Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 22: Bi, Mountain over Fire, Gen above Li below

Detailed explanation of the initial-nine line of the twenty-second Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the First Nine line
Initial nine: Adorning the toes, abandoning the carriage and walking.
The Image says: Abandoning the carriage and walking is because, according to righteousness, one should not ride.
Explanation in plain language
Initial nine: Adorn the feet, give up the carriage, and walk.
The Image Commentary says: Abandoning the carriage and walking is because, to display the beauty of the shoes, it is right not to ride.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who obtain this line will be busy traveling about; stillness is inauspicious, movement auspicious. Officials must guard against the danger of losing office.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Your character is lofty; virtue matters more than fame.
Finances: Keep your feet on the ground; even a small venture can prosper.
Home: Build the household through diligence and frugality; contentment avoids disgrace.
Health: A newly emerging illness can heal on its own.

Transformation of the First Nine line


When the initial-nine line changes, it becomes hexagram 52 of the Zhouyi: Gen as Mountain. This hexagram consists of the same trigram doubled, Gen below and Gen above. Gen is mountain; two mountains doubled signify stillness. It is the opposite of Zhen. After a climax, a low tide must appear, entering a relatively still phase. Still as a mountain, stop when stopping is appropriate and go when going is appropriate. In action and rest alike, do not miss the right moment; achieve the proper balance and stop at what is sufficient.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

The first line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Initial nine: Adorning the toes, abandoning the carriage and walking.
Initial nine: Adorning the toes, abandoning the carriage and walking. Explanation of the line statement
Guan means adornment. Zhi means the toes. Tu means walking.
The meaning of this line is: Adorn one's toes, give up riding in a carriage, and walk. Initial nine represents the lower level of society, which generally did not ride in carriages. As life became prosperous, people began beautifying their feet for comfortable walking. How? Trim the toenails, wash the feet, and put on comfortable, sturdy shoes—this is “adorning the toes.” In ancient times, women could of course also paint their toenails in various colors to beautify their feet.
The Image says: “Abandoning the carriage and walking” means that initial nine gives up riding carriages and walks because, according to righteousness, it should not ride.
Those who obtain this line: If you want to develop your career, you cannot rely on others. Hitching a ride will not work. It is better to prepare yourself, keep your feet on the ground, and proceed one step at a time. Although this is slower, it is more
effective.
Those who obtain this line should also note another possibility: perhaps one could ride, but because one's toes have been decorated or one is wearing a new, beautiful pair of shoes, one deliberately refuses a ride to show them off. This affected display of lofty purity and love of showing off needs correction.
Detailed explanation of the second line of the twenty-second Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the second place line statement
Six in the second place: Adorning the beard.
The Image says: Adorning the beard, rising together with the one above.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the second place: Grooming one's beard.
The Image Commentary says: Grooming one's beard shows that an old man refuses to yield to age and helps the ruler revive the state.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who obtain this line will receive help and promotion from others, and good fortune can be expected. But act according to the time and do not act merely on impulse, lest you meet trouble. Officials will accomplish matters through others, with promotion in prospect.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Plain and uneventful; accomplish things by relying on others.
Finances: Cooperate with wealthy merchants and you will surely profit.
Home: Blessings from the ancestors; marriage should wait.
Health: Follow the doctor's instructions.

Six in the second place changing hexagram


When the six-in-the-second-place line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 26: Great Accumulation, Mountain over Heaven. This is a different-trigram hexagram, with Qian below and Gen above. Qian is heaven, vigorous and strong; Gen is mountain, solid and sincere. 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 Second Nine line

The second line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Six in the second place: Adorning the beard.
Six in the second place: Adorning the beard. Explanation of the line statement
The meaning of this line is: Adorning the beard of an elder. Men today shave their beards, so this view has little significance for modern people, but it was very useful to the ancients. They believed that “the body’s skin and hair are received from one’s parents,” so one should not casually cut the hair or shave the beard. Thus beards grew longer and longer; without grooming, they truly affected one's appearance. Proper grooming, however, could display a man's character. The ancients had different names for facial hair according to its location: hair above the mouth was called the mustache; below the lower lip, the beard; around the chin, whiskers; and on the cheeks, a full beard. Some ancient men had beards so long that they had to make a brocade pouch to contain them.
Six in the second place: Adorning the beard. Life insight
The Image says: “Adorning the beard”—rising together with the one above. This indicates that six in the second place is a yielding line in a yielding position, gentle and compliant. “Adorning the beard of an elder” means that the six-in-the-second-place line and the nine-in-the-third-place line above it share one purpose and adorn each other.
Those who obtain this line should support their superior at work and say as many good things about the leader as possible; this will earn the leader's appreciation. Six in the second place is centered and correct, has no response with five, and is devotedly connected to three. Opposites attract, like a beard adorning the chin and moving together with it, complementing each other.
Detailed explanation of the third line of the twenty-second Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Third Nine line
Nine in the third place: Adorned and moist; enduring correctness is auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of enduring correctness means that in the end no one will insult or oppress you.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the third place: Running forward, drenched in sweat. Divining about long-term fortune and misfortune, one receives an auspicious sign.
The Image Commentary says: Enduring correctness is auspicious because no one will ever oppress a righteous noble person.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will see good fortune arrive. Without much effort, prosperity comes naturally. Even if disputes arise, they are not enough to cause harm. Officials will get along harmoniously with others and can hold important positions.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Gain both fame and profit; your brilliance is radiant and nourishing.
Finances: Wealth flows like water; you can preserve your foundation.
Home: You can live there for a long time; grow old together.
Health: Swimming for fitness.

Transformation of the Third Nine line


When the nine-in-the-third-place line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 27: Nourishment, Mountain over Thunder. This is a different-trigram hexagram, with Zhen below and Gen above. Zhen is thunder and Gen is mountain. The mountain is above and thunder below: solid outside, hollow within. In spring, all things are nourished; nourish the worthy and nurture the people according to the season. Yang is solid and yin is empty: the solid nourishes others, while the empty are nourished by others. Live by one's own labor.

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

The third line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Nine in the third place: Adorned and moist; enduring correctness is auspicious.
Nine in the third place: Adorned and moist; enduring correctness is auspicious. Explanation of the line statement
The meaning of this line is: Adorn yourself with a glossy, moist appearance and remain forever on the right path; then you will gain auspiciousness. This concerns dressing the whole body, applying oils to make the skin moist and lustrous, and putting on fresh new clothes. Keeping the heart on the right path brings good fortune. In other words, grooming should not concern only the exterior; one must also value inner beauty. With morality in the heart and perseverance in that virtue, good fortune follows. In a peaceful and prosperous age, a person who is neatly and appropriately dressed, radiant in appearance, and kind and upright within unites outer and inner beauty. How could such a person not be blessed? Leaders are willing to employ and promote such people; neighbors and colleagues also wish to associate with them.
We often see this scene: When a festive day arrives, many households begin painting their gates or buildings and redecorating them, giving them a completely new appearance. Those who obtain this line are in such a situation, meaning a joyous
event approaching, which is very auspicious.
This line, nine in the third place, lies within the nuclear Kan (six in the second, nine in the third, six in the fourth); Kan is water, and water has the meaning of moistening. Nine in the third place is also a firm line in a firm position and is empowered. Those who obtain it will have smooth progress in career and relationships, but must pay attention to holding to the right path and not become carried away by success.

The third line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Nine in the third place: Adorned and moist; enduring correctness is auspicious.
Nine in the third place: Adorned and moist; enduring correctness is auspicious. Explanation of the line statement
The meaning of this line is: Adorn yourself with a glossy, moist appearance and remain forever on the right path; then you will gain auspiciousness. This concerns dressing the whole body, applying oils to make the skin moist and lustrous, and putting on fresh new clothes. Keeping the heart on the right path brings good fortune. In other words, grooming should not concern only the exterior; one must also value inner beauty. With morality in the heart and perseverance in that virtue, good fortune follows. In a peaceful and prosperous age, a person who is neatly and appropriately dressed, radiant in appearance, and kind and upright within unites outer and inner beauty. How could such a person not be blessed? Leaders are willing to employ and promote such people; neighbors and colleagues also wish to associate with them.
We often see this scene: When a festive day arrives, many households begin painting their gates or buildings and redecorating them, giving them a completely new appearance. Those who obtain this line are in such a situation, meaning a joyous
event approaching, which is very auspicious.
This line, nine in the third place, lies within the nuclear Kan (six in the second, nine in the third, six in the fourth); Kan is water, and water has the meaning of moistening. Nine in the third place is also a firm line in a firm position and is empowered. Those who obtain it will have smooth progress in career and relationships, but must pay attention to holding to the right path and not become carried away by success.
Detailed explanation of the fourth line of the twenty-second Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fourth place line statement
Six in the fourth place: Adorned and plain; a white horse dashes forward; not a bandit, but a marriage match.
The Image says: Six in the fourth place is in its proper position, yet there is doubt. Once it is known that this is not a bandit but a marriage match, all anxiety is dispelled and ultimately there is no blame.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fourth place: Running breathlessly, with the sun blazing hot. A tall white horse gallops forward. The visitor comes not to rob but to marry.
The Image Commentary says: The yielding line six in the fourth place is in a yielding position, so its placement is appropriate. Once it is known that the visitor is not a bandit but a marriage match, doubt is dissolved and ultimately no calamity occurs.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who obtain this line will have misfortune first and good fortune later, joy amid worry, and peace after danger. The unmarried may establish a household. Officials will find things difficult at first and easy later.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Keep to your place and good fortune follows; next year will be prosperous.
Finances: Sell earlier and close out with a profit.
Home: A funeral first, then a wedding.
Health: Energy is obstructed in the chest; regulate the upper and lower body.

Six in the fourth place changing hexagram


When the six-in-the-fourth-place line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 30: Li as Fire. This hexagram consists of the same trigram doubled, Li below and Li above. Li means attachment and illumination: one yielding line attached between two firm lines. The hexagram symbolizes fire, empty within and bright without. Li is fire and brightness; the sun repeatedly rises and sets, moving without cease, with gentleness as its heart.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

The fourth line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Six in the fourth place: Adorned and plain; a white horse dashes forward; not a bandit, but a marriage match.
Six in the fourth place: Adorned and plain; a white horse dashes forward; not a bandit, but a marriage match. Explanation of the line statement
Plain: a pure white color. A white horse dashing forward: the appearance of a strong, sturdy white horse. Not a bandit: not a robber. Marriage match: literally marriage, here a beautiful union.
The meaning of this line statement is: Adorned in clean, plain white, riding a snow-white steed that swiftly gallops ahead. The person before you is not an enemy bandit but the beautiful marriage partner you have sought. Wearing clean, attractive new clothes and riding a handsome white horse, what are you galloping off to do? Not to rob, but to propose marriage. Because this is an age of prosperity, personal appearance receives greater attention when proposing. Generally, every era develops new customs; changes in customs reflect the development of the age. Marriage proposals in ancient times were the same: at first there was bloody bride kidnapping, then people disguised themselves like ghosts to propose, and now people are prosperous and have begun healthier ways of proposing. Wearing clean, beautiful clothes and riding a clean, beautiful white horse reflects people's wish for cleanliness and health.
This six-in-the-fourth-place line is a yielding line in a yielding position and is empowered. Yet the fourth line naturally has a fearful and suspicious quality, making it hesitant and indecisive in action.
The Image says: “Six in the fourth place is in its proper position, yet there is doubt”; “not a bandit, but a marriage match”—ultimately there is no blame.
This tells those who obtain the line: Although six in the fourth place is in the proper position, the heart is filled with doubts. “The person ahead is not an enemy bandit but the marriage partner you have sought.” It means you may proceed without worry and ultimately have nothing to resent. Those who obtain the line may be somewhat intent on speed in their work and appear impatient; this requires attention. If you are a man, you may have a quick temper.
But when dealing with women, you should be gentler and strive to maintain a lasting relationship with them.
Detailed explanation of the fifth line of the twenty-second Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the fifth place: Adorning the hills and gardens; a small bundle of silk. Regret, but ultimately auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of six in the fifth place means there is a joyful occasion.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fifth place: Running toward the hills and gardens, sending many bolts of silk; difficulties at first, but success in the end.
The Image Commentary says the auspiciousness mentioned in the line statement refers to the joy of marriage.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will meet a noble helper, profit in business, and experience many joyful events. Officials in idle posts will be put to important use; those already in office will enjoy both blessing and emolument.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Though the luck is proper, diligence and frugality are advisable.
Finances: Timber and silk can both yield profit.
Home: A diligent and frugal family tradition; a virtuous wife brings joy.
Health: Recovery through gardens and natural surroundings.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the six-in-the-fifth-place line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 37: The Family, Wind over Fire. This is a different-trigram hexagram, with Li below and Xun above. Li is fire; Xun is wind. Fire makes hot air rise and become wind. Everything should take the inner as its foundation and then extend outward: arising within and taking form without. It symbolizes governing the family before governing the world; when the family way is correct, the world is peaceful and happy.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

The fifth line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Six in the fifth place: Adorning the hills and gardens; a small bundle of silk. Regret, but ultimately auspicious.
Adorning the hills and gardens; a small bundle of silk. Regret, but ultimately auspicious. Explanation of the line statement
Hills and gardens: wooded mountain land in the wilderness, here metaphorically referring to a worthy recluse living in seclusion. Silk: woven textile. Bundle: a measure, five bolts of silk making one bundle. Bundle of silk: here referring to a gift. Small and scanty: a small amount, meager.
The meaning of this line statement is: Adorn the hills and tomb gardens in a plain, unostentatious way, then take a thin bundle of silk to invite and employ a worthy scholar. Although regret may arise, auspiciousness will ultimately be obtained.
Six in the fifth place occupies the ruler's position, so its adornment appears grander. The ruler beautifies the royal gardens and uses abundant colored silk fabrics. This inevitably seems somewhat extravagant, so there is worry and regret. Yet it is ultimately auspicious, because a prosperous state often has celebrations; other feudal states frequently visit, and by decorating the gardens, the Son of Heaven can raise his standing in the eyes of the feudal rulers.
The meaning of the classic text is: Adorning hills and gardens with much silk brings worry and regret, but is ultimately auspicious. The meaning of the Image Commentary is: The auspiciousness of six in the fifth place comes from the presence of a joyful event.
From the hexagram image, six in the fifth place is the ruler's position, but a yielding line occupies it, displaying the qualities of yielding: it can adopt a conciliatory policy and possesses the virtue of honoring and employing the worthy. Top nine is a firm line. In this hexagram, six in the fifth place receives assistance from top nine, so its career becomes more prosperous. Yet from the image, the upper trigram is Gen, mountain and wilderness; top nine, a firm line, lies outside the jurisdiction of six in the fifth place, indi
that he is a retired former minister of talent outside office, or a worthy recluse living in seclusion. After he assists six in the fifth place, six in the fifth place rewards him. Although the gift six in the fifth place offers is meager, the act itself is more important than its material value, and such a worthy person does not value material things. Thus, although six in the fifth place appears somewhat stingy, the result is auspicious.
Those who obtain this line: At work, you encounter a difficulty and someone steps forward to solve it. This person is neither your subordinate nor colleague, nor the person responsible for the matter; rather, they are a friend or a capable person from outside your organization. After receiving help, you should express gratitude. The amount of the gift is unimportant; as long as you give thanks, the outcome will be auspicious.
Detailed explanation of the top-nine line of the twenty-second Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top nine: White adornment; no blame.
The Image says: White adornment, no blame; the one above has achieved his aim.
Explanation in plain language
Top nine: Offering white silk decorated with patterns of various colors; it will not cause trouble.
The Image Commentary says: White silk decorated with patterns of various colors brings no calamity because top nine occupies the highest position in the hexagram, like a person high above, satisfied with his aims.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who obtain this line must guard against good fortune turning into misfortune; an elder in the household or among relatives may die. Officials will be promoted.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Good fortune has ended; live calmly and at ease.
Finances: Sell directly; there is still profit.
Home: Pure and noble.
Health: Light conversation relieves heat; one may return to heaven.

Transformation of the Top Nine line


When the top-nine line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 36: Earth over Fire, Ming Yi. This is a different-trigram hexagram, with Li below and Kun above. Li is brightness and Kun is compliance; Li is the sun and Kun is earth. The sun sinks into the earth, brightness is damaged, the future is unclear, and circumstances are difficult. One should follow the time, preserve one's hidden light, uphold the right path, appear foolish outside while remaining wise within, and conceal one's brilliance.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The sixth line of the Bi hexagram, line statement: Top nine: White adornment; no blame.
Top nine: White adornment; no blame. Explanation of the line statement
White means the color white and, by extension, purity and one's natural true color, containing the meaning of returning to simplicity and authenticity. The meaning of this line statement is: Use white for adornment, do not delight in splendor, and there will be no harm. White is a simple color, yet its decorative effect is excellent. Top nine represents the extreme of a thing; generally, when something reaches its extreme, it is no longer good. Decoration is different: the extreme of adornment is a return to simplicity and to a simple state. Looking at clothing and grooming after the founding of our country, we find that the highest realm of dress is still simplicity. Before the 1980s, for example, people's clothing was uniformly blue, green, or red. After the 1980s, as living standards rose, people began wearing unusual clothing, with clothes in many colors and styles. But looking again today, the clothing market is still led by plain, single-color garments. White clothing has always been a symbol of nobility; this has not changed from thousands of years ago to today. Blue clothing has always had the largest sales and is the type people wear most. Thus the art of grooming and decoration also follows a cycle: after reaching its extreme, it returns to the beginning.
The Image says: “White adornment, no blame”—the one above has achieved his aim.
This tells people: Return to the original state of purity. Do not use external adornment to beautify yourself; in simple and practical forms, one can better appreciate the natural beauty of life itself.
Those who obtain this line: If you want to meet someone, there is no need to dress up deliberately. Maintain your natural beauty and there will be no fault.