hexagram55
above CHêN THE AROUSING, THUNDER below LI THE CLINGING, FIRE
Chên is movement; Li is flame, whose attribute is clarity. Clarity within, movement without-this produces greatness and abundance. The hexagram pictures a period of advanced civilization. However, the fact that development has reached a peak suggests that this extraordinary condition of abundance cannot be maintained permanently.
THE JUDGMENT
ABUNDANCE has success. The king attains abundance. Be not sad. Be like the sun at midday.
It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his or her will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. But such sadness does not befit one. Only one who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. One must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.
THE IMAGE
Both thunder and lightning come: The image of ABUNDANCE. Thus the superior one decides lawsuits And carries out punishments.
This hexagram has a certain connection with Shih Ho, BITING THROUGH (21), in which thunder and lightning similarly appear together, but in the reverse order. In BITING THROUGH, laws are laid down; here they are applied and enforced. Clarity [Li] within makes it possible to investigate the facts exactly, and shock [Chên] without ensures a strict and precise carrying out of punishments.
THE LINES
Nine at the beginning means: When one meets one’s destined ruler, They can be together ten days, And it is not a mistake. Going meets with recognition.
To bring about a time of abundance, a union of clarity with energetic movement is needed. Two individuals possessed of these two attributes are suited to each other, and even if they spend an entire cycle of time together during the period of abundance, it will not be too long, nor is it a mistake. Therefore one may go forth, in order to make one’s influence felt; it will meet with recognition.
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.
It often happens that plots and party intrigues, which have the darkening effect of an eclipse of the sun, come between a leader intent on great achievement and one who could effect great undertakings. Then, instead of the sun, we see the northern stars in the sky. The leader is overshadowed by a party that has usurped power. If one at such a time were to try to take energetic measures, one would encounter only mistrust and envy, which would prohibit all movement. The essential thing then is to hold inwardly to the power of truth, which in the end is so strong that it exerts an invisible influence on the ruler, so that all goes well.
Nine in the third place means: The underbrush is of such abundance That the small stars can be seen at noon. One breaks one’s right arm . No blame.
The image is that of a progressive covering over of the sun. Here the eclipse reaches totality, therefore even the small stars can be seen at noon.In the sphere of social relationships, this means that the prince is now so eclipsed that even the most insignificant persons can push themselves into the foreground. this makes it impossible for an able person, though one might be the right hand of the ruler, to undertake anything. It is as though one’s arm were broken, but one is not to blame for being thus hindered in action.
Nine in the fourth place means: The curtain is of such fullness That the polestars can be seen at noon. One meets one’s ruler, who is of like kind. Good fortune.
Here the darkness is already decreasing, therefore interrelated elements come together. Here too the complement must be found-the necessary wisdom to complement joy of action. Then everything will go well. The complementary factor postulated here is the reverse of the one in the first line. In the latter, wisdom is to be complemented by energy, while here energy is complemented by wisdom.
° Six in the fifth place means: Lines are coming, Blessing and fame draw near. Good fortune.
The ruler is modest and therefore open to the counsel of able people. Thus one is surrounded by people who suggest to one the lines of action. this brings blessing, fame, and good fortune to the ruler and all the people.
Six at the top means: One’s house is in a state of abundance. One screens off one’s family. And peers through the gate And no longer perceives anyone. For three years one sees nothing. Misfortune.
This describes one who because of arrogance and obstinacy attains the opposite of what he or she strives for. One seeks abundance and splendor for one’s dwelling. One wishes at all odds to be master in one’s house, which so alienates one’s family that in the end one finds oneself completely isolated.
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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