[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":28},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_zhouyigaodaoyd_en-gaodaoyiduan-19":3},{"slug":4,"archived":5,"date_created":6,"date_updated":7,"title":8,"seotitle":9,"seodescription":10,"htmlcode":11,"number":12,"content":13,"title1":14,"content1":15,"title2":16,"content2":17,"title3":18,"content3":19,"title4":20,"content4":21,"title5":22,"content5":23,"title6":24,"content6":25,"title7":26,"content7":26,"seo_keywords":27,"og_title":8,"og_description":10},"gaodaoyiduan-19",false,"2026-08-11T01:18:21.864Z","2026-07-04T14:35:13.000Z","Earth over Lake Lin: Lin: Sublime success; beneficial and steadfast; by the eighth month there will be misfortune.","Takashima Ekidan Hexagram 19: Earth over Lake Lin_Original Hexagram Text, Interpretation, and Hexagram Analysis_Eastern Metaphysics Library","Takashima Ekidan Hexagram 19 Earth over Lake Lin interpretation: Hexagram text “Lin: supreme success; beneficial and steadfast; by the eighth month, there will be misfortune,” with an appended judgment and detailed analysis of actual divination cases.","䷒",19,"19 Earth over Lake Lin \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The character “Lin” 83 is composed of the elements for person, minister, and goods. “Person” places the ruler above as the honored one; “minister” signifies governing the ministers and people; “goods” signifies distinguishing them by categories and grades. It means that the ruler faces and governs the realm, leads ministers and people, distinguishes the worthy from the unworthy, and employs each according to capacity. This is called the ruler facing the people, the honored facing the lowly, and the above facing those below. Lin also means supervision and protection, which is why the character for supervision is formed from an abbreviated form of Lin. Moreover, in the Lin hexagram, Dui below gradually permeates upward, while Kun above presses downward; the lower presses beyond the upper, producing the form of close proximity. In the structure of the hexagram, Dui is the lake and Kun is the earth: earth above the lake is earth facing the lake. The upper four lines are yin and the lower two are yang; yang seeks to advance upward, hence yang faces yin. Therefore the Tuan Commentary says that below rejoices and attaches itself to above, while above follows and descends toward below. Attaching to above means the lower attaches to the upper; descending toward below means the upper approaches the lower. The whole image is therefore called approaching and overseeing. Since the hexagram had this meaning of approach, Lin was adopted as its name. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Lin: Sublime success; beneficial and steadfast; by the eighth month there will be misfortune. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ▲ Bronze inscription: Lin \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Lin has Dui below and Kun above. Dui means joy; Kun means compliance. Kun says “sublime success” because it comes through compliance. Lin obtains Kun’s compliance, hence it too says “sublime success.” Dui says “beneficial and steadfast” because it brings fulfillment through joy. Lin obtains Dui’s joy, hence it too says “beneficial and steadfast.” “Sublime success, beneficial and steadfast” are the four virtues. They first appear fully in Qian. Qian is Heaven; one who faces the people should model himself on Heaven, so Lin also possesses these four virtues. As for “the eighth month,” various scholars have debated it, but the way of the I Ching never goes beyond the waxing and waning of yin and yang. In terms of the ruling hexagrams, Lin is the hexagram of the second month. The second month is mid-spring, when yang is growing; the eighth month is mid-autumn, when yang is gradually declining. Yang declines and yin grows: this is the way of misfortune, hence “by the eighth month there will be misfortune.” “By the time” means guarding in advance against its arrival before it arrives; “there will be” means considering in advance the possibility before it exists. If it has already arrived, if it already exists, once misfortune has reached oneself, avoiding it will be too late. The sages use the I Ching to issue this warning, hoping that those who govern the people will prevent trouble before its time. This is also the meaning of “treading frost” and “solid ice.” If all affairs could have good fortune without misfortune, the world could remain orderly forever. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: Lin: The firm gradually grows; joy and compliance; the firm is centered and responsive; great success through correctness—this is the way of Heaven. By the eighth month there will be misfortune: decline will not take long. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n “The firm” refers to the lower two lines of Dui, namely the First and Second lines. “Gradually” means little by little: the two yang lines gradually grow below and advance upward. Dui within and Kun outside means joy within and compliance outside. “The firm is centered” refers to the Second line, whose firmness occupies the center. “Responsive” refers to the Fifth line, which obtains the center of the yielding and responds to the firm center; firm and yielding thus respond to each other. “Great” means sublime, and “through” means beneficial. Whenever the Tuan Commentary uses “through,” it explains the word “beneficial.” The hexagrams whose virtue contains “sublime success, beneficial and steadfast” are Qian, Kun, Zhun, Sui, Lin, Wu Wang, and Ge—seven hexagrams in all. In the various hexagrams, the four virtues all derive from Qian’s six yang lines. Qian is Heaven, hence “the way of Heaven.” “Gradually growing, joyful and compliant” is the way attaining success; “firm in the center and responsive” is the way attaining correctness—what is called bringing the human into accord with Heaven. “By the eighth month there will be misfortune; decline will not take long” means that Lin belongs to the second month: by the eighth month, when the yielding gradually grows, the firm gradually declines. “Will not take long” means that decline is just beginning, which is precisely the meaning of gradually. When the firm gradually grows, the gentleman acts in accord with Heaven and attains great success through correctness. When the firm gradually declines, the gentleman must take warning from the time and thus avoid misfortune. The growth of yang and decline of yin, in terms of Heaven’s way, means the alternation of cold and heat; in terms of the way of government, it means the advance and retreat of gentlemen and petty people. The sages repeatedly issued warnings through the Lin hexagram. How profound their intent! \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Applying this hexagram to human affairs, it may mean looking down from a height, longing while facing an abyss, being apprehensive when facing a matter, facing wealth, or facing difficulty—all are forms of lin. The harm in human affairs comes either from losing firmness or from losing flexibility. When firmness grows, it can be complemented by flexibility; when flexibility grows, it can be complemented by firmness. Then there are harmony, joy, and compliance. When firmness and flexibility are both attained, everything will certainly prosper and all actions will be just. This is the highest good in human affairs. The waxing and waning of yin and yang is the cycle of Heaven, certainly not something human power can reverse, yet the good and bad fortune of human affairs is hidden within it. Put simply: if one does not prepare clothing before the cold arrives, preparing after the cold comes is too late and one must freeze; if one does not plan food before hunger arrives, planning after becoming hungry is too late and one must starve. Extending this: if one does not inspect and restrain oneself while evil is not yet manifest, evil will gradually increase until it becomes so great that it can no longer be corrected; if one does not guard against perversity while it is not yet strong, perversity will gradually blaze until it becomes extreme and impossible to govern. All are paths to misfortune. Indulging desire and letting it run wild, becoming depraved, perverse, crooked, and extravagant—this is why Dao Zhi remained Dao Zhi the thief. Returning to one’s nature and illuminating it, living with vigilance, caution, fear, and awe—this is why Boyi remained Boyi. The yin and yang of Heaven, cold and heat, turn and shift in an instant; the good and evil, right and wrong of human affairs also depend on a single turn. Of the six lines of Lin, only the Fifth achieves balance in firmness and flexibility and is called “wise lin.” Wisdom brings clarity and the ability to perceive incipient changes; thus it gains good fortune by acting before the time and avoids misfortune that comes afterward. The way human affairs pursue good fortune and avoid misfortune is no more than this. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Applying this hexagram to the state, the ruler in the Fifth place faces and governs the realm: he wins the people through joy and follows Heaven through compliance. Holding Qian and understanding Kun, he promotes the upright and dismisses the crooked. Governing with solemnity, he brings great success and attains correctness. It is difficult to govern the world by one person; it is easy to govern the world through the world. Therefore a ruler does not value governing alone, but values finding capable people to govern together. In the past, Shun had five ministers and Wu had ten ministers; this is what it means. In this hexagram, the ruler in the Fifth place entrusts the Second place, balancing firmness and flexibility, joyful within and compliant without, observing changes in Heaven’s seasons and measuring what human affairs require. By dwelling in correctness he embodies the sublime; by “excellent joining” he enriches success; by beneficial use he enriches the people; by “firm correctness” he accomplishes affairs. His way is sufficient to educate the gifted throughout the realm; his virtue is sufficient to shelter and preserve descendants and the common people. Governing one state in this way, the state is ordered; governing the world in this way, the world is at peace. Yet the gentleman dares not claim that he himself has brought order and peace. He knows that governing is difficult and disorder easy, so he prevents disorder before it arises; he knows that when peace reaches its extreme, denial follows, so before denial appears he considers how to prevent it. This is why the ancients, sensing the raised feathers of birds, repaired and secured their windows and doors; hearing cattle pant, they adjusted and harmonized yin and yang. All of them had deep foresight. Of Lin’s six lines, not one speaks of misfortune, because they are able to think of dangers and prevent them in advance. Among the six lines, the Fifth occupies the honored position and may be called an enlightened and wise sage-ruler capable of governing through Lin; the Second may be called a great minister possessing one unified virtue; the First acts with correctness; the Fourth is very near and in the proper place; the Upper is sincere and ultimately fortunate. Although the Third is not centered, fortunately it knows to worry and is without blame. With one person embodying yang and worthy people gathered around, naturally the ruler is bright and the ministers good, making lasting peace and long governance possible. How admirable! \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The solar calendar is used because foreign intercourse is currently frequent, so people have adopted and continued using it. However, when counting months, it seems to lose alignment with the waxing and waning of the moon. Yet the countries of Europe and America also formerly used lunar calendars, and therefore today they still divide the solar year into twelve parts and call them months. Accordingly, in divination judgments, any reference to a number of months must be based on the lunar calendar. The I Ching takes the winter solstice as the beginning of the first month, so the beginning and end of the year do not differ greatly from the solar calendar; for this reason, no further explanation of the months is appended. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Taking this hexagram as a whole, it is a time when an enlightened ruler is above and the whole world is greatly joyful. The terrain of earth is low and compliant below; the waters of the lake gradually rise and bring joy above. Water and earth are naturally close, like a ruler who is plain and approachable and people who all rejoice and attach themselves upward. This is why Lin means approaching. The Initial Nine and Nine in the Second place are both called “shared lin”: lake water flows down from the mountains. At the Initial Nine the lake is not yet full, hence “advance”; at the Nine in the Second place the lake water is already full, hence “nothing is unfavorable.” At the Six in the Third place water has reached the bank, hence “sweet”; at the Six in the Fourth place earth meets water, hence “arrived”; at the Six in the Fifth place earth and lake correspond properly, presenting the image of a wise person delighting in water, hence “wise lin”; at the Upper Six the earth is thicker and the lake deeper, hence “sincere lin.” “Shared” is the speed of approaching; “sweet” is the harm of approaching; “arrived” is the sincerity of approaching; “wise” is the clarity of approaching; “sincere” is the duration of approaching. “Shared lin” shows the power of virtue to move others; “sweet lin” shows excessive softness of nature; “arrived lin” shows that the position is appropriate; “wise lin” shows that the way can be made clear; “sincere lin” shows a purpose steadfast and profound. The ruler in the Fifth place does not approach alone but can entrust matters to others, so he is called “wise lin.” Use the “shared,” the “arrived,” and the “sincere,” and the way of the gentleman grows; remove the one “sweet,” and the way of petty people declines. Yang rejoices and grows; yin complies and declines. Thus the seasons are balanced, human affairs harmonize, those above and below share one virtue, and the world is radiant and peaceful. This is truly the supreme rule for approaching the people. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Great Image says: Water above the earth: Lin. Thus the gentleman teaches with inexhaustible thought and accommodates and protects the people without limit. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The upper trigram is earth, which is high, and the lower trigram is marsh, which is low. The higher thus overlooks the lower, so it is called “Approach.” The way of approaching those below consists of none other than education and nurture. Marsh takes delight as its meaning: to teach while inspiring delight is to gather people’s thoughts. Earth takes obedience as its meaning: to nurture while fostering obedience is enough to accommodate the multitude. “Without limit” is the marsh’s enduring reach; “without boundary” is the earth’s vastness. Marsh also represents the mouth, hence its ability to teach; earth represents the belly, hence its ability to contain. The exemplary person takes the images of marsh and earth, approaches the myriad people, educates by cultivating outstanding talent, and protects them with the sincerity of one caring for an infant. When grace spreads to all living things and capacity embraces an entire age, governance through approach is achieved. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Fortune: In current affairs, everything is like a pool of living water, flowing freely. Good fortune is growing. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Business: Marsh represents goods, and earth represents the place of transport and trade. This divination indicates substantial and especially far-reaching profit. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Household: This residence must be near a watery region. The family enterprise is flourishing, with prosperity and descendants both thriving. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Warfare: The formation should be positioned near water. Not only will victory be won for the moment; it also shows that the multitude will submit and return. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Illness: The person’s life can be preserved, but the illness will surely linger and will not be cured quickly. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Litigation: It may remain unresolved for a long time. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Marriage: The two families will unite harmoniously, and prosperity will continue for five generations. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Traveler: The person will not return for the time being. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Lost object: Look for it near a riverbank; it should be recoverable.","Nine at the beginning: Mutual approach; steadfastness brings good fortune.","Nine at the beginning: Mutual approach; steadfastness brings good fortune. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Mutual approach; steadfastness brings good fortune”: the will proceeds correctly. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The hexagram in which the qi of mountain and marsh communicates is called “Mutual Influence.” In this hexagram, earth is above marsh; the yin and yang energies respond to one another, so both the first and second lines say “mutual approach.” The first line is at the beginning of the hexagram, its yang still weak, and responds to the fourth line. The fourth is yielding yet properly placed; the first is firm and realizes its will. Each acts correctly according to its position, enabling a response and advance toward the fifth line, joining together to carry out its way and assist the great ruler’s government through wise approach. Hence “steadfastness brings good fortune.” The Commentary on the Image says “the will proceeds correctly,” because the first line occupies its proper position; therefore whatever its will undertakes is upright. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Fortune: A new cycle is just beginning. If you maintain integrity, nothing you do will be disadvantageous. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Business: New goods are just entering the market, and prices are fair. They may be transported and sold freely, with nothing failing to accord with your wishes. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Household: This is surely a loyal, honest, upright family, and a joyful event is currently arriving at the door. Great benefit. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Warfare: In the first engagement, advance along the main road. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Illness: The illness is just beginning; vital energy is abundant, so recovery can be expected at once. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Marriage: The families are well matched and the character is upright; a fine match. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Litigation: Once the case is brought before the court, it can be settled. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Pregnancy: A boy will be born; there will be joy at delivery. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 【Case】 A friend came and asked for a divination concerning his fortunes, obtaining Approach changing to the Army. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n I judged: In this hexagram, marsh lies beneath earth; marsh is a place where water is stored. Marsh gains earth and flows, while earth receives marsh and is moistened; they approach one another, hence the hexagram is called Approach. You have obtained the first line of Approach. The first and fourth lines correspond, and the fourth is near the honored position, showing nobility and prominence. Yet although the fourth is noble and prominent, it is yielding and in a yielding position, so its power is still incomplete. You represent the first line: yang in a yang position. Though you possess talent and wisdom, lacking the position, you have not yet been able to carry out your will. The line statement says “mutual approach”; “mutual influence” means responding emotionally, and the two feelings will certainly resonate in trust. Since you are at the first line, this is your first meeting. Though your temperaments accord, you cannot yet expect rapid progress. You must wait until the second line’s “mutual approach”; then nothing will be unfavorable. It will surely be next year. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Thereupon the person respectfully accepted the judgment and departed.","Nine in the second place: Mutual approach; good fortune; nothing is unfavorable.","Nine in the second place: Mutual approach; good fortune; nothing is unfavorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Approach fulfilled; good fortune, nothing unfavorable”: it has not yet obeyed the command. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n This line is the master of the completed hexagram. With firm central talent, it corresponds to the yielding and centered ruler in the fifth place. Although in the position of a high minister, its tenure is still short, so it cannot be sure that it will not be envied by the multitude of yielding lines. Therefore, approaching directly would bring trouble. It should wait for the ruler above to recognize its talent and virtue and then approach it; only afterward can good fortune be obtained. This line says “good fortune” and “nothing unfavorable,” unusually praising it among the six lines: the first line influences through correctness, while the second influences through centrality. The Commentary on the Image says “it has not yet obeyed the command,” meaning that this line is in the lower body and not in its proper place, so petty people have not entirely followed its orders. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Fortune: Things are currently going well, and a noble person is also providing support. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Business: The first venture already brought good fortune; the second will be even more profitable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Household: There is an image of a star of blessing shining upon the household; good fortune comes before and after. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Warfare: Continue pressing forward and all directions will be auspicious, but beware that among subordinate commanders there may be someone who disobeys orders and causes defeat. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Marriage: Everything is favorable; a person born in the Year of the Goat is especially suitable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Litigation: You will not lose, but compliance will not be obtained for the time being. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Pregnancy: A boy will be born, but the birth has not yet occurred. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Traveler: The person abroad has no fixed return date. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 【Case】 A friend came and asked for a divination concerning the fortunes of a certain prominent person, obtaining Approach changing to Return. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n I judged: In this hexagram, the two yang lines below are growing while the four yin lines above are declining. Yang represents the exemplary person, and yin represents the petty person. When exemplary people hold office, the state is peaceful and the people receive blessings; this is the good form of approaching the people. You have now obtained this line. The second yang line represents the prominent person and corresponds with the ruler’s position in the fifth line. This is called “mutual approach; good fortune, nothing unfavorable,” so it is clear that the prominent person’s fortunes this year are greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 【Case】 In the twenty-seventh year of Meiji, my friend Mr. Kanehara Meizen visited and said: “The village where I was born and raised is near Hamamatsu in Enshu, and my work is cultivating forests. Recently I have been running a bank in Tokyo and have been unable to attend to old affairs in my hometown. My granddaughter has now reached marriageable age. I wish to find her a spouse who can continue the family headship, serve my elderly mother, and return with my wife and me to our hometown. Please divine whether this will be auspicious or inauspicious.” He obtained Approach changing to Return. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n I judged: The inner trigram of Approach is Marsh and the outer is Earth. Earth represents an elderly mother; Marsh represents a young daughter. Marsh also represents joy and earth obedience: the elderly mother loves and delights in the young girl, while the young girl obeys the elderly mother. You have obtained the second line. Its statement says “mutual approach; good fortune.” The second and fifth lines correspond. The second is yang in a yielding position, and the fifth is yin in a firm position, exactly matching the image of a son-in-law. The line statement says “good fortune, nothing unfavorable,” so the marriage should be completed quickly. If the time is delayed, the third and fourth lines are both unfavorable. It cannot be completed in the next two years; this year is the auspicious time. Mr. Kanehara thanked me and departed.","Six in the third place: Sweet approach; nothing is favorable. If one becomes concerned about it, there is no blame.","Six in the third place: Sweet approach; nothing is favorable. If one becomes concerned about it, there is no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Sweet approach”: the position is inappropriate. “If one becomes concerned about it”: the blame will not last long. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n “Sweet” is what people most crave among the five flavors; it means pleasure and delight. “Sweet approach” means that, unable to approach people through virtue, one flatters them with pleasing words, necessarily lacking sincerity. The third line is near the second. Seeing that the second has not obeyed its command, it seeks advancement through clever speech. In the end, however sweet the words, the position is inappropriate—what benefit can there be? Once it recognizes the error and becomes “concerned about it,” returning from crookedness to correctness and abandoning evil for good, today’s right conduct can make up for yesterday’s wrong, and blame can be avoided. This is what “if one becomes concerned about it, there is no blame” means. The Commentary on the Image says “the position is inappropriate”: yin occupies a yang position, so it is not correctly placed. “The blame will not last long”: fortunately, because concern arises quickly, the blame does not become lasting. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Fortune: Fortune is already poor and conduct is also improper. Fortunately, recognizing regret offers hope for better fortune later. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Business: The shop is not in a suitable location; only a sugar-trading business would be favorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Household: The residence has poor fortune; moving would be auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Warfare: The camp is in an unsuitable position; moving it will be auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Illness: The medicine does not match the condition; a bitter and pungent prescription is advisable, and there will be no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Marriage: Incompatible. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Traveler: The person abroad gains no advantage; a return is possible soon. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about a lost item: It can be recovered. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Pregnancy: A girl will be born, but there is concern that she may be difficult to raise to adulthood. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 【Case】 In the fifth year of Meiji, a friend came and asked for a divination concerning a certain merchant’s fortunes, obtaining Approach changing to Peace. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n I judged: In this hexagram, marsh is above earth. Earth, the Earth hexagram, gives birth and nurtures all things and is therefore the mother; marsh, the Marsh hexagram, obtains a daughter after three requests and is therefore the young daughter. It signifies a mother and daughter approaching each other. The third line of Approach says “sweet approach”: yin occupies a yang position and is neither central nor correct, exactly like a young daughter relying on favor and pleasing her mother with sweet words in hopes of monopolizing household authority. Now this merchant has obtained this line. It shows that the merchant’s nature is surely sinister: “he seeks profit solely through cunning, and once he achieves his aim, becomes self-satisfied, acting like a woman or child. What benefit can there be? If he can change, he may still avoid blame.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n My friend said: “I am deeply impressed by the subtlety of the I Ching’s principles. That merchant once bought several plots of marshland in Yokohama’s Yoshida New Fields at ten sen per unit. Later, when a certain wealthy merchant needed collateral for funds deposited with a certain province, he bought them at one yen per unit as collateral. Thus the merchant briefly gained a profit of over ten thousand yen, and from then on became arrogant and looked down on everyone, exactly like someone suffering from a mania. I will explain the marvels of I Ching divination in detail to my friend so that he can pass them on to the merchant.”","Six in the fourth place: Complete approach; no blame.","Six in the fourth place: Complete approach; no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Complete approach; no blame”: the position is appropriate. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n This line is near the supreme position. Its talent and will are both weak; with yielding obedience, it occupies the noble position of a high minister. It can somewhat forget its power and status and respond below to the firm correctness of the first line. Honoring the worthy and esteeming virtue, its feelings and intentions are earnest and complete; hence “complete approach.” A high minister sincerely delights in goodness, without the self-important attitude of one satisfied with himself. With utmost sincerity, he resonates with the worthy first line, and that worthy person likewise responds with delight and submission. Together they deliberate on affairs of state, so there is no blame. Nothing is more auspicious for governing through approach. The Commentary on the Image says “the position is appropriate,” meaning it possesses the virtue of yielding correctness. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Fortune: Good fortune has arrived; everything is appropriate, with no bad outcome. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Business: This is exactly the right time for transport and trade; nothing undertaken will be unfavorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Household: The residence is properly situated and the family enterprise prospers; no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Warfare: The time has arrived; now is precisely the moment to confront the enemy and win. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Illness: Though the condition is critical, there may still be no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Marriage: The two sides are harmonious, and the families are also well matched. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Traveler: The person will arrive immediately. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about lost property: It will be found immediately. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 【Case】 A certain friend came and asked for a divination concerning a certain prominent person’s fortunes, obtaining Approach changing to the Marrying Maiden. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n I judged: In this hexagram, the inner trigram, Marsh, represents the mouth, while the outer trigram, Earth, represents the multitude. It means bending down to listen to public opinion, weighing the people’s feelings, and then going forth to approach affairs; hence it is named Approach. The fourth line possesses the virtue of yielding correctness and responds below to the firm correctness of the first line. Forgetting power and status, it treats the worthy with generous courtesy; this can be called sincerity at its utmost, and is called “complete approach; no blame.” If the prominent person can embody this meaning, there will be no blame.","Six in the fifth place: Wise approach; what is fitting for the great ruler; good fortune.","Six in the fifth place: Wise ［84］ approach; what is fitting for the great ruler; good fortune. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “What is fitting for the great ruler”: this means acting according to the center. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n “Knowledge” means wisdom. “Wisdom approaching” means knowing people and assigning them appropriately. If one person, relying solely on his own wisdom, undertakes to govern the vast realm under Heaven, that is enough to make him unwise. Only by gathering the good qualities of all under Heaven and entrusting them with the affairs of all under Heaven can one achieve the state in which “knowledge encompasses the ten thousand things and the Way benefits all under Heaven.” This is the supreme rule of reverently cultivating oneself while leaving things to their natural course. This line possesses the virtue of yieldingness in the central place and occupies the position of supreme honor. Below, it responds to the second yang line, recognizing his worth and entrusting matters to him. This is what is meant by “brilliant, perceptive, and wise, fully capable of approaching others.” This line embodies it; therefore it says, “the fitting conduct of the great ruler.” Shun was praised as greatly wise because he combined the wisdom of all under Heaven and made it his own. It is said, “Shun loved to ask questions and examined even the words of those near at hand.” This expresses the same idea. The Commentary on the Image says, “This means acting according to the center.” It means that the fifth line possesses the virtue of yielding centrality and relies on the worthy who is firm and centered, thereby accomplishing the work of “wisdom approaching.” To act according to the middle way is precisely what it means not to be biased. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Fortune: The current cycle is timely, and good people are also helping. Everything should succeed. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Business: Knowing what is coming and going and understanding market conditions naturally brings profit. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Household: There is a sign of five blessings arriving at the gate. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Warfare: If you win the army’s heart, you will know yourself and the enemy, and no battle will be lost. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Illness: You will find a good physician who understands the cause of the illness in detail; treatment will naturally bring recovery. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Marriage: Well suited to family life. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Lost object: Someone has found it; you will learn of it later. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about pregnancy: A boy will be born, destined for honor. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Traveler: The person is still halfway there and can return in a few days. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 【Case】 In the twenty-second year of Meiji, a divination was made concerning the fortunes of a certain prominent person, obtaining Approach changing to Limitation. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Judgment: This line occupies the fifth place, the position of the great ruler. The line statement, “Wise governance,” has the image of a great ruler and is not appropriate for a minister. A certain eminent person has now obtained this line in divination. The fifth and second lines correspond: the fifth is the ruler and the second the minister. The second line should therefore represent that eminent person. “Wise governance” refers to the great ruler; the one known and recognized by the great ruler is that eminent person. Having received the great ruler’s recognition and governing under it, every good policy should be credited to the ruler. Hence it says, “Wise governance: what is fitting for the great ruler; good fortune.” Yet a high position carries heavy responsibility and attracts the resentment of the many. What is often suitable for a ruler may, in turn, be unsuitable for a minister; this too is part of the mechanism by which yin and yang wax and wane. None of the six lines of Lin shows an ominous image. Only the Image Commentary says, “By the eighth month, there will be misfortune.” The sage, taking this auspicious hexagram, suddenly points out impending disaster: at the beginning of growth, decline is already lurking; when good fortune arrives, calamity follows. In other words, what is auspicious today should be guarded against turning ominous in the future. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The workings of the I Ching are exceedingly subtle and not easily measured. Ten months later, that eminent person was suddenly wounded by a violent calamity—not in the eighth-month sequence of Guan, but extending into the tenth-month sequence of Dun. Although a diviner may be unable to know the exact numerical timing, the principles of good and bad fortune never lie outside the cycle of waxing and waning. Those who come after must take heed. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Case] On the twelfth day of the fifth month of the thirtieth year of the Meiji era, I visited Mr. Yokoyama Magoichiro in Tokyo’s Yamashita District. Messrs. Amemiya Keijiro and Ono Kinkichi were also present. I asked them: Since last year, we have been making every effort to broker a deal whereby the British firm Smith & Co. would purchase Japanese government bonds. However, the price has not been suitable, and we have been troubled for a long time. Please divine whether this bond-sale contract will be concluded. The resulting hexagram was Lin changing to Jie. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Judgment: Lin means that the two sides approach one another. This hexagram has the image of the young daughter Dui and the aged mother Kun mutually complying and delighting in each other; the purchase and sale of government bonds is likewise. We have gained victory and received indemnity, and wish to expand our armaments through Yi, display our prestige to all countries, and strengthen the foundations of the state. By selling bonds, we can make up the shortfall, while that firm will sell them to low-interest merchants in its own country and gain a profit. Both sides seek profit together, like an old mother and a young daughter: intimate, pleased, and able to accomplish the affair. Having obtained this line, we know that our wish can be fulfilled and the matter is certain to succeed. Do not worry further. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The next day, news arrived that a government-bond sale worth forty million yen had indeed been contracted.","Top Six: Sincere Lin; good fortune, no blame.","Top Six: Sincere 85 Lin; good fortune, no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: The good fortune of sincere Lin lies in having one’s intention directed inward. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n “Dun” means devoted and substantial. In this hexagram, Six at the fifth place already corresponds with Nine at the second; Top Six then follows and adds its support. This is called “sincere Lin.” It is like Return, where Six at the fourth already corresponds with Initial Nine, and Six at the fifth follows and adds its support; this is called “sincere Return.” The meaning is the same. This line is the extreme of Kun and occupies the end of Lin. Yin and softness are above; although it has no proper correspondence with the second line, its intention is to follow yang. It humbles the honored before the lowly, descends from high to lower ground, and is sincere and earnest in its courtesy. It is one who holds well to the Way of approaching others through to its conclusion; hence, “Sincere Lin: good fortune, no blame.” In every hexagram, the top line is the extreme point, and going beyond the extreme often brings danger. This line says “sincere Lin,” carrying the meaning of “making one’s dwelling secure and cultivating benevolence”; there is no concern about exceeding the limit. Thus it is fortunate and without blame. The Commentary on the Image says, “The intention is inward.” “Inward” refers to the two yang lines in the inner trigram. Although Top Six has no correspondence with the inner trigram, its intention lies solely within. Hence, “The intention is inward.” It may be compared with the Commentary on the Image for Initial Nine of Tai: “The intention is outward.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about timing and fortune: The good period is now over; only because your heart is loyal and sincere do you avoid blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about business: Trading within the country is auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about the household: For generations the family has been loyal and sincere; inside and outside are solemn and harmonious. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about warfare: Troops and provisions should be increased; protecting the homeland is paramount. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about illness: Nourish the vital energy; there will be joy without medicine. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a lost object: It is still inside the house; it was never truly lost. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a traveler: They can return today. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Case] A friend, Mr. X, came to ask for a divination concerning a plan. The resulting hexagram was Lin changing to Sun. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Judgment: This line is the extreme of Lin; the achievement is complete and there is no other scheme to pursue. “Sincere Lin” means merely adding sincerity and substance to the Way of Lin. By approaching matters with sincerity and substance, one obtains “good fortune, no blame.” Having obtained this line, you too should understand its meaning: in every undertaking, add sincerity and substance—what plan could then fail, what matter could not succeed? The depth of your deliberation can be seen in the images of the I Ching. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Mr. X said: “The Book of Songs says, ‘Others may have a mind; I can fathom it.’ That truly describes you, sir.” He thanked me profusely and departed.",null,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Takashima Ekidan, Hexagram 19, Earth over Lake Lin, sixty-four hexagrams, hexagram text, line text, divination judgments",1787044935775]