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I Ching · 64 Hexagrams
Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 20, Contemplation hexagram, Wind over Earth, Xun above Kun below
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Contemplation: After washing the hands, do not yet present the offering; there is trust, solemn and reverent.
The Tuan Commentary says: Great contemplation is above; it is compliant and penetrating. With centrality and correctness, it observes the world—this is Contemplation. After washing the hands, do not yet present the offering; there is trust, solemn and reverent: those below observe and are transformed. Contemplate the divine way of Heaven, and the four seasons never deviate. The sages establish teaching through the divine way, and the world submits.
The Image says: Wind moves across the earth—Contemplation. The former kings used this to inspect the regions, observe the people, and establish teaching.
Hexagram 20 — original text and overview
Detailed explanation of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Original text of the Contemplation hexagram
Contemplation: After washing the hands, do not yet present the offering; there is trust, solemn and reverent.
The Image says: Wind moves across the earth—Contemplation. The former kings used this to inspect the regions, observe the people, and establish teaching.
Explanation in plain language
Contemplation hexagram: During the sacrifice, wine is poured to invite the spirits, but no human victim is offered because the captive intended for sacrifice has a swollen head and cannot be used as an offering.
The Commentary on the Image says: The upper trigram is Xun, meaning wind; the lower trigram is Kun, meaning earth. Wind travels across the earth and blows over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The former kings observed this image and modeled themselves on the wind circulating through the eight directions; thus they inspected the states, observed the people, and promoted education.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Contemplation hexagram has Xun above and Kun below, and is the fourth-generation hexagram of the Qian Palace. It symbolizes displaying righteousness before the people. Wind is above and earth below, an image of spring winds sweeping broadly and all things coming to life.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Those below observe those above and travel around to look and learn; remain calm and composed, and hold fast to one’s post.
Those who obtain this hexagram are amid change, with unsettled minds. They should observe closely, wait for the right opportunity, and act; never advance rashly.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Go out to travel and sightsee; it is not easy to stay idle at home.
Finances: Selling imported goods; guard against risk.
Home: Make offerings to deities and Buddha.
Health: Rheumatic illness; exercise and recuperate.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Xun above, repeated. Wind travels across the earth, symbolizing virtue and teaching spreading everywhere. Contemplation and Approach are inverted hexagrams and are used in alternation. Those above observe the world through righteousness; those below look up in reverence, and the people’s hearts submit and follow.
Great image: Wind moves across Kun earth, symbolizing travel and sightseeing. Yin grows and yang declines; the right way weakens, and all things have difficulty proceeding.
Fortune: Amid change, observe closely; the mind and body are troubled, and guard against outside temptations.
Career: Signs of difficulty have already appeared. Be humble and cautious, take a long view, and especially avoid short-term actions. Keep an open mind, pay attention to relationships, and unite with others; do not act rashly. When necessary, it is acceptable to rely on a person of high virtue for renewed development.
Business: Market conditions are unstable and undergoing change. Proceed carefully, observe trends at all times, plan for the long term, and prepare for retreat.
Seeking recognition: Self-knowledge is essential. Humbly ask others for guidance, correct your attitude toward the world, and above all avoid self-satisfaction. Maintain the center and uphold correctness, establish lofty ideals, do not lose your personal goals, and do not depart from the right path.
Marriage and romance: Unfavorable. Both parties should withstand the tests and plan for the long term; an ideal result will come.
Decisions: You possess organizational ability and are suited to responsible work, but life’s journey has many twists and turns. You must cultivate foresight and powers of observation, conduct affairs fairly and realistically, pay attention to shifts in people’s hearts, and care about others. Above all, do not fall into petty-minded ways or short-sighted behavior. Have the spirit to decide and do not follow blindly; when necessary, strategic reliance may be used.
The philosophical meaning of Hexagram 20
The image and symbolic meaning of Wind over Earth, the Contemplation hexagram
The Wind over Earth hexagram is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Xun above. Wind moves across the earth, symbolizing virtue and teaching spreading everywhere. Xun is wind above and Kun is earth below. This shows Xun above serving the people swiftly like the wind, reaching everywhere. Earth below indicates all things on earth look up and observe Xun’s conduct, developing respect and admiration and resolving to learn Xun’s virtue and ability. Thus the Contemplation hexagram itself is one of observing and learning from others’ virtues and strengths with respect.
The Contemplation hexagram reveals the principle of those below looking up to those above: those above observe the world through righteousness; those below look up with reverence, and people’s hearts submit and follow. Contemplation is a moderately auspicious hexagram. The Image judges it this way: When the hexagram meets a dry lotus and encounters a river, business and trade yield abundant profit; marriage receives help from someone; going out brings no hardship.
The line diagram of Wind over Earth, the Contemplation hexagram, has four yin lines below and two yang lines above; its order is exactly the reverse of the line diagram of the Approach hexagram.
Analyzed through its image, the Contemplation hexagram has Xun, wind, above and Kun, earth, below; wind blowing across the earth is its image. Wind is everywhere and enters every opening. People should likewise be like the wind, observing everything and gaining more knowledge.
Original text of the Contemplation hexagram
Contemplation: After washing the hands, do not yet present the offering; there is trust, solemn and reverent.
The Image says: Wind moves across the earth—Contemplation. The former kings used this to inspect the regions, observe the people, and establish teaching.
Explanation in plain language
Contemplation hexagram: During the sacrifice, wine is poured to invite the spirits, but no human victim is offered because the captive intended for sacrifice has a swollen head and cannot be used as an offering.
The Commentary on the Image says: The upper trigram is Xun, meaning wind; the lower trigram is Kun, meaning earth. Wind travels across the earth and blows over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The former kings observed this image and modeled themselves on the wind circulating through the eight directions; thus they inspected the states, observed the people, and promoted education.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Contemplation hexagram has Xun above and Kun below, and is the fourth-generation hexagram of the Qian Palace. It symbolizes displaying righteousness before the people. Wind is above and earth below, an image of spring winds sweeping broadly and all things coming to life.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Those below observe those above and travel around to look and learn; remain calm and composed, and hold fast to one’s post.
Those who obtain this hexagram are amid change, with unsettled minds. They should observe closely, wait for the right opportunity, and act; never advance rashly.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Go out to travel and sightsee; it is not easy to stay idle at home.
Finances: Selling imported goods; guard against risk.
Home: Make offerings to deities and Buddha.
Health: Rheumatic illness; exercise and recuperate.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Xun above, repeated. Wind travels across the earth, symbolizing virtue and teaching spreading everywhere. Contemplation and Approach are inverted hexagrams and are used in alternation. Those above observe the world through righteousness; those below look up in reverence, and the people’s hearts submit and follow.
Great image: Wind moves across Kun earth, symbolizing travel and sightseeing. Yin grows and yang declines; the right way weakens, and all things have difficulty proceeding.
Fortune: Amid change, observe closely; the mind and body are troubled, and guard against outside temptations.
Career: Signs of difficulty have already appeared. Be humble and cautious, take a long view, and especially avoid short-term actions. Keep an open mind, pay attention to relationships, and unite with others; do not act rashly. When necessary, it is acceptable to rely on a person of high virtue for renewed development.
Business: Market conditions are unstable and undergoing change. Proceed carefully, observe trends at all times, plan for the long term, and prepare for retreat.
Seeking recognition: Self-knowledge is essential. Humbly ask others for guidance, correct your attitude toward the world, and above all avoid self-satisfaction. Maintain the center and uphold correctness, establish lofty ideals, do not lose your personal goals, and do not depart from the right path.
Marriage and romance: Unfavorable. Both parties should withstand the tests and plan for the long term; an ideal result will come.
Decisions: You possess organizational ability and are suited to responsible work, but life’s journey has many twists and turns. You must cultivate foresight and powers of observation, conduct affairs fairly and realistically, pay attention to shifts in people’s hearts, and care about others. Above all, do not fall into petty-minded ways or short-sighted behavior. Have the spirit to decide and do not follow blindly; when necessary, strategic reliance may be used.
The philosophical meaning of Hexagram 20
The image and symbolic meaning of Wind over Earth, the Contemplation hexagram
The Wind over Earth hexagram is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Xun above. Wind moves across the earth, symbolizing virtue and teaching spreading everywhere. Xun is wind above and Kun is earth below. This shows Xun above serving the people swiftly like the wind, reaching everywhere. Earth below indicates all things on earth look up and observe Xun’s conduct, developing respect and admiration and resolving to learn Xun’s virtue and ability. Thus the Contemplation hexagram itself is one of observing and learning from others’ virtues and strengths with respect.
The Contemplation hexagram reveals the principle of those below looking up to those above: those above observe the world through righteousness; those below look up with reverence, and people’s hearts submit and follow. Contemplation is a moderately auspicious hexagram. The Image judges it this way: When the hexagram meets a dry lotus and encounters a river, business and trade yield abundant profit; marriage receives help from someone; going out brings no hardship.
The line diagram of Wind over Earth, the Contemplation hexagram, has four yin lines below and two yang lines above; its order is exactly the reverse of the line diagram of the Approach hexagram.
Analyzed through its image, the Contemplation hexagram has Xun, wind, above and Kun, earth, below; wind blowing across the earth is its image. Wind is everywhere and enters every opening. People should likewise be like the wind, observing everything and gaining more knowledge.
Hexagram 20 — line-by-line explanation
Detailed explanation of the line at Initial Nine of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Initial Six line statement
Six at the beginning. Childish contemplation; no blame for the petty person, but shame for the noble person.
The Image says: Initial Six’s childish contemplation is the way of the petty person.
Explanation in plain language
Initial Six: Foolish and short-sighted; this is not a serious problem for ordinary people, but for a noble person bearing political responsibility, it will lead to a grave mistake.
The Commentary on the Image says: The line statement for Initial Six speaks of foolish short-sightedness; this is precisely the characteristic of petty people’s thinking.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line should guard against petty people. Everything will be difficult, and cleverness may backfire. Officials face danger and should not seek advancement.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: The early phase is unfavorable, but there is no major harm.
Finances: Just entering the marketplace; a small undertaking is enough.
Home: Be careful with child servants; marriage arranged freely.
Health: A child is fine, but an adult is at a disadvantage.
Initial Six changing hexagram
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When Initial Six changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 42: Wind over Thunder, Increase. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Zhen below and Xun above, repeated. Xun is wind and Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder stir together, growing stronger; thunder becomes louder, and wind and thunder mutually reinforce one another. This hexagram is opposite to Decrease: it reduces above to benefit below, whereas Decrease reduces below to benefit above. The two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The first line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Initial Six: Childish contemplation; no blame for the petty person, but shame for the noble person. Explanation of the line statement: “Childish” means immature or short-sighted.
The meaning of this line is: Observing things with an immature, narrow, and superficial perspective is harmless for ignorant commoners, but a noble person entrusted with the important task of education should feel ashamed.
The Image says: Initial Six—“childish contemplation”—is the way of the petty person. This points out that people should have their own insight,
When observing things, do not be narrow and superficial; do not focus only on immediate benefits while disregarding moral standards and social customs.
Those who obtain this line should take care not to remain only at the surface of things when analyzing problems. If so, it shows that you are not yet mature; you should change your way of thinking and broaden your knowledge. If you are content to remain an ordinary small person, this may be acceptable. But if you wish to become a noble person entrusted with major responsibilities, you must mature; otherwise, the result will be unfavorable.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Two of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Six in the second place line statement
Six in the second place. Peeking contemplation. Beneficial for a woman’s perseverance.
The Image says: Peeking contemplation is acceptable as a woman’s perseverance, but it may also be considered shameful.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the second place: Confined to a view through one hole; this is an auspicious omen of perseverance for a woman.
The Commentary on the Image says: For a woman to spy on a man, even if her conduct is chaste and correct, is still shameful behavior.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Moderate: Those who obtain this line are dissatisfied at home but do well when going out to pursue affairs. Joy or worry may arise, or disputes may be caused by a woman. Generally, movement is better than stillness. This line is favorable for women and sad for men.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: It is best to withdraw and hold one’s ground; women have the advantage.
Finances: Silk and sericulture are profitable; other activities are unsuitable.
Home: The woman is in charge of the household.
Health: A yin-cold condition; recovery is possible.
Six in the second place changing hexagram
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When Six in the second place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 59: Wind over Water, Dispersion. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Xun above, repeated. Wind travels over water, pushing waves and helping the tide, spreading and overflowing in all directions. Dispersion means water flowing apart and dispersing. It symbolizes organizations and people’s hearts becoming scattered; positive means and methods must be used to overcome the defects, rescue dispersion, and turn danger into safety.
Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line
The second line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Six in the second place: Peeking contemplation; beneficial for a woman’s perseverance. Explanation of the line statement
Peeking: Looking secretly through a crack in a door; observing from the side; secretly asking about and learning of something.
The meaning of this line is: Observe secretly; as long as one can preserve correctness and follow one’s elders like a woman, there will also be benefit.
From the hexagram image, Contemplation is an enlarged Gen hexagram, and Gen means a gate or watchtower. The lower Kun represents a woman. The line statement depicts a scene: In ancient times, women had limited education and did not go beyond the inner gates. When curious about the outside world, they could only peek through a crack in the door, so what they saw inevitably had limitations and distortions.
The Image says: “Peeking contemplation; a woman’s perseverance”—but it may also be considered shameful.
The Image means: “Peeking contemplation is beneficial for a woman to persist in the right path and preserve chastity,” but for a man, such behavior is disgraceful.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Three of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the third place. Observe my life; advance or withdraw.
The Image says: Observing my life and deciding whether to advance or withdraw means the right way has not been lost.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the third place: Observe the attitudes of one’s relatives and clan, then decide on measures of governance.
The Commentary on the Image says: Observing the attitudes of one’s relatives and clan and then deciding on measures of governance is what keeps one from losing the proper way of appointing people and administering affairs.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Moderate: Those who obtain this line are indecisive and should act cautiously, withdrawing when they recognize difficulty. Officials advance and retreat unpredictably.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Assess your virtue and strength; settle down slightly and do not be impatient.
Finances: Buy and sell as opportunities arise; there will be no loss.
Home: Hold on to old debts.
Health: Rest peacefully and quietly to preserve safety.
Six in the third place changing hexagram
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When Six in the third place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 53: Wind over Mountain, Gradual Progress. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Xun above, repeated. Gen is mountain and Xun is wood. There is wood on the mountain; it grows gradually, and the mountain rises with it. This is a process of gradual progress, hence the name Gradual Progress—advancing little by little rather than rapidly.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
The third line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Six in the third place: Observe my life; advance or withdraw. Explanation of the line statement
“I” means oneself. “Life” means bringing forth broadly and making a decision.
The meaning of this line is: Observe others’ reactions to you, examine your own words and actions, assess the time and situation, and cautiously decide whether to advance or withdraw.
The line statement of Six in the third place reveals a cautionary act of self-examination. Here the two-way meaning of “contemplation” appears: one observes others, while others observe oneself. Through observation, one can decide whether to advance or withdraw based on others’ reactions. Six in the third place is a ministerial position, but it is a yin line in a yang position and therefore misplaced, making it difficult to accomplish much; hence it must consider advance and retreat.
Those who obtain this line should observe how people around them respond to them at work, use this to judge how well they are doing and whether they suit their current position, and then decide whether to advance or withdraw.
Six in the third place is neither properly positioned nor central, and it has no yin-yang correspondence above or below, so its situation is not ideal. It must carefully observe its living environment to choose whether to advance or withdraw. However, it corresponds with Upper Nine and can live on the residual protection of its ancestors; this is also its advantage. Therefore, if it cautiously chooses advance or withdrawal, it will not lose the right way.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Four of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Six in the fourth place line statement
Six in the fourth place. Observe the glory of the state; it is beneficial to serve as a guest of the king.
The Image says: Observe the glory of the state; this means honoring guests.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fourth place: Observe the splendid achievements and customs of the state. If this line appears in divination, it is beneficial to pay court to the ruler.
The Commentary on the Image says: Observing the splendid achievements and customs of the state means that the one who comes is a state guest.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Moderate: Those who obtain this line should go out to pursue affairs and interact more with outsiders; this will be beneficial. Officials may hold an idle post or occupy a lofty and honorable position.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: It is the right time for good fortune; fame exceeds profit.
Finances: International trade brings both profit and renown.
Home: A joyful event is approaching.
Health: Take extra care.
Six in the fourth place changing hexagram
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When Six in the fourth place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 12: Heaven and Earth Obstructed. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Qian above, repeated. Its structure is opposite to the Peace hexagram: yang energy rises, yin energy descends, Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things cannot communicate. They are inverted hexagrams, showing that when peace reaches its extreme it becomes obstruction, and when obstruction reaches its extreme peace returns; each is the cause of the other.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
The fourth line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Six in the fourth place: Observe the glory of the state; it is beneficial to serve as a guest of the king. Explanation of the line statement
“State” means the whole country, on a broad scale. “Glory” means local customs and ways of life.
“Guest”: Cheng Yi once said, “In ancient times, when there was a worthy and virtuous person, the ruler treated him as an honored guest. Therefore, when a scholar entered service at the royal court, he was called a guest.” Guest means follower or visitor. In ancient times, serving in office was like being a guest invited by the ruler; thus here it means following the ruler in service and becoming an official.
The meaning of this line is: Observe the customs and ways of life of a country; it is suitable to enter government service and follow the ruler.
From the hexagram image, Six in the fourth place is a yin line in a yielding position and has gained power. It is next to Nine in the fifth place and is a minister close to the ruler, greatly valued by the sovereign. Toward the people below, it governs through virtue, humbly and gently understanding their circumstances and caring about their suffering. It follows the ruler’s will above, harmonizes with the people’s wishes below, and upholds the right path, so it is a rare person
of rare talent.
Those who obtain this line should cultivate their noble virtues, hold lofty ambitions, follow leaders above and harmonize with subordinates below. In this way they will be entrusted with important responsibilities and accomplish something significant.
Six in the fourth place is the position of a feudal lord. When the Son of Heaven holds a national ceremony, he invites it to come and observe. This shows that the ruler favors it greatly. Since the ruler likes it, it should perform well before the ruler and serve as the ruler’s guest. Although Six in the fourth place is not central, a yielding line in an even position is properly placed, and it harmonizes yin-yang with Nine in the fifth place above; therefore, it will be valued by the ruler.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Five of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Statement of the Fifth Nine line
Nine in the fifth place. Observe my life; the noble person has no blame.
The Image says: Observe my life—this means observing the people.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fifth place: Skillfully observe the intentions of one’s relatives and clan; the noble person can remain free of error.
The Commentary on the Image says: Observing the intentions of one’s relatives and clan means observing the intentions of all the people under Heaven.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will see their fortunes turn and reap abundant benefits. For women, there is the joy of pregnancy; for the seriously ill, there may be danger to life. Officials will be promoted in rank and emoluments because of their good official virtue.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Follow the straight path, and nothing you undertake will be unfavorable.
Wealth: I decide; profit is certain.
Home: I will build a residence.
Health: Safe and free from obstruction.
Transformation of the Fifth Nine line
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When the ninth line in the fifth place changes, it becomes Hexagram 23 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Earth, Stripping. This is a contrasting hexagram, formed by one trigram below and another above (Kun below, Gen above) placed together. Five yin lines are below and one yang line is above: yin is abundant while yang stands alone; a high mountain rests upon the earth. Both images signify stripping away, hence it is called “Stripping.” In this hexagram yin is flourishing and yang declining, symbolizing petty people gaining power while noble people are in distress and their undertakings deteriorate.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. The meaning of this line is: By examining one’s words and conduct against lofty moral standards and continually perfecting oneself, the noble person avoids calamity.
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. Life insight: The Image says, “Viewing my life” means viewing the people.
This means that when a king or leader examines his words and conduct against lofty moral standards and clarifies his own virtue, he can know the virtue of the people. The principle here is the exemplary role of leadership: those below follow those above.
The Analects says: “If you desire goodness, the people will be good. The virtue of the noble person is like the wind; the virtue of the petty person is like grass. When the wind passes over the grass, it must bend.” A leader’s morality is like the wind, and subordinates’ morality is like grass. If the leader acts well, subordinates will inevitably imitate him, as grass bends before the wind.
Those who obtain this line should pay attention to their words, conduct, and morality. Some parents do not want their children to fight or curse. If the child does so, the parents scold or beat the child, yet the parents themselves have not refrained from cursing or hitting. How, then, can they demand this of the child?
Even a king in the exalted position of the ninth in the fifth place must continually observe his living environment, but he does so not to decide whether to advance or withdraw; he does so in order to govern. How should a king observe his environment? The Image explains, “Observe the people.” In other words, if a king wants to know whether the environment around him benefits him, he must understand popular sentiment and learn what the people think and how they live; then he can understand whether his circumstances are good or bad. Why? When the people are prosperous and happy, they will naturally support the king. If they are full of complaints, the king’s circumstances will be poor. When the people are almost ready to rebel, how could the king’s days be easy?
Detailed explanation of the top line of Hexagram 20 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top nine: Observe its life; the noble person is without blame.
The Image says: “Observe its life”; one’s aspiration has not yet found peace.
Explanation in plain language
Top nine: Observe the intentions of other tribes; the noble person can remain free of fault.
The Image Commentary says: Observing the intentions of other tribes is because the situation has not yet been fully understood; the heart is unsettled and a decision is difficult to make.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Balanced: Those who obtain this line have blocked fortunes, with more intention than strength. It favors childbirth for the pregnant, and the chronically ill will recover. Officials should withdraw and hold their ground, cultivating virtue and nourishing the body.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: The great cycle has passed; self-reflection brings no harm.
Wealth: Buy and store goods; there will be profit.
Home: The old residence will prosper.
Health: There is not much time left.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
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When the top line changes, it becomes Hexagram 8 of the Zhouyi: Water over Earth, Fellowship. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Kan above; Kun is earth and Kan is water. Water rests upon the great earth, while earth receives rivers and seas; they depend on and remain close to each other. This hexagram is the complete opposite of the Army hexagram and forms its paired inverted hexagram. It explains the principle of mutual affection and support, broad-minded selflessness, and sincere unity.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
The sixth line of Viewing, line statement: Top nine: Observe its life; the noble person is without blame. “Its” refers to the ruler in the ninth-in-the-fifth-place position.
The meaning of this line is: The noble person continually observes the ruler’s virtue and actions and therefore suffers no calamity.
From the hexagram image, the top nine is a yang line in a yin position: high in place but without authority. It refers to a retired worthy person or a capable person outside office.
The Image says: “Observe its life”; one’s aspiration has not yet found peace. That is, “The noble person continually observes the ruler’s virtue and actions” because his aspiration remains unsettled.
If you have left your former position and someone has replaced you, or if you wanted the position but someone else obtained it, you should carefully observe the virtue of the current holder, take him as a model, and learn from him. Only by doing this can you lay a foundation for your own future success. Do not regard yourself as superior, treat him as an enemy, or mock and ridicule him; none of this benefits you.
The top nine is comparable to the position of the retired emperor; he observes the ruler and therefore avoids calamity. Regarding one’s living environment, he understands the customs and conditions among the people and their hardships, and uses this observation of others to consider his own situation, so he suffers no disaster. He can take others’ failures as warnings.
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. The meaning of this line is: By examining one’s words and conduct against lofty moral standards and continually perfecting oneself, the noble person avoids calamity.
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. Life insight: The Image says, “Viewing my life” means viewing the people.
This means that when a king or leader examines his words and conduct against lofty moral standards and clarifies his own virtue, he can know the virtue of the people. The principle here is the exemplary role of leadership: those below follow those above.
The Analects says: “If you desire goodness, the people will be good. The virtue of the noble person is like the wind; the virtue of the petty person is like grass. When the wind passes over the grass, it must bend.” A leader’s morality is like the wind, and subordinates’ morality is like grass. If the leader acts well, subordinates will inevitably imitate him, as grass bends before the wind.
Those who obtain this line should pay attention to their words, conduct, and morality. Some parents do not want their children to fight or curse. If the child does so, the parents scold or beat the child, yet the parents themselves have not refrained from cursing or hitting. How, then, can they demand this of the child?
Even a king in the exalted position of the ninth in the fifth place must continually observe his living environment, but he does so not to decide whether to advance or withdraw; he does so in order to govern. How should a king observe his environment? The Image explains, “Observe the people.” In other words, if a king wants to know whether the environment around him benefits him, he must understand popular sentiment and learn what the people think and how they live; then he can understand whether his circumstances are good or bad. Why? When the people are prosperous and happy, they will naturally support the king. If they are full of complaints, the king’s circumstances will be poor. When the people are almost ready to rebel, how could the king’s days be easy?
Initial Six line statement
Six at the beginning. Childish contemplation; no blame for the petty person, but shame for the noble person.
The Image says: Initial Six’s childish contemplation is the way of the petty person.
Explanation in plain language
Initial Six: Foolish and short-sighted; this is not a serious problem for ordinary people, but for a noble person bearing political responsibility, it will lead to a grave mistake.
The Commentary on the Image says: The line statement for Initial Six speaks of foolish short-sightedness; this is precisely the characteristic of petty people’s thinking.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line should guard against petty people. Everything will be difficult, and cleverness may backfire. Officials face danger and should not seek advancement.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: The early phase is unfavorable, but there is no major harm.
Finances: Just entering the marketplace; a small undertaking is enough.
Home: Be careful with child servants; marriage arranged freely.
Health: A child is fine, but an adult is at a disadvantage.
Initial Six changing hexagram
When Initial Six changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 42: Wind over Thunder, Increase. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Zhen below and Xun above, repeated. Xun is wind and Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder stir together, growing stronger; thunder becomes louder, and wind and thunder mutually reinforce one another. This hexagram is opposite to Decrease: it reduces above to benefit below, whereas Decrease reduces below to benefit above. The two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The first line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Initial Six: Childish contemplation; no blame for the petty person, but shame for the noble person. Explanation of the line statement: “Childish” means immature or short-sighted.
The meaning of this line is: Observing things with an immature, narrow, and superficial perspective is harmless for ignorant commoners, but a noble person entrusted with the important task of education should feel ashamed.
The Image says: Initial Six—“childish contemplation”—is the way of the petty person. This points out that people should have their own insight,
When observing things, do not be narrow and superficial; do not focus only on immediate benefits while disregarding moral standards and social customs.
Those who obtain this line should take care not to remain only at the surface of things when analyzing problems. If so, it shows that you are not yet mature; you should change your way of thinking and broaden your knowledge. If you are content to remain an ordinary small person, this may be acceptable. But if you wish to become a noble person entrusted with major responsibilities, you must mature; otherwise, the result will be unfavorable.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Two of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Six in the second place line statement
Six in the second place. Peeking contemplation. Beneficial for a woman’s perseverance.
The Image says: Peeking contemplation is acceptable as a woman’s perseverance, but it may also be considered shameful.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the second place: Confined to a view through one hole; this is an auspicious omen of perseverance for a woman.
The Commentary on the Image says: For a woman to spy on a man, even if her conduct is chaste and correct, is still shameful behavior.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Moderate: Those who obtain this line are dissatisfied at home but do well when going out to pursue affairs. Joy or worry may arise, or disputes may be caused by a woman. Generally, movement is better than stillness. This line is favorable for women and sad for men.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: It is best to withdraw and hold one’s ground; women have the advantage.
Finances: Silk and sericulture are profitable; other activities are unsuitable.
Home: The woman is in charge of the household.
Health: A yin-cold condition; recovery is possible.
Six in the second place changing hexagram
When Six in the second place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 59: Wind over Water, Dispersion. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Xun above, repeated. Wind travels over water, pushing waves and helping the tide, spreading and overflowing in all directions. Dispersion means water flowing apart and dispersing. It symbolizes organizations and people’s hearts becoming scattered; positive means and methods must be used to overcome the defects, rescue dispersion, and turn danger into safety.
Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line
The second line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Six in the second place: Peeking contemplation; beneficial for a woman’s perseverance. Explanation of the line statement
Peeking: Looking secretly through a crack in a door; observing from the side; secretly asking about and learning of something.
The meaning of this line is: Observe secretly; as long as one can preserve correctness and follow one’s elders like a woman, there will also be benefit.
From the hexagram image, Contemplation is an enlarged Gen hexagram, and Gen means a gate or watchtower. The lower Kun represents a woman. The line statement depicts a scene: In ancient times, women had limited education and did not go beyond the inner gates. When curious about the outside world, they could only peek through a crack in the door, so what they saw inevitably had limitations and distortions.
The Image says: “Peeking contemplation; a woman’s perseverance”—but it may also be considered shameful.
The Image means: “Peeking contemplation is beneficial for a woman to persist in the right path and preserve chastity,” but for a man, such behavior is disgraceful.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Three of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the third place. Observe my life; advance or withdraw.
The Image says: Observing my life and deciding whether to advance or withdraw means the right way has not been lost.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the third place: Observe the attitudes of one’s relatives and clan, then decide on measures of governance.
The Commentary on the Image says: Observing the attitudes of one’s relatives and clan and then deciding on measures of governance is what keeps one from losing the proper way of appointing people and administering affairs.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Moderate: Those who obtain this line are indecisive and should act cautiously, withdrawing when they recognize difficulty. Officials advance and retreat unpredictably.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Assess your virtue and strength; settle down slightly and do not be impatient.
Finances: Buy and sell as opportunities arise; there will be no loss.
Home: Hold on to old debts.
Health: Rest peacefully and quietly to preserve safety.
Six in the third place changing hexagram
When Six in the third place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 53: Wind over Mountain, Gradual Progress. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Xun above, repeated. Gen is mountain and Xun is wood. There is wood on the mountain; it grows gradually, and the mountain rises with it. This is a process of gradual progress, hence the name Gradual Progress—advancing little by little rather than rapidly.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
The third line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Six in the third place: Observe my life; advance or withdraw. Explanation of the line statement
“I” means oneself. “Life” means bringing forth broadly and making a decision.
The meaning of this line is: Observe others’ reactions to you, examine your own words and actions, assess the time and situation, and cautiously decide whether to advance or withdraw.
The line statement of Six in the third place reveals a cautionary act of self-examination. Here the two-way meaning of “contemplation” appears: one observes others, while others observe oneself. Through observation, one can decide whether to advance or withdraw based on others’ reactions. Six in the third place is a ministerial position, but it is a yin line in a yang position and therefore misplaced, making it difficult to accomplish much; hence it must consider advance and retreat.
Those who obtain this line should observe how people around them respond to them at work, use this to judge how well they are doing and whether they suit their current position, and then decide whether to advance or withdraw.
Six in the third place is neither properly positioned nor central, and it has no yin-yang correspondence above or below, so its situation is not ideal. It must carefully observe its living environment to choose whether to advance or withdraw. However, it corresponds with Upper Nine and can live on the residual protection of its ancestors; this is also its advantage. Therefore, if it cautiously chooses advance or withdrawal, it will not lose the right way.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Four of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Six in the fourth place line statement
Six in the fourth place. Observe the glory of the state; it is beneficial to serve as a guest of the king.
The Image says: Observe the glory of the state; this means honoring guests.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fourth place: Observe the splendid achievements and customs of the state. If this line appears in divination, it is beneficial to pay court to the ruler.
The Commentary on the Image says: Observing the splendid achievements and customs of the state means that the one who comes is a state guest.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Moderate: Those who obtain this line should go out to pursue affairs and interact more with outsiders; this will be beneficial. Officials may hold an idle post or occupy a lofty and honorable position.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: It is the right time for good fortune; fame exceeds profit.
Finances: International trade brings both profit and renown.
Home: A joyful event is approaching.
Health: Take extra care.
Six in the fourth place changing hexagram
When Six in the fourth place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 12: Heaven and Earth Obstructed. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Qian above, repeated. Its structure is opposite to the Peace hexagram: yang energy rises, yin energy descends, Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things cannot communicate. They are inverted hexagrams, showing that when peace reaches its extreme it becomes obstruction, and when obstruction reaches its extreme peace returns; each is the cause of the other.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
The fourth line of the Contemplation hexagram, line statement: Six in the fourth place: Observe the glory of the state; it is beneficial to serve as a guest of the king. Explanation of the line statement
“State” means the whole country, on a broad scale. “Glory” means local customs and ways of life.
“Guest”: Cheng Yi once said, “In ancient times, when there was a worthy and virtuous person, the ruler treated him as an honored guest. Therefore, when a scholar entered service at the royal court, he was called a guest.” Guest means follower or visitor. In ancient times, serving in office was like being a guest invited by the ruler; thus here it means following the ruler in service and becoming an official.
The meaning of this line is: Observe the customs and ways of life of a country; it is suitable to enter government service and follow the ruler.
From the hexagram image, Six in the fourth place is a yin line in a yielding position and has gained power. It is next to Nine in the fifth place and is a minister close to the ruler, greatly valued by the sovereign. Toward the people below, it governs through virtue, humbly and gently understanding their circumstances and caring about their suffering. It follows the ruler’s will above, harmonizes with the people’s wishes below, and upholds the right path, so it is a rare person
of rare talent.
Those who obtain this line should cultivate their noble virtues, hold lofty ambitions, follow leaders above and harmonize with subordinates below. In this way they will be entrusted with important responsibilities and accomplish something significant.
Six in the fourth place is the position of a feudal lord. When the Son of Heaven holds a national ceremony, he invites it to come and observe. This shows that the ruler favors it greatly. Since the ruler likes it, it should perform well before the ruler and serve as the ruler’s guest. Although Six in the fourth place is not central, a yielding line in an even position is properly placed, and it harmonizes yin-yang with Nine in the fifth place above; therefore, it will be valued by the ruler.
Detailed explanation of the line at Nine Five of Zhouyi Hexagram 20
Statement of the Fifth Nine line
Nine in the fifth place. Observe my life; the noble person has no blame.
The Image says: Observe my life—this means observing the people.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fifth place: Skillfully observe the intentions of one’s relatives and clan; the noble person can remain free of error.
The Commentary on the Image says: Observing the intentions of one’s relatives and clan means observing the intentions of all the people under Heaven.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will see their fortunes turn and reap abundant benefits. For women, there is the joy of pregnancy; for the seriously ill, there may be danger to life. Officials will be promoted in rank and emoluments because of their good official virtue.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Follow the straight path, and nothing you undertake will be unfavorable.
Wealth: I decide; profit is certain.
Home: I will build a residence.
Health: Safe and free from obstruction.
Transformation of the Fifth Nine line
When the ninth line in the fifth place changes, it becomes Hexagram 23 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Earth, Stripping. This is a contrasting hexagram, formed by one trigram below and another above (Kun below, Gen above) placed together. Five yin lines are below and one yang line is above: yin is abundant while yang stands alone; a high mountain rests upon the earth. Both images signify stripping away, hence it is called “Stripping.” In this hexagram yin is flourishing and yang declining, symbolizing petty people gaining power while noble people are in distress and their undertakings deteriorate.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. The meaning of this line is: By examining one’s words and conduct against lofty moral standards and continually perfecting oneself, the noble person avoids calamity.
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. Life insight: The Image says, “Viewing my life” means viewing the people.
This means that when a king or leader examines his words and conduct against lofty moral standards and clarifies his own virtue, he can know the virtue of the people. The principle here is the exemplary role of leadership: those below follow those above.
The Analects says: “If you desire goodness, the people will be good. The virtue of the noble person is like the wind; the virtue of the petty person is like grass. When the wind passes over the grass, it must bend.” A leader’s morality is like the wind, and subordinates’ morality is like grass. If the leader acts well, subordinates will inevitably imitate him, as grass bends before the wind.
Those who obtain this line should pay attention to their words, conduct, and morality. Some parents do not want their children to fight or curse. If the child does so, the parents scold or beat the child, yet the parents themselves have not refrained from cursing or hitting. How, then, can they demand this of the child?
Even a king in the exalted position of the ninth in the fifth place must continually observe his living environment, but he does so not to decide whether to advance or withdraw; he does so in order to govern. How should a king observe his environment? The Image explains, “Observe the people.” In other words, if a king wants to know whether the environment around him benefits him, he must understand popular sentiment and learn what the people think and how they live; then he can understand whether his circumstances are good or bad. Why? When the people are prosperous and happy, they will naturally support the king. If they are full of complaints, the king’s circumstances will be poor. When the people are almost ready to rebel, how could the king’s days be easy?
Detailed explanation of the top line of Hexagram 20 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top nine: Observe its life; the noble person is without blame.
The Image says: “Observe its life”; one’s aspiration has not yet found peace.
Explanation in plain language
Top nine: Observe the intentions of other tribes; the noble person can remain free of fault.
The Image Commentary says: Observing the intentions of other tribes is because the situation has not yet been fully understood; the heart is unsettled and a decision is difficult to make.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Balanced: Those who obtain this line have blocked fortunes, with more intention than strength. It favors childbirth for the pregnant, and the chronically ill will recover. Officials should withdraw and hold their ground, cultivating virtue and nourishing the body.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: The great cycle has passed; self-reflection brings no harm.
Wealth: Buy and store goods; there will be profit.
Home: The old residence will prosper.
Health: There is not much time left.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
When the top line changes, it becomes Hexagram 8 of the Zhouyi: Water over Earth, Fellowship. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Kan above; Kun is earth and Kan is water. Water rests upon the great earth, while earth receives rivers and seas; they depend on and remain close to each other. This hexagram is the complete opposite of the Army hexagram and forms its paired inverted hexagram. It explains the principle of mutual affection and support, broad-minded selflessness, and sincere unity.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
The sixth line of Viewing, line statement: Top nine: Observe its life; the noble person is without blame. “Its” refers to the ruler in the ninth-in-the-fifth-place position.
The meaning of this line is: The noble person continually observes the ruler’s virtue and actions and therefore suffers no calamity.
From the hexagram image, the top nine is a yang line in a yin position: high in place but without authority. It refers to a retired worthy person or a capable person outside office.
The Image says: “Observe its life”; one’s aspiration has not yet found peace. That is, “The noble person continually observes the ruler’s virtue and actions” because his aspiration remains unsettled.
If you have left your former position and someone has replaced you, or if you wanted the position but someone else obtained it, you should carefully observe the virtue of the current holder, take him as a model, and learn from him. Only by doing this can you lay a foundation for your own future success. Do not regard yourself as superior, treat him as an enemy, or mock and ridicule him; none of this benefits you.
The top nine is comparable to the position of the retired emperor; he observes the ruler and therefore avoids calamity. Regarding one’s living environment, he understands the customs and conditions among the people and their hardships, and uses this observation of others to consider his own situation, so he suffers no disaster. He can take others’ failures as warnings.
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. The meaning of this line is: By examining one’s words and conduct against lofty moral standards and continually perfecting oneself, the noble person avoids calamity.
The fifth line of Viewing, line statement: Nine in the fifth place: Viewing my life; the noble person is without blame. Life insight: The Image says, “Viewing my life” means viewing the people.
This means that when a king or leader examines his words and conduct against lofty moral standards and clarifies his own virtue, he can know the virtue of the people. The principle here is the exemplary role of leadership: those below follow those above.
The Analects says: “If you desire goodness, the people will be good. The virtue of the noble person is like the wind; the virtue of the petty person is like grass. When the wind passes over the grass, it must bend.” A leader’s morality is like the wind, and subordinates’ morality is like grass. If the leader acts well, subordinates will inevitably imitate him, as grass bends before the wind.
Those who obtain this line should pay attention to their words, conduct, and morality. Some parents do not want their children to fight or curse. If the child does so, the parents scold or beat the child, yet the parents themselves have not refrained from cursing or hitting. How, then, can they demand this of the child?
Even a king in the exalted position of the ninth in the fifth place must continually observe his living environment, but he does so not to decide whether to advance or withdraw; he does so in order to govern. How should a king observe his environment? The Image explains, “Observe the people.” In other words, if a king wants to know whether the environment around him benefits him, he must understand popular sentiment and learn what the people think and how they live; then he can understand whether his circumstances are good or bad. Why? When the people are prosperous and happy, they will naturally support the king. If they are full of complaints, the king’s circumstances will be poor. When the people are almost ready to rebel, how could the king’s days be easy?