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I Ching · 64 Hexagrams
Zhouyi / I Ching, Hexagram 14, Great Possession: Fire over Heaven, Li above Qian below
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Great Possession: Sublime success.
The Tuan Commentary says: In Great Possession, the yielding line attains the honored position, is greatly central, and the lines above and below respond to it; this is called Great Possession. Its virtue is firm, strong, and illuminated; it responds to Heaven and acts according to the time, and therefore there is sublime success.
The Image says: Fire is above Heaven, forming Great Possession. Thus the noble person restrains evil, promotes good, and follows Heaven’s generous mandate.
Hexagram 14 — original text and overview
Detailed explanation of Zhouyi Hexagram Fourteen
Original text of Great Possession
Great Possession. Sublime success.
The Image says: Fire is above Heaven, forming Great Possession. Thus the noble person restrains evil, promotes good, and follows Heaven’s generous mandate.
Explanation in plain language
The Great Possession hexagram: Prosperity and smooth success.
The Image Commentary says: The lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the upper trigram is Li, representing fire. Fire above Heaven illuminates all directions; this is the image of Great Possession. Observing this image, the noble person follows the example of fire, discerning good and evil, suppressing evil and promoting good, thereby following Heaven’s mandate and praying to receive good fortune.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Great Possession hexagram has Li above and Qian below, and is the Returning-Soul hexagram of the Qian Palace. Great Possession means the yielding line attains the honored position, suppresses evil and promotes good, and brings abundant wealth and benefit. It symbolizes Heaven’s mandate returning to its proper place and winning people’s hearts, and is therefore auspicious.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
The sun shines at the center of Heaven, illuminating all things; great abundance and wealth require maintaining fullness and preserving peace.
Those who receive this hexagram are in a period of good fortune, with auspiciousness in everything and abundant harvests. But beware that when things reach an extreme they reverse, and prosperity turns to decline.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune and timing: Extremely smooth; your brilliance shines widely.
Wealth: Act boldly; wealth will come on its own.
Home: A household that accumulates goodness is protected by its descendants.
Health: Empty fire rises upward; seek careful diagnosis and treatment.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a doubled pair of contrasting trigrams, with Qian below and Li above. The upper trigram is Li, fire; the lower is Qian, Heaven. Fire above Heaven illuminates all things, the people submit, and by following Heaven and the seasons, great achievement is attained.
Great Image: The Sun is in Heaven, illuminating all earthly things, but five yang lines contend over one yin line; know that fullness contains deficiency.
Fortune: The time and luck are favorable, bringing prosperity and great auspiciousness; but beware that extremes reverse and excessive prosperity declines.
Career: Your career has already achieved a certain level of success. The greatest taboo is becoming complacent and acting recklessly. You must suppress evil and promote good, hold to centrality and correctness, associate with upright friends, remain cautious and diligent, and truly achieve greatness without excess, fullness without overflow. Then your career can advance to a new level.
Business: Prosperous and flourishing, having escaped hardship and entered a period of growth. If you can restrain greed for wealth, firmly uphold honesty, treat people fairly, work diligently and frugally, and especially watch market trends and change course at the right time, long-term success is possible.
Seeking recognition: You have already gained some fame; do not be satisfied and stop advancing. In particular, do not become trapped in worldly circles. Continue striving, and with the help of true friends, rise to a higher level.
Marriage and romance: Conditions are favorable and there are many choices, so proceed cautiously. Both sides should do their utmost to maintain the family.
Decision-making: You are strong-willed, brave in overcoming difficulties, and strive upward. There are many hardships and misfortunes along the way; only by taking them seriously can you keep succeeding. If you relax your vigilance and become arrogant and complacent, you will suffer a disastrous failure. You have many friends and a broad social circle, which greatly helps your career, but among them are also petty people who undermine you.
Philosophical meaning of Hexagram Fourteen
Great Possession is a contrasting hexagram composed of Qian and Li: Li above, fire; Qian below, Heaven. Fire above Heaven illuminates all things, the people submit, and by following Heaven and the seasons, great achievement is attained.
This Fire over Heaven hexagram receives its name from the following meaning: Qian is firm and strong, Li is bright; by striving with firm and strong conduct toward the direction of brightness, success is greatly hopeful and one will gain something. Qian is firm and strong as the inner trigram,
showing that beauty lies within the heart; Li is brightness as the outer trigram, showing that the methods manifested externally are open and upright. Possessing this virtue of inner and outer consistency is true Great Possession.
The Fire over Heaven Great Possession hexagram follows Fellowship with Others. The Sequence explains: “When people fellowship with others, things inevitably return to them; therefore they are followed by Great Possession.” Once like-minded people are found and everyone works together, products naturally become abundant, so what follows is Great Possession.
The Image says: Fire is above Heaven, forming Great Possession; thus the noble person restrains evil, promotes good, and follows Heaven’s generous mandate.
This sentence means that the Image of Great Possession is Qian (Heaven) below and Li (Fire) above, representing fire above heaven. Flames hang high in the sky, symbolizing the sun shining on all things, a world filled with light, and a great agricultural harvest—“great possession and harvest.” “Follow Heaven and rest in its mandate”: “follow” means obey; “rest” means going along with the natural course.
At a time of “Great Possession,” a person who follows the Way should simply obey the “Way of Heaven” and need not worry excessively about personal fate. At such a time, the exemplary person should stop evil, praise every good deed, comply with Heaven’s mandate, act on Heaven’s behalf, and protect the lives of all things. Therefore, one must be sure to restrain evil, promote good, follow Heaven, and rest in its mandate.
The Great Possession hexagram reveals the principle of following Heaven and acting according to the proper time; it is an uppermost auspicious hexagram. It symbolizes a great harvest and abundance, with smooth progress from the very beginning and prosperity, flourishing, and success. In divination, Great Possession is an uppermost auspicious hexagram: one who seeks office gains office, and one who seeks wealth gains wealth. Even if there are reversals along the way, one will surely obtain what one wishes. The Image judges this hexagram as follows: “Cutting a tree and feeling for sparrows, work is secure; disputes and gossip naturally disappear. Marriage and partnership require effort; if asking about something lost, it has not escaped.”
The Image of Great Possession has Li, fire, as the upper trigram and Qian, heaven, as the lower trigram. When fire burns up to heaven, this is the Image of Great Possession. As the saying goes, “When everyone adds firewood, the flames rise high.” When people gather around one fire, they form the Fellowship hexagram; but if each person adds a piece of firewood, the flames can burn up to heaven. Clearly, only when people unite do they gain greater strength and achieve greater harvests. In addition, Li is the sun and Qian is heaven, so Great Possession also has the image of the sun at the zenith. The midday sun is brightest and hottest, so ancient people often used noon to represent the peak of something.
Original text of Great Possession
Great Possession. Sublime success.
The Image says: Fire is above Heaven, forming Great Possession. Thus the noble person restrains evil, promotes good, and follows Heaven’s generous mandate.
Explanation in plain language
The Great Possession hexagram: Prosperity and smooth success.
The Image Commentary says: The lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the upper trigram is Li, representing fire. Fire above Heaven illuminates all directions; this is the image of Great Possession. Observing this image, the noble person follows the example of fire, discerning good and evil, suppressing evil and promoting good, thereby following Heaven’s mandate and praying to receive good fortune.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Great Possession hexagram has Li above and Qian below, and is the Returning-Soul hexagram of the Qian Palace. Great Possession means the yielding line attains the honored position, suppresses evil and promotes good, and brings abundant wealth and benefit. It symbolizes Heaven’s mandate returning to its proper place and winning people’s hearts, and is therefore auspicious.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
The sun shines at the center of Heaven, illuminating all things; great abundance and wealth require maintaining fullness and preserving peace.
Those who receive this hexagram are in a period of good fortune, with auspiciousness in everything and abundant harvests. But beware that when things reach an extreme they reverse, and prosperity turns to decline.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune and timing: Extremely smooth; your brilliance shines widely.
Wealth: Act boldly; wealth will come on its own.
Home: A household that accumulates goodness is protected by its descendants.
Health: Empty fire rises upward; seek careful diagnosis and treatment.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a doubled pair of contrasting trigrams, with Qian below and Li above. The upper trigram is Li, fire; the lower is Qian, Heaven. Fire above Heaven illuminates all things, the people submit, and by following Heaven and the seasons, great achievement is attained.
Great Image: The Sun is in Heaven, illuminating all earthly things, but five yang lines contend over one yin line; know that fullness contains deficiency.
Fortune: The time and luck are favorable, bringing prosperity and great auspiciousness; but beware that extremes reverse and excessive prosperity declines.
Career: Your career has already achieved a certain level of success. The greatest taboo is becoming complacent and acting recklessly. You must suppress evil and promote good, hold to centrality and correctness, associate with upright friends, remain cautious and diligent, and truly achieve greatness without excess, fullness without overflow. Then your career can advance to a new level.
Business: Prosperous and flourishing, having escaped hardship and entered a period of growth. If you can restrain greed for wealth, firmly uphold honesty, treat people fairly, work diligently and frugally, and especially watch market trends and change course at the right time, long-term success is possible.
Seeking recognition: You have already gained some fame; do not be satisfied and stop advancing. In particular, do not become trapped in worldly circles. Continue striving, and with the help of true friends, rise to a higher level.
Marriage and romance: Conditions are favorable and there are many choices, so proceed cautiously. Both sides should do their utmost to maintain the family.
Decision-making: You are strong-willed, brave in overcoming difficulties, and strive upward. There are many hardships and misfortunes along the way; only by taking them seriously can you keep succeeding. If you relax your vigilance and become arrogant and complacent, you will suffer a disastrous failure. You have many friends and a broad social circle, which greatly helps your career, but among them are also petty people who undermine you.
Philosophical meaning of Hexagram Fourteen
Great Possession is a contrasting hexagram composed of Qian and Li: Li above, fire; Qian below, Heaven. Fire above Heaven illuminates all things, the people submit, and by following Heaven and the seasons, great achievement is attained.
This Fire over Heaven hexagram receives its name from the following meaning: Qian is firm and strong, Li is bright; by striving with firm and strong conduct toward the direction of brightness, success is greatly hopeful and one will gain something. Qian is firm and strong as the inner trigram,
showing that beauty lies within the heart; Li is brightness as the outer trigram, showing that the methods manifested externally are open and upright. Possessing this virtue of inner and outer consistency is true Great Possession.
The Fire over Heaven Great Possession hexagram follows Fellowship with Others. The Sequence explains: “When people fellowship with others, things inevitably return to them; therefore they are followed by Great Possession.” Once like-minded people are found and everyone works together, products naturally become abundant, so what follows is Great Possession.
The Image says: Fire is above Heaven, forming Great Possession; thus the noble person restrains evil, promotes good, and follows Heaven’s generous mandate.
This sentence means that the Image of Great Possession is Qian (Heaven) below and Li (Fire) above, representing fire above heaven. Flames hang high in the sky, symbolizing the sun shining on all things, a world filled with light, and a great agricultural harvest—“great possession and harvest.” “Follow Heaven and rest in its mandate”: “follow” means obey; “rest” means going along with the natural course.
At a time of “Great Possession,” a person who follows the Way should simply obey the “Way of Heaven” and need not worry excessively about personal fate. At such a time, the exemplary person should stop evil, praise every good deed, comply with Heaven’s mandate, act on Heaven’s behalf, and protect the lives of all things. Therefore, one must be sure to restrain evil, promote good, follow Heaven, and rest in its mandate.
The Great Possession hexagram reveals the principle of following Heaven and acting according to the proper time; it is an uppermost auspicious hexagram. It symbolizes a great harvest and abundance, with smooth progress from the very beginning and prosperity, flourishing, and success. In divination, Great Possession is an uppermost auspicious hexagram: one who seeks office gains office, and one who seeks wealth gains wealth. Even if there are reversals along the way, one will surely obtain what one wishes. The Image judges this hexagram as follows: “Cutting a tree and feeling for sparrows, work is secure; disputes and gossip naturally disappear. Marriage and partnership require effort; if asking about something lost, it has not escaped.”
The Image of Great Possession has Li, fire, as the upper trigram and Qian, heaven, as the lower trigram. When fire burns up to heaven, this is the Image of Great Possession. As the saying goes, “When everyone adds firewood, the flames rise high.” When people gather around one fire, they form the Fellowship hexagram; but if each person adds a piece of firewood, the flames can burn up to heaven. Clearly, only when people unite do they gain greater strength and achieve greater harvests. In addition, Li is the sun and Qian is heaven, so Great Possession also has the image of the sun at the zenith. The midday sun is brightest and hottest, so ancient people often used noon to represent the peak of something.
Hexagram 14 — line-by-line explanation
Detailed explanation of the first nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the First Nine line
First Nine. Do not associate with harm; there is no blame. In hardship, there is still no blame.
The Image says: In Great Possession, the first nine does not associate with harm.
Explanation in plain language
First Nine: Do not harm one another; then there is no disaster. Even in hardship, there is no disaster.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement for Great Possession’s first nine says, “Do not harm one another.”
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line may feel unsettled and be bullied by petty people, enduring great hardship; elders may face misfortune. Officials should withdraw while still successful and must not greedily pursue glory, wealth, and rank.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Work hard and encourage yourself while waiting for good luck.
Wealth: The foundation is just being established; be cautious at the beginning and there will be no harm.
Home: New wealth is joyful and worth cherishing.
Health: Good health without concern; legal disputes should be resolved.
Transformation of the First Nine line
!["周易第14卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_14_1.png)
When the first nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 50: Fire over Wind, the Cauldron. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Li above, doubled. Burning wood to cook food transforms the raw into the cooked, meaning to remove the old and establish the new. The cauldron is a treasured heavy vessel, with the image of stability on three legs. Cooking food implies abundant provisions, with difficulties and troubles no longer present. On this basis, reform and develop your undertaking.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
This Initial Nine line represents the most elementary state of the Fellowship with Others hexagram. It is a yang line in a firm position, correctly placed and empowered. It repels the same-sex Ninth Four and does not correspond with it; this also symbolizes the absence of private feelings between them and the fairness and breadth of dealings with others. Thus it says that one associates with people outside the gate. Though it has not reached the broad fellowship of the “open country” in the judgment, it has surpassed the narrow close-kin relationship within one gate. Such broad interaction naturally entails no error.
If you act from public-mindedness, without partiality or protecting your own shortcomings, you can find like-minded people to build an enterprise together.
Leave home and gather with like-minded people—how could that be wrong? When there is a problem, seek everyone’s help outside—how could that be wrong? Leave home, break out of your own small circle, and go among the people—how could that be wrong? This is “fellowship with others at the gate, no blame.” In ancient China, when there was a major matter the ruler could not resolve, a royal proclamation would be posted, inviting capable people from throughout the land to solve it.
Such royal proclamations were generally posted outside the Meridian Gate or at the city gate, so that more people could see them. This is “fellowship with others at the gate.”
Thus, “fellowship with others at the gate” means both seeking worthy people throughout the realm for assistance and mingling with the people. If one can do these things, there will certainly be no error.
Detailed explanation of the second nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Second Nine line
Second Nine. A large cart carries the load; there is somewhere to go; no blame.
The Image says: A large cart carries the load; what is stored in the center does not scatter.
Explanation in plain language
Second Nine: Use a large cart to load goods and carry people; with a clear destination, there is no disaster.
The Image Commentary says: A large cart carries the load; what is stored in the cart does not scatter.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line prosper in their plans and gain abundant wealth, but it is unfavorable for the health of the elderly. Officials in idle posts will be put to good use.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Good luck is arriving; the journey is smooth all the way.
Wealth: Profits are gained both domestically and internationally.
Home: Moving house is possible.
Health: Seek medical treatment away from home; the legal case will be won.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
!["周易第14卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_14_2.png)
When the second nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 30: Li as Fire. This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Li below and Li above. Li means attachment and brightness: one yin is attached between two yang lines. The hexagram symbolizes fire, empty within and bright without. Li is fire and illumination; the sun repeatedly rises and sets, moving without cease, while gentleness is its heart.
Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line
Zong means clan. Lin means narrow-mindedness and stinginess.
From the perspective of the hexagram image, the Six in the Second place is a yielding line in a yielding position, so it is properly placed and centered. It corresponds in yin-yang terms with the Nine in the Fifth place, which is normally an auspicious sign. However, in this Hexagram Tongren, such correspondence represents the presence of personal feelings and selfish motives. This hexagram extols the ideal world of universal fellowship, in which people must interact fairly and selflessly. Therefore, the correspondence between the Six in the Second place and the Nine in the Fifth place instead becomes an unfavorable relationship and is consequently inappropriate. It is like associating only within one’s clan or only among people bearing the same surname, with selfish motives. Although this clan-based attitude of seeking fellowship cannot be called wrong, it is not worthy of praise either. This line explains that one should go further in breaking down clan-based thinking and broaden one’s circle of friends and scope of interaction. Being close only to members of one’s own clan brings drawbacks, and one’s undertakings will inevitably be difficult. One should take a longer view and have more contact with the outside world.
The Image says: “Fellowship with others within the clan shrine” is the way of humiliation. This tells people that failing to unite people from all social strata is the root of trouble. Therefore, if you want to accomplish something, do not rely only on people from your own clan. In particular, businesses run by couples or families may, if poorly managed, give rise to mutual suspicion over interests and thereby damage family affection.
Break through this boundary and unite people above and below; this will be more beneficial to the enterprise.
Detailed detailed explanation of the third nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Third Nine line
Third Nine. A duke presents a feast to the Son of Heaven; a petty person cannot do so.
The Image says: A duke presents a feast to the Son of Heaven; a petty person would be harmful.
Explanation in plain language
Third Nine: The Son of Heaven hosts a banquet for the dukes and marquises; petty people cannot participate.
The Image Commentary says: The Son of Heaven hosts a banquet for the dukes and marquises (and petty people cannot participate) because petty people taking part in state affairs would be a calamity to the country.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line face disaster and find every step difficult; do not approach petty people. Officials will be entrusted with important duties, and scholars will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: This is a time of visible honor and glory; taking bribes will surely lead to defeat.
Wealth: Fame and profit arrive together; do not approach petty people.
Home: Festive banquets; beware of servants.
Health: Be careful with food and drink; do not engage in disputes.
Transformation of the Third Nine line
!["周易第14卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_14_3.png)
When the third nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 38: Fire over Lake, Opposition. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Dui below and Li above. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below oppose one another and do not benefit each other. When things overcome one another, they generate movement; cycles return without emptiness. All things differ, and where there is difference there is opposition; they contradict one another. Opposition means contradiction.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
Third Nine: Conceal weapons in the wilderness, climb its high ridge, and for three years do not rise to action—interpretation of the line statement
Fu: to lie in ambush, remain concealed, wanting to fight but not coming out. Rong: the army or soldiers. Mang: wild grassland, thickets, or jungle. Sheng: to climb or ascend. Ling: a hill.
The line statement means: Hide the army among dense woodland and wild grasses, occupy the nearby high ground to keep watch, and even after three years dare not launch troops rashly.
Regarding its relationship with the other lines, this Third Nine can be illustrated as follows: the Second Six is a yielding line representing a woman; the Third Nine is a yang line in a yang position, at the top of the lower trigram, representing a man. The strongest in the whole hexagram is the Ninth Five, also yang in a yang position, in the ruler’s place—a man even stronger than the Third Nine. The Third Nine is the leader of a small state. A foreign leader more powerful than him takes an interest in a beautiful woman within the Third Nine’s territory. To please that stronger foreign leader, the Third Nine plans to send the woman for a marriage alliance, but after seeing her, he forcibly keeps her and marries her himself. Worried that the other leader might invade in anger, and knowing he is no match, he does as the line statement depicts: stations troops in ambush in the wilds and remains constantly vigilant. Fortunately, the allied state does not invade, and no disaster occurs.
Those who receive this line should maintain relations with the outside world. Do not, for personal gain, make relations with allies so tense that they are ready to draw swords, exhausting yourself and bringing fear and unease.
Hiding weapons among the wild grasses and not daring to confront the enemy directly for three years is indeed extremely cautious. Yet caution prevents major mistakes; although life in the wilds is harsh, it preserves strength. This may still refer to the High Ancestor’s campaign against the Gui Fang. The Gui Fang was a tribe in ancient China’s northwest. Northern peoples in China had always been brave and warlike, so the initial stage of this expedition must have gone badly. What could be done against an overwhelmingly strong enemy? Only wait for the right moment. Conceal troops in the wilds, study new battle deployments, and seek an opportunity to annihilate the enemy in one stroke. “Three years without rising” actually means rising only after three years—in other words, defeating the enemy after three years. This is the strategy and tactics required when facing a powerful enemy.
Detailed detailed explanation of the fourth nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Fourth Nine. Not making it grand; no blame.
The Image says: Not making it grand; no blame. This shows clear discernment.
Explanation in plain language
Fourth Nine: Use a sun-dried shaman to pray for rain; the drought is severe, but there is no disaster.
The Image Commentary says: Opposing bad people and bad things brings no disaster, because one is clear in examining and distinguishing them.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line should maintain normality to avoid harm; eye problems may occur. Officials should be content with the present and not act rashly, thereby avoiding disaster.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Preserve prosperity and stability; contentment avoids disgrace.
Wealth: The benefits are sufficient; do not continue greedily seeking more.
Home: Splendid and impressive, but excess invites loss.
Health: An illness involving swelling.
Transformation of the Fourth Nine line
!["周易第14卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_14_4.png)
When the fourth nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 26: Mountain over Heaven, Great Accumulation. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Gen above. Qian is heaven and strength; Gen is mountain and solidity. Accumulation means gathering; Great Accumulation means great reserves. Therefore, do not fear serious hardships and obstacles; diligently cultivate character and nature to enrich virtue and achievement.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
Fourth line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram, line statement: Fourth Nine: Climb onto its wall, but do not attack; auspicious.
Those who receive this line should know when to give up. It is like climbing the wall to prepare to fight the enemy, then abandoning the attack; this instead leads to an auspicious result.
The Image says: “Climb onto its wall,” but one cannot attack according to right principle. The auspiciousness lies in realizing one’s confusion in time and returning to act according to the correct method.
Detailed detailed explanation of the fifth nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Sixth Five. Their trust is exchanged openly; their authority is formidable; auspicious.
The Image says: Their trust is exchanged openly—trust is used to express their aims. The auspiciousness of their authority comes from being easygoing and needing no defenses.
Explanation in plain language
Sixth Five: Invading enemies are tightly bound and severely punished; auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: This person is honest and forthright because they use trustworthiness to express their aims. The reason commanding the respect of all is auspicious is that, once people are awed, peace is possible without exhaustion.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line must act according to circumstances and must never be arrogant or self-satisfied, lest they bring disaster upon themselves. Officials should retreat rather than advance.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Everyone submits in trust; later-life fortune is smooth.
Wealth: Harmony among people is precious; abundance is not difficult.
Home: The whole family is harmonious; beware of thieves.
Health: Maintain appearances.
Six in the fifth place changing hexagram
!["周易第14卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_14_5.png)
When the sixth five line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 1: Qian as Heaven. This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Qian below and Qian above. It symbolizes heaven and the dragon, the exemplary person of virtue and talent; it also symbolizes pure yang and strength, indicating prosperity and vigor. Based on the principle that all things transform and adapt, the Qian hexagram uses “Originality, Continuity, Advantage, and Perseverance” as its judgment, signifying auspicious fulfillment and teaching people to observe the virtue of Heaven’s Way.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
Fifth line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram, line statement: Fifth Nine: Fellowship with others; first loud wailing, then laughter. The great army meets and wins.
The Image explains this line as follows: At first, Fellowship with Others is based on centrality and integrity; when the great army meets, the highest net of Heaven meets above, meaning the forces overcome one another.
This means that beginning with loud weeping shows an upright and sincere heart, anxiously crying because the outcome of the battle is unknown. When the great army meets people of like mind, victory is finally won, and they begin to laugh.
When seeking like-minded people, there will certainly be some resistance; they are not easily found, and you may have suffered deeply because of it. But as long as you do not give up and overcome these obstacles, you will ultimately achieve your goal and smile.
Those who receive this line may find that when negotiations with a partner are deadlocked, an unexpected third party appears and moves matters in a direction favorable to them. At that time, regard the third party as “one of your fellowship” and find ways to expand your gains.
Detailed detailed explanation of the top nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top Nine. Heaven aids him; auspicious, with nothing unfavorable.
The Image says: Great Possession reaches supreme auspiciousness because Heaven aids it.
Explanation in plain language
Top Nine: Heaven protects and blesses; auspicious, with everything proceeding favorably.
The Image Commentary says: Great Possession is a hexagram of supreme auspiciousness because it receives Heaven’s protection and blessing.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line receive the protection of their ancestors and enjoy good luck all the way. Officials and scholars will be promoted and become renowned.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Good luck all the way; everything is auspicious.
Wealth: Goods circulate smoothly and profits come naturally.
Home: Blessings and celebrations fill the household.
Health: Protected by the spirits, or perhaps returning to Heaven.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
!["周易第14卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_14_6.png)
When the top nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 34: Thunder over Heaven, Great Strength. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder; Qian is heaven. Heaven is firm and thunder moves. Thunder rolls across the sky, clouds and thunder rumble, the sound and force are immense, yang energy is vigorous, and all things grow. Because it is firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Strength. Because it is both great and strong, it is called Great Strength. Four yang lines are vigorous and flourishing, actively accomplishing things; the top is upright and the bottom upright, like a straight standard casting a straight shadow.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
Sixth line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram, line statement: Top Nine: Fellowship with others in the outskirts. No regret.
This Top Nine line is the final line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram. It is a yang line in a yielding position, out of place and without power. It opposes the Third Nine and is far from the Second Six, with a group of yang lines blocking the way. If it forcefully sought association with the Second Six, it would inevitably expend too much energy and fall into contention and disorder. Therefore, instead of striving for the ideal state, it is better to form nearby associations,
Join in fellowship with people of the “outskirts,” and live peacefully without contention.
The Image says: “Fellowship with others in the outskirts”; the aspiration has not yet been attained. This points out that “gathering people in the outskirts” clearly has not fulfilled the original aspiration.
Those who receive this line may want to accomplish something or associate with an important or like-minded person, but too many others also want to associate with that person, causing internal conflict and leaving no opportunity. In that case, it is better to associate with people who are easier to approach.
The Top Nine is at the outermost part of the Qian hexagram; Qian represents the outskirts, which is why this line statement says “fellowship with others in the outskirts.” In every society there are people whose ambitions are frustrated. Those with ability but no opportunity can only live quietly in obscurity; such people may be called recluses. The Top Nine is such a recluse. Though frustrated, he can peacefully remain with other recluses in a remote suburb. Because he can keep to a plain life without improper ambitions, he has no cause for regret. This is like what Zhuge Liang said in “Admonition to My Nephew”: “One should preserve lofty aspirations, admire the worthies of old, cut off passion, abandon stagnation, so that one’s aspirations may be clearly established and deeply felt; endure humiliation and advancement, discard trivialities, ask widely, and remove idleness and stinginess. Even if one is delayed and left behind, how could that harm one’s noble interests, and why worry about failing?” If one can do these things amid an ordinary life, one can naturally advance when able and hold firm when defeated.
Statement of the First Nine line
First Nine. Do not associate with harm; there is no blame. In hardship, there is still no blame.
The Image says: In Great Possession, the first nine does not associate with harm.
Explanation in plain language
First Nine: Do not harm one another; then there is no disaster. Even in hardship, there is no disaster.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement for Great Possession’s first nine says, “Do not harm one another.”
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line may feel unsettled and be bullied by petty people, enduring great hardship; elders may face misfortune. Officials should withdraw while still successful and must not greedily pursue glory, wealth, and rank.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Work hard and encourage yourself while waiting for good luck.
Wealth: The foundation is just being established; be cautious at the beginning and there will be no harm.
Home: New wealth is joyful and worth cherishing.
Health: Good health without concern; legal disputes should be resolved.
Transformation of the First Nine line
When the first nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 50: Fire over Wind, the Cauldron. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Li above, doubled. Burning wood to cook food transforms the raw into the cooked, meaning to remove the old and establish the new. The cauldron is a treasured heavy vessel, with the image of stability on three legs. Cooking food implies abundant provisions, with difficulties and troubles no longer present. On this basis, reform and develop your undertaking.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
This Initial Nine line represents the most elementary state of the Fellowship with Others hexagram. It is a yang line in a firm position, correctly placed and empowered. It repels the same-sex Ninth Four and does not correspond with it; this also symbolizes the absence of private feelings between them and the fairness and breadth of dealings with others. Thus it says that one associates with people outside the gate. Though it has not reached the broad fellowship of the “open country” in the judgment, it has surpassed the narrow close-kin relationship within one gate. Such broad interaction naturally entails no error.
If you act from public-mindedness, without partiality or protecting your own shortcomings, you can find like-minded people to build an enterprise together.
Leave home and gather with like-minded people—how could that be wrong? When there is a problem, seek everyone’s help outside—how could that be wrong? Leave home, break out of your own small circle, and go among the people—how could that be wrong? This is “fellowship with others at the gate, no blame.” In ancient China, when there was a major matter the ruler could not resolve, a royal proclamation would be posted, inviting capable people from throughout the land to solve it.
Such royal proclamations were generally posted outside the Meridian Gate or at the city gate, so that more people could see them. This is “fellowship with others at the gate.”
Thus, “fellowship with others at the gate” means both seeking worthy people throughout the realm for assistance and mingling with the people. If one can do these things, there will certainly be no error.
Detailed explanation of the second nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Second Nine line
Second Nine. A large cart carries the load; there is somewhere to go; no blame.
The Image says: A large cart carries the load; what is stored in the center does not scatter.
Explanation in plain language
Second Nine: Use a large cart to load goods and carry people; with a clear destination, there is no disaster.
The Image Commentary says: A large cart carries the load; what is stored in the cart does not scatter.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line prosper in their plans and gain abundant wealth, but it is unfavorable for the health of the elderly. Officials in idle posts will be put to good use.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Good luck is arriving; the journey is smooth all the way.
Wealth: Profits are gained both domestically and internationally.
Home: Moving house is possible.
Health: Seek medical treatment away from home; the legal case will be won.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
When the second nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 30: Li as Fire. This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Li below and Li above. Li means attachment and brightness: one yin is attached between two yang lines. The hexagram symbolizes fire, empty within and bright without. Li is fire and illumination; the sun repeatedly rises and sets, moving without cease, while gentleness is its heart.
Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line
Zong means clan. Lin means narrow-mindedness and stinginess.
From the perspective of the hexagram image, the Six in the Second place is a yielding line in a yielding position, so it is properly placed and centered. It corresponds in yin-yang terms with the Nine in the Fifth place, which is normally an auspicious sign. However, in this Hexagram Tongren, such correspondence represents the presence of personal feelings and selfish motives. This hexagram extols the ideal world of universal fellowship, in which people must interact fairly and selflessly. Therefore, the correspondence between the Six in the Second place and the Nine in the Fifth place instead becomes an unfavorable relationship and is consequently inappropriate. It is like associating only within one’s clan or only among people bearing the same surname, with selfish motives. Although this clan-based attitude of seeking fellowship cannot be called wrong, it is not worthy of praise either. This line explains that one should go further in breaking down clan-based thinking and broaden one’s circle of friends and scope of interaction. Being close only to members of one’s own clan brings drawbacks, and one’s undertakings will inevitably be difficult. One should take a longer view and have more contact with the outside world.
The Image says: “Fellowship with others within the clan shrine” is the way of humiliation. This tells people that failing to unite people from all social strata is the root of trouble. Therefore, if you want to accomplish something, do not rely only on people from your own clan. In particular, businesses run by couples or families may, if poorly managed, give rise to mutual suspicion over interests and thereby damage family affection.
Break through this boundary and unite people above and below; this will be more beneficial to the enterprise.
Detailed detailed explanation of the third nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Third Nine line
Third Nine. A duke presents a feast to the Son of Heaven; a petty person cannot do so.
The Image says: A duke presents a feast to the Son of Heaven; a petty person would be harmful.
Explanation in plain language
Third Nine: The Son of Heaven hosts a banquet for the dukes and marquises; petty people cannot participate.
The Image Commentary says: The Son of Heaven hosts a banquet for the dukes and marquises (and petty people cannot participate) because petty people taking part in state affairs would be a calamity to the country.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line face disaster and find every step difficult; do not approach petty people. Officials will be entrusted with important duties, and scholars will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: This is a time of visible honor and glory; taking bribes will surely lead to defeat.
Wealth: Fame and profit arrive together; do not approach petty people.
Home: Festive banquets; beware of servants.
Health: Be careful with food and drink; do not engage in disputes.
Transformation of the Third Nine line
When the third nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 38: Fire over Lake, Opposition. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Dui below and Li above. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below oppose one another and do not benefit each other. When things overcome one another, they generate movement; cycles return without emptiness. All things differ, and where there is difference there is opposition; they contradict one another. Opposition means contradiction.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
Third Nine: Conceal weapons in the wilderness, climb its high ridge, and for three years do not rise to action—interpretation of the line statement
Fu: to lie in ambush, remain concealed, wanting to fight but not coming out. Rong: the army or soldiers. Mang: wild grassland, thickets, or jungle. Sheng: to climb or ascend. Ling: a hill.
The line statement means: Hide the army among dense woodland and wild grasses, occupy the nearby high ground to keep watch, and even after three years dare not launch troops rashly.
Regarding its relationship with the other lines, this Third Nine can be illustrated as follows: the Second Six is a yielding line representing a woman; the Third Nine is a yang line in a yang position, at the top of the lower trigram, representing a man. The strongest in the whole hexagram is the Ninth Five, also yang in a yang position, in the ruler’s place—a man even stronger than the Third Nine. The Third Nine is the leader of a small state. A foreign leader more powerful than him takes an interest in a beautiful woman within the Third Nine’s territory. To please that stronger foreign leader, the Third Nine plans to send the woman for a marriage alliance, but after seeing her, he forcibly keeps her and marries her himself. Worried that the other leader might invade in anger, and knowing he is no match, he does as the line statement depicts: stations troops in ambush in the wilds and remains constantly vigilant. Fortunately, the allied state does not invade, and no disaster occurs.
Those who receive this line should maintain relations with the outside world. Do not, for personal gain, make relations with allies so tense that they are ready to draw swords, exhausting yourself and bringing fear and unease.
Hiding weapons among the wild grasses and not daring to confront the enemy directly for three years is indeed extremely cautious. Yet caution prevents major mistakes; although life in the wilds is harsh, it preserves strength. This may still refer to the High Ancestor’s campaign against the Gui Fang. The Gui Fang was a tribe in ancient China’s northwest. Northern peoples in China had always been brave and warlike, so the initial stage of this expedition must have gone badly. What could be done against an overwhelmingly strong enemy? Only wait for the right moment. Conceal troops in the wilds, study new battle deployments, and seek an opportunity to annihilate the enemy in one stroke. “Three years without rising” actually means rising only after three years—in other words, defeating the enemy after three years. This is the strategy and tactics required when facing a powerful enemy.
Detailed detailed explanation of the fourth nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Fourth Nine. Not making it grand; no blame.
The Image says: Not making it grand; no blame. This shows clear discernment.
Explanation in plain language
Fourth Nine: Use a sun-dried shaman to pray for rain; the drought is severe, but there is no disaster.
The Image Commentary says: Opposing bad people and bad things brings no disaster, because one is clear in examining and distinguishing them.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line should maintain normality to avoid harm; eye problems may occur. Officials should be content with the present and not act rashly, thereby avoiding disaster.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Preserve prosperity and stability; contentment avoids disgrace.
Wealth: The benefits are sufficient; do not continue greedily seeking more.
Home: Splendid and impressive, but excess invites loss.
Health: An illness involving swelling.
Transformation of the Fourth Nine line
When the fourth nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 26: Mountain over Heaven, Great Accumulation. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Gen above. Qian is heaven and strength; Gen is mountain and solidity. Accumulation means gathering; Great Accumulation means great reserves. Therefore, do not fear serious hardships and obstacles; diligently cultivate character and nature to enrich virtue and achievement.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
Fourth line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram, line statement: Fourth Nine: Climb onto its wall, but do not attack; auspicious.
Those who receive this line should know when to give up. It is like climbing the wall to prepare to fight the enemy, then abandoning the attack; this instead leads to an auspicious result.
The Image says: “Climb onto its wall,” but one cannot attack according to right principle. The auspiciousness lies in realizing one’s confusion in time and returning to act according to the correct method.
Detailed detailed explanation of the fifth nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Sixth Five. Their trust is exchanged openly; their authority is formidable; auspicious.
The Image says: Their trust is exchanged openly—trust is used to express their aims. The auspiciousness of their authority comes from being easygoing and needing no defenses.
Explanation in plain language
Sixth Five: Invading enemies are tightly bound and severely punished; auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: This person is honest and forthright because they use trustworthiness to express their aims. The reason commanding the respect of all is auspicious is that, once people are awed, peace is possible without exhaustion.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line must act according to circumstances and must never be arrogant or self-satisfied, lest they bring disaster upon themselves. Officials should retreat rather than advance.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Everyone submits in trust; later-life fortune is smooth.
Wealth: Harmony among people is precious; abundance is not difficult.
Home: The whole family is harmonious; beware of thieves.
Health: Maintain appearances.
Six in the fifth place changing hexagram
When the sixth five line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 1: Qian as Heaven. This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Qian below and Qian above. It symbolizes heaven and the dragon, the exemplary person of virtue and talent; it also symbolizes pure yang and strength, indicating prosperity and vigor. Based on the principle that all things transform and adapt, the Qian hexagram uses “Originality, Continuity, Advantage, and Perseverance” as its judgment, signifying auspicious fulfillment and teaching people to observe the virtue of Heaven’s Way.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
Fifth line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram, line statement: Fifth Nine: Fellowship with others; first loud wailing, then laughter. The great army meets and wins.
The Image explains this line as follows: At first, Fellowship with Others is based on centrality and integrity; when the great army meets, the highest net of Heaven meets above, meaning the forces overcome one another.
This means that beginning with loud weeping shows an upright and sincere heart, anxiously crying because the outcome of the battle is unknown. When the great army meets people of like mind, victory is finally won, and they begin to laugh.
When seeking like-minded people, there will certainly be some resistance; they are not easily found, and you may have suffered deeply because of it. But as long as you do not give up and overcome these obstacles, you will ultimately achieve your goal and smile.
Those who receive this line may find that when negotiations with a partner are deadlocked, an unexpected third party appears and moves matters in a direction favorable to them. At that time, regard the third party as “one of your fellowship” and find ways to expand your gains.
Detailed detailed explanation of the top nine line of the fourteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top Nine. Heaven aids him; auspicious, with nothing unfavorable.
The Image says: Great Possession reaches supreme auspiciousness because Heaven aids it.
Explanation in plain language
Top Nine: Heaven protects and blesses; auspicious, with everything proceeding favorably.
The Image Commentary says: Great Possession is a hexagram of supreme auspiciousness because it receives Heaven’s protection and blessing.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line receive the protection of their ancestors and enjoy good luck all the way. Officials and scholars will be promoted and become renowned.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Good luck all the way; everything is auspicious.
Wealth: Goods circulate smoothly and profits come naturally.
Home: Blessings and celebrations fill the household.
Health: Protected by the spirits, or perhaps returning to Heaven.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
When the top nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 34: Thunder over Heaven, Great Strength. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder; Qian is heaven. Heaven is firm and thunder moves. Thunder rolls across the sky, clouds and thunder rumble, the sound and force are immense, yang energy is vigorous, and all things grow. Because it is firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Strength. Because it is both great and strong, it is called Great Strength. Four yang lines are vigorous and flourishing, actively accomplishing things; the top is upright and the bottom upright, like a straight standard casting a straight shadow.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
Sixth line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram, line statement: Top Nine: Fellowship with others in the outskirts. No regret.
This Top Nine line is the final line of the Fellowship with Others hexagram. It is a yang line in a yielding position, out of place and without power. It opposes the Third Nine and is far from the Second Six, with a group of yang lines blocking the way. If it forcefully sought association with the Second Six, it would inevitably expend too much energy and fall into contention and disorder. Therefore, instead of striving for the ideal state, it is better to form nearby associations,
Join in fellowship with people of the “outskirts,” and live peacefully without contention.
The Image says: “Fellowship with others in the outskirts”; the aspiration has not yet been attained. This points out that “gathering people in the outskirts” clearly has not fulfilled the original aspiration.
Those who receive this line may want to accomplish something or associate with an important or like-minded person, but too many others also want to associate with that person, causing internal conflict and leaving no opportunity. In that case, it is better to associate with people who are easier to approach.
The Top Nine is at the outermost part of the Qian hexagram; Qian represents the outskirts, which is why this line statement says “fellowship with others in the outskirts.” In every society there are people whose ambitions are frustrated. Those with ability but no opportunity can only live quietly in obscurity; such people may be called recluses. The Top Nine is such a recluse. Though frustrated, he can peacefully remain with other recluses in a remote suburb. Because he can keep to a plain life without improper ambitions, he has no cause for regret. This is like what Zhuge Liang said in “Admonition to My Nephew”: “One should preserve lofty aspirations, admire the worthies of old, cut off passion, abandon stagnation, so that one’s aspirations may be clearly established and deeply felt; endure humiliation and advancement, discard trivialities, ask widely, and remove idleness and stinginess. Even if one is delayed and left behind, how could that harm one’s noble interests, and why worry about failing?” If one can do these things amid an ordinary life, one can naturally advance when able and hold firm when defeated.