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Takashima Ekidan · hexagram readings
Takashima Ekidan · Hexagram 61 Wind over Lake (Zhongfu), Zhongfu (Inner Trust): Pigs and fishes bring good fortune. It is advantageous to cross great rivers. It is advantageous to be steadfast.
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Wind over Lake (Zhongfu), Zhongfu (Inner Trust): Pigs and fishes bring good fortune. It is advantageous to cross great rivers. It is advantageous to be steadfast.
Zhongfu (Inner Trust): Pigs and fishes bring good fortune. It is advantageous to cross great rivers. It is advantageous to be steadfast.
61 Wind over Lake (Zhongfu)
The structure of the hexagram consists of Xun above and Dui below. Xun represents wind and Dui represents the lake. The wind responds in season through spring, summer, autumn, and winter without missing its timing, which is the sincerity of the wind; the lake receives water with morning tides and evening floods without missing its schedule, which is the sincerity of the lake. In the hexagram image, the two soft lines at the third and fourth positions reside inside, representing inner emptiness; inner emptiness leads to openness, and openness leads to trust. The two firm lines at the second and fifth positions obtain the central position, representing inner reality; inner reality leads to sincerity, and sincerity also inspires trust. This is why the hexagram is named Zhongfu (Inner Trust).
Zhongfu [83]: Pigs and fishes bring good fortune. It is advantageous to cross great rivers. It is advantageous to be steadfast.
"Fu" means trust or sincerity, and "Zhongfu" means sincerity emanating from within. The inner trigram is Dui; in the top line of Hexagram Kui it is said "a pig covered in mud," where "mud" refers to the depression of the Dui lake, sufficient for herding pigs, and a small pig is a "tun" (piglet), so Dui also has the image of a pig. The outer trigram is Xun, and Xun represents fish; fish delight in finding water and lakes. Though these two creatures are insignificant, both obtain the natures of Xun and Dui to sustain life, hence "pigs and fishes bring good fortune." "Great rivers" refers to large expanses of lakes. Xun represents wood; "hollowing out wood to make boats" is what stream-crossers utilize, hence "it is advantageous to cross great rivers." When sincerity is like this, everything should be advantageous wherever one goes, yet one must still distinguish between righteousness and wickedness, truth and falsehood, hence "it is advantageous to be steadfast."
The Tuan Commentary says: Zhongfu (Inner Trust): the yielding lines are within while the firm lines obtain the center; being joyful and compliant, trust thereby transforms the nation. "Pigs and fishes bring good fortune" means trust reaches even pigs and fishes. "It is advantageous to cross great rivers" because one rides on wood and the boat is empty. Zhongfu is advantageous with steadfastness, thereby responding to Heaven.
The character "Fu" (sincerity/trust) is composed of "Claw" and "Child", like a bird brooding its young without missing the time of incubation and feeding, which represents its trust. Sincerity expressed externally is called trust (Xin), while sincerity stored within is called inner trust (Fu), which is why it is called "Zhongfu" (Inner Trust). "Inner Trust" means having an open mind and acting with truthfulness. In terms of the hexagram structure, the third and fourth lines are soft/yin, contained within the two trigrams, while the second and fifth lines are strong/yang, each occupying the center of its trigram. Softness inside and strength in the center each fulfill their proper roles. Above is Xun (Gently Penetrating) and below is Joy (Dui), advancing together in mutual support. Riding upon what the world accords with and executing what the world rejoices in, it is said: "Joyful and docile, sincerity transforms the nation." Regarding "pigs and fishes" (tun yu), the Correct Meaning (Zhengyi) commentary treats them as two distinct creatures, while Wu Caolu interprets them as finless porpoises. Finless porpoises live in large lakes, being fish-like with the shape of a pig. Whenever wind rises, they bow and dance in the river; by observing where their heads point, one knows the direction of the wind, so river-crossers use them to gauge the wind. Popularly, they are called "river-worshipping pigs." Unintelligent as porpoises and fishes are, they can respond to the wind's trust; hence "sincerity reaching even pigs and fishes" represents the utmost of sincerity. When the Zhouyi / I Ching speaks of "advantageous to cross the great stream," it mostly adopts the imagery of Xun. Xun represents wood, which can float upon water. The saying "riding a raft upon the sea" also takes this meaning. The body of the hexagram is hollow in the middle, hence called an "empty boat." An "empty boat" has nothing inside; it moves with the wind, rises and falls with the waves, and follows the course of Nature—this is the imagery of Zhongfu. Master Meng's Hexagram Climate Theory treats Zhongfu as the hexagram for the eleventh month. The eleventh month corresponds to the time when Heaven's Way is steadfast; Zhongfu obtains this, and thus can respond to Heaven through advantageous perseverance.
Applying this hexagram to human affairs, "fu" means trust. Faith is manifested in words, and words are expressed externally; trust resonates in the heart, and the heart retains it internally. In the function of the human mind, clarity brings enlightenment, and enlightenment brings sincerity. Internally, value lies in keeping the mind open, sharp, and unclouded; externally, conduct should be true and without deceit. This is what is meant by "the yielding lines are within while the firm lines obtain the center." Using what delights oneself to accommodate others, others will likewise use what delights them to yield to us. When both sides are mutually pleased, joy gives rise to trust. This is not only between individuals; extended to the state and family, states and families will also transform each other. Nor is it limited to the size of a state; extended even to all creatures and things, all things will mutually resonate with trust, hence it brings good fortune. "Great rivers" refers to perilous waters. Without boats and oars, one cannot cross them. Those who possess Zhongfu use propriety and righteousness as their shields and oars, naturally possessing the means to cross rivers within their hearts; though facing danger, they can cross and succeed wherever they go. The heart is empty inside, symbolizing an empty boat. As the saying goes, "Let your words be sincere and faithful, and your conduct earnest and respectful; then even among barbarian tribes you will succeed." This hexagram exemplifies such mindset and principle. The four firm lines in the hexagram all possess the essence of Qian, and Qian represents faith, which is the most upright form of trust. If a person can align firm virtue with Heaven, it is what is called "Zhongfu is advantageous with steadfastness, thereby responding to Heaven." How could this be compared to mere stubborn, narrow-minded trustworthiness!
Applying this hexagram to the state, as stated in the Tan Gong: "In the era of Youyu Shi, trust was not explicitly proclaimed to the people, yet the people trusted him. Proclaiming trust before people believe means trust came later; the people trusting before trust was proclaimed means trust came first." Indeed, trusting without words, where trust occurs unexpectedly and naturally, emerges from within. The people themselves do not know why they trust; this is the benevolent breeze of governance through non-action (Wu Wei). From this, influenced by spiritual resonance, turtles carry diagrams and fishes bring auspicious omens, which is the sign of "trust reaches even pigs and fishes." As political and moral instruction spread, all nations harmonize and the four seas converge in unity, which is the image of "trust thereby transforms the nation." Thus we know that the Holy Emperor's virtue is abundant and transformation divine; in great matters, barbarian tribes submit, and in small matters, fish and turtles are naturally attuned. Controlling waters using sleds achieves success, and rescuing from peril as competent oarsmen succeeds, all because he treads the central path and occupies righteousness, aligning Tao inside and exuding virtue outside. Thus Heaven and man resonate, people and creatures respond obediently, achieving a glorious era of unified customs and oneness of Tao.
Looking at this hexagram as a whole, it succeeds Hexagram Jie (Restraint). When everything has restraint, there is constancy to uphold; without restraint, things overflow without basis and lack trust. Thus in joy, anger, sorrow, and delight, "attaining restraint" is called the "Universal Path" (Da Dao), and the Universal Path is faith. The Xu Gua Zhuan (Sequence of the Hexagrams) states: "By restraint comes trust, hence Hexagram Zhongfu follows." This is why Zhongfu succeeds Jie. Inside the hexagram, lines 3 and 4 are even (yin) and represent emptiness, lines 2 and 5 are odd (yang) and represent reality/solidness, while lines 1 and 6 are odd and wrap around the outside, just like a shell. A bird brooding its eggs is called "fu"; hatching in due season, the chick emerges from within, hence called Zhongfu. The hexagram structure has Xun above and Dui below. Xun governs the southeast and spring; Dui governs the west and autumn. From spring to autumn, from east to west, Heaven and Earth's work of creating life is completed. Dui moves towards the northwest, where transformative vitality condenses and stores away, turning into a protective seed shell (fujia). Meeting Xun, it returns to the southeast. That is why Dui and Xun combine to form Zhongfu. In the Five Elements, Dui is Metal and Xun is Wood; Metal overcomes Wood. According to the principle of Creation, birth and destruction depend on each other: an egg must split open to become a bird, and wood must be carved out to become a boat; the wood of Xun being advantageous for crossing is the accomplishment of Dui's Metal. Therefore, Dui undergoes damage before bringing joy; Xun is the hen brooding her chicks, whose feathers appear only after the eggshell cracks. Zhongfu takes its image from brooding eggs, while Xiaoguo takes its image from flying birds—natural reflections of universal principles. Line 1 symbolizes a bird brooding its young with a single mind, hence the line statement "if there are other thoughts, there is no peace"; Line 2 symbolizes the egg being brooded, its transformation near completion, hence "the crane calls, its young responds"; Line 3 symbolizes the chick inside the shell, with success or failure in doubt, hence "gaining an enemy"; Line 4 symbolizes the egg nearly fully developed, reaching fullness at its appointed time, hence "the moon is nearly full"; Line 5 symbolizes chicks flocking together, calling to each other as they feed, hence "possessing trust that binds tightly"; Top Line symbolizes fledglings learning to fly, calling up and down, hence "soaring sounds ascend to the sky." In terms of the human body, the solidness of lines 1 and 6 forms the body, the emptiness of lines 3 and 4 forms the mind, and the solidness of lines 2 and 5 forms emotion. Although lines 3 and 4 are both empty, they have good and bad aspects: correct ones are good, incorrect ones are evil. A line obtaining its position is correct, losing its position is incorrect. Line 1 obtains position and holds sincerity, Line 2 obtains the center and responds, Line 3 is in an improper position, Lines 4 and 5 are in proper positions, and Top 9 is overly yang and relaxed externally. Thus, lines 1, 2, 4, and 5 represent good trust, while lines 3 and 6 represent improper trust. This is the distinction between upright sincerity and stubborn faith, which the Sages admonish tirelessly.
The Commentary on the Image says: Wind over the lake: this is Zhongfu (Inner Trust). The noble person, in light of this, deliberates on legal cases and postpones executions.
The Commentary on the Image does not say "wind is on the lake," but "over the lake there is wind," clearly showing that lake water is naturally still and generates waves because of the wind, just as the human mind is naturally peaceful and gets drawn into litigation due to disputes. Xun means "reiterating decrees," having the image of deliberation and postponement; Dui represents punishment and execution, having the image of capital punishment; the lower nuclear trigram is Zhen, and Zhen represents deliberation, life, and leniency/delay, showing the image of "deliberating on legal cases and postponing executions." In the Lü Xing (Punishments of Lü) it is said: "A lawsuit is settled when there is trust," meaning a verdict must be trusted before it is finalized. Yet even if a verdict is trusted, one must still deliberate and delay execution, which is what is meant by "giving the benefit of the doubt." "Deliberating on legal cases" means examining doubtful points; "postponing executions" means seeking a way to preserve life. This is the utmost of sincerity and compassion, hence "the noble person deliberates on legal cases and postpones executions."
[Divination]
○ Divination on Fortune: "Wind over the lake"; beware of the danger of storms and disruptions.
○ Divination on Business: One should deliberate carefully and act with patience and leniency to avoid harm.
○ Divination on Military Campaigns: Take a mindset of avoiding unnecessary slaughter; thus all hearts will be won over, making one invincible wherever one goes.
○ Divination on Official Career / Fame: Legal troubles or accusations are not yet resolved for the moment; official honors are difficult to expect.
○ Divination on Marriage: Marriage may bring trouble or conflict leading to lawsuits; caution is advised.
○ Divination on Residential Fortune: Indicates potential disasters related to lawsuits or legal troubles.
○ Divination on Illness: Though critical, life can be preserved for the time being.
○ Divination on Lawsuits: The lawsuit will not be settled quickly.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
61 Wind over Lake (Zhongfu)
The structure of the hexagram consists of Xun above and Dui below. Xun represents wind and Dui represents the lake. The wind responds in season through spring, summer, autumn, and winter without missing its timing, which is the sincerity of the wind; the lake receives water with morning tides and evening floods without missing its schedule, which is the sincerity of the lake. In the hexagram image, the two soft lines at the third and fourth positions reside inside, representing inner emptiness; inner emptiness leads to openness, and openness leads to trust. The two firm lines at the second and fifth positions obtain the central position, representing inner reality; inner reality leads to sincerity, and sincerity also inspires trust. This is why the hexagram is named Zhongfu (Inner Trust).
Zhongfu [83]: Pigs and fishes bring good fortune. It is advantageous to cross great rivers. It is advantageous to be steadfast.
"Fu" means trust or sincerity, and "Zhongfu" means sincerity emanating from within. The inner trigram is Dui; in the top line of Hexagram Kui it is said "a pig covered in mud," where "mud" refers to the depression of the Dui lake, sufficient for herding pigs, and a small pig is a "tun" (piglet), so Dui also has the image of a pig. The outer trigram is Xun, and Xun represents fish; fish delight in finding water and lakes. Though these two creatures are insignificant, both obtain the natures of Xun and Dui to sustain life, hence "pigs and fishes bring good fortune." "Great rivers" refers to large expanses of lakes. Xun represents wood; "hollowing out wood to make boats" is what stream-crossers utilize, hence "it is advantageous to cross great rivers." When sincerity is like this, everything should be advantageous wherever one goes, yet one must still distinguish between righteousness and wickedness, truth and falsehood, hence "it is advantageous to be steadfast."
The Tuan Commentary says: Zhongfu (Inner Trust): the yielding lines are within while the firm lines obtain the center; being joyful and compliant, trust thereby transforms the nation. "Pigs and fishes bring good fortune" means trust reaches even pigs and fishes. "It is advantageous to cross great rivers" because one rides on wood and the boat is empty. Zhongfu is advantageous with steadfastness, thereby responding to Heaven.
The character "Fu" (sincerity/trust) is composed of "Claw" and "Child", like a bird brooding its young without missing the time of incubation and feeding, which represents its trust. Sincerity expressed externally is called trust (Xin), while sincerity stored within is called inner trust (Fu), which is why it is called "Zhongfu" (Inner Trust). "Inner Trust" means having an open mind and acting with truthfulness. In terms of the hexagram structure, the third and fourth lines are soft/yin, contained within the two trigrams, while the second and fifth lines are strong/yang, each occupying the center of its trigram. Softness inside and strength in the center each fulfill their proper roles. Above is Xun (Gently Penetrating) and below is Joy (Dui), advancing together in mutual support. Riding upon what the world accords with and executing what the world rejoices in, it is said: "Joyful and docile, sincerity transforms the nation." Regarding "pigs and fishes" (tun yu), the Correct Meaning (Zhengyi) commentary treats them as two distinct creatures, while Wu Caolu interprets them as finless porpoises. Finless porpoises live in large lakes, being fish-like with the shape of a pig. Whenever wind rises, they bow and dance in the river; by observing where their heads point, one knows the direction of the wind, so river-crossers use them to gauge the wind. Popularly, they are called "river-worshipping pigs." Unintelligent as porpoises and fishes are, they can respond to the wind's trust; hence "sincerity reaching even pigs and fishes" represents the utmost of sincerity. When the Zhouyi / I Ching speaks of "advantageous to cross the great stream," it mostly adopts the imagery of Xun. Xun represents wood, which can float upon water. The saying "riding a raft upon the sea" also takes this meaning. The body of the hexagram is hollow in the middle, hence called an "empty boat." An "empty boat" has nothing inside; it moves with the wind, rises and falls with the waves, and follows the course of Nature—this is the imagery of Zhongfu. Master Meng's Hexagram Climate Theory treats Zhongfu as the hexagram for the eleventh month. The eleventh month corresponds to the time when Heaven's Way is steadfast; Zhongfu obtains this, and thus can respond to Heaven through advantageous perseverance.
Applying this hexagram to human affairs, "fu" means trust. Faith is manifested in words, and words are expressed externally; trust resonates in the heart, and the heart retains it internally. In the function of the human mind, clarity brings enlightenment, and enlightenment brings sincerity. Internally, value lies in keeping the mind open, sharp, and unclouded; externally, conduct should be true and without deceit. This is what is meant by "the yielding lines are within while the firm lines obtain the center." Using what delights oneself to accommodate others, others will likewise use what delights them to yield to us. When both sides are mutually pleased, joy gives rise to trust. This is not only between individuals; extended to the state and family, states and families will also transform each other. Nor is it limited to the size of a state; extended even to all creatures and things, all things will mutually resonate with trust, hence it brings good fortune. "Great rivers" refers to perilous waters. Without boats and oars, one cannot cross them. Those who possess Zhongfu use propriety and righteousness as their shields and oars, naturally possessing the means to cross rivers within their hearts; though facing danger, they can cross and succeed wherever they go. The heart is empty inside, symbolizing an empty boat. As the saying goes, "Let your words be sincere and faithful, and your conduct earnest and respectful; then even among barbarian tribes you will succeed." This hexagram exemplifies such mindset and principle. The four firm lines in the hexagram all possess the essence of Qian, and Qian represents faith, which is the most upright form of trust. If a person can align firm virtue with Heaven, it is what is called "Zhongfu is advantageous with steadfastness, thereby responding to Heaven." How could this be compared to mere stubborn, narrow-minded trustworthiness!
Applying this hexagram to the state, as stated in the Tan Gong: "In the era of Youyu Shi, trust was not explicitly proclaimed to the people, yet the people trusted him. Proclaiming trust before people believe means trust came later; the people trusting before trust was proclaimed means trust came first." Indeed, trusting without words, where trust occurs unexpectedly and naturally, emerges from within. The people themselves do not know why they trust; this is the benevolent breeze of governance through non-action (Wu Wei). From this, influenced by spiritual resonance, turtles carry diagrams and fishes bring auspicious omens, which is the sign of "trust reaches even pigs and fishes." As political and moral instruction spread, all nations harmonize and the four seas converge in unity, which is the image of "trust thereby transforms the nation." Thus we know that the Holy Emperor's virtue is abundant and transformation divine; in great matters, barbarian tribes submit, and in small matters, fish and turtles are naturally attuned. Controlling waters using sleds achieves success, and rescuing from peril as competent oarsmen succeeds, all because he treads the central path and occupies righteousness, aligning Tao inside and exuding virtue outside. Thus Heaven and man resonate, people and creatures respond obediently, achieving a glorious era of unified customs and oneness of Tao.
Looking at this hexagram as a whole, it succeeds Hexagram Jie (Restraint). When everything has restraint, there is constancy to uphold; without restraint, things overflow without basis and lack trust. Thus in joy, anger, sorrow, and delight, "attaining restraint" is called the "Universal Path" (Da Dao), and the Universal Path is faith. The Xu Gua Zhuan (Sequence of the Hexagrams) states: "By restraint comes trust, hence Hexagram Zhongfu follows." This is why Zhongfu succeeds Jie. Inside the hexagram, lines 3 and 4 are even (yin) and represent emptiness, lines 2 and 5 are odd (yang) and represent reality/solidness, while lines 1 and 6 are odd and wrap around the outside, just like a shell. A bird brooding its eggs is called "fu"; hatching in due season, the chick emerges from within, hence called Zhongfu. The hexagram structure has Xun above and Dui below. Xun governs the southeast and spring; Dui governs the west and autumn. From spring to autumn, from east to west, Heaven and Earth's work of creating life is completed. Dui moves towards the northwest, where transformative vitality condenses and stores away, turning into a protective seed shell (fujia). Meeting Xun, it returns to the southeast. That is why Dui and Xun combine to form Zhongfu. In the Five Elements, Dui is Metal and Xun is Wood; Metal overcomes Wood. According to the principle of Creation, birth and destruction depend on each other: an egg must split open to become a bird, and wood must be carved out to become a boat; the wood of Xun being advantageous for crossing is the accomplishment of Dui's Metal. Therefore, Dui undergoes damage before bringing joy; Xun is the hen brooding her chicks, whose feathers appear only after the eggshell cracks. Zhongfu takes its image from brooding eggs, while Xiaoguo takes its image from flying birds—natural reflections of universal principles. Line 1 symbolizes a bird brooding its young with a single mind, hence the line statement "if there are other thoughts, there is no peace"; Line 2 symbolizes the egg being brooded, its transformation near completion, hence "the crane calls, its young responds"; Line 3 symbolizes the chick inside the shell, with success or failure in doubt, hence "gaining an enemy"; Line 4 symbolizes the egg nearly fully developed, reaching fullness at its appointed time, hence "the moon is nearly full"; Line 5 symbolizes chicks flocking together, calling to each other as they feed, hence "possessing trust that binds tightly"; Top Line symbolizes fledglings learning to fly, calling up and down, hence "soaring sounds ascend to the sky." In terms of the human body, the solidness of lines 1 and 6 forms the body, the emptiness of lines 3 and 4 forms the mind, and the solidness of lines 2 and 5 forms emotion. Although lines 3 and 4 are both empty, they have good and bad aspects: correct ones are good, incorrect ones are evil. A line obtaining its position is correct, losing its position is incorrect. Line 1 obtains position and holds sincerity, Line 2 obtains the center and responds, Line 3 is in an improper position, Lines 4 and 5 are in proper positions, and Top 9 is overly yang and relaxed externally. Thus, lines 1, 2, 4, and 5 represent good trust, while lines 3 and 6 represent improper trust. This is the distinction between upright sincerity and stubborn faith, which the Sages admonish tirelessly.
The Commentary on the Image says: Wind over the lake: this is Zhongfu (Inner Trust). The noble person, in light of this, deliberates on legal cases and postpones executions.
The Commentary on the Image does not say "wind is on the lake," but "over the lake there is wind," clearly showing that lake water is naturally still and generates waves because of the wind, just as the human mind is naturally peaceful and gets drawn into litigation due to disputes. Xun means "reiterating decrees," having the image of deliberation and postponement; Dui represents punishment and execution, having the image of capital punishment; the lower nuclear trigram is Zhen, and Zhen represents deliberation, life, and leniency/delay, showing the image of "deliberating on legal cases and postponing executions." In the Lü Xing (Punishments of Lü) it is said: "A lawsuit is settled when there is trust," meaning a verdict must be trusted before it is finalized. Yet even if a verdict is trusted, one must still deliberate and delay execution, which is what is meant by "giving the benefit of the doubt." "Deliberating on legal cases" means examining doubtful points; "postponing executions" means seeking a way to preserve life. This is the utmost of sincerity and compassion, hence "the noble person deliberates on legal cases and postpones executions."
[Divination]
○ Divination on Fortune: "Wind over the lake"; beware of the danger of storms and disruptions.
○ Divination on Business: One should deliberate carefully and act with patience and leniency to avoid harm.
○ Divination on Military Campaigns: Take a mindset of avoiding unnecessary slaughter; thus all hearts will be won over, making one invincible wherever one goes.
○ Divination on Official Career / Fame: Legal troubles or accusations are not yet resolved for the moment; official honors are difficult to expect.
○ Divination on Marriage: Marriage may bring trouble or conflict leading to lawsuits; caution is advised.
○ Divination on Residential Fortune: Indicates potential disasters related to lawsuits or legal troubles.
○ Divination on Illness: Though critical, life can be preserved for the time being.
○ Divination on Lawsuits: The lawsuit will not be settled quickly.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
Initial Nine: Deliberation and adherence to rules bring good fortune. If there are other ulterior motives, there will be no peace.
Initial Nine: Deliberation and adherence to rules bring good fortune. If there are other ulterior motives, there will be no peace.
The Commentary on the Image says: "Initial Nine: Deliberation brings good fortune," because the mind has not changed.
"Yu" refers to the forest/marsh keeper (Yuren). Line 4 of Xun says "the hunt yields three kinds of game"; Line 5 of Dui says "trust in stripping"; the Yue Ling (Monthly Decrees) mentions "in winter, peel/cut trees"; the Shijing (Book of Songs) says "in the ninth month peel dates, which refers to chopping trees." Thus both Xun and Dui possess the image of a forest/marsh keeper, which the first line of Zhongfu adopts. In the Royal Regulations, after otters offer fish, the foresters enter the marsh dams. Foresters entering the marsh dams occurs in the middle of the tenth month. In the Rites of Zhou, the Mountain Keeper orders all people to cut timber, and Jia's Commentary notes "after plants and leaves fall, they enter mountain forests," which is also in the middle of the tenth month. Zhongfu is the hexagram of the eleventh month, right at the time when people enter marshes and cut timber. Since the year has set seasons, fishermen and woodcutters follow the orders of the forester, entering marshes and forests to harvest what is permitted, hence "forester's stewardship brings good fortune." Following the time of Zhongfu, not missing the season and not scattering one's focus means having no extraneous desires. If there are extraneous motives, superiors and subordinates lose trust, fishing and logging miss their timing, and burning forests and draining marshes will occur, bringing unrest. Thus "if there are other thoughts, there is no peace"; "yan" means peace/rest. The Commentary on the Image explains "deliberation brings good fortune" as "the mind has not changed," meaning if it changes, other ulterior motives arise, which brings misfortune. Only because the mind remains unchanged from the start is it fortunate.
[Divination]
○ Divination on Fortune: Yang firmness is in command; focus with a single mind and do not be distracted by other paths, hence good fortune.
○ Divination on Business: Be content with one's core business, do not shift upon seeing alternatives, and expect profits when winter arrives.
○ Divination on Official Career / Fame: Where there is a will, there is a way.
○ Divination on Military Campaigns: The initial line of Xun says "advantageous for a warrior's steadfastness." Hunting game and military action share the same core meaning; one should focus wholeheartedly and advance eagerly to achieve victory naturally. Good fortune.
○ Divination on Marriage: Indicates the image of devotion and remaining faithful for life.
○ Divination on Illness: The illness poses no immediate danger, but there is fear of other unexpected complications; if complications arise, it becomes critical.
○ Divination on Lawsuits: Feared that unforeseen side issues or complications may arise.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case Study] A certain friend came to consult about a business venture, and divined obtaining Hexagram Zhongfu changing to Hexagram Huan (Inner Trust to Dispersion).
Divination Judgment: The line statement says "deliberation and adherence bring good fortune," where "Yu" refers to the marsh/forest keeper. Xun represents fish and Dui represents the marsh, hence having the image of the marsh keeper entering the marsh dam. When the marsh keeper enters the marsh, he obtains what he seeks in due time, hence good fortune. If one pursues other extraneous goals, it is harvesting out of season, causing unrest. Now you divine on a business venture and obtain this line statement; know that the business planned must be near wood or water, and the people involved are already working together with mutual trust. The matter is at its inception; there is no need to seek other ventures, and the business will surely succeed. Profit is best expected in winter; you may proceed with peace of mind.
The Commentary on the Image says: "Initial Nine: Deliberation brings good fortune," because the mind has not changed.
"Yu" refers to the forest/marsh keeper (Yuren). Line 4 of Xun says "the hunt yields three kinds of game"; Line 5 of Dui says "trust in stripping"; the Yue Ling (Monthly Decrees) mentions "in winter, peel/cut trees"; the Shijing (Book of Songs) says "in the ninth month peel dates, which refers to chopping trees." Thus both Xun and Dui possess the image of a forest/marsh keeper, which the first line of Zhongfu adopts. In the Royal Regulations, after otters offer fish, the foresters enter the marsh dams. Foresters entering the marsh dams occurs in the middle of the tenth month. In the Rites of Zhou, the Mountain Keeper orders all people to cut timber, and Jia's Commentary notes "after plants and leaves fall, they enter mountain forests," which is also in the middle of the tenth month. Zhongfu is the hexagram of the eleventh month, right at the time when people enter marshes and cut timber. Since the year has set seasons, fishermen and woodcutters follow the orders of the forester, entering marshes and forests to harvest what is permitted, hence "forester's stewardship brings good fortune." Following the time of Zhongfu, not missing the season and not scattering one's focus means having no extraneous desires. If there are extraneous motives, superiors and subordinates lose trust, fishing and logging miss their timing, and burning forests and draining marshes will occur, bringing unrest. Thus "if there are other thoughts, there is no peace"; "yan" means peace/rest. The Commentary on the Image explains "deliberation brings good fortune" as "the mind has not changed," meaning if it changes, other ulterior motives arise, which brings misfortune. Only because the mind remains unchanged from the start is it fortunate.
[Divination]
○ Divination on Fortune: Yang firmness is in command; focus with a single mind and do not be distracted by other paths, hence good fortune.
○ Divination on Business: Be content with one's core business, do not shift upon seeing alternatives, and expect profits when winter arrives.
○ Divination on Official Career / Fame: Where there is a will, there is a way.
○ Divination on Military Campaigns: The initial line of Xun says "advantageous for a warrior's steadfastness." Hunting game and military action share the same core meaning; one should focus wholeheartedly and advance eagerly to achieve victory naturally. Good fortune.
○ Divination on Marriage: Indicates the image of devotion and remaining faithful for life.
○ Divination on Illness: The illness poses no immediate danger, but there is fear of other unexpected complications; if complications arise, it becomes critical.
○ Divination on Lawsuits: Feared that unforeseen side issues or complications may arise.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case Study] A certain friend came to consult about a business venture, and divined obtaining Hexagram Zhongfu changing to Hexagram Huan (Inner Trust to Dispersion).
Divination Judgment: The line statement says "deliberation and adherence bring good fortune," where "Yu" refers to the marsh/forest keeper. Xun represents fish and Dui represents the marsh, hence having the image of the marsh keeper entering the marsh dam. When the marsh keeper enters the marsh, he obtains what he seeks in due time, hence good fortune. If one pursues other extraneous goals, it is harvesting out of season, causing unrest. Now you divine on a business venture and obtain this line statement; know that the business planned must be near wood or water, and the people involved are already working together with mutual trust. The matter is at its inception; there is no need to seek other ventures, and the business will surely succeed. Profit is best expected in winter; you may proceed with peace of mind.
Nine at the Second Position: A calling crane is in the shade, its young responds to it. I have a fine goblet of wine, I will share it with you.
Nine at the Second Position: A calling crane is in the shade [84], its young responds to it; I have a fine goblet of wine [85], I will share [86] it with you.
The Commentary on the Image says: "Its young responds to it," because it is the heart's deep desire.
"The crane calling" and "its young responding" symbolize the mutual resonance of Zhongfu (Inner Trust). The crane is a yang bird, and the second line is a yang line residing in a yin position, hence "in the shade." The Chunqiu Shuoti states that cranes call at midnight and are also birds of faith, possessing the image of trust. The caller is the crane and the responder is its young; one calls and the other responds, echoing with the same voice and trusting with the same spirit, obtaining the subtle resonance of Zhongfu. "I" refers to Line 2, and "you" refers to Line 5. "I have a fine goblet of wine, I will share it with you"; "mi" means to share. Line 2 obtains this "fine goblet" and wishes to share it with Line 5. Line 2 and Line 5 correspond to each other with shared ideals and paths, just like a mother and child relying on each other, having the image of calling together and roosting together. Such is the resonant trust of ultimate sincerity. Some may question that Line 5 is the ruler's position and shouldn't be called "child," but they do not realize that the I Ching values flexibility and one shouldn't stick rigidly to a single view. The Commentary on the Image says "it is the heart's deep desire," meaning calling and responding is a natural reaction, trusting each other from the heart, which is the pinnacle of sincerity.
[Divination]
○ Divination on Fortune: One calls and the other responds, perfectly fulfilling one's desire; currently at a juncture of prosperous good fortune.
○ Divination on Business: Host and guest share the same mind and harmonious sentiment; indicates mutual profitability.
○ Divination on Official Career / Fame: Indicates the good fortune of father and son being promoted together.
○ Divination on warfare: Superiors and subordinates act as one body, like the arm moving the hand and the hand moving the fingers, linked by a single spirit. There is an image of advancing together and retreating together; it is not easily attacked.
○ Divination on marriage: One attains the joy of marital harmony and mutual devotion.
○ Divination on illness: It is a contagious disease.
○ Divination on the household: It is bound to be a noble and distinguished family, and will be blessed with a filial and virtuous child.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] A certain dignitary lost his wife and lived as a widower for several years. Friends repeatedly urged him to remarry, but he refused. One day, hearing of a fine woman among the shizoku (samurai class) of Gifu Prefecture, his friends were all willing to act as matchmakers. Fearing the dignitary might stubbornly refuse, they performed a divination beforehand to resolve it. They divined and obtained Zhongfu changing to Yi.
Judgment: This line speaks of "calling" and "responding", presenting the image of two hearts in complete accord, echoing each other with one voice. The hexagram name is "Zhongfu" (Inner Trust); trust refers to a bird hatching eggs, bearing the image of nurturing children. Divining on marrying a wife and receiving this line text indicates that marrying this woman will surely result in marital harmony and peaceful domestic life—"a crane calling" and "its young responding", "fine wine" to "share together". Moreover, in the future, her son will inherit the father's legacy and share honor and wealth. It can be said that he will gain both a fine wife and a fine son, an omen of great good fortune. Having obtained this line, the friends were still afraid of the dignitary's sternness and dared not speak up. I then divined whether the matchmaking would succeed, obtaining Dui changing to Sui.
Line text: "Nine in the second position: Trustworthy Dui (joy), good fortune, regret vanishes."
Judgment: Obtaining this line, success is guaranteed. Trust means sincerity, and Dui means joy; with both sincerity and joy, what doubt remains? I then went first to speak to him, and indeed obtained his agreement. Subsequently, someone else acted as a matchmaker proposing a woman from a prestigious family, leading some to suspect the previous agreement might change. I divined again and encountered Lu changing to Kui.
Line text: "Nine in the fifth position: Decisive conduct. Persistence brings danger."
Judgment: The third line of Lu represents the "tiger's tail", and the fifth line represents the tiger's back. Now the dignitary is in the situation of riding a tiger, possessing the image of being unable to stop midway. Furthermore, the Commentary on the Image for the fifth line states, "Decisive conduct, for the position is correct and appropriate." Thus the woman of the previous agreement is suitable for the main marriage, indicating that the previous agreement cannot be canceled. The friends did not listen and went to tell the dignitary; the dignitary resolutely refused the new offer and adhered to the previous agreement. Thus this is recorded here as an example.
[Case] In the 30th year of Meiji (1897), divining on diplomatic relations between our country (Japan) and the United States, I obtained Zhongfu changing to Yi.
Judgment: "A crane calling" and "its young responding" refers to mother and child relying on each other, their calls echoing one another; "fine wine" to "share together" refers to the noble virtue of Heaven, shared between you and me. The mutual love and affection within them is firmly bound, tacitly inspiring each other. Now divining on the diplomacy between our country and the United States and obtaining this line image shows that our two nations have long enjoyed deep relations. Though separated by vast oceans, it is as if fathers, sons, and brothers live under one roof, loving and caring for each other without deceit or anxiety, each preserving their heavenly status and together cultivating heavenly virtue. Future relations will surely become even closer and more harmonious.
The Commentary on the Image says: "Its young responds to it," because it is the heart's deep desire.
"The crane calling" and "its young responding" symbolize the mutual resonance of Zhongfu (Inner Trust). The crane is a yang bird, and the second line is a yang line residing in a yin position, hence "in the shade." The Chunqiu Shuoti states that cranes call at midnight and are also birds of faith, possessing the image of trust. The caller is the crane and the responder is its young; one calls and the other responds, echoing with the same voice and trusting with the same spirit, obtaining the subtle resonance of Zhongfu. "I" refers to Line 2, and "you" refers to Line 5. "I have a fine goblet of wine, I will share it with you"; "mi" means to share. Line 2 obtains this "fine goblet" and wishes to share it with Line 5. Line 2 and Line 5 correspond to each other with shared ideals and paths, just like a mother and child relying on each other, having the image of calling together and roosting together. Such is the resonant trust of ultimate sincerity. Some may question that Line 5 is the ruler's position and shouldn't be called "child," but they do not realize that the I Ching values flexibility and one shouldn't stick rigidly to a single view. The Commentary on the Image says "it is the heart's deep desire," meaning calling and responding is a natural reaction, trusting each other from the heart, which is the pinnacle of sincerity.
[Divination]
○ Divination on Fortune: One calls and the other responds, perfectly fulfilling one's desire; currently at a juncture of prosperous good fortune.
○ Divination on Business: Host and guest share the same mind and harmonious sentiment; indicates mutual profitability.
○ Divination on Official Career / Fame: Indicates the good fortune of father and son being promoted together.
○ Divination on warfare: Superiors and subordinates act as one body, like the arm moving the hand and the hand moving the fingers, linked by a single spirit. There is an image of advancing together and retreating together; it is not easily attacked.
○ Divination on marriage: One attains the joy of marital harmony and mutual devotion.
○ Divination on illness: It is a contagious disease.
○ Divination on the household: It is bound to be a noble and distinguished family, and will be blessed with a filial and virtuous child.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] A certain dignitary lost his wife and lived as a widower for several years. Friends repeatedly urged him to remarry, but he refused. One day, hearing of a fine woman among the shizoku (samurai class) of Gifu Prefecture, his friends were all willing to act as matchmakers. Fearing the dignitary might stubbornly refuse, they performed a divination beforehand to resolve it. They divined and obtained Zhongfu changing to Yi.
Judgment: This line speaks of "calling" and "responding", presenting the image of two hearts in complete accord, echoing each other with one voice. The hexagram name is "Zhongfu" (Inner Trust); trust refers to a bird hatching eggs, bearing the image of nurturing children. Divining on marrying a wife and receiving this line text indicates that marrying this woman will surely result in marital harmony and peaceful domestic life—"a crane calling" and "its young responding", "fine wine" to "share together". Moreover, in the future, her son will inherit the father's legacy and share honor and wealth. It can be said that he will gain both a fine wife and a fine son, an omen of great good fortune. Having obtained this line, the friends were still afraid of the dignitary's sternness and dared not speak up. I then divined whether the matchmaking would succeed, obtaining Dui changing to Sui.
Line text: "Nine in the second position: Trustworthy Dui (joy), good fortune, regret vanishes."
Judgment: Obtaining this line, success is guaranteed. Trust means sincerity, and Dui means joy; with both sincerity and joy, what doubt remains? I then went first to speak to him, and indeed obtained his agreement. Subsequently, someone else acted as a matchmaker proposing a woman from a prestigious family, leading some to suspect the previous agreement might change. I divined again and encountered Lu changing to Kui.
Line text: "Nine in the fifth position: Decisive conduct. Persistence brings danger."
Judgment: The third line of Lu represents the "tiger's tail", and the fifth line represents the tiger's back. Now the dignitary is in the situation of riding a tiger, possessing the image of being unable to stop midway. Furthermore, the Commentary on the Image for the fifth line states, "Decisive conduct, for the position is correct and appropriate." Thus the woman of the previous agreement is suitable for the main marriage, indicating that the previous agreement cannot be canceled. The friends did not listen and went to tell the dignitary; the dignitary resolutely refused the new offer and adhered to the previous agreement. Thus this is recorded here as an example.
[Case] In the 30th year of Meiji (1897), divining on diplomatic relations between our country (Japan) and the United States, I obtained Zhongfu changing to Yi.
Judgment: "A crane calling" and "its young responding" refers to mother and child relying on each other, their calls echoing one another; "fine wine" to "share together" refers to the noble virtue of Heaven, shared between you and me. The mutual love and affection within them is firmly bound, tacitly inspiring each other. Now divining on the diplomacy between our country and the United States and obtaining this line image shows that our two nations have long enjoyed deep relations. Though separated by vast oceans, it is as if fathers, sons, and brothers live under one roof, loving and caring for each other without deceit or anxiety, each preserving their heavenly status and together cultivating heavenly virtue. Future relations will surely become even closer and more harmonious.
Six in the third position: Facing an opponent, now beating drums, now ceasing, now weeping, now singing.
Six in the third position: Facing an opponent, now beating drums, now ceasing, now weeping, now singing.
Commentary on the Image: Now beating drums, now ceasing, for the position is not appropriate.
In the tradition of the I Ching, lines that are both firm or both yielding are considered opposing matches; here lines three and four are both yielding, having equal/opposing stances, hence "facing an opponent". Lines two to four form the nuclear trigram Zhen, and Zhen is drums; they also form Gen, and Gen is stopping, stopping being ceasing; hence "now beating drums, now ceasing". Dui is the mouth, capable of singing; Xun is lamentation, symbolizing weeping; hence "now weeping, now singing". "Now" is an expression of uncertainty. Line three faces line four as an opponent; at first angry and drumming, then fearful and stopping, subsequently joyful and singing, then mournful and weeping. All these stem from a lack of inner firmness, causing speech and action to deviate from normal, yielding such imagery. When a person possesses inner trust, even across a thousand miles there is mutual accord; who would not be an ally? Without trust, even within the same room there is disagreement, making everyone an enemy. Thus it lies not in outward closeness, but in inner mutual trust. Line three sits at the extreme of Dui (joy), where joy is insincere; thus advancing and retreating know no limit, and exhaustion is predictable. The Commentary on the Image explains this with "the position is not appropriate", meaning line three is a yielding line in a firm position, which is inappropriate.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: At present, one's fortune is in disarray and reversed.
○ Divination on business: Alternating between profit and loss, success and failure, all due to indecisiveness in planning.
○ Divination on fame and career: Promotions and demotions are erratic, accompanied by honor and disgrace.
○ Divination on warfare: A strong enemy stands before you; victory is difficult to achieve.
○ Divination on marriage: Repeated complications and unresolved status.
○ Divination on the household: The home spirits are restless, and matters are full of confusion.
○ Divination on illness: Fluctuating in severity; beware of spirit/supernatural interference or hidden complications.
○ Divination on the traveler: Wishing to return but hesitating; undecided for the moment.
○ Divination on lost items: Beware of finding it only to lose it again.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] An intimate friend holding office in a certain prefecture recently sent a letter saying he received an internal order promoting him by one grade. Feeling his capability was insufficient to handle the new responsibility, he preferred to remain in his current post where he was well-versed in matters and aligned with colleagues without errors, and asked me to divine on it. Divining on this, I obtained Zhongfu changing to Xiaochu.
Judgment: The line shows an opposing response ahead, causing inconstant advancing and retreating, along with fluctuating joy and grief, having the image that gain is not worth rejoicing nor loss worth grieving over. Now you divine on official promotion and receive this line image; I know you recently have the joy of promotion, yet there are twists and concerns within it. What the line text calls "beating drums" means advancing; "ceasing" means retreating; "weeping" means sorrow; "singing" means joy. This clearly speaks of circumstances being reversed and the mind being flustered, for there must be jealous rivals manipulating things behind the scenes. This is called "facing an opponent"; therefore, although promoted, it is better not to transfer, and remaining in the original position is proper.
Commentary on the Image: Now beating drums, now ceasing, for the position is not appropriate.
In the tradition of the I Ching, lines that are both firm or both yielding are considered opposing matches; here lines three and four are both yielding, having equal/opposing stances, hence "facing an opponent". Lines two to four form the nuclear trigram Zhen, and Zhen is drums; they also form Gen, and Gen is stopping, stopping being ceasing; hence "now beating drums, now ceasing". Dui is the mouth, capable of singing; Xun is lamentation, symbolizing weeping; hence "now weeping, now singing". "Now" is an expression of uncertainty. Line three faces line four as an opponent; at first angry and drumming, then fearful and stopping, subsequently joyful and singing, then mournful and weeping. All these stem from a lack of inner firmness, causing speech and action to deviate from normal, yielding such imagery. When a person possesses inner trust, even across a thousand miles there is mutual accord; who would not be an ally? Without trust, even within the same room there is disagreement, making everyone an enemy. Thus it lies not in outward closeness, but in inner mutual trust. Line three sits at the extreme of Dui (joy), where joy is insincere; thus advancing and retreating know no limit, and exhaustion is predictable. The Commentary on the Image explains this with "the position is not appropriate", meaning line three is a yielding line in a firm position, which is inappropriate.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: At present, one's fortune is in disarray and reversed.
○ Divination on business: Alternating between profit and loss, success and failure, all due to indecisiveness in planning.
○ Divination on fame and career: Promotions and demotions are erratic, accompanied by honor and disgrace.
○ Divination on warfare: A strong enemy stands before you; victory is difficult to achieve.
○ Divination on marriage: Repeated complications and unresolved status.
○ Divination on the household: The home spirits are restless, and matters are full of confusion.
○ Divination on illness: Fluctuating in severity; beware of spirit/supernatural interference or hidden complications.
○ Divination on the traveler: Wishing to return but hesitating; undecided for the moment.
○ Divination on lost items: Beware of finding it only to lose it again.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] An intimate friend holding office in a certain prefecture recently sent a letter saying he received an internal order promoting him by one grade. Feeling his capability was insufficient to handle the new responsibility, he preferred to remain in his current post where he was well-versed in matters and aligned with colleagues without errors, and asked me to divine on it. Divining on this, I obtained Zhongfu changing to Xiaochu.
Judgment: The line shows an opposing response ahead, causing inconstant advancing and retreating, along with fluctuating joy and grief, having the image that gain is not worth rejoicing nor loss worth grieving over. Now you divine on official promotion and receive this line image; I know you recently have the joy of promotion, yet there are twists and concerns within it. What the line text calls "beating drums" means advancing; "ceasing" means retreating; "weeping" means sorrow; "singing" means joy. This clearly speaks of circumstances being reversed and the mind being flustered, for there must be jealous rivals manipulating things behind the scenes. This is called "facing an opponent"; therefore, although promoted, it is better not to transfer, and remaining in the original position is proper.
Six in the fourth position: The moon is almost full. A pair of horses goes missing. No blame.
Six in the fourth position: The moon is almost full. A pair of horses goes missing. No blame.
Commentary on the Image: A pair of horses goes missing, meaning severing ties with its own kind to ascend.
Six in the fourth position is a yielding line; the moon is Yin, hence the image takes the moon. The moon reaching "almost full" begins to be full; fullness represents inner solidity, the image of trust. Line four is adjacent to line five; line five is the sovereign's position, representing the sun, while line four is the moon. The moon has no light of its own, receiving the sun's light as its illumination; this is the mutual trust of sun and moon, the righteousness of trust, hence "the moon is almost full". "Horse" comes from the hexagram's base being Qian, and Qian is horse. When line four moves, it becomes Xun, losing the Qian image, hence "a pair of horses goes missing". "Pair" refers to the first line, as line four and line one correspond as same-kind companions, called a pair. Xun is wind, and fine horses can chase the wind. The 11th lunar month of Zhongfu is precisely when northern horses sense the north wind; the climate of Zhongfu resonates with them. The Image Commentary explains "a pair of horses goes missing" as "severing ties with its own kind to ascend"; "kind" refers to the first line. The first line is also part of Qian, symbolizing horses; it is like a horse leaving its herd and pairing, severing ties with line one to ascend to line five. "The moon is almost full" incurs no suspicion of over-fullness; "a pair of horses goes missing" avoids the burden of factionalism. What blame could there be? Furthermore, another view holds that horses are born from the essence of the moon, naturally resonating with it, hence moon and horse are mentioned together. "Almost full" is the time when the moon is full, and "missing pair" is what the Commentary calls "severing kind", representing the finest and most docile horses. Line four has double Yin receiving Kun's energy; Kun is the moon and also a mare. The line imagery incorporates both because they share the same spirit of mutual trust. This is also a worthy explanation.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: Fortune is at its peak. One should maintain prosperity, exercise moderation, eliminate selfishness, and pursue the public good, thereby remaining blameless.
○ Divination on business: "The moon is almost full" symbolizes abundance of wealth and profit; "a pair of horses goes missing" symbolizes swift execution of plans. Auspicious.
○ Divination on fame and career: There is an image of complete success and high spirits like a pleasant spring breeze.
○ Divination on warfare: Suitable for attacking on a moonlit night, with horses silenced and soldiers gagged, charging forward bravely; victory will surely be secured.
○ Divination on marriage: Prospects are rich and promising, but "missing pair" suggests fear of losing a spouse in the near future.
○ Divination on illness: Inauspicious around the 15th (or 3rd and 5th days).
○ Divination on the household: Yin energy is overwhelmingly strong in this residence; among the occupants, death may unfortunately be unavoidable.
○ Divination on the traveler: May return around the 14th or 15th.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] A certain gentleman of status came to request a divination regarding a business venture, obtaining Zhongfu changing to Lu.
Judgment: The imagery takes the moon and the horse: the moon reaches fullness at the opportune time, and the horse dashes ahead leaving no dust—this is the image of peak prosperity. Now you divine on planning an enterprise and obtain the fourth line of Zhongfu, indicating that the matter you plan can be accomplished around before the full moon. However, among your current associates in this venture, some share your temperament while others are incompatible, completely unrelated like horses and cattle wandering in different directions. You should politely distance yourself from those who are incompatible so they do not ruin your affair, hence no blame.
Commentary on the Image: A pair of horses goes missing, meaning severing ties with its own kind to ascend.
Six in the fourth position is a yielding line; the moon is Yin, hence the image takes the moon. The moon reaching "almost full" begins to be full; fullness represents inner solidity, the image of trust. Line four is adjacent to line five; line five is the sovereign's position, representing the sun, while line four is the moon. The moon has no light of its own, receiving the sun's light as its illumination; this is the mutual trust of sun and moon, the righteousness of trust, hence "the moon is almost full". "Horse" comes from the hexagram's base being Qian, and Qian is horse. When line four moves, it becomes Xun, losing the Qian image, hence "a pair of horses goes missing". "Pair" refers to the first line, as line four and line one correspond as same-kind companions, called a pair. Xun is wind, and fine horses can chase the wind. The 11th lunar month of Zhongfu is precisely when northern horses sense the north wind; the climate of Zhongfu resonates with them. The Image Commentary explains "a pair of horses goes missing" as "severing ties with its own kind to ascend"; "kind" refers to the first line. The first line is also part of Qian, symbolizing horses; it is like a horse leaving its herd and pairing, severing ties with line one to ascend to line five. "The moon is almost full" incurs no suspicion of over-fullness; "a pair of horses goes missing" avoids the burden of factionalism. What blame could there be? Furthermore, another view holds that horses are born from the essence of the moon, naturally resonating with it, hence moon and horse are mentioned together. "Almost full" is the time when the moon is full, and "missing pair" is what the Commentary calls "severing kind", representing the finest and most docile horses. Line four has double Yin receiving Kun's energy; Kun is the moon and also a mare. The line imagery incorporates both because they share the same spirit of mutual trust. This is also a worthy explanation.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: Fortune is at its peak. One should maintain prosperity, exercise moderation, eliminate selfishness, and pursue the public good, thereby remaining blameless.
○ Divination on business: "The moon is almost full" symbolizes abundance of wealth and profit; "a pair of horses goes missing" symbolizes swift execution of plans. Auspicious.
○ Divination on fame and career: There is an image of complete success and high spirits like a pleasant spring breeze.
○ Divination on warfare: Suitable for attacking on a moonlit night, with horses silenced and soldiers gagged, charging forward bravely; victory will surely be secured.
○ Divination on marriage: Prospects are rich and promising, but "missing pair" suggests fear of losing a spouse in the near future.
○ Divination on illness: Inauspicious around the 15th (or 3rd and 5th days).
○ Divination on the household: Yin energy is overwhelmingly strong in this residence; among the occupants, death may unfortunately be unavoidable.
○ Divination on the traveler: May return around the 14th or 15th.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] A certain gentleman of status came to request a divination regarding a business venture, obtaining Zhongfu changing to Lu.
Judgment: The imagery takes the moon and the horse: the moon reaches fullness at the opportune time, and the horse dashes ahead leaving no dust—this is the image of peak prosperity. Now you divine on planning an enterprise and obtain the fourth line of Zhongfu, indicating that the matter you plan can be accomplished around before the full moon. However, among your current associates in this venture, some share your temperament while others are incompatible, completely unrelated like horses and cattle wandering in different directions. You should politely distance yourself from those who are incompatible so they do not ruin your affair, hence no blame.
Nine in the fifth position: Having trust that binds closely like tied knots. No blame.
Nine in the fifth position: Having trust that binds closely like tied knots. No blame.
Commentary on the Image: Having trust that binds closely, for the position is correct and appropriate.
Nine in the fifth position is the ruler of trust; the phrase "having trust" can only be truly fulfilled by line five. Xun is rope, and the upper nuclear Gen is hand, symbolizing binding/interlocking. Line five is the ruler's position and line two is the minister's position; line five responds to line two, meaning mutual trust with line two. Calling trust "bound closely" represents the ultimate degree of trust. Trusting ministers, trusting the people, and even trusting the nation—this fulfills what the Tuan Commentary calls "trust transforms the nation", spreading from here. The fifth line of Xiaochu also says "having trust that binds closely"; both Zhongfu and Xiaochu share the gentle nature of Xun, hence they share this image. The Commentary on the Image explains it as "the position is correct and appropriate", meaning the positions of lines two and five are fitting, thus the ties are unbroken and such trust is achieved.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: Whatever one plans and seeks will proceed entirely to one's heart's content.
○ Divination on business: Working together with united hearts in joint partnerships will yield profits without fail.
○ Divination on fame and career: Every pursuit will surely be accomplished.
○ Divination on warfare: The military is united; with combined efforts and one mind, victory comes naturally.
○ Divination on marriage: Celebrates two hearts as one, enjoying a harmonious century-long match.
○ Divination on the household: The whole family enjoys harmony and joy, filling the home with abundance.
○ Divination on illness: The illness stems from liver wind causing contractions in the limbs; though living with illness, life can be prolonged and remains blameless.
○ Divination on lawsuits: Beware of the calamity of shackles and imprisonment.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] A certain gentleman of status came to ask for a divination on marriage, obtaining Zhongfu changing to Sun.
Judgment: The hexagram imagery denotes utmost sincerity evoking mutual trust and two hearts echoing each other, hence named "Zhongfu". Line five is the ruler of the hexagram, and its line text says "bound closely", clearly showing mutual affection tightly bound together without breaking. Now divining on marriage and obtaining this line image shows that the two families must have long been deeply aligned with a bond like hands and feet. Forming this marriage will naturally lead to husband and wife singing and following in complete harmony and peace. Furthermore, line five is a noble line, indicating a prominent and distinguished family, a matter of great joy.
Commentary on the Image: Having trust that binds closely, for the position is correct and appropriate.
Nine in the fifth position is the ruler of trust; the phrase "having trust" can only be truly fulfilled by line five. Xun is rope, and the upper nuclear Gen is hand, symbolizing binding/interlocking. Line five is the ruler's position and line two is the minister's position; line five responds to line two, meaning mutual trust with line two. Calling trust "bound closely" represents the ultimate degree of trust. Trusting ministers, trusting the people, and even trusting the nation—this fulfills what the Tuan Commentary calls "trust transforms the nation", spreading from here. The fifth line of Xiaochu also says "having trust that binds closely"; both Zhongfu and Xiaochu share the gentle nature of Xun, hence they share this image. The Commentary on the Image explains it as "the position is correct and appropriate", meaning the positions of lines two and five are fitting, thus the ties are unbroken and such trust is achieved.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: Whatever one plans and seeks will proceed entirely to one's heart's content.
○ Divination on business: Working together with united hearts in joint partnerships will yield profits without fail.
○ Divination on fame and career: Every pursuit will surely be accomplished.
○ Divination on warfare: The military is united; with combined efforts and one mind, victory comes naturally.
○ Divination on marriage: Celebrates two hearts as one, enjoying a harmonious century-long match.
○ Divination on the household: The whole family enjoys harmony and joy, filling the home with abundance.
○ Divination on illness: The illness stems from liver wind causing contractions in the limbs; though living with illness, life can be prolonged and remains blameless.
○ Divination on lawsuits: Beware of the calamity of shackles and imprisonment.
○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.
[Case] A certain gentleman of status came to ask for a divination on marriage, obtaining Zhongfu changing to Sun.
Judgment: The hexagram imagery denotes utmost sincerity evoking mutual trust and two hearts echoing each other, hence named "Zhongfu". Line five is the ruler of the hexagram, and its line text says "bound closely", clearly showing mutual affection tightly bound together without breaking. Now divining on marriage and obtaining this line image shows that the two families must have long been deeply aligned with a bond like hands and feet. Forming this marriage will naturally lead to husband and wife singing and following in complete harmony and peace. Furthermore, line five is a noble line, indicating a prominent and distinguished family, a matter of great joy.
Nine at the top: The cock's crow ascends to heaven. Persistence brings misfortune.
Nine at the top: The cock's crow ascends to heaven. Persistence brings misfortune.
Commentary on the Image: The cock's crow ascends to heaven; how can it endure?
A cock is called "hanyin" (high-sounding wings/voice); the cock flutters its wings and crows. "Han" refers to long wing feathers. A cock's crowing never misses the appointed time, which is an image of trust. The cock is a small creature, yet its crowing reaches far; this resembles a person without real virtue who possesses false fame. Line nine sits at the extreme of trust; trifling loyalty and petty trust reaching up to the highest heavens, though persistent, is inauspicious. The Commentary on the Image explains "how can it endure?", meaning stealing a false reputation without substance cannot last long.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: Fortune appears flourishing, but it is hollow without substance, turning out to be precarious.
○ Divination on business: The scale is large and momentum grand, but there is external appearance without internal substance; it is feared it cannot last long.
○ Divination on fame and career: Stealing a false reputation is ashamed by noble gentlemen.
○ Divination on marriage: Fear that it will be difficult to grow old together.
○ Divination on the household: This residence presents the image of a hen crowing at dawn (a woman usurping power); the family estate is hard to preserve. Inauspicious.
○ Divination on illness: Liver wind causes severe pain, leading to constant cries and groans; the condition is quite painful. Inauspicious.
○ Divination on lawsuits: The situation will escalate to an appeal to higher authorities. Inauspicious.
○ Divination on pregnancy: Gives birth to a girl; the infant cries frequently, and it is feared difficult to rear.
[Case] One day, a man claiming to be the "Great Deity of Heavenly Nobility" came. I asked him where his name came from and the purpose of his visit. He replied: "I am a shizoku (samurai descendant) from Aichi Prefecture. Pained by the perilous roads causing hardship to travelers, I took a shovel and went along the Tokaido road, repairing it single-handedly. Wherever I reached a village, I called upon the villagers to lend a hand, making this my daily habit. One day, Minister Yamada passed through that place, saw me repairing the road, and summoned me for a meeting. I explained my inner wish, and the Minister praised me, saying: 'One who forgets himself to work for the public good is called the Great Deity of Heavenly Nobility.' Hence, I named myself the Great Deity of Heavenly Nobility." Asking his intention for visiting, he said: "Now I wish to build a bridge and am soliciting donations." I gave him a certain sum of money. The Deity then asked me to divine his fortune, and I obtained Zhongfu changing to Jie.
Judgment: The one whose single cry reaches the heavens is the crane; the cock is merely domestic poultry, yet it foolishly steals the crane's call. Falsely acquiring a hollow reputation fears inviting disaster, hence the line says "persistence brings misfortune". Now you divine your fortune and receive this line image, which coincides with your actions like matching two halves of a tally. You used painstaking effort to repair roads, which is not an improper deed; however, your desire for fame is far too heavy, actually wishing to leverage this trivial labor to gain a grand reputation. Consider this: water without a source dries up instantly, and trees without roots wither immediately. With fame but no true substance, how can one avoid failure? Furthermore, calling yourself by such a shocking name is the very root of disaster. You must keep a low profile and conceal yourself to avoid harm.
Commentary on the Image: The cock's crow ascends to heaven; how can it endure?
A cock is called "hanyin" (high-sounding wings/voice); the cock flutters its wings and crows. "Han" refers to long wing feathers. A cock's crowing never misses the appointed time, which is an image of trust. The cock is a small creature, yet its crowing reaches far; this resembles a person without real virtue who possesses false fame. Line nine sits at the extreme of trust; trifling loyalty and petty trust reaching up to the highest heavens, though persistent, is inauspicious. The Commentary on the Image explains "how can it endure?", meaning stealing a false reputation without substance cannot last long.
[Divination]
○ Divination on fortune: Fortune appears flourishing, but it is hollow without substance, turning out to be precarious.
○ Divination on business: The scale is large and momentum grand, but there is external appearance without internal substance; it is feared it cannot last long.
○ Divination on fame and career: Stealing a false reputation is ashamed by noble gentlemen.
○ Divination on marriage: Fear that it will be difficult to grow old together.
○ Divination on the household: This residence presents the image of a hen crowing at dawn (a woman usurping power); the family estate is hard to preserve. Inauspicious.
○ Divination on illness: Liver wind causes severe pain, leading to constant cries and groans; the condition is quite painful. Inauspicious.
○ Divination on lawsuits: The situation will escalate to an appeal to higher authorities. Inauspicious.
○ Divination on pregnancy: Gives birth to a girl; the infant cries frequently, and it is feared difficult to rear.
[Case] One day, a man claiming to be the "Great Deity of Heavenly Nobility" came. I asked him where his name came from and the purpose of his visit. He replied: "I am a shizoku (samurai descendant) from Aichi Prefecture. Pained by the perilous roads causing hardship to travelers, I took a shovel and went along the Tokaido road, repairing it single-handedly. Wherever I reached a village, I called upon the villagers to lend a hand, making this my daily habit. One day, Minister Yamada passed through that place, saw me repairing the road, and summoned me for a meeting. I explained my inner wish, and the Minister praised me, saying: 'One who forgets himself to work for the public good is called the Great Deity of Heavenly Nobility.' Hence, I named myself the Great Deity of Heavenly Nobility." Asking his intention for visiting, he said: "Now I wish to build a bridge and am soliciting donations." I gave him a certain sum of money. The Deity then asked me to divine his fortune, and I obtained Zhongfu changing to Jie.
Judgment: The one whose single cry reaches the heavens is the crane; the cock is merely domestic poultry, yet it foolishly steals the crane's call. Falsely acquiring a hollow reputation fears inviting disaster, hence the line says "persistence brings misfortune". Now you divine your fortune and receive this line image, which coincides with your actions like matching two halves of a tally. You used painstaking effort to repair roads, which is not an improper deed; however, your desire for fame is far too heavy, actually wishing to leverage this trivial labor to gain a grand reputation. Consider this: water without a source dries up instantly, and trees without roots wither immediately. With fame but no true substance, how can one avoid failure? Furthermore, calling yourself by such a shocking name is the very root of disaster. You must keep a low profile and conceal yourself to avoid harm.