East Asian Health and Philosophy

The book of changes and traditional Chinese medicine

Dr. Ying Sheng Wu
Doctor of TCM
Class Five
The historical background of King
Wen of Zhou writing the hexagram
texts:
 In the waning years of the Shang Dynasty, King Wen of Zhou was
imprisoned in Youli due to the excessive debauchery of King Zhou （商紂王）
of Shang. While in captivity, he dedicated himself to studying divination
and the Eight Trigrams. He expanded the original Eight Trigrams of Fuxi
into 64 hexagrams with 384 lines and composed hexagram texts for
each of them. Later, his son King Wu of Zhou inherited these divination
texts, composed the texts of each line and eventually succeeded in
overthrowing the Shang Dynasty, establishing the Zhou Dynasty.
superior man 君子

 In Confucianism, the term is used to describe an ideal person who

embodies moral excellence, wisdom, and virtuous conduct. Confucius,
the ancient Chinese philosopher, emphasized the importance of
cultivating oneself to become a superior man, or “junzi” 君子 in Chinese.
 In Confucian thought, a superior man is someone who practices
benevolence, righteousness, and other virtues, and who constantly
seeks self-improvement. The superior man is expected to be a role
model for others and contribute to the well-being of society through
ethical leadership and moral behavior.
5 Xu 需

 The Judgement
Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It
furthers one to cross the great water.
 The Image
Clouds rise up to heaven:
The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
1. Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame.
2. Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune.
3. Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy.
4. Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.
5. Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune.
6. One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will
be good fortune.
5 Xu 需

• Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Quiet
perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great
water.(undertake a task)
 The upper symbol of xu is "kan," meaning cloud; the lower symbol is
”qian," indicating the sky. When the cloud has come up to the sky, you
only need to wait until the yin and yang work together to make a rain.
 “Xu” means need. Food and drink are requisites for our lives. Rainfall is
crucial for agriculture.
 The "fifth nine" is in the middle position, symbolizing good faith.
5 Xu 需

 In front of ”qian" is "kan," namely, water. So you cannot walk across it.
But because the qian yang is strong, so long as you have the patience to
wait, you will cross the great river smoothly some day. "Faithful" is the
prerequisite. As you have to wait, you should wait. And the result will be
good.
 ”Xu“ is explained as the need for eating and drinking. (eating: ”dui”,
drinking : “kan”) Food and drink will certainly cause disputes, so the
next is "song( 訟 ).” "Song" means dispute and legal matter.
6 Song 訟

 The Judgement
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 Image
Heaven and water go their opposite ways:
The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man carefully considers the beginning.
1. If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.
2. One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, three hundred
households, remain free of guilt.
3. 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.
4. One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds
peace in perseverance. Good fortune.
5. To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.
6. 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.
6 Song 訟

• 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 upper symbol of song is ”qian," that is, Heaven; its lower symbol is
"kan," namely water. Heaven is above and water is below, moving in
different directions. Thus, a dispute will result.
 A wise person should plan and prepare cautiously at the beginning, in
order to prevent litigation.
 "Second nine" is in the middle position, representing good faith. But it is
also a yang line like "fifth nine" of the upper symbol. They cannot
correspond to each other. Hence, good faith is smothered. There is anxiety
in it, so you need to be on your guard.
6 Song 訟

 Moreover, the "top nine" of song is on the top level of all he three yang lines,
being too strong and unyielding, which will surely lead to a bad risk.
 A “great man” is in a position to criticize “fifth nine.” The yang line in the upper
symbol is in a mid position and in the front. Thus, it is strong and proper, being
in the lead.
 Judging from the overall condition of song, ”qian" (strong) is above "kan"
(dangerous), that is, fullness stands on a trap. Thus, even though one is
confident of one's own strength, things will not go smoothly.
 If you flaunt your superiority, you will certainly be in a bad position. But if you
meet a righteous "great man" to judge, you will be lucky. If you want to take a
big risk like "crossing the great river," you will be in danger.
 In a litigation, there must be a group of people coming, so the following is “shi
( 師 ).”The original meaning of “shi” is making a group.
7 Shi 師

 The Judgement
The Army. The army needs perseverance and a strong man. Good fortune without blame.
 The Image
In the middle of the earth is water:
The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses by generosity toward the
people.
1. An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.
2. In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration.
3. Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune.
4. The army retreats. No blame.
5. 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.
6. The great prince issues commands, founds states, vests families with fiefs. Inferior people
should not be employed.
7 Shi 師

• The army. The army needs perseverance and a strong man. Good
fortune without blame.
 The image of shi is water under the ground, so the water cannot flow out
of the Earth. In a similar way, soldiers are among the populace. So, it
means that among yielding people are hidden armies and danger.
 The "second nine" is the only yang line. It is in the centre of the lower
symbol, surrounded and protected by five yin lines. Hence, it is the
commander.
 The yang line is strong, and holds real power over the common people.
7 Shi 師

 The "fifth nine" is gentle, and stands high above the masses,
representing the emperor appointing his generals and expanding his
military force.
 So, the name of this hexagram is "shi."
 A ”strongman” refers to a person with justice and high moral standards,
and a stable nature. Only such people can command the army, and
avoid errors and disasters.
 The guideline of an army must be “loyalty,” namely, it must take justice
as its principle. Only in this way can it unite its forces and conquer the
enemy. So the following is bi. “bi( 比 ).”
 "Bi" means solidarity and fraternity.
8 Bi 比

 The Judgement
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 comes too late meets with misfortune.
 The Image
On the earth is water:
The image of Holding Together. Thus the kings of antiquity bestowed the different states as
fiefs and cultivated friendly relations with the feudal lords.
1. 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.
2. Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
3. You hold together with the wrong people.
4. Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
5. Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only
and foregoes game that runs off in front. The citizens need no warning. Good fortune.
6. He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.
8 Bi 比

• Quiet holding brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether
you possess sublimity, constancy and perseverance. No blame, no praise.
Those who are uncertain gradually join. Whoever comes too late meets
misfortune.
 The lower symbol is “kun,” that is, Earth. The upper symbol is “kan,”
namely water, water on the ground. The Earth becomes soft after receiving
water, and water begins , to flow after reaching the ground. So the image
is one of fraternity and mutual assistance.
 It was with just such a spirit that the ancient sage kings established their
kingdoms, and maintained good relations with their vassals.
 The result of mutual assistance is lucky, and its foundation is metal
cooperation and submitting to the leader.
8 Bi 比

 The leader is indicated by the main line, the "fifth nine." It is a yang line,
being strong and proper, followed by five yin lines. That means people
live in harmony and love around their great leader.
 The principle of mutual assistance and love can stand the test by
augury: The augury result will be a lucky one.
 If you act too late, that is, only after seeing that the people follow a wise
leader, and you start to do so hesitantly, you will be in danger.
 Fraternity, cooperation and solidarity will certainly lead to hoarding of
something, so the following is “xiaoxu( 小畜 ) .” “Xu” means saving.
9 Xiao Xu 小畜

 The Judgement
 The Taming Power of the Small has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western
region.
 The Image
 The wind drives across heaven:
The image of the Taming Power of the Small. Thus the superior man refines the outward
aspect of his nature.
 Return to the way. How could there be blame in this? Good fortune.
 He allows himself to be drawn into returning. Good fortune.
 The spokes burst out of the wagon wheels. Man and wife roll their eyes.
 If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way. No blame.
 If you are sincere and loyally attached, you are rich in your neighbor.
 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.
9 Xiao Xu 小畜

• Little saving brings success. Dense clouds, no rain from the western suburbs.
 The upper symbol is “xun,” wind, and the lower symbol is ”qian,“ Heaven.
Wind is in the sky, rain has not come. Thus, it is compared to "xiaoxu" (small-
scale hoarding).
 Only “fourth six” has a yin line, which is an image of too much yang and too
little yin, meaning you attempt to thrive but you do not have the strength yet.
 If we consider the case from an other point of view, we will see that when you
use one yin to support five yang, your strength will certainly be too little, so if
you wish to achieve something great, you will have to pause for a while.
 So the image is: It is cloudy in the wester suburbs. A rainstorm will come, but
the saturation stage has not been reached yet.
9 Xiao Xu 小畜

 Seen from Youli( 羑里） , Zhou was in the west, hence "our."
 “West” is a yin direction, and it also represents understrength; When
Duke Wen was imprisoned in Youli and was writing the explanation of
the divinatory symbols, he was in such a condition. (Duke Wen and his
son overthrow the Shang Dynasty.)
 But the stop is temporary, not enough to impede action. And soon after
that, a prosperous situation will appear and a tempest will come.
 When there are hoarded products, certain etiquette will become
necessary. Etiquette must be performed by people. Thus, the following
Lǚ ( 履 ) ”
 " Lǚ " had the same pronunciation as li (etiquette) in ancient times, and
had a similar meaning.
10 Lǚ 履

 The Judgement
Treading. Treading upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.
 The Image
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.
1. Simple conduct. Progress without blame.
2. Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune.
3. 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.
4. He treads on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good
fortune.
5. Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger.
6. Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs.
o When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes.
10 Lǚ 履

• "treading." When the man treads upon the tail of the tiger, the tiger
does not bite the man. Success.
 The upper symbol is “Qian”, meaning Heaven. The lower symbol is
“dui”, indicating a lake. Heaven is above and a lake is below. This is the
correct principle of the universe. People should also follow and act in
accordance with such a principle conscientiously. （ The lake surface
reflects the sky. ）
 All the three lines in the upper part “Qian” are yang lines, representing
an unyielding spirit. The lower part “due” follows it closely. Therefore, it
is likened to treading on the tail of tiger.
 Luckily, “dui” has a gentle character, so the tiger does not bite it. So the
judgment is success and smooth progress.
10 Lǚ 履

 “Lǚ” is to expound the principle for realizing the ideal. At that time,
Duke Wen was under a despot, so it was just like he was treading on the
tail of a tiger, and had to behave humbly.
 At such a moment, if you make a slip, you might bring about a total loss.
So, you should have a firm belief and act according to your own
strength, in order to achieve success.
 In realization of your ideal, you should also follow the principle of
"courtesy," and be very cautious. Only by using the standard of courtesy
can you become a cultured, noble man.
 After you have cultivated etiquette, you will live in peace. So “tai ( 泰 ) ”
follows . “Tai ” means peace and smoothness.
Activity One

 Please form small groups

 Based on the judgement or image, please draw the related Hexagram.
 this is the closed-book project.
 When your group has completed the task, please hand it in. the first
group that hands in with correct answers will be the winner.
11 Tai 泰

 The Judgement
Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune. Success.
 The Image
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.
1. When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Undertakings
bring good fortune.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. He flutters down, not boasting of his wealth, together with his neighbor, guileless and sincere.
5. The sovereign I gives his daughter in marriage. This brings blessing and supreme good fortune.
6. The wall falls back into the moat. Use no army now. Make your commands known within your own
town.
o Perseverance brings humiliation.
11 Tai 泰

• Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune. Success.
 The upper symbol of tai is “kun,” Earth, and its lower symbol is “gian,”
Heaven. This looks unreasonable, but as a matter of fact it shows the
truth of peace characterized by the crossing of Heaven and Earth and
interaction between yin and yang, so it is named "tai”.
 The ancient rulers followed this natural law, and applied it extensively for
governing the country, so the people's life was harmonious and happy.
 In "The small departs and the great approaches," "the small" refers to
the upper symbol "kun" as a pure yin one, and "the great" refers to the
lower symbol ”qian" as a pure yang one. "Departs" means "goes out,"
that is, kun becomes the outer one, and "approaches" means "comes in,"
that is, qian becomes the inner one.
11 Tai 泰
 in the Xiao xi Diagrams, "tai" is the first month, when Heaven and Earth
cross and the sun and the moon meet, so, everything is prosperous.
 The main line of tai is the “fifth six”, characterized by pliancy and
middle of the road (proper way) .The center of the yin line is empty, and
corresponds to the “second nine.” Thus. it represents a modest person
who has a very broad mind.
 But things cannot be prosperous all the time, so the following is pi ( 否 ).
"Pi" means bad and impeding.

12 Xiaoxi hexagrams
Xiao :Yang line changes to Yin line
Xi: Yin line changes to Yang line
11 Tai 泰

 Tai hexagram and Taichi

12 Pi 否

 The Judgement
Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man. The great departs; the
small approaches.
 The Image
Heaven and earth do not unite:
The image of Standstill. Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape
the difficulties. He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
1. When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Perseverance
brings good fortune and success.
2. They bear and endure; This means good fortune for inferior people. The standstill serves to help
the great man to attain success.
3. They bear shame.
4. He who acts at the command of the highest remains without blame. Those of like mind partake
of the blessing.
5. 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.
6. Nine at the top means: the standstill comes to an end.
o First standstill, then good fortune.
12 Pi 否（ same rhyme as Si 死 in
Chinese ）
• Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches.
 Here, ”qian" (Heaven) is above, and "kun" (Earth) is below, which seems to
be a lucky sign, but actually it is the splitting of Heaven and Earth and
mutual obstruction of yin and yang. Hence, it is called "pi.”
 The characters ‘ 死’ (sǐ) and ‘ 否’ (Pi) share the same rhyme in terms of
phonology, as they have the same final sound. In the rhyme structure of
Chinese language, words with the same rhyme are often considered to
have the same or similar meaning. In these two words, the '-i' portion is
the shared rhyme.
 As far as human affairs are concerned , it is a segregation between the
king and his ministers(blocking by the mountain “gen”), and a disorder of
the government where authority has become powerless and nothing.
12 Pi 否

 Generally speaking, all the inner symbols are yin ones. and all the outer
symbols are yang ones, indicating a mean person characterized by a
strong appearance but a weak heart.
 Yin represents a mean person, while yang indicates a superior person.
When mean persons control the government, good people will be driven
out. Hence, upright people are in an un favorable situation. On the other
hand, "The great departs and the small approaches" is just the opposite
of the case of tai above. So it is a symbol of darkness and obstruction.
 The hexagram "pi" is also one of the Xiaoxi hexagrams, representing the
seventh month, when yin grows but yang declines. It shows a tendency
in which mean persons gain power increasingly, while good persons
retreat gradually.
12 Pi 否

 The Chinese idiom “Pi Ji Tai Lai 否極泰來 (out o f the depth of misfortune
comes bliss)"just came out of the tai and pi in the 64 hexagrams.
 When a good person is in an unfavorable situation, he should restrain
his cutting edge, so as to avoid circumvention by mean people.
 Nothing can be blocked forever. So, the next is “tongren ( 同人 )”“Tong”
means meeting or cooperating, indicating that all the people are of one
mind, struggling to break away from obstacles.
13 Tong Ren 同人

 The Judgement
Fellowship with Men in the open. Success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The
perseverance of the superior man furthers.
 The Image
Heaven together with fire:
The image of Fellowship with Men. Thus the superior man organizes the clans and makes
distinctions between things.
1. Fellowship with men at the gate. No blame.
2. Fellowship with men in the clan. Humiliation.
3. He hides weapons in the thicket; He climbs the high hill in front of it. For three years
he does not rise up.
4. He climbs up on his wall; he cannot attack. Good fortune.
5. Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament, but afterward they laugh. After great
struggles they succeed in meeting.
6. Fellowship with men in the meadow. No remorse.
13 Tong Ren 同人

 Fellowship with men in the open. Success. It furthers one to cross the
great water. The perseverance of the superior man furthers.
 The upper “qian” in tongren is Heaven, and its lower “Li” is fire or the
sun.
 Fire‘s character is up-going and bright, being the same as the character
for Heaven, so the result is an image of "tongren (working together with
one heart)."
 The pliant "second six" corresponds to the stout-hearted "fifth nine,"
representing people gathering in the open fields in harmony. So it is a
prosperous sign.
13 Tong Ren 同人

 It furthers one to cross the great river: As the advance of Qian is

vigorous and strong, it makes it possible to surmount danger and
difficulty, and leads to a great harmony.
 The lower symbol “Li” is brightness, the upper symbol “qian" is strength.
The "second six and the "fifth nine" are in the middle and right position,
bringing out the best in each other. That is exactly the way a good man
must take.
13 Tong Ren 同人

 A successful person should adhere to the spirit of solidarity, be firm in

his belief, and seek common ground on major questions while reserving
differences on minor points, so as to carry out great undertakings
together with his fellows.
 When you keep an open mind and live in amity with others, the majority
of the people will surely come over and pledge allegiance. So you will
certainly have great gains. Hence, what follows is "dayou( 大有） .”
 "Dayou" means great gain, possession in great measure, namely, a
great undertaking.
14 Da You 大有

 The Judgement
Possession in Great Measure. Supreme success.
 The Image
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.
1. No relationship with what is harmful; There is no blame in this. If one remains
conscious of difficulty, one remains without blame.

2. A big wagon for loading. One may undertake something. No blame.

3. A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven. A petty man cannot do this.
4. He makes a difference between himself and his neighbor. No blame.
5. He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified, has good fortune.
6. He is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further.
14 Da You 大有

 Possession in great measure. Supreme success.

 The upper symbol of "dayou," "li" is the sun. Over the lower symbol
”qian" (Heaven), it indicates that the sun is hanging high in the sky,
illuminating all things on Earth, and betokening a great harvest.
 The only yin line here is the "Fifth six," situated in the middle position,
leading the five yang lines, just like the nobleman standing high above
the masses, commanding the world, being extremely open-minded.
14 Da You 大有

 The lower symbol ”qian" is a vigorous image. The upper symbol "li" is
brightness. Thus, it has both a vigorous character and bright virtue.

 The "fifth six" corresponds to the "second mine," one being soft and the
other being hard, and thereby bringing out the best in each other.
14 Da You 大有

 It signifies that the king should respond to providence, and follow the
popular will, so as to be able to command the common people and
accomplish great undertakings. Hence, the judgment of this hexagram is
"supreme success."
 To accomplish something great, you should not rest on your laurels. So
what follows is “qian （謙）“ .
15 Qian 謙

 The Judgement
Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through.
 The Image
Within the earth, a mountain:
The image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that
which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal.
1. A superior man modest about his modesty may cross the great water. Good fortune.
2. Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.
3. A superior man of modesty and merit carries things to conclusion. Good fortune.
4. Nothing that would not further modesty in movement.
5. No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is favorable to attack with force. Nothing that
would not further.
6. Modesty that comes to expression. It is favorable to set armies marching to chastise one's own
city and one's country.
15 Qian 謙

• Modesty creates success. The superior man carries things through.

 The inner symbol of qian, "gen," symbolizes a mountain or stop; the

outer symbol, "kun," represents the Earth or obeisance. Knowing stop in
the heart and appearing in a soft manner, that is the image of modesty.
15 Qian 謙

 The image is: "Gen," as mountain, is under "kun," as Earth. The high
mountain debases itself beneath the Earth, showing a nobility in
lowliness, which is also a manifestation of modesty.
 So the explanation is: Modesty creates success.
 Even if it is hard at the beginning, you will be appreciated and
recognized in the end, so you will succeed at last.
15 Qian 謙

 It ancient times in China, people used a bottle with a pointed top as a

sacrificial utensil to warn people, （ If the water is too full, it will
overflow and flow into the tray below. ） with such words on it : “When it
is empty , it will tilt; when it is filled to the middle position, it will be
upright; when it is full, it will overturn."
 "Pride hurts, whereas modesty benefits." Laozi's Dao de Jing may also
be said to be a book specially expounding modesty.
 A man engaged in a great undertaking and maintaining modesty will
neither go beyond the limit nor fall short in his conduct. So, what follows
is “yu ( 豫 )”
16 Yu 豫

 The Judgement
Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers and to set armies marching.
 The Image
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.
1. Enthusiasm that expresses itself Brings misfortune.
2. Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune.
3. Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse. Hesitation brings remorse.
4. The source of enthusiasm. He achieves great things. Doubt not. You gather friends
around you as a hair clasp gathers the hair.
5. Persistently ill, and still does not die.
6. Deluded enthusiasm. But if after completion one changes, there is no blame.
16 Yu 豫

• Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers and to set armies

marching.

 The upper symbol is “zhen,” as thunder or army, and the lower symbol
is "kun," as Earth. Thunder crashes above the Earth, making the Earth
excited. An image of joyful get-together of yin and yang.
16 Yu 豫

 The upper symbol "zhen" is in an active position while the lower symbol
"kun" is in a passive position, acting in accordance with the occasion.
So, the result is exhilaration, called "yu."
 The only yang line of “yu'” is the "fourth nine, "containing five yin lines
in it. Thus, it indicates success. The image is of spring thunder shaking
the Earth to revival, emphasizing the important value of the opportunity.
 If the opportunity has not come, do not act. When a great man uses
arms to win state power, he should adhere to this principle, and wait for
the chance before taking action.
16 Yu 豫

 And he should be fair in meting out rewards and punishments, so as to

make the people admire him heartily and live a happy life.

 If you have made the people happy, you will certainly be full of cohesive
strength, getting more people to follow you. So what follows is “sui 隨
” (follow).
17 Sui 隨

 The Judgement
Following has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.
 The Image
Thunder in the middle of the lake:
The image of Following. Thus the superior man at nightfall goes indoors for rest and recuperation.
1. The standard is changing. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out of the door in company
produces deeds.
2. If one clings to the little boy, one loses the strong man.
3. 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.
4. Following creates success. Perseverance brings misfortune. To go one's way with sincerity brings
clarity. How could there be blame in this?
5. Sincere in the good. Good fortune.
6. He meets with firm allegiance and is still further bound. The king introduces him to the Western
Mountain.
17 Sui 隨

 Following brings supreme success. No blame.

 The lower symbol is ”zhen," as the moving force, and the upper symbol
is "dui," as happiness. One is moving, while the other is happy,
constituting an image of following. If the two can cooperate with each
other in harmony, there will naturally be success.

 But the precondition for good luck is standing fast on the right road;
otherwise disaster will be inevitable.
17 Sui 隨

 When getting along with people, only by being modest and amiable can
you win trust from the public and achieve something great.

 On the other hand, the direction of "zhen" is the east, signifying sunrise
and spring; the direction of dui is the west, signifying sunset and
autumn, also meaning entering a period of rest in the time sequence.
17 Sui 隨

 Beginning to work at sunrise and starting to rest at sunset. Mankind,

living in Nature, should follow the order of Nature, and keep in step with
Nature, so as to guarantee a happy mood.

 If you simply follow your desires, you might get addicted to enjoyment,
which will certainly lead to misfortune. So what follows is “gu( 蠱 ).” “Gu"
is an insect which emerges from putrefaction in a utensil.
18 Gu 蠱

 The Judgement
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 Image
The wind blows low on the mountain:
The image of Decay. Thus the superior man stirs up the people and strengthens their
spirit.
1. 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.
2. Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One must not be too persevering.
3. Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be little remorse. No
great blame.
4. Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In continuing one sees humiliation.
5. Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One meets with praise.
6. He does not serve kings and princes, sets himself higher goals.
18 Gu 蠱

 Work on what has been spoiled. Following brings supreme success. It

furthers one to cross the great water. Before the starting point, three
days. After the starting point, three days.
 The upper symbol is "gen," as mountain, and the lower symbol is "xun,"
as wind. When the wind blows up the mountain, the grass and fruits will
scatter, which is a scene of the beginning of corruption.
 The lower symbol “ xun ” also means “follow,” and the upper symbol
“gen” also means “stop.” When those below yield and those above
stagnate, corruption will inevitably result. （ musty air)
 Hence the term “gu” (corruption).
18 Gu 蠱

 However, corruption itself contains originality and prosperity, and, as a

result of evolution, things will return to order. Thus, we say, "It furthers
one to cross the great river."
 In the sentence “Before the starting point, three days. After the starting
point, three days,” the “starting point refers to the day “jia”, and ”jia“ is
the start of the Heavenly stems. The day three days before “jia” is ”xin“
(same as ”new“ in Chinese), and the day three days after ”jia“ is ”ding“
(associated with ”dingning” 叮嚀 meaning "advise repeatedly").
18 Gu 蠱

 When you are riding the crest of fortune, you should do your best to
show your talent, make a fresh start and be prudent at the same time.

 Only by dealing with great events can a wise man show his talent and
build a career. Thus, what follows is“lin( 臨 ).” "Lin" means "approach“.
19 Lin 臨

 The Judgement
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month
comes, there will be misfortune.
 The Image
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.
1. Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.
2. Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.
3. Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve
over it, one becomes free of blame.
4. Complete approach. No blame.
5. Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.
6. Greathearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.
19 Lin 臨

 Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth

month comes, there will be misfortune.

 The upper symbol is “kun," as Earth. The lower symbol is "dui," as lake.
The Earth is on the lake, looking down from a high position. Hence, the
name "lin”.
 （ Acid reflux ）
19 Lin 臨

 The upper symbol "kun" also means "comply," and the lower symbol
"dui" also means "happy." Being happy and obedient may ensure a
smooth realization if one’s wish.

 On the other hand. the "second nine" and the "fifth six" echo each as yin
and yang, and communicate with each other smoothly. So, they have all
the four virtues of "yuan, heng, li and zhen."
19 Lin 臨

 As for the "eighth month," you may refer to the Twelfth Xiaoxi Diagram
to understand it. In the case of lin, after the seven months - tai,
dazhuang, guai, gian, gou, dun and pi - its shape in the eighth month is
opposite to that of guan, showing a boom of yin and a decline of yang.
As yin indicates decline, there is the saying, "When the eighth month
comes, there will be misfortune.

 "Lin" means looking down or coming down from a high position. As it is

from the great to the small, it contains the meaning of grandness. But
after becoming great, you will have the condition for viewing. So what
follows is “guan ( 觀 )”.
Activity Two

 Please form small groups

 Based on the judgement or image, please draw the related Hexagram.
 this is the closed-book project.
 When your group has completed the task, please hand it in. the first
group that hands in with correct answers will be the winner.