Zhouyi / I Ching, Hexagram 1: Qian, Qian as Heaven, Qian above and Qian below

Detailed explanation of the first line of the first Zhouyi hexagram

Statement of the First Nine line

Nine at the beginning. The hidden dragon should not be used.

The Image says: The hidden dragon should not be used; the yang is below.

Explanation in plain language

Nine at the beginning: A hidden dragon cannot display its abilities; or, a dragon is submerged in water and temporarily cannot function.

The Image says: The hidden dragon cannot display its abilities because the yang line at the beginning occupies the lowest position in the hexagram, so it is suppressed and unable to extend itself.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Neutral: Those who receive this line should remain steady and wait for the right opportunity. Acting immediately may bring illness or disaster; plans are unfavorable, and beware petty people. Officials will encounter resistance. Businesspeople will face obstruction. For a woman, it indicates flourishing family fortunes and giving birth to a son.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Timing and fortune: Build your strength and wait for opportunity.

Wealth: Hold your position rather than attack.

Home: Be careful when taking a wife.

Health: Care and recuperation are advisable.


Transformation of the First Nine line


When the First Nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 44: Wind over Heaven, Gou. This is a different hexagram, with Xun below and Qian above. Qian is Heaven and Xun is Wind. Wind exists beneath Heaven and blows across the earth; yin and yang unite, and all things flourish. Gou is the opposite of Guai and they are complementary nuclear inversions. Gou means meeting or union, where yin and yang encounter each other. Yet with five yang lines and one yin line, they cannot remain together for long.


Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line


Interpretation of the first line of Qian: Nine at the beginning: The hidden dragon should not be used. The meaning is that one occupies a low position and the time is not yet mature, so one should be like a hidden dragon and not display one’s abilities.

“Nine at the beginning” is the ordinal position of this line. As mentioned earlier, the positions of the six lines from bottom to top are beginning, second, third, fourth, fifth, and top. Yang lines are represented by “nine,” and yin lines by “six.” Thus, Nine at the beginning refers to the lowest yang line.

Nine at the beginning: The hidden dragon should not be used. It means the dragon is lying low and should not undertake action.

From the hexagram image, the First Nine is a yang line in a firm position, so it is properly placed. The position of Nine in the Second is also yang, above the First Nine; lines of the same nature repel one another, creating an adversarial proximity. Although the First Nine is unwilling to remain below, it is suppressed by the Second Nine, and its vigorous yang is buried underground. No matter how great its talent, because its position is low, it must learn patience even if it feels dissatisfied.

A great dragon submerged in water cannot function because its status is low. This image suggests that at the beginning of development, a thing may have momentum but is still weak; therefore one should be cautious and not act lightly.

Detailed explanation of the Second Nine line of the first Zhouyi hexagram

Statement of the Second Nine line

Nine in the second place. The dragon appears in the fields; it is beneficial to see a great person.

The Image says: The dragon appears in the fields; virtue is being spread universally.

Explanation in plain language

Nine in the second place: The dragon appears on the earth; it is beneficial to meet nobles and princes.

The Image says: The dragon appears on the earth, symbolizing a noble person emerging from an oppressive low point and beginning to seek a social position from which virtue can be widely bestowed.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Auspicious: Those who receive this line will receive the support of influential benefactors. Officials will meet an enlightened ruler and hold an important post. Students will achieve excellent examination results. Merchants will profit. For a woman, it indicates both wealth and honor.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Timing and fortune: Receive help from a benefactor and gain an opportunity to develop.

Wealth: Prices begin to rise; official procurement.

Home: Marriage is highly auspicious.

Health: Exercise and physical training.


Transformation of the Second Nine line





When the Second Nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 13: Fellowship of People, Heaven over Fire. This is a different hexagram, with Li below and Qian above. Qian is Heaven and ruler; Li is Fire and ministers and common people. Fire rises beneath Heaven and shares its nature, so above and below are harmonious, working together in the same boat. Human relations are harmonious and the world is united.


Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line


Nine in the second place: The dragon appears in the fields; it is beneficial to see a great person. Interpretation: The dragon appears above the fields; it is beneficial to meet a great person in order to develop oneself.

The character meaning “see” has two different interpretations here: “to appear” and “to see.”

The meaning of this line statement is: The dragon appears in the fields; it is appropriate to meet a great person.

From the hexagram image, the Second Nine is a yang line in a yin position, so it is improperly placed, but it is in the center of the lower trigram and thus centered. The second position is above the earth, showing that the dragon has begun to emerge and its talents are receiving attention; at this time, meeting a great person is beneficial. Although one now has some ability, it is still limited. Meeting an important person can bring further tempering and cultivation; receiving that person’s support makes progress smoother. This great person is one’s benefactor. The classic example is Shun: while farming and fishing, his excellence attracted the notice of Yao, so Shun exemplified “beneficial to see a great person.”
Viewed through a person’s life, this stage corresponds to around 25-35 years old. After a period of learning and accumulation, one has acquired some ability and is beginning to emerge and show one’s skills. At this time, help from a benefactor makes success more likely.

Detailed detailed explanation of the Third Nine line of the first Zhouyi hexagram

Statement of the Third Nine line

Nine in the third place. The noble person is vigorous and diligent all day, and vigilant at night; danger, but no blame.

The Image says: Vigorous and diligent all day; repeatedly following the Way.

Explanation in plain language

Nine in the third place: A capable and virtuous noble person is diligent and hardworking throughout the day, and at night remains cautious and reflects on himself. Although the circumstances are difficult, ultimately there is no disaster.

The Image says: The noble person is diligent and hardworking all day; this means repeatedly following the Way and persevering without giving up.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Neutral: Those who receive this line will be constantly coming and going, making financial gains difficult. Failure to plan seriously brings loss to the restless. Officials may hold several important duties and face many complicated matters; if they maintain an anxious and cautious attitude, there will be no fault. For a woman, it indicates an impatient temperament and difficulty becoming a virtuous support to her husband.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Timing and fortune: Reputation has not yet appeared; be cautious to avoid blame.

Wealth: Guard day and night; you can escape danger and gain profit.

Home: Diligence and thrift protect the household; do not seek marriage into a powerful family.

Health: Take care and maintain yourself cautiously.


Transformation of the Third Nine line





When the Third Nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 10: Treading, Heaven over Lake. This is a different hexagram, with Dui below and Qian above. Qian is Heaven and Dui is Lake; Heaven represents the ruler and Lake the people. The original text says: “Treading on the tiger’s tail; it does not bite the person.” Therefore the result is auspicious. Ruler above and people below each occupy their proper positions. Gentle Dui encounters firm Qian, so the path trodden is dangerous. Treading means putting principles into practice; the meaning of the hexagram is to advance with both feet firmly on the ground.


Philosophical meaning of the Third Nine line:


Explanation of the line statement: “Qianqian” originally refers to the sun’s ceaseless movement; here it is a metaphor for a noble person’s diligent and unremitting effort. “Vigilance” means respect, being careful and cautious. “Remaining vigilant in the evening” means maintaining vigilance even at night. “Danger” refers to risk. “Blame” refers to disaster. “Throughout, no blame” means that by remaining vigilant at all times, although danger exists, it will not lead to calamity.

The meaning of this line statement is: The noble person continually strengthens himself and works diligently throughout the day, while remaining vigilant at night. Although danger exists, it will not cause disaster.

The Third Nine is a yang line, also called a firm line. In the usages of the I Ching, firm lines represent noble persons and yielding lines petty people. The Commentary on the Lines says: “The second has many praises, the fourth many fears, the third many misfortunes, and the fifth much achievement.” This line is likewise in the realm of “many misfortunes.” The Commentary on Literary Explanations explains it thus: The Third Nine is inherently too firm and acts without balance, becoming someone supported by neither Heaven above nor Earth below. Therefore one needs a spirit of continual self-strengthening and must remain alert to changing circumstances. By doing so, even when danger is encountered, disaster will not occur.

From the hexagram image, the Third Nine is in the lower trigram and cannot know for certain how the next step will develop. It can only follow the spirit of Qian and advance diligently day and night. Although the development from the First Nine and Second Nine shows yang energy increasing—from “the hidden dragon should not be used” to “the dragon appears in the fields”—the trend suggests yang should gradually rise. Yet events are not so simple and do not always proceed smoothly. If diligence and vigilance are maintained, even danger will not become disaster.

The Image explains this line: “Vigorous and diligent all day” means repeatedly following the Way. It indicates that one must continually strengthen oneself to avoid reversals and dare not be careless in the slightest.

The position of the Third Nine is at the end of the lower trigram. In Qian, judging from the trend of the first two lines, yang energy is rising, but because this is still in the lower trigram, the way forward is unclear and the future may even be uncertain. Therefore one must maintain a diligent and alert state of mind. This is also a psychological stage that anyone striving for achievement must experience.

People at this stage resemble recent graduates. They have just completed their studies, are full of confidence, but society is a world of its own, and whether they can make a place for themselves remains unknown. Difficulties encountered after entering society far exceed their simple school-age imagination, and they discover many difficulties they had never known before.

Viewed through a person’s life, this line represents roughly 35-45 years old. At this time, one’s career is neither rising nor falling and pressure is greatest. One must persevere to achieve success; otherwise one may abandon the effort halfway.

Detailed detailed explanation of the Fourth Nine line of the first Zhouyi hexagram

Statement of the Fourth Nine line

Nine in the fourth place. Perhaps leaping in the abyss; no blame.

The Image says: Perhaps leaping in the abyss; advancing brings no blame.

Explanation in plain language

Nine in the fourth place: The dragon may leap into a deep pool; there will be no disaster.

The Image says: The dragon may leap into a deep pool, indicating that one can take action without disaster.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Neutral: Those who receive this line face difficulties in every undertaking. Officials may be suspended from office while waiting for an opportunity. For a woman, it indicates peace, happiness, and wealth.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Timing and fortune: Become famous in one stroke.

Wealth: Prices are rising sharply; you can remain free of blame.

Home: There is an image of temporary revival and prosperity.

Health: Continue physical training.


Transformation of the Fourth Nine line



When the Fourth Nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 9: Small Accumulation, Wind over Heaven. This is a different hexagram, with Qian below and Xun above. Qian is Heaven and Xun is Wind. It symbolizes favorable weather and timely rain, allowing crops to grow; hence the name Small Accumulation. Its strength is limited, so it must wait until development reaches a certain level before accomplishing great things.


Philosophical meaning of the Fourth Nine line:


Interpretation: The dragon may leap into the sky or remain in the abyss; as long as it advances according to the needs of the situation, there will be no error.

Nine in the fourth place: Perhaps leaping in the abyss; no blame. Insight for life

The insight this line offers is: Advance and retreat with grounds for each.

From the hexagram image, the Fourth Nine begins to enter the upper trigram. It is a yang line in a yielding position, so it is improperly placed and appears unstable; thus the judgment uses “perhaps” and is uncertain. Yet this uncertainty—rising or remaining hidden—changes in response to time and position, and is therefore actually correct, so there is no fault.

In Qian, the earlier lines tell the dragon to endure and advance diligently. Upon reaching the fourth line and entering the upper trigram, the “dragon” subjectively feels that its strength has accumulated enough, so it sometimes becomes eager to try its abilities. But circumstances are not entirely favorable: the Fourth Nine is in a period when yang energy develops unevenly and rises, not yet strong enough to overcome yin. Thus, although it is eager to act, it must judge the situation well—advance when it is time to advance and retreat when it is time to retreat.

Detailed detailed explanation of the Fifth Nine line of the first Zhouyi hexagram

Statement of the Fifth Nine line

Nine in the fifth place. The flying dragon is in Heaven; it is beneficial to see a great person.

The Image says: The flying dragon is in Heaven; the great person is taking action.

Explanation in plain language

Nine in the fifth place: The dragon soars in the sky; it is beneficial to meet nobles and princes.

The Image says: The dragon soars in the sky, signifying that the noble person is accomplishing great things.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Auspicious: Those who receive this line will meet a benefactor, and their plans and aspirations will be fulfilled. Officials will rise rapidly. For a woman, it indicates assuming male authority and inevitably experiencing loneliness.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Timing and fortune: Rise straight into the clouds.

Wealth: In trade in grains and similar goods, prices soar, with official support.

Home: A wealthy and honored household.

Health: Being summoned by Heaven; unfavorable.


Transformation of the Fifth Nine line





When the Fifth Nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 14: Great Possession, Fire over Heaven. This is a different hexagram, with Li above and Qian below. The upper trigram is Li, Fire; the lower is Qian, Heaven. Fire is above Heaven, illuminating all things. The people submit, follow Heaven, act according to the seasons, and achieve great success.


Philosophical meaning of the Fifth Nine line:


From the hexagram image, the Fifth Nine is a yang line in a firm position; the fifth line is the ruler’s position, the highest leadership position in the hexagram. Looking from the First Nine, Second Nine, Third Nine, and Fourth Nine to the Fifth Nine, it expresses a process of development: the yang energy symbolized by the dragon, after struggling with yin energy, finally flies into the sky. Like midday sunlight, it shines over the earth, and all things bathe in warm sunlight; good fortune is at its zenith.

The Image explains this line: “The flying dragon is in Heaven”; the great person is taking action. It indicates that a great person of high virtue and influence will certainly accomplish something.

In personal development, the Fifth Nine resembles a talented person who, after much effort, finally encounters an opportunity to fulfill great ambitions. Having attained a high position, the person can accomplish great things. Receiving this line indicates a flourishing career, success in life, and very good fortune.

From the perspective of a country, receiving this hexagram may indicate that the nation will experience a major event, hold a grand activity, and have its head of state attend in person.

Detailed detailed explanation of the Top Nine line of the first Zhouyi hexagram

Statement of the Top Nine line

Nine at the top. The overreaching dragon has regret.

The Image says: The overreaching dragon has regret; fullness cannot last long.

Explanation in plain language

Nine at the top: A dragon that has risen to the limit will be troubled by disaster.

The Image says: A dragon that has risen to the limit will be troubled by disaster. This warns people that lofty status and fullness cannot be maintained forever.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Inauspicious: Those who receive this line face the disaster of excessive hardness bringing misfortune; people over fifty may not live long. Officials may retire or be demoted. For a woman, it indicates a fierce temperament and difficulty becoming a virtuous support to her husband.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Timing and fortune: Excess brings loss; withdraw and reflect on yourself.

Wealth: Excess fullness must bring loss.

Home: Marriage is unfavorable.

Health: Life is in imminent danger.


Transformation of the Top Nine line





When the Top Nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 43: Breakthrough, Lake over Heaven. This is a different hexagram, with Qian below and Dui above. Qian is Heaven and strength; Dui is Lake and joy. Moisture from the lake rises, condenses into rain, and falls upon the earth, nourishing all things. Five yang lines remove one yin line; removing it is not difficult and can simply be decided, hence the name Guai, meaning decision or removal.


Philosophical meaning of the Top Nine line:


From the hexagram image, this line occupies the topmost position, the Top Nine. A yang line in a yielding position is improperly placed, so the situation is very unfavorable. “The overreaching dragon” means the dragon has flown too high and yang energy has reached its extreme. When things reach an extreme, they reverse; when yang reaches its extreme, it declines, just as the sun turns west after noon. It cannot continue for long.

The Commentary on Literary Explanations says: “The word ‘overreaching’ means knowing advancement but not retreat, knowing existence but not extinction, knowing gain but not loss. Is it perhaps only the sage who knows these? Knowing advancement and retreat, existence and extinction, while never losing what is right—is it perhaps only the sage who can do this?”

The meaning is: “Overreaching” refers to knowing only how to advance and not how to retreat; knowing only survival and not death; knowing only acquisition and not loss. Apparently only a sage understands all this. One who knows the principles of advancing, retreating, survival, and extinction will not lose the principles of the right path when dealing with these matters. Is this not something only a sage can accomplish?

The Image says: “The overreaching dragon has regret; fullness cannot last long.” It indicates that a dragon flying too high will encounter disaster or regret because when things reach their extreme, they must turn in the opposite direction.