說卦傳
SHUOGUA · 47 units · text_version: yizhuan-en-1.0.0 · review_status: draft
Original text pending collation; translations under continuous revision.
| 單元 | Original | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 1 Unit 1SHUOGUA-01-01 | 大哉乾元，萬物資始，乃統天。雲行雨施，品物流形，大明終始，六位時成。 時乘六龍以御天，乾道變化，各正性命，保合大和，乃利貞。 首出庶物，萬國咸寧。 | Qian describes the vast creative force from which all things begin. Clouds move, rain falls, and living things take shape. The six lines unfold in their proper times, like six dragons carrying the movement of heaven. As this creative way changes, each being develops its own nature and finds harmony with the whole. When this leading force works rightly, the world can live in peace. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 2 Unit 1SHUOGUA-02-01 | 至哉坤元，萬物資生，乃順承天。坤厚載物，德合无疆；含弘光大，品物咸亨。牝馬地類，行地无疆，柔順利貞。 君子攸行，先迷失道，後順得常。 西南得朋，乃與類行，東北喪朋，乃終有慶。安貞之吉，應地无疆。 | Kun describes the deep, receptive power through which all things are born and sustained. Earth follows heaven, carries everything, and supports life without limit. Its model is the mare: gentle, steady, and able to travel far. If a person tries to lead without understanding the way, they become lost. If they follow what is right, they regain a stable course. Finding companions in the southwest and letting go of them in the northeast both fit the situation. Quiet steadiness brings good fortune because it follows the boundless character of earth. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 3 Unit 1SHUOGUA-03-01 | 屯，剛柔始交而難生，動乎險中，大亨貞。雷雨之動滿盈，天造草昧，宜建侯而不寧。 | Zhun shows firm and yielding forces meeting for the first time, so difficulty naturally appears. Movement begins inside danger, yet real progress is possible when people remain steady and act at the right time. Thunder and rain fill the world while everything is still confused and unsettled. Leaders and helpers should be appointed, but no one should pretend that order has already been secured. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 4 Unit 1SHUOGUA-04-01 | 蒙，山下有險，險而止，蒙。蒙亨，以亨行，時中也。匪我求童蒙，童蒙求我，志應也。初筮告，以剛中也。再三瀆，瀆則不告，瀆蒙也。蒙以養正，聖功也。 | Meng describes inexperience and confusion: danger lies below the mountain, and movement comes to a stop. Progress is possible when teaching is given at the right time. The teacher does not chase after the inexperienced student; the student must sincerely ask to learn. A first honest question deserves an answer. Repeated careless questioning shows disrespect, so no further answer is given. Guiding beginners toward what is right is the work of a sage. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 1SHUOGUA-05-01 | 需，須也，險在前也；剛健而不陷，其義不困窮矣。需，有孚，光亨，貞吉，位乎天位，以正中也。利涉大川，往有功也。 | Xu means waiting because danger lies ahead. The inner strength of the hexagram is firm, but it does not rush into danger, so it avoids being trapped. Sincerity brings clarity and success, and steadiness brings good fortune, because the fifth line is central, correct, and in the place of leadership. Crossing the great river is beneficial when the time is right because well-timed action can accomplish real work. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 2SHUOGUA-05-02 | 訟，上剛下險，險而健，訟。訟，有孚，窒，惕，中吉，剛來而得中也。終凶，訟不可成也。利見大人，尚中正也。不利涉大川，入于淵也。 | Song means conflict. Strength is above and danger is below, showing how determination can turn into dispute when risk is present. Even when a claim is sincere, it may still meet resistance. Staying alert and stopping before the conflict goes too far brings good fortune; pushing the dispute to the bitter end brings misfortune. It is helpful to seek a fair and mature judge, but it is not a good time to take on a major undertaking. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 3SHUOGUA-05-03 | 師，眾也。貞，正也。能以眾正，可以王矣。剛中而應，行險而順，以此毒天下，而民從之，吉又何咎矣。 | Shi means an organized group or army. Steadfastness here means keeping the group directed toward what is right. A capable leader who can guide many people with discipline may take on great responsibility. The firm central line receives support, showing leadership that earns cooperation. Acting in danger while remaining responsive to the people can bring good fortune, but the burden and hardship involved should never be taken lightly. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 4SHUOGUA-05-04 | 比，吉也。比，輔也，下順從也。原筮，元永貞，无咎，以剛中也。不寧方來，上下應也。後夫凶，其道窮也。 | Bi means joining with and supporting one another, so it can bring good fortune. Those below willingly gather around a firm and central leader. The relationship remains sound only if that leader has lasting integrity and stays steady. People who feel unsettled will come seeking connection because the upper and lower parts respond to each other. Whoever arrives too late misses the proper time for joining and meets misfortune. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 5SHUOGUA-05-05 | 小畜，柔得位而上下應之，曰小畜。健而巽，剛中而志行，乃亨。密雲不雨，尚往也。自我西郊，施未行也。 | Xiao Xu describes a small amount of restraint and accumulation. One yielding line holds its proper place, and the lines above and below respond to it. Firm strength rises but is temporarily held back. Inner strength is joined with outward gentleness, allowing the plan to move forward. Dense clouds without rain show that conditions are gathering but are not yet ready to release their full result. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 6SHUOGUA-05-06 | 履，柔履剛也。說而應乎乾，是以履虎尾，不咥人，亨。剛中正，履帝位而不疚，光明也。 | Lu means walking carefully. A yielding line steps on firm strength, like treading on a tiger's tail, yet avoids being bitten because it responds with openness and respect. The firm central line holds the position of leadership without guilt. The brightness of the hexagram shows that people must recognize differences in rank and responsibility and act with proper conduct. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 7SHUOGUA-05-07 | 泰，小往大來，吉亨。則是天地交而萬物通也，上下交而其志同也。內陽而外陰，內健而外順，內君子而外小人，君子道長，小人道消也。 | Its main message is this: tai means that the small departs and the great approaches, bringing good fortune and progress. Heaven and earth interact, so all things communicate and develop. Those above and below connect and share a common purpose. Yang is within and yin is outside; strength is within and receptiveness is outside; noble people advance while lesser people withdraw. The way of the noble person grows, and the way of the lesser person declines. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 8SHUOGUA-05-08 | 否之匪人，不利君子貞，大往小來。則是天地不交而萬物不通也，上下不交而天下无邦也。內陰而外陽，內柔而外剛，內小人而外君子，小人道長，君子道消也。 | The hexagram explains the situation this way: pi describes a failure of people to understand and unite with one another. This does not favor the noble person’s steadfast course: the great departs and the small approaches. Heaven and earth do not interact, so all things are blocked. Those above and below do not communicate, so society loses order. Yin, weakness, and lesser people are within; yang, strength, and noble people are outside. The way of lesser people grows while the way of noble people declines. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 5 Unit 9SHUOGUA-05-09 | 同人，柔得位得中，而應乎乾，曰同人。同人曰，同人于野，亨。利涉大川，乾行也。文明以健，中正而應，君子正也。唯君子為能通天下之志。 | In Tong Ren the weak line has the place of influence, the central place, and responds to the corresponding line in Qian above; therefore comes its name of Tong Ren or Union of men. Tong Ren says: The language, Tong Ren appears here as we find it in the remote districts of the country, indicating progress and success, and that it is favorable to cross the great stream, is moulded by its containing the strength symbolled in Qian. Then we have the trigram indicating elegance and intelligence, supported by that indicating strength; with the line in the central, and its correct, position, and responding to the corresponding line above: all representing the correct course of the noble person. It is only the noble person who can comprehend and affect the minds of all in the world. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 1SHUOGUA-06-01 | 大有，柔得尊位，大中而上下應之，曰大有。其德剛健而文明，應乎天而時行，是以元亨。 | In Da You the weak line has the place of honour, is clearly central, and the strong lines above and below respond to it. Hence comes its name of Da You Having what is Great. The attributes of its component trigrams are strength and vigour with elegance and brightness. The ruling line in it responds to the ruling line in the symbol of heaven, and consequently its action is all at the proper times. In this way it is said to indicate great progress and success. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 2SHUOGUA-06-02 | 謙，亨，天道下濟而光明，地道卑而上行。天道虧盈而益謙，地道變盈而流謙，鬼神害盈而福謙，人道惡盈而好謙。謙尊而光，卑而不可逾，君子之終也。 | Qian indicates progress and success. It is the way of heaven to send down its beneficial influences below, where they are brilliantly displayed. It is the way of earth, lying low, to send its influences upwards and there to act. It is the way of heaven to diminish the full and augment the humble. It is the way of earth to overthrow the full and replenish the humble. Spiritual Beings inflict serious trouble on the full and bless the humble. It is the way of men to hate the full and love the humble. Humility in a position of honour makes that still more brilliant; and in a low position men will not seek to pass beyond it. Therefore it is that the noble person will have a good issue to their undertakings. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 3SHUOGUA-06-03 | 豫，剛應而志行，順以動，豫。豫，順以動，故天地如之，而況建侯行師乎？天地以順動，故日月不過，而四時不忒；聖人以順動，則刑罰清而民服。豫之時義大矣哉！ | The hexagram explains the situation this way: yu arises when the firm line receives a response and its purpose can be carried out: receptiveness works through movement. Heaven and earth also move through this kind of harmony; how much more important is it when appointing leaders or mobilizing an army. Because nature moves in accord with order, the sun, moon, and seasons do not lose their timing. When sages act in accord with order, punishments are just and the people accept them. The timing and meaning of Yu are important. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 4SHUOGUA-06-04 | 隨，剛來而下柔，動而說，隨。大亨貞，无咎，而天下隨時，隨之時義大矣哉！ | Its main message is this: sui means following. The firm trigram places itself below the yielding one, while movement joins with joy. Great progress is possible through steadfastness, with no blame. The world follows what is appropriate to the time. The timing and meaning of following are therefore important. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 5SHUOGUA-06-05 | 蠱，剛上而柔下，巽而止，蠱。蠱，元亨，而天下治也。利涉大川，往有事也。先甲三日，後甲三日，終則有始，天行也。 | In Ku we have the strong trigram above, and the weak one below; we have below pliancy, and above stopping: these give the idea of K u a Troublous Condition of affairs verging to ruin. Ku indicates great progress and success: through the course shown in it, everyone in the world, this will bring good order. This will bring advantage in crossing the oreat stream: the person who advances will encounter the business to be done. The person should weigh well, however, the events of three days before the turning-point, and those to be done three days after it: the end of confusion is the beginning of order; such is the procedure of Heaven. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 6SHUOGUA-06-06 | 臨，剛浸而長。說而順，剛中而應，大亨以正，天之道也。至于八月有凶，消不久也。 | In Lin the strong lines gradually increasing and advancing. The lower trigram is the symbol of being pleased, and the upper of being compliant. The strong line is in the central position, and is properly responded to. There is great progress and success, along with steadfastness: this is the way of Heaven. In the eighth month this brings misfortune: the advancing power will decay after no long time. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 7SHUOGUA-06-07 | 大觀在上，順而巽，中正以觀天下。觀，盥而不荐，有孚顒若，下觀而化也。觀天之神道，而四時不忒，聖人以神道設教，而天下服矣。 | The great Manifester occupies an upper place in the figure, which consists of (the trigrams Kwan shows its subject like a worshipper who has washed their hands, but not yet presented their offerings; with sincerity and an appearance of dignity commanding reverent regard: all beneath look to them and are transformed. When we contemplate the spirit-like way of Heaven, how the four seasons proceed without error. The sages, following this image spirit-like way, laid down their instructions, and everyone in the world yield submission to them. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 6 Unit 8SHUOGUA-06-08 | 頤中有物，曰噬嗑，噬嗑而亨。剛柔分，動而明，雷電合而章。柔得中而上行，雖不當位，利用獄也。 | The hexagram explains the situation this way: the existence of something between the jaws gives rise to the name Shih Ho Union by means of biting through the intervening article. The Union by means of biting through the intervening article indicates the progress denoted by the hexagram. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 7 Unit 1SHUOGUA-07-01 | 賁，亨；柔來而文剛，故亨。分剛上而文柔，故小利有攸往。剛柔交錯，天文也；文明以止，人文也。觀乎天文，以察時變；觀乎人文，以化成天下。 | Its main message is this: bi means adornment. A yielding line comes to decorate firmness, allowing progress; a firm line rises to decorate what is yielding, so only small advances are favorable. The interweaving of firm and yielding forms the patterns of heaven. Clarity joined with restraint forms human culture. By observing heavenly patterns, we recognize seasonal change; by observing human culture, we educate and transform society. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 8 Unit 1SHUOGUA-08-01 | 剝，剝也，柔變剛也。不利有攸往，小人長也。順而止之，觀象也。君子尚消息盈虛，天行也。 | The hexagram explains the situation this way: bo means stripping away: yielding lines are replacing the firm lines. Going forward is not favorable because the influence of lesser people is growing. Receptiveness joined with stopping shows that the noble person should understand the image and stop. The noble person values the cycles of decrease and increase, fullness and emptiness, which follow the movement of heaven. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 9 Unit 1SHUOGUA-09-01 | 復亨；剛反，動而以順行，是以出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，天行也。利有攸往，剛長也。復其見天地之心乎？ | Fu indicates the progress of what it means: it is the coming back of what is intended by the undivided line. Its subjects actions show movement directed by accordance with natural order. Hence the person finds no one to distress them in their exits and entrances, and friends come to them, and no error is committed. The person will return and repeat their proper course; in seven days comes their return: such is the movement of the heavenly revolution. This will bring advantage in whatever direction movement is made: the strong lines are growing and increasing. Do we not see in Fu the mind of heaven and earth? |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 10 Unit 1SHUOGUA-10-01 | 无妄，剛自外來，而為主於內。動而健，剛中而應，大亨以正，天之命也。其匪正有眚，不利有攸往。无妄之往，何之矣？ 天命不佑，行矣哉？ | The hexagram explains the situation this way: in Wu Wang, a firm line comes from outside and becomes the leading force within. Movement joins with strength, and the central firm line receives a response. This is why great progress depends on acting correctly and in accord with Heaven. If the conduct is not right, trouble follows and it is not favorable to proceed. Without innocence and Heaven’s mandate, where could one rightly go? |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 1SHUOGUA-11-01 | 大畜，剛健篤實輝光，日新其德，剛上而尚賢。能止健，大正也。不家食吉，養賢也。利涉大川，應乎天也。 | In the trigrams composing Da Xu we have the attributes of the greatest strength and of substantial solidity, which emit a brilliant light; and indicate a daily renewal of their virtue by the person represented by it. The strong line is in the highest place, and suggests the value set on talents and virtue; there is power in the upper trigram to keep the strongest in restraint: all this shows the great correctness required in the hexagram. The good fortune attached to the subjects not seeking to enjoy their revenues in their own family shows how talents and virtue are nourished. It is favorable to cross the great stream: the fifth line, representing the ruler, is responded to by the second, the central line of Qian, representing Heaven. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 2SHUOGUA-11-02 | 頤貞吉，養正則吉也。觀頤，觀其所養也；自求口實，觀其自養也。天地養萬物，聖人養賢，以及萬民；頤之時義大矣哉！ | 1 indicates that with steadfastness this brings good fortune: when the nourishing is correct, this brings good fortune. We must look at what we are seeking to nourish: we must look at those whom we wish to nourish. We must by the exercise of our thoughts seek the proper aliment: we must look to our own nourishing of ourselves. Heaven and earth nourish all things. The sages nourish men of talents and virtue, by them to reach to the myriads of the people. Great is the work intended by this nourishing in its time! |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 3SHUOGUA-11-03 | 大過，大者過也。棟橈，本末弱也。剛過而中，巽而說行，利有攸往，乃亨。大過之時義大矣哉！ | Its main message is this: da Guo means that the firm lines are in excess. The supporting beam bends because both ends are weak. Although firmness is excessive, the central lines remain balanced. Gentleness and joy support action, so it is favorable to go forward and progress is possible. The demands of this exceptional time are great. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 4SHUOGUA-11-04 | 習坎，重險也。水流而不盈，行險而不失其信。維心亨，乃以剛中也。行有尚，往有功也。天險不可升也，地險山川丘陵也，王公設險以守其國，坎之時用大矣哉！ | Kan repeated shows us one defile succeeding another. This is the nature of water; it flows on, without accumulating its volume so as to overflow; it pursues its way through a dangerous defile, without losing its true nature. That the mind is penetrating is shown by the strong line in the centre. That action following this image will be of high value tells us that advance will be followed by achievement. The dangerous height of heaven cannot be ascended; the difficult places of the earth are moun tains, rivers, hills, and mounds. Kings and princes arrange, by means of such strengths, to maintain their territories. Great indeed is the use of what is here taught about seasons of danger. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 5SHUOGUA-11-05 | 離，麗也；日月麗乎天，百谷草木麗乎土，重明以麗乎正，乃化成天下。柔麗乎中正，故亨；是以畜牝牛吉也。 | The hexagram explains the situation this way: li means being attached to. The sun and moon have their place in the sky. All the grains, grass, and trees have their place on the earth. The double brightness of the two trigrams adheres to what is correct, and the result is the transforming and perfecting all in the world. The weak second line occupies the middle and correct position, and gives the indication of a free and successful course; and, moreover, nourishing docility like that of the cow will lead to good fortune. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 6SHUOGUA-11-06 | 咸，感也。柔上而剛下，二氣感應以相與，止而說，男下女，是以亨利貞，取女吉也。天地感而萬物化生，聖人感人心而天下和平；觀其所感，而天地萬物之情可見矣！ | Xian means mutual influence. The yielding trigram is above and the firm trigram below; the two respond to each other and unite. Stillness joins with joy, and the man places themself below the woman. Therefore progress and steadfastness are favorable, and marriage brings good fortune. Heaven and earth influence each other and all things are born. Sages influence human hearts and bring peace. By observing what things respond to, we can understand their nature. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 7SHUOGUA-11-07 | 恆，久也。剛上而柔下，雷風相與，巽而動，剛柔皆應，恆。恆亨无咎，利貞；久于其道也，天地之道，恆久而不已也。利有攸往，終則有始也。日月得天，而能久照，四時變化，而能久成，聖人久于其道，而天下化成；觀其所恆，而天地萬物之情可見矣！ | Hang means long continuance. The strong trigram is above, and the weak one below; they are the symbols of thunder and wind, When the text says that Hang indicates progress and no error in what it means; but the advantage will come from being steadfast and right, this indicates that there must be long continuance in its way of operation. The way of heaven and earth is to be long continued in their operation without stopping. When the text says that Movement in any direction whatever will be beneficial, this implies that when the moving power is spent, it will begin again. The sun and moon, realising in themselves the course of Heaven, can perpetuate their shining. The four seasons, by their changing and transforming, can perpetuate their production of things. The sages persevere long in their course, and all in the world are transformed and perfect. When we look at what they continue doing long, the natural tendencies of heaven, earth, and all things can be seen. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 8SHUOGUA-11-08 | 遯亨，遯而亨也。剛當位而應，與時行也。小利貞，浸而長也。遯之時義大矣哉！ | The hexagram explains the situation this way: dun brings progress through timely retreat. The firm line occupies the proper position and receives a response, so action follows the time. Limited persistence remains favorable because the influence of lesser people is gradually growing. The timing and meaning of retreat are important. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 9SHUOGUA-11-09 | 大壯，大者壯也。剛以動，故壯。大壯利貞；大者正也。正大而天地之情可見矣！ | Its main message is this: da Zhuang means great strength. Strength acts through movement, creating power. Steadfastness is favorable because true greatness must also be correct. When greatness and correctness are united, the character of heaven and earth becomes visible. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 10SHUOGUA-11-10 | 晉，進也。明出地上，順而麗乎大明，柔進而上行。是以康侯用錫馬蕃庶，晝日三接也。 | The hexagram explains the situation this way: jin means advancing. Light rises above the earth; receptiveness follows and attaches to great brightness, while a yielding line advances upward. This is why the secure prince receives many horses and is granted three audiences in one day. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 11SHUOGUA-11-11 | 明入地中，明夷。內文明而外柔順，以蒙大難，文王以之。利艱貞，晦其明也，內難而能正其志，箕子以之。 | The symbol of the Earth and that of Brightness entering into the midst of it give the idea of Ming I Brightness wounded or obscured. The inner trigram means being accomplished and bright; the outer, being pliant and submissive. The case of kinoWan was that of one who with these qualities was yet involved in great difficulties. It is favorable to realise the difficulty of the position, and maintain steadfastness: that is, the individual concerned should obscure their brightness. The case of the count of Ki was that of one who, amidst the difficulties of their House, was able therefore to maintain their aim and mind correct. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 12SHUOGUA-11-12 | 家人，女正位乎內，男正位乎外，男女正，天地之大義也。家人有嚴君焉，父母之謂也。父父，子子，兄兄，弟弟，夫夫，婦婦，而家道正；正家而天下定矣。 | In Jia Ren the wife has her correct place in the inner trigram, and the man their correct place in the outer. That man and woman occupy their correct places is the great righteousness shown in the relation and positions of heaven and earth. In Jia Ren we have the idea of an authoritative ruler; that, namely, represented by the parental authority. Let the father be indeed father, and the son son; let the elder brother be indeed elder brother, and the younger brother younger brother; let the husband be indeed husband, and the wife wife: then will the family be in its normal state. Bring the family to that state, and everyone in the world will be established. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 13SHUOGUA-11-13 | 睽，火動而上，澤動而下；二女同居，其志不同行；說而麗乎明，柔進而上行，得中而應乎剛；是以小事吉。天地睽，而其事同也；男女睽，而其志通也；萬物睽，而其事類也；睽之時用大矣哉！ | Its main message is this: kui means opposition. Fire moves upward while the lake moves downward; two women live together but pursue different aims. Yet joy attaches to clarity, and the advancing yielding line is central and responds to firmness. Therefore small matters bring good fortune. Heaven and earth differ but carry out a common work; men and women differ but can share a purpose; all things differ but belong to related kinds. The use of opposition is important. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 14SHUOGUA-11-14 | 蹇，難也，險在前也。見險而能止，知矣哉！蹇利西南，往得中也；不利東北，其道窮也。利見大人，往有功也。當位貞吉，以正邦也。蹇之時用大矣哉！ | Jian means difficulty. There is the trigram expressive of danger in front. When one, seeing the danger, can arrest their steps in accordance with the significance of the lower trigram, is the person not wise? The language of Jian, that advantage will be found in the south-west, refers to the strong fifth line advanced and in the central place. That this will bring no advantage in the north-east, indicates that the way of dealing with the Jian state is exhausted. That it is favorable to see the great person, indicates that advance will lead to achievement. That the places of the different lines after the first are those appropriate to them indicates steadfastness and good fortune, with which the regions of the kingdom are brought to their normal state. Great indeed is the work to be done in the time of Jian! |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 15SHUOGUA-11-15 | 解，險以動，動而免乎險，解。解利西南，往得眾也。其來復吉，乃得中也。有攸往夙吉，往有功也。天地解，而雷雨作，雷雨作，而百果草木皆甲坼，解之時義大矣哉！ | In Jie we have the trigram expressive of danger going on to that expressive of movement. By movement there is an escape from the danger: this is the meaning of Jie. In the state shown by Jie, advantage will be found in the south-west: the movement therefore indicated will win all. That this brings good fortune in coming back to the old conditions shows that such action is that of the due medium. That if some operations be necessary, this brings good fortune in the early conducting of them shows that such operations will be successful. When heaven and earth are freed from the grasp of winter, we have thunder and rain. When these come, the buds of the plants and trees that produce the various fruits begin to burst. Great indeed are the phenomena in the time shown by Jie. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 16SHUOGUA-11-16 | 損，損下益上，其道上行。損而有孚，元吉，无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享；二簋應有時。損剛益柔有時，損益盈虛，與時偕行。 | In Sun the lower trigram diminished, and the upper added to. But the method of action implied in this operates also above or, mounts upwards also and operates. If there be sincerity in this method of diminution, this will bring great good fortune; freedom from error; steadfast conduct that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that will be made. In what will this sincerity in the exercise of Sun be employed? Even in sacrifice, two baskets of grain, though there be nothing else, may be presented: for these two baskets there ought to be the fitting time. There is a time when the strong should be diminished, and the weak should be strengthened. Diminution and increase, overflowing and emptiness: these take place in harmony with the conditions of the time. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 17SHUOGUA-11-17 | 益，損上益下，民說无疆，自上下下，其道大光。利有攸往，中正有慶。利涉大川，木道乃行。益動而巽，日進无疆。天施地生，其益无方。凡益之道，與時偕行。 | The hexagram explains the situation this way: yi means reducing what is above in order to increase what is below. The people rejoice without limit, and those above place themselves at the service of those below. Going forward is favorable because the central and correct path brings blessing. Crossing the great river is favorable, like wood moving over water. Movement joined with gentleness produces daily progress. Heaven gives and earth gives birth, so growth has no fixed limit. Increase must always fit the needs of the time. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 18SHUOGUA-11-18 | 夬，決也，剛決柔也。健而說，決而和，揚于王庭，柔乘五剛也。孚號有厲，其危乃光也。告自邑，不利即戎，所尚乃窮也。利有攸往，剛長乃終也。 | Its main message is this: guai is the symbol of displacing or removing. in the figure the strong lines displacing the weak. We have in it the attributes of strength and complacency. There is displacement, but harmony continues. The exhibition of the criminals guilt in the royal courtyard is suggested by the one weak line mounted on the five strong lines. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 19SHUOGUA-11-19 | 姤，遇也，柔遇剛也。勿用取女，不可與長也。天地相遇，品物咸章也。剛遇中正，天下大行也。姤之時義大矣哉！ | Gou has the significance of unexpectedly coming on. in it the weak line coming unexpectedly on the strong one's. It will not be good to marry such a female: one so symbolised should not be long associated with. Heaven and earth meeting together as here represented, all the variety of natural things become fully displayed. When a strong line finds itself in the central and correct position, good government will greatly prevail all in the world. Great indeed is the significance of what has to be done at the time shown by Gou! |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 20SHUOGUA-11-20 | 萃，聚也；順以說，剛中而應，故聚也。王假有廟，致孝享也。利見大人亨，聚以正也。用大牲吉，利有攸往，順天命也。觀其所聚，而天地萬物之情可見矣。 | Its main message is this: cui means gathering. Receptiveness joins with joy, and the central firm line receives a response, so people gather. The king approaches the ancestral temple to express devotion through offerings. It is favorable to meet a great person because the gathering is guided by what is right. A great offering and forward action are favorable when they follow Heaven’s order. By observing gatherings, we can understand the tendencies of heaven, earth, and all things. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 21SHUOGUA-11-21 | 柔以時升，巽而順，剛中而應，是以大亨。用見大人，勿恤；有慶也。南征吉，志行也。 | We find the weak line, as it finds the opportunity, ascending upwards. We have the attribute of flexibility and that of obedience; we have the strong line below and its proper correlate above: these things indicate that this will bring great progress and success. |
| Discussion of Trigrams Chapter 11 Unit 22SHUOGUA-11-22 | 困，剛掩也。險以說，困而不失其所，亨；其唯君子乎？ 貞大人吉，以剛中也。有言不信，尚口乃窮也。 | Kun shows firm lines covered by yielding one's. Danger is joined with joy. The noble person can remain true to the proper course even under pressure, and therefore can still make progress. Steadfastness brings good fortune to the great person because the firm line is central. Mere words are not trusted; relying on speech alone leads to exhaustion. |