Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 15: Modesty, Earth over Mountain, Kun above Gen

Detailed explanation of the first nine line of the fifteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Initial Six line statement
First Six. A modest and modest exemplary person can cross a great river; auspicious.
The Image says: The modest and modest exemplary person cultivates himself by keeping low.
Explanation in plain language
First Six: Yield, and yield again—this is the bearing of an exemplary person. With this virtue, even risking a river crossing is auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: The very modest exemplary person begins self-cultivation through yielding.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line should travel far or go on outings; doing business away from home brings wealth. Officials should withdraw and defend their position rather than compete for profit; business trips will be frequent.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: By not competing with others, you can avoid difficulty.
Wealth: Investment in the shipping industry is profitable.
Home: Govern the household through virtue; peace and harmony.
Health: Swimming for fitness.

Initial Six changing hexagram


When the first six line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 36: Earth over Fire, Darkening of the Light. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Li below and Kun above. Li is brightness and Kun is yielding; Li is the sun and Kun is earth. The sun sinks into the earth, light is damaged, the future is unclear, and circumstances are difficult. Follow the time, nourish obscurity, uphold the correct path, appear foolish outwardly while wise inwardly, and conceal one’s brilliance.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

Viewed as a whole, if we use wealth accumulation as an example, the first nine belongs to the early money-making stage, a difficult entrepreneurial phase. Within this hexagram, the wealthiest is the sixth five. The first nine has no proper correspondence with the sixth five, no association, and no harm. Moreover, every other line’s position is stronger than the first nine; it cannot confront them and cannot match them. Only by cautiously and arduously building a business, striving forward and catching up, can it succeed. It is like a person who is not wealthy while everyone around is rich and powerful: do not curry favor with them; instead, quietly build your own wealth and strive to catch up, then there will be no blame.
Besides accumulating wealth, this line also applies to talent, knowledge, virtue, reputation, and so on. For example, an unknown actor surrounded by famous stars and big names need not curry favor with them or quarrel and hurt one another. Simply perform your own role well and hone your acting skills; your fame will naturally rise.
The Image says: In Great Possession, the first nine does not associate with harm. This means that at this time, not interacting with one another is better than acting; if one remains still, there will naturally be no disputes or trouble.
Detailed explanation of the second nine line of the fifteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the second place line statement
Sixth Two. Modesty is proclaimed; perseverance is auspicious.
The Image says: Proclaiming modesty and maintaining correctness is auspicious; this is fulfillment at the center.
Explanation in plain language
Sixth Two: Be wise and yielding; divination brings an auspicious sign.
The Image Commentary says: Being wise and yielding is auspicious because the sixth two occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person who maintains the middle and correct way.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line should not act rashly but should retreat and hold their position. Officials will be promoted; scholars will advance and become renowned.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Your reputation spreads and you are quite pleased.
Wealth: Others respond and support you; benefits come naturally.
Home: The family has lasting property and a good name.
Health: An illness from overworking the mind.

Six in the second place changing hexagram


When the sixth two line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 46: Earth over Wind, Rising. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Xun above. Kun is earth and yielding; Xun is wood and humility. Trees grow from the earth, gradually maturing and becoming tall and useful, symbolizing a career rising step by step and a great future; hence the name “Rising.”

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

The Image says: “A large cart carries the load”; what is stored in the center does not fail. “Stored in the center” means that only by having something accumulated within can one avoid defeat. In war, plentiful grain, ammunition, and baggage guarantee victory; in examinations and the civil service, those with a belly full of poetry and a mind embracing all knowledge will surely succeed; for those cultivating the Way and virtue, abundant virtue can carry all things: “If Heaven makes my blessings thin, I will thicken my virtue to receive them.”
Those who obtain this line and wish to do something should first assess what they have accumulated and whether they possess the necessary “goods,” then act. If one has accumulated property, ability, and virtue, acting afterward will bring no fault.
The second nine corresponds with the sixth five, so it is favorable to go forward. Where should one go? Naturally, to associate with the sixth five. What does “a large cart carries the load” mean? Great Possession means a great harvest; the second nine occupies the position of a great officer, so its harvest is naturally substantial. Carrying goods in a large cart to visit the king at the sixth five, how could there be an error? Earlier commentators believed the phrase “large cart” appears because Great Possession evolved from Breakthrough, and Breakthrough gradually evolved from Kun as one yang emerged again. Thus the second nine was originally the central line of Kun’s lower trigram; Kun is a large cart, so the phrase appears here. This explanation is not very convincing and is too convoluted. If hexagrams change this way, any hexagram could become Great Possession. Therefore, the large cart here is because people have become prosperous: gifts are no longer modest, so they carry them in a large cart, hence “a large cart carries the load.”
Detailed detailed explanation of the third nine line of the fifteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Third Nine line
Third Nine. A hardworking and modest exemplary person has a good ending; auspicious.
The Image says: The hardworking and modest exemplary person is obeyed by the ten thousand people.
Explanation in plain language
Third Nine: Diligence and humility bring a good result; everything is auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: The hardworking and modest exemplary person is respected and obeyed by all the people.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line profit in their plans, but expend much mental and physical effort. Officials will rise to higher positions.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Hard work brings achievement; later-life fortune is smooth.
Wealth: The foundation is established; preserve the benefits forever.
Home: Preserve prosperity and stability; live and work in peace.
Health: Excessive exhaustion; may return to Heaven.

Transformation of the Third Nine line


When the third nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 2: Kun as Earth. This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Kun below and Kun above, yin in nature. It symbolizes earth, opposite Qian, obeying Heaven and carrying all things, extending without limit. Kun is symbolized by the mare, showing that the Way of Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things while following Heaven and the seasons; its temperament is gentle. “First lost, afterward gained” proves that Kun follows and depends on Qian; only then can one grasp the correct direction, follow the right path, and obtain auspiciousness.

The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place

From the hexagram image, the third nine is a yang line in a firm position, so it is properly placed. It occupies the top of the lower trigram, the image of a duke or marquis. The highest leader of the whole hexagram is the sixth five; the sixth five, a yin line in the ruler’s position, has the virtue of honoring the worthy and humbling itself before subordinates, so it hosts a banquet for the dukes and marquises. Petty people, however, are excluded.
The Image says: A duke presents a feast to the Son of Heaven; a petty person would be harmful. This points out that if a petty person accepted such hospitality, they would behave recklessly and violate ritual, thereby causing harm.
“Presenting a feast to the Son of Heaven” also means receiving the ruler’s stipend, that is, holding office. Virtuous exemplary people are granted office, while petty people are excluded.
Those who obtain this hexagram and seek fame or office must pay attention to their conduct. Sometimes morality is one’s best letter of recommendation; all leaders and employers attach great importance to this.
Detailed detailed explanation of the fourth nine line of the fifteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fourth place line statement
Sixth Four. Nothing is unfavorable; advance with modesty.
The Image says: Nothing is unfavorable; advance with modesty, because this does not violate the rules.
Explanation in plain language
Sixth Four: Nothing is unfavorable, as long as you advance bravely while remaining modest and cautious.
The Image Commentary says: Nothing is unfavorable, as long as you advance bravely while remaining modest and cautious, because then you will not violate the rules.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line find everything open to them, but officials, scholars, and merchants should firmly maintain retreat and yielding; excessive flourishing brings error.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: You are in a period of good luck; everything is auspicious.
Wealth: Benefits are abundant; leave some room to spare.
Home: Live together harmoniously and nothing will be unfavorable.
Health: Relax your mind often and you can recover.

Six in the fourth place changing hexagram


When the sixth four line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 62: Thunder over Mountain, Small Exceeding. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Zhen above. Gen is mountain and Zhen is thunder; thunder sounds over a mountain, which cannot fail to inspire fear. Yang is great and yin is small; the four outer yin lines exceed the two central yang lines, hence “Small Exceeding,” a slight overstepping.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

The fourth line of Great Possession; line statement: Fourth Nine: Not making it grand; no blame.
The Image says: “Not making it grand; no blame,” clearly distinguishing right from wrong. This points out that “being wealthy without becoming excessively grand, and not flaunting one’s greatness, brings no error.” It shows broad vision and exceptional wisdom in distinguishing right from wrong, understanding the principle that nothing should be taken too far. Clearly, Shi Chong had not realized this.
Once you have wealth, do not flaunt it excessively and do not become overly greedy. The fourth nine is a yang line in a yielding position, so it is improperly placed, showing unease with the status quo and greed. It occupies the position of a minister close to the ruler; acting this way would threaten the ruler and is very dangerous. The experience of the great corrupt official He Shen is enough to confirm this line. Those who obtain this line must restrain themselves, not be too greedy, and when trading with others, not seek excessive profit. Do not flaunt your money excessively either; that is the wise course.
Detailed detailed explanation of the fifth nine line of the fifteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Sixth Five. Not rich because of neighboring states; it is favorable to invade and punish; nothing is unfavorable.
The Image says: It is favorable to invade and punish, for this is a campaign against those who refuse to submit.
Explanation in plain language
Sixth Five: Poverty is caused by plunder from an enemy state; it should be attacked and punished, and nothing is unfavorable.
The Image Commentary says: Divination with this line favors warfare and punitive campaigns because it is a campaign against those who disobey the king’s command.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line will receive help from noble people and accomplish their aims, gaining benefits, but must guard against creating trouble and against disputes with others. Officials will use both civil and military means, favorable for advancement. Scholars will have a chance to attain distinction in the examinations.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Rouse yourself and grow strong; do not be indulgent.
Wealth: Beware of others taking a share and causing further trouble.
Home: Choose good neighbors and live with mutual help; a marriage proposal may come from a nearby neighbor.
Health: Dispel heat and fire.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the sixth five line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 39: Water over Mountain, Obstruction. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Kan above. Kan is water and Gen is mountain. High mountains and deep waters bring difficulty upon difficulty; life is full of hiểm trở. Seeing danger and stopping, preserving oneself through wisdom, is wisdom indeed. Obstruction means walking with difficulty.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

The fifth line of Great Possession; line statement: Sixth Five: Their trust is exchanged openly; their authority is formidable; auspicious.
Those who obtain this hexagram should remember that they must be both trustworthy and authoritative. In dealings with colleagues or others, be peaceful and friendly while retaining dignity; then the outcome will be auspicious.
From the hexagram image, the sixth five is a yin line in a yielding position, possessing the virtue of emptying oneself to receive the worthy. It treats subordinates with trust, winning their conviction, while also maintaining dignity and inspiring awe. The Image explains this line: “Their trust is exchanged openly”—trust expresses the will; the auspiciousness of authority comes from being easygoing and needing no defenses. This points out that only by treating people with trustworthiness and being skilled at placing oneself below can one gain the wholehearted loyalty of subordinates. This authority and dignity are not forced or fabricated, but naturally form a personal magnetism that earns respect and conviction. It is only when one does not rely on position, power, or environmental constraints to make people submit that one is truly “a person whose authority is manifest.”
Those who obtain this hexagram should interact with others according to the principles of honesty and trustworthiness, respecting superiors and showing kindness to subordinates. Move others through your own honesty and credibility, so that they too become honest and trustworthy. This will inevitably increase your personal authority. Because you are approachable, innocent, and simple, with nothing to hide, people will instead hold you in awe. The result is auspicious.
Detailed detailed explanation of the top nine line of the fifteenth Zhouyi hexagram
Upper Six line statement
Top Six. Modesty is proclaimed; it is favorable to deploy the army and campaign against a city-state.
The Image says: Modesty is proclaimed, but the aim has not yet been achieved; the army may be deployed to campaign against the city-state.
Explanation in plain language
Top Six: Be wise and yielding; sending troops to campaign against a city-state will naturally bring victory.
The Image Commentary says: Be wise and yielding, but if the city-state still cannot be transformed and your aim cannot be fulfilled, you may send troops to campaign against it.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line face the disturbance of disputes, but the truth will become clear without defense. Officials should cultivate virtue and the self; advancement is hopeful.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: The great cycle has passed; your intentions are obstructed.
Wealth: There is a name but no substance; make serious reforms.
Home: Guard against evil influences.
Health: Nourish and regulate the mind and will.

Upper Six changing hexagram


When the top six line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 52: Gen as Mountain. This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Gen below and Gen above. Gen is mountain; two mountains doubled signify stillness. It is opposite Zhen. After a climax, a low tide inevitably appears, and things enter a relatively still phase. Stillness is like a mountain: stop when stopping is appropriate, move when movement is appropriate. Movement and stillness must not miss the moment; they should be exactly fitting, with movement and stillness properly balanced and stopping at what is sufficient.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The sixth line of Great Possession; line statement: Top Nine: Heaven aids him; auspicious, with nothing unfavorable.
Obtaining this top nine line is extremely auspicious. Heaven will bless you; you are Heaven’s favored child, and whatever you do will be auspicious. Confucius’s words can explain this line: “To aid means to help. What Heaven aids is compliance; what people aid is trust. Treading in trust, thinking of compliance, and honoring the worthy—therefore Heaven aids him; auspicious, with nothing unfavorable.” One may say that at this time, if you ask for wind, you get wind; if you ask for rain, you get rain. But you must never forget the principles of “thinking of danger in safety” and “thinking of reversal in smoothness.” The top position is, after all, a position of decline and exhaustion. Many of life’s hardships and disasters are often planted as roots of trouble when one is feeling successful.
People often assume that the deities in heaven will protect humanity. In fact, the phrase “protected by Heaven” does not mean that. It refers to the Way of Heaven. In other words, when you follow the Way of Heaven, you receive Heaven’s protection. In reality, what protects you is still your own words and actions. Whether your every move accords with the patterns of the Way of Heaven is the key factor determining whether you will be fortunate. The Great Possession hexagram speaks of abundant gains. The top line has already reached the extreme of attainment, when things should reverse after reaching their peak. So how can it be “protected by Heaven”? Because to develop further on the basis of great success, the law of Heaven is humility. Thus, what follows is the Humility hexagram.