[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":28},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_zhouyigaodaoyd_en-gaodaoyiduan-35":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-35",false,"2026-08-11T01:18:25.272Z","2026-07-04T14:35:15.000Z","Fire over Earth, Advance: The Peaceful Lord uses the gift of abundant horses; three audiences in one day.","Takashima Ekidan Part 35: Fire over Earth Jin_Hexagram Text and Interpretation_Eastern Esoterica Library","Takashima Ekidan Part 35, Fire over Earth Jin interpretation: Hexagram text “Jin: The Peaceful Lord uses gifts of horses in abundance; three audiences in one day,” with detailed explanations of the appended judgments and actual divination cases.","䷢",35,"35　Fire over Earth, Advance \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The structure of the hexagram is Li above and Kun below. Kun signifies earth, and Li signifies fire. The Tuan Commentary of Kun says, “It travels across the earth without boundary”; traveling means advancing. The nature of Li is flame rising upward, and rising upward is also advancement. Among things that advance well, none surpass horses and oxen: Kun signifies the horse, Li the ox; both can travel far and have the image of going forward. Fire is brightness, earth is compliance. Brightness can illuminate far away; compliance can carry things forward. There is also the meaning of growth and progress. According to the commentaries, Advance means to proceed. In ancient script, Advance was written with components meaning “arrive” and “sun”; the standard form is read with the sound of “advance,” meaning to go forward and rise upward. The Sequence Commentary says, “Things cannot remain strong forever; therefore Advance follows.” This is why Advance follows Great Strength. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Advance［11］: The Peaceful Lord uses the gift of abundant horses; three audiences in one day. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ▲ Bronze inscription: Advance \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The image is brightness above and compliance below. Li’s brightness is the sun, hence it images the ruler; Kun’s compliance is the minister, hence it images the minister. Together they form the image of an enlightened ruler and capable minister. Kun signifies a state or realm, hence “lord.” Kun signifies well-being, meaning peace and security; Kun signifies the horse, hence “horses”; Kun signifies the multitude, hence “abundant.” Li signifies the sun, hence “daylight.” The “Peaceful Lord” in the line statement refers to an enlightened minister. When an enlightened minister advances, the Son of Heaven praises him and bestows many carriages and horses, meaning a great number of them. “Three audiences in one day” means that not only are the gifts numerous, but the meetings are frequent: in a single day, he is received three times. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Tuan Commentary says: “Advance means to proceed. Brightness emerges above the earth, yielding and clinging to great brightness. The yielding advances and moves upward, sufficiently for the Peaceful Lord to receive abundant horses and be received three times in one day.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n This hexagram has Li as the sun and Kun as the earth, taking its image from “the sun rising above the earth”: the sun emerges from the earth and advances upward, its radiance rising to heaven and illuminating the earth. Yielding and gentle is Kun; clinging and bright is Li. “Great brightness” is an enlightened ruler; “moving upward” is the minister rising in advancement. It means that at this time the Son of Heaven’s great brightness is above, the feudal lords are respectful and compliant below, the enlightened ruler and worthy ministers assist one another, and ruler and ministers share one virtue. The Son of Heaven commends meritorious achievements, abundantly bestows carriages and horses, and receives them three times in one day. The gifts are extremely generous, and the audiences exceptionally gracious, with repeated inquiries about their well-being and labors. The office of the Great Traveler records: “The three dukes receive three banquets, three inquiries, and three expressions of solicitude; the feudal lords receive three banquets, two inquiries, and two expressions of solicitude; the viscounts and barons receive three banquets, one inquiry, and one expression of solicitude.” This is the ritual by which the Son of Heaven receives the feudal lords three times. “Bestowing horses” refers to the ceremonial display in which one lead horse stands foremost, followed by nine horses. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Applying this hexagram to human affairs: in the state it concerns ruler and ministers; in the household, parent and child. Li below and Xun above form the Family People hexagram, whose text says, “There is an authoritative ruler in the family.” Kun signifies the mother and also the people, so it also contains the image of mother and child. The father is above, discerning and clear, with principled guidance but no indulgent love; the child is below, obedient and respectful, with filial devotion and no defiance. If this is used to order the family, the upper is clear and the lower compliant, and the whole household is harmonious. The vessels receive the offering of sweet and rich food; joy and good fortune enter the courtyard. Anticipating the parents’ wishes and fulfilling their intentions is the height of compliance; a gentle manner and warm harmony are the proper form of softness. “Clinging to great brightness” means carrying on the will of one’s ancestors and attaining the utmost filial devotion; “advancing and moving upward” means serving one’s parents and bringing them joy. In the state this is called a “Peaceful Lord”; in the family it is what is called a filial son and worthy grandson. “Horses bestowed in abundance” means state favor and gifts, just as a family has celebrations and rewards. “Three audiences in one day” refers to the rites of three banquets, three inquiries, and three expressions of solicitude; it is like the saying about the heir apparent: “In the morning ask about their well-being, at midday inspect the meal, at night inspect the bedchamber.” The Great Learning, speaking of self-cultivation and family regulation, begins by emphasizing “illuminating illustrious virtue.” Only with Li’s virtue of brightness can one advance to cultivate oneself, advance to order the family, and advance to govern the state and bring peace to the world. This is the way. This is why the Advance hexagram takes its image from “brightness emerging above the earth.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Taking this hexagram as a representation of the state, the upper trigram represents the government. It possesses the nature of fire, able to awaken the civilization of the nation's destiny; the lower trigram represents the people. It possesses the nature of earth, able to be yielding and compliant while advancing upward. The upper illuminates and watches over the lower with its brightness, while the lower follows the upper in compliance. The Commentary on the Image says, “Brightness emerges above the earth,” referring to the sun at its first rising, gradually advancing and climbing higher. This symbolizes an enlightened ruler promoting worthy ministers and elevating them to high office. Compliance must be joined to brightness for compliance to accomplish anything; yielding must advance toward brightness for yielding to attain its proper place. Otherwise, compliance may seek only to please and thereby end up obscuring brightness; yielding may produce darkness and will surely be unable to act. Therefore the Tuan Commentary says, “Compliant yet attached to great brightness; the yielding advances and moves upward.” This is why the hexagram Jin speaks of advancement. The phrase “use gifts of horses in abundance” means using them as rewards and gifts, as in the poem “Gathering Beans,” which says: “When the noble men come to court, what gifts shall be bestowed? Even if there are no other gifts, there are road carriages and riding horses.” “Three receptions in one day” means: first, conducting the ceremonial inspection; second, three feasts and three formal announcements, followed by descending the western steps and bowing; third, uncovering the right shoulder, entering the temple gate, exiting south of the screen, then reentering through the left gate, where the king honors him and he bows twice. This expresses that the head is enlightened and the limbs are worthy. When distant ministers came to court, the Son of Heaven hosted banquets for them; the gifts were fine, the rites grand, the rewards generous, and the audiences frequent—the ceremonial precedent was exceedingly solemn. Surveying the six lines, the first marks the beginning of advancement, hence the image of being pushed back. The second line’s “sorrowful appearance” likewise comes from fearing the first line’s being pushed back. By the third, there is neither being pushed back nor sorrow, and the trust of the multitude has been won. This belongs to the inner trigram: it gains Earth’s yielding nature and advances. The fourth is not in its proper position, hence the warning about the rock rat. The fifth is the ruler of the hexagram, hence “going forward brings celebration.” The top occupies Fire’s extreme position; Fire signifies weapons, hence “attacking the city.” This belongs to the outer trigram: it gains Fire’s brilliance and illumination. The Commentary on the Image says, “The noble person thereby makes his bright virtue shine forth.” The “noble person” is the “great person” referred to in the Li hexagram’s phrase, “Two brightnesses arise: Li.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n Viewing the hexagram as a whole, its form comes from Great Power. The upper trigram changes the bottom line of Thunder into Kun; the lower trigram changes the middle line of Heaven into Li. Jin means advancement: with strength, one puts it into action, hence “advancing and moving upward.” The Commentary on the Image says, “Brightness emerges above the Earth.” “Brightness” means Li; “Earth” means Kun; “emerges” means what is called “moving upward.” The sun’s radiance is in Heaven, while its illumination reaches Earth. The sun moves upward through brightness; without brightness, not only would its movement be unseen, but it would not even be recognized as the sun. All six lines speak of Jin, and each takes its image according to its sequence. The first is the beginning of progress; people may not yet trust me, so I should deal with matters generously. The second advances from the first. Though it harbors sorrow, good fortune and blessing are already visible. The third advances further: those who did not trust suddenly do trust, and the hearts of the multitude submit. What regret could remain? The three inner lines possess Kun’s obedience, so all are auspicious. The fourth begins the outer trigram, leaving Thunder and entering Li; it wavers like a rat, advancing and retreating, so even perseverance is dangerous. The fifth is the hexagram ruler: yieldingness advances upward, so “going is auspicious; nothing is unfavorable.” The top occupies the extreme of Jin. Its “horn” is the horn of the ram in Great Power. Advancing without obedience must bring embarrassment. The three outer lines occupy Li’s position, high and difficult to advance, hence they contain many warnings. Among the sixteen hexagrams paired with Li, none has images more beautiful than Jin and Great Possession. Great Possession says “brightness in Heaven above,” its brightness at its fullest; Jin says “brightness emerging above Earth,” its brightness newly born. When brightness is newly born, advancement values gentleness. Of the six lines, the fourth and top say “danger.” The fourth advances by the wrong way; the top, having reached the limit, advances still further, hence the danger of Jin’s horn. Both have lost the way of advancing through gentleness. The sages reveal the subtle and illuminate the obscure, and out of concern for human troubles created the I Ching. Thus even in the bright age of Jin they still warn with “perseverance brings danger” and “perseverance brings embarrassment.” The auspiciousness of the first, second, third, and fifth lines is precisely meant to encourage advancement. Is the purpose to make one’s own virtue bright, and thereby illuminate the virtue of all under Heaven? \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Great Image says: “Brightness emerges above the earth: Jin. The noble person thereby makes his bright virtue shine forth.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The sun’s setting in the west is evening; its rising in the east is dawn. When it first rises, it gradually advances and climbs higher; the higher it climbs, the brighter it becomes. Its radiance leaves nothing unilluminated, shining throughout hidden places. This is precisely the image of Jin. The noble person follows this image and makes his own virtue bright. Virtue is the virtue of the heart. It is present from birth, with spiritual brightness possessed from the beginning, originally free of even the slightest private desire. When it is attained and then covered over, this is like the sun first emerging from the earth: the air is cool and fresh, its bright radiance shines, and originally there is not the slightest cloud or haze. “Make bright one’s bright virtue”: “make bright” means to illuminate. What is called making one’s bright virtue bright means that even bright virtue still awaits illumination. This matter cannot be borrowed from or entrusted to others; it lies solely in knowing it oneself and making it bright oneself. The noble person earnestly demands this of himself: by extending knowledge and investigating things, he opens the beginning of self-illumination; by making his intentions sincere and rectifying his heart, he brings about the reality of self-illumination. This is what is meant by “the noble person thereby makes his bright virtue shine forth.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about current fortune: Good luck has just arrived, like the morning sun newly risen, gradually ascending and growing brighter, its light shining everywhere. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about warfare: The great army is just setting out and advancing along the proper route. Daytime battle is advisable; a night attack is not. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about business: Most favorable for industries producing coal, subterranean fire, and similar goods, taking their brightness as the indication. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about recognition and office: There is an image of one’s achievements and reputation rising day by day. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about litigation: It is advisable to turn back and bring the case against oneself, examining one’s own fault. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about the home: This residence faces southeast, is high, spacious, and bright, and receives the auspicious radiance of the sun. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a lost object: Search for it in the bright central hall; it will be found.","First Nine: Advancing as if checked, advancing as if obstructed; perseverance is auspicious. No trust is placed in him; generosity brings no blame.","First Nine: Advancing as if checked, advancing as if obstructed; perseverance is auspicious. No trust is placed in him; generosity brings no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Advancing as if checked, advancing as if obstructed”—he alone follows the correct path. “Generosity brings no blame”—he has not yet received a mandate. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The first line is at the beginning of the lower trigram. Yieldingness advances upward; beginning from the first line, it first says “advancing as if advancing,” as though wishing to proceed but not yet succeeding, and then says “advancing as if obstructed,” as though being pushed back and encountering resistance. The first corresponds with the fourth, but the fourth is in an improper position. Not only does it fail to respond; it is actually what obstructs the first’s advance. Yet although obstructed, because it possesses perseverance, it is auspicious. “No trust is placed in him”: tracing the cause of the obstruction, although the fourth causes it, it is also because the exchange between above and below has not yet become trusting. Kun signifies spaciousness, hence “generosity.” When trust has not yet been established, rushing to force one’s advancement or angrily nursing resentment both invite blame. Only by remaining composed and broad-minded, content to abide by the Way, can one avoid blame. Hence “generosity brings no blame.” The Commentary on the Image says “he alone follows the correct path”: the obstructer is not upright, while the one advancing can alone follow what is right. “No blame; he has not yet received a mandate” means that, having not yet received the command or gift, he should simply wait with patience and breadth. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about current fortune: Good luck has just begun. Although there is no disaster or blame, it has not yet flourished; one should wait slowly and patiently. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about warfare: On the first military expedition, the hearts of the troops are not yet settled. Treat them generously and wait. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about business: The goods have just arrived, but market conditions are not yet favorable. Allow time—early, four days; late, four months. When the fourth line says “the multitude gives approval,” the goods can sell briskly and great profit will certainly be gained. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about recognition and office: The achievement and reputation are inherently yours; the only uncertainty is whether it will come early or late. Keep an open heart and wait. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a home: This residence is fundamentally auspicious, but moving in is not yet permitted because the two sides have not reached agreement. With delay, it will certainly be accomplished. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about marriage: Because inquiries have not yet established the facts, it can succeed if delayed. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a lost object: It can be found later. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about illness: Relaxed recuperation and careful nourishment are advisable; recovery is possible. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Case] A man from a certain county came and asked whether his aspiration would succeed. He received Jin changing to Biting Through. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment said: Jin means advancement. Jin at the first line is the beginning of progress. “Advancing as if checked” means wishing to advance but encountering something that breaks or obstructs one’s progress. Although the one advancing is upright, people do not trust me. Now that you have asked about your aspiration and received the first line, I know that your conduct is upright and your abilities are useful, but for the moment public sentiment has not yet placed its trust in you. Thus you wish to advance but are blocked. The first corresponds with the fourth; the fourth does not respond to the first and instead comes to obstruct it. I infer that the person to whom you entrusted the matter cannot assist you and may instead cause you harm. Therefore, for now, you should not expect your wish to be fulfilled. Wait until the day represented by the fourth line’s “the multitude gives approval”; then your aspiration can be fulfilled. Taking one line as one month, approximately after April, it will be greatly auspicious. This person once carried a proposal to seek an audience with a certain eminent official, but could not deliver it personally and instead suffered humiliation from the police bureau. After receiving this divination, he gained profound understanding.","Second Six: Advancing as if sorrowful; perseverance is auspicious. Receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother.","Second Six: Advancing as if sorrowful; perseverance is auspicious. Receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Receiving this great blessing”—because he is centered and correct. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n “Sorrowful” means displeasure, and differs from “obstructed”: sorrow lies within oneself, whereas obstruction is caused by others. Yet the second’s sorrow truly comes from the first’s being obstructed. It occupies the center and stands in the correct position, hence “perseverance is auspicious.” “Great blessing” means a major blessing. “Royal grandmother”: the second corresponds with the fifth, and the fifth is the royal position; Kun is yin and represents the mother, hence “royal grandmother,” meaning the empress dowager. The second belongs to Kun; Kun connects with Heaven, and Heaven is “great blessing.” In the Well, line three says “the king’s clarity receives blessing”; in Already Fulfilled, line five says “truly receiving his blessing.” The third line of the Well and the fifth of Already Fulfilled both possess the form of Heaven, so their blessings are all received from Heaven. The second also contains Gen; Gen represents the hand, which holds the blessing and gives it to the second, and the second receives it. Hence “receive this great blessing.” The Nine-House I Ching says: “Great blessing refers to horses and numerous goods.” The Commentary on the Image says “because he is centered and correct”: he preserves this central correctness and does not turn back from his purpose merely because he lacks a corresponding partner; therefore in the end he receives this great blessing. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about current fortune: The present fortune is not poor, but many of the things sought are obstructed, so the heart cannot avoid becoming troubled. If one preserves uprightness without changing, in the end there will certainly be smooth success and great benefit. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about warfare: The previous attack was already checked and broken; advancing again now naturally brings deep anxiety and fear. Yet if one approaches affairs with caution, good fortune will follow. The second and fifth lines correspond. The fifth line’s position is in the Rabbit sector; above it are the constellations Di, Fang, Xin, and Wei. The two large stars before Di govern the empress and consorts, hence the image of the royal grandmother. Praying to her brings blessing. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about business: The goods from the previous trading venture were already damaged and depleted, so this time one cannot avoid feeling sorrowful—hence “advancing as if sorrowful.” Only by maintaining centered correctness can one reach the fifth line, which says: “Do not worry about loss or gain; going is auspicious; nothing is unfavorable.” This encourages one not to worry, for blessing will naturally be obtained. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about recognition and office: Although there is sorrow now, the fifth line says “going brings celebration”; roughly two years from now, good fortune can be obtained. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about marriage: Auspicious, but it will not proceed for the moment; it must wait until the third year to succeed. A grandmother will likely take charge of arranging it. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a home: One should move house and live together with the grandmother, sharing food. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Asked about a lost item: It can be recovered after a long time. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Case] In the fifth year of the Meiji era, I accompanied Army Colonel Fukuhara Minoru to Sanuki to plan the construction of a military camp. While we were aboard a steamer, Colonel Fukuhara said: “Given our country’s present circumstances, the future cannot yet be known. Please try a divination.” He received Jin changing to Not Yet Fulfilled. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment said: Jin means advancement. To wish to advance while fearing that one will be obstructed is to advance but not yet be able to advance; hence the line statement, “Advancing as if sorrowful.” The second line is yin in a yin position, yet it occupies the center and is correct. It is adjacent to the first, and because of the first’s obstruction, its anxiety is doubled. It may be said to approach affairs with awareness of fear, and therefore obtains “perseverance is auspicious.” Applying this line to our country’s circumstances, since the Restoration our country has striven vigorously to advance and open the way for civilization. At first, internally it was obstructed by disagreement among former domain samurai; externally it was troubled by the different customs and teachings of the Western countries; and below, it was disturbed by the inconvenience of reform. Thus it wished to advance but could not advance suddenly. Now we are at the second line. The second corresponds with the fifth, which belongs to the honored position. We can know that the ministers guiding the country have been selected and remembered in the heart of our Emperor. United above and below, they certainly do not dare fear difficulties and think of retreating; yet progress is difficult, and their anxiety grows daily. This is exactly what the line statement calls “advancing as if sorrowful.” At that time, the ministers from Sanjo onward upheld righteousness and planned for the country. Not only were they recognized by the Emperor, they were also trusted by the empress dowager. This is what the line statement calls “receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother.” Examining and extrapolating from the line statements before and after: the first line belongs to past affairs; the second belongs to the present day. The correspondence between the second and fifth is what the Tuan Commentary calls the “Marquis of Peace.” The third line is the first’s “no trust,” which has now become trust by all, allowing upward movement without regret. The fourth line warns that slanderers and evildoers may occupy office, hiding by day and moving by night like rats, advancing and retreating deceitfully, intending to steal and manipulate political power; this should be guarded against. The fifth line occupies the ruler’s position: a bright ruler is above, earnestly urging all ministers onward. “Do not worry about loss or gain; going is auspicious; nothing is unfavorable” refers to the second line’s “sorrowful” state, saying that loss and gain are not worth worrying about; going brings “nothing unfavorable.” “Celebration” means receiving blessing. The top line occupies the extreme of Li. Since Li’s top line says “the king uses it to send forth an expedition,” the fifth line likewise uses “attacking the town,” meaning that if anything again obstructs us, the royal army should punish it so that it will not dare obstruct our progress again. A line may correspond to one year or ten years; a fixed number can be sought. In summary, Jin means advancement and follows Great Power. One should advance upward through yieldingness and obedience, not through force and rashness. The lower position takes the obedience of Kun; above all, it must take Li’s brightness above. The noble person makes his bright virtue shine forth—this is the same Way. Military achievement must first be preceded by civil virtue; the top line’s “attacking the town” was evidently used only as a last resort. In our country, enlightened rulers and worthy ministers cooperate, civil and military cultivation are both pursued, the country is wealthy and its army strong, advancing and flourishing day by day. This is truly the blessed prosperity of a well-governed nation lasting ten thousand years. How could it not be auspicious! Fukuhara was greatly convinced and impressed upon hearing this.","Third Six: The multitude gives approval; regret disappears.","Third Six: The multitude gives approval; regret disappears. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “The multitude trusts him; his will advances upward.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The third line occupies the top of the inner trigram and is adjacent to the fourth. Firm resistance blocks the way ahead, so it seems appropriate that there should be regret. “Trust” means confidence. The third line’s earthly branch is Hai, obtaining Qian; Qian signifies trust. The third line is close to the first and second and joins with them in common purpose and effort. Together they make three; three people form a multitude, hence “the multitude trusts him.” The outer trigram is Li, which takes its meaning from brightness; this is what is meant by being able to be bright and being able to be trusted. When the multitude trusts him, the fourth cannot overthrow him, so “regret disappears.” Throughout ancient and modern times, those who plan affairs of state have all regarded the inclination or opposition of the people’s hearts as determining success or failure. When the people’s hearts are not aligned, even a righteous undertaking ultimately cannot succeed. This is what Mencius meant by “When support is abundant, all under Heaven follows.” It expresses the meaning of “the multitude trusts him.” The first line’s “no trust” means that it has not yet won confidence; the third line’s “the multitude trusts him” shows that it has won confidence. As Confucius said, “Win their trust before remonstrating,” and “Win their trust before imposing labor on the people.” The way to serve those above and employ those below lies here. The Commentary on the Image says, “The multitude trusts him; his will advances upward”: the third line corresponds with the top line, and its will is directed upward, so it can share the people’s trust. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about current fortune: Present disasters and regrets have passed; the public is pleased and compliant, so this is auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about business: At first, the multitude brought obstruction and profit could not be gained. Now people are harmonious, so there will be no blame; both buying and selling are profitable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about warfare: United public resolve forms an impregnable wall; battle will be won and every attack will succeed. Advancing upward brings no regret. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about honors and reputation: Success comes only through being recommended by the people. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about the household: The family members will be harmonious; auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about marriage: The two families will be harmonious; auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about litigation: A third person will come forward to mediate, and both sides will agree to follow the decision; no regret. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Example] A merchant from Kyushu came and asked for a divination on whether purchasing goods from a certain large company would succeed and what the outcome would be. The resulting hexagram was Jin changing to Lu. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment says: The hexagram’s lower body is compliant and its upper body bright, clearly showing that acting openly and without deception, while remaining yielding and winning the people’s support, is essential. In this divination about purchasing and selling goods, the third line of Jin shows that at the first line he wished to buy and sell but was obstructed by others and could not succeed; at the second line he again wished to sell, but was troubled by many concerns and undecided. Now at the third line, the people’s approval has become harmonious. Although the fourth line is a greedy person who wants to take profit from the middle, because the multitude has already agreed, he can no longer obstruct it. The purchase may be safely made; there will be no regret.","Fourth Nine: Advancing like a giant rat; perseverance brings danger.","Fourth Nine: Advancing like a giant rat; perseverance brings danger. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “The giant rat is dangerous even with perseverance”; his position is inappropriate. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The fourth line is yang occupying a yin place, neither centered nor correct, situated among the four yin lines above and below. The upper nuclear trigram is Kan and the lower nuclear trigram is Gen. Kan signifies concealment; Gen signifies the rat. Kan conceals and harms brightness; Gen stops and harms compliance. Thus this is one who lacks the appropriate virtue yet occupies the position, supports a yielding ruler above, secretly manipulates authority, suppresses the many yin lines below, prevents loyal counsel from reaching upward, and cuts off communication between above and below. His greedy and cruel nature resembles that of a giant rat, hence “advancing like a giant rat.” Whenever a treacherous minister gains office, he is greedy and brutal, hiding by day and moving at night, secretive in countless ways, stealing authority and manipulating power, as cunning as a giant rat. Once bright virtue stands in the light and recognizes treachery, it is just like a giant rat seeing a cat: none escapes capture and destruction. Hence “perseverance brings danger.” The Commentary on the Image says “his position is inappropriate,” meaning that he ought not to occupy this position and has stolen it. Note: In Jie, yin occupying a yang place is likened to a fox; in Jin, yang occupying a yin place is likened to a rat. In this hexagram’s nuclear body, one yang line is above, hence it is called a giant rat. A fox is suspicious, so in Jie one must remove suspicion; a rat is greedy, so in Jin one must remove greed. Each image is appropriate to its context. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about current fortune: There is something peculiar about the present fortune. Deal with matters openly and uprightly; if you cling to an ambivalent view and favor cunning, disaster is certain. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about warfare: The Tuan Commentary on Jin says, “Three audiences in one day.” Some say “audiences” means victories, referring to gaining three victories in a single day. But if one is suspicious and greedy, hiding by day and moving at night like a rat, the situation is dangerous. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about honors and reputation: The line says “giant rat.” A giant rat is one whose five skills are all inferior; therefore he certainly cannot fulfill his aspirations. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about business: Rats are greedy, and greed invariably leads to failure. Beware of failure caused by partners’ greed for money. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about the household: Rats are burrowing vermin and skilled thieves. If a house has many rats, it certainly indicates waste and loss. Unfavorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about illness: The Book of Songs says, “Thinking of the rat, I weep blood,” perhaps indicating vomiting blood; it also says, “The rat worries with itching,” perhaps indicating scabies. This too may be dangerous. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about litigation: Being like a rat wavering between two sides means retreating then advancing; a decision cannot be reached for the time being. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about a traveler: He hides by day and travels by night, so there must be an incident; he will not return for some time. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about lost property: It has already entered a rat hole; it cannot be recovered. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about marriage: “Rat” implies a clandestine theft; the marriage is improper. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Example] A merchant came and asked for a divination about household management. The resulting hexagram was Jin changing to Bo. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment says: The hexagram’s body is compliant and beautifully bright; yielding advances upward, clearly showing that the head of the household is fair and enlightened above, while the whole family is yielding, harmonious, and happy, with an image of the family property increasing day by day. This divination obtains the fourth line: yang occupies a yin place, so the position is not correct. The rat is a burrowing creature that hides by day, moves by night, is greedy, and fears people; it is a yin creature. The fourth line resembles this, so its line statement says, “Advancing like a giant rat.” I suspect that your household must contain a thief who manages the domestic affairs. As the Book of Songs sings, “Great rat, great rat,” first it says the rat eats the seedlings, then that it eats the grain; thus it steals the family property and causes no small harm. Hence “perseverance brings danger,” meaning that even if the family way is upright, it is still in danger. Examine this carefully and be cautious! \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Example] Baron Itsuka came to Takashima Donsho before moving to the Western Capital and asked for a divination on whether the move would be auspicious or inauspicious. The resulting hexagram was Jin changing to Bo. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment says: This hexagram has Kun below and Li above, forming Jin. The Image says, “Brightness emerges above the earth.” Emerging in the east is brightness; the sun setting in the west is darkness. The virtue of the hexagram lies in brightness, so east is suitable and west is unsuitable. Now Your Lordship plans to move to the Western Capital, resign your title, and retire. You obtained the fourth line of Jin. Jin means advancement, not retreat; the sun rises in the east and should not move toward the west. All the images fail to correspond. The fourth-line statement says, “Advancing like a flying squirrel, perseverance brings danger,” meaning wavering between two sides, advancing and retreating, exactly like Your Lordship’s doubts about advancing or withdrawing, wishing to move yet undecided. “Perseverance brings danger” means that although the intention to retire is not improper, there is fear that danger will follow. I advise Your Lordship not to move.","Six at the fifth: Regret disappears. Do not worry about loss and gain; going forward is auspicious, and nothing is unfavorable.","Six at the fifth: Regret disappears. Do not worry about loss and gain; going forward is auspicious, and nothing is unfavorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Do not worry about loss and gain; going forward brings celebration.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The fifth line is the ruler of Jin, high in the honored position, yielding yet centered. However, because it is too intimate with the fourth, the fourth is able to secretly manipulate authority and isolate the second and third lines, preventing them from drawing near; hence there is regret. Yet the fifth line itself possesses bright virtue and sufficient wisdom to detect treachery. It demotes the sixth-fourth and appoints the sixth-second, making the brightness clear and harmonious; those above and below exchange trust. Hence “regret disappears.” “Do not worry about loss and gain” means that the fifth line does not rely on its own intelligence but entrusts appointments to the sixth-second, trusting without doubt and calculating right and wrong rather than gain and loss. Even a small loss or gain is not worth celebrating. “Going forward” means “advancing upward,” referring to Kang Hou going to court before the Son of Heaven. “Auspicious, nothing unfavorable” refers to receiving great blessings from the Queen Mother. Therefore the Commentary on the Image says, “Going forward brings celebration.” Celebration means “receiving these great blessings.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about current fortune: You are presently in a flourishing period; disaster has departed and blessing has arrived. There is gain without loss. Greatly auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about warfare: Defeat will turn into victory in this battle. Advance bravely and success will soon be visible. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about business: There was a small loss before, but now a great gain is possible; auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about honors and reputation: There is no need to seek fame anxiously; it may be gained without deliberate pursuit. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about the household: Since the sun rises in the east and Li is associated with the south, this residence must face southeast. There were minor disasters and regrets before, but the household’s fortune has now turned; auspicious and nothing unfavorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about marriage: Regard the nine at the fifth as the man’s family and the six at the second as the woman’s family. Both lines are auspicious, so this is highly favorable. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about litigation: “Regret disappears” means the disaster has passed; ending the lawsuit is auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about lost property: Go look for it and you will certainly find it. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Example] A member of the old nobility came and asked for a divination about his fortune. The resulting hexagram was Jin changing to Pi. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment says: The fifth line of Jin is the ruler of the hexagram, with brightness high above. Kun signifies a state and a nation, giving the image of protecting an entire country like a screen. You have asked about your fortune and obtained this line. Its text says, “Regret disappears; do not worry about loss and gain.” I imagine that since the abolition of your domain, you may previously have suffered minor disasters and regrets, but now you can advance upward through yielding compliance, display your talents, and keep your intentions correct, without worrying about loss and gain; hence “regret disappears.” “Going forward” means going to court. Since those above and below exchange trust, there is nothing you undertake that is not favorable. I have heard that you intend to use the surplus of your annual property income to educate the children of former domain retainers and cultivate talent for the nation, without any longer calculating gains and losses in property. The Kang Hou praised in the Tuan Commentary must be you. In time, rewards and favors will reach you; carriages and horses, as well as retainers from the former domain, will await your journey. This is what the Commentary on the Image means by “going forward brings celebration.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Example] In the thirty-first year of the Meiji era, a divination was made about the Cabinet’s fortune. The resulting hexagram was Jin changing to Pi. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment says: This hexagram shows brightness emerging above the earth, compliant and joined to great brightness; it is the nation’s governing order, with a fortune steadily advancing. The fifth line has been obtained: the fifth occupies the ruler’s position, its brightness is clear and harmonious, and those above and below exchange trust. With an enlightened ruler and capable ministers, this is precisely the moment. Yet the promotions and demotions among them inevitably cause some disturbance. The gentlemen of the Cabinet all stand in court with upright bearing, uphold loyalty in their work, and do not calculate labor or disgrace; this is “regret disappears; do not worry about loss and gain; going forward is auspicious, and nothing is unfavorable.” Indeed! In that year Lord Itō resigned the title of Prime Minister, and the two elder statesmen Ōkuma and Itagaki entered the Cabinet; in May, Lord Yamagata became Prime Minister. Although there was some disturbance, the nation visibly progressed, exactly matching this divination.","Top Nine: Advancing to the horns; use force only to attack a city. Danger, yet auspicious. No blame, but perseverance brings shame.","Top Nine: Advancing to the horns; use force only to attack a city. Danger, yet auspicious. No blame, but perseverance brings shame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The Commentary on the Image says: “Use force only to attack a city”; the Way has not yet become radiant. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n “Horns” means yang at the top and metaphorically conveys might and ferocity. The top line is at the extreme of Jin, excessively firm and having lost the middle; hence “advancing to the horns,” meaning it knows how to advance but not how to withdraw. Li signifies armor and warfare; the top of Li says, “The king uses it to send out an expedition.” Since the top line embodies Li, it likewise says, “Use force only to attack a city.” “Use” refers to the fifth line; the city refers to the fourth, and the one who attacks it under orders is the top line. Since the fourth is guilty, proclaiming its crimes and sending punishment against it is justified; although military action is dangerous, it is auspicious and without blame. Yet stubborn people can be brought into accord through ritual and culture, and conflict can be stopped through gifts of jade and silk. Failing to employ civil virtue and instead relying on military achievement is nevertheless a burden on sagely brightness. Therefore, although correct, it still brings shame, and the Commentary says, “The Way has not yet become radiant.” \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n 　　[Divination] \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about current fortune: The present good fortune is nearing its end; beware of an incident, though there will be no major harm. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about warfare: Only undertake nearby campaigns within the country; do not attack overseas. It will be dangerous but ultimately auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about business: Beware of disputes with those in the same trade. The matter is dangerous, the goods profitable, and the situation embarrassing; fortunately there is no blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about honors and reputation: “Jin” means advancement; the horns are at the head and top, suggesting first choice or top ranking. After honors are achieved, beware of military service. Auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about the household: Among neighbors and fellow villagers there will be disputes, causing unavoidable unrest, but no major blame. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about marriage: The top line corresponds with the third. The top and third represent the two families of man and woman. There is disturbance at first but harmony in the end; hence “regret disappears,” in association with the third. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Inquiry about litigation: The Poem of the Sparrow’s Horn criticizes litigation. Ending the lawsuit is auspicious. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n ○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n [Example] A friend came and said: “There is a certain company whose affairs have concerned me since its founding. At last year’s general meeting, the members were reorganized, but afterward the business remained disordered and there was conflict among the shareholders. Is this because the company’s strength has declined, or because the members have failed to do their part? Please make one divination about its rise or decline.” The resulting hexagram was Jin changing to Yu. \u003Cbr> \n  \u003Cbr> \n The judgment says: Jin means brightness emerging above the earth, giving the image of a company’s fortunes advancing and renewing day by day. This divination obtains the top line, the extreme point of Jin; advancement can go no farther. When things reach an extreme, they must reverse. Perhaps another major reform is intended? “Attacking the city” means correcting what is incorrect. The company may use its experienced former members to establish the company’s rules; then perhaps it can obtain an auspicious result. Though the situation is dangerous, ultimately there will be no blame. From this point the company’s business will revive without losing its proper course. Yet from the perspective of those with insight, it will inevitably invite quiet laughter; hence “perseverance brings shame.”",null,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Takashima Ekidan, Part 35, Fire over Earth Jin, the sixty-four hexagrams, hexagram texts, line texts, divination judgments",1787044935850]