it.
THE IMAGE
The earth above the lake: The image of APPROACH. Thus the superior one is inexhaustible In one’s will to teach, And without limits In one’s tolerance and protection of the people.
The earth borders upon the lake from above. this symbolizes the approach and condescension of one in higher position to those beneath. The two parts of the image indicate what one’s attitude toward these people will be. Just as the lake is inexhaustible in depth, so the sage is inexhaustible in one or her readiness to teach mankind, and just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and caring for all creatures on it, so the sage sustains and cares for all people and excludes no part of humanity.
THE LINES
° Nine at the beginning means: Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The good begins to prevail and to find response in influential circles. this in turn is an incentive to one of ability. It is well to join this upward trend, but we must not let ourselves be carried away by the current of the time; we must adhere perseveringly to what is right. this bring good fortune.
° Nine in the second place means: Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.
When the stimulus to approach comes from a high place, and when a personhas the inner strength and consistency that need no admonition, good fortune will ensue. Nor need the future cause any concern. One is well aware that everything earthly is transitory, and that a descent follows upon every rise, but need not be confused by this universal law of fate. Everything serves to further. Therefore one will travel the paths of life swiftly, honestly, and valiantly.
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.
Things are going well for a person: one achieves power and influence. But in this lies the danger that one may relax, and confident of one’s position, allow the easygoing, careless mood to show itself in one’s dealings with other people. this would inevitably be harmful. But there is possibility of a change of mood. If one regrets this mistaken attitude and feels the responsibility of an influential position, one frees oneself of faults.
Six in the fourth place means: Complete approach. No blame. While the three lower lines indicate rise to power and influence, the three upper lines show the attitude of persons in higher position toward those of lower rank for whom they procure influence. Here is shown the open-minded approach of a person of high rank to one of ability whom he or she draws into their own circle, regardless of class prejudice. this is very favorable.
Six in the fifth place means: Wise approach. this is right for a great prince. Good fortune.
A prince, or anyone in a leading position, must have the wisdom to attract to themselves people of ability who are expert in directing affairs. Wisdom consists both in selecting the right people and in allowing those chosen to have a free hand without interference.. For only through such self-restraint will one find the experts needed to satisfy all of one’s requirements.
Six at the top means: Great hearted approach. Good-hearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.
A sage who has put the world behind him or her and who in spirit has already withdrawn from life may, under certain circumstances, decide to return once more to the here and now and to approach others. this means great good fortune for those whom the sage teaches and helps. And for the sage this great hearted humbling of the self is blameless.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in CHANNELS, The One I Ching: A Unitive ReInterpretation of the Wilhelm-Baynes I ChingSubscribe to Awake Events & Posts
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