[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_iching64_en-iching-27":3},{"slug":4,"archived":5,"date_created":6,"date_updated":7,"title":8,"content1":9,"content2":10,"seotitle":11,"seodescription":12,"htmlcode":13,"content0":14,"number":15,"seo_keywords":16,"og_title":8,"og_description":12},"iching-27",false,"2026-08-11T00:57:04.806Z","2026-07-04T14:35:06.000Z"," Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 27, Nourishment, Mountain over Thunder, Gen above Zhen below","Detailed explanation of the 27th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Original text of the Nourishment Hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Nourishment. Perseverance is auspicious. Observe nourishment; seek food for yourself.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Thunder below the mountain: Nourishment. Thus the noble person is careful with speech and moderate in food and drink.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nourishment: Divination brings an auspicious sign. Studying the way of nourishment lies in supporting oneself through one’s own labor.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram is Gen, Mountain; the lower trigram is Zhen, Thunder. Thunder emerges within the mountain, and all things sprout—this is the image of Nourishment. Observing this image, the noble person reflects on how difficult it is to sustain life, and therefore speaks cautiously to avoid calamity, moderates food and drink, and cultivates body and character.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes\n \u003Cbr>Nourishment, Gen above Zhen below, is a Wanderer Soul Hexagram of the Xun Palace. Nourishment means cultivation and recuperation. Thunder shaking the mountain signals the arrival of spring, when all things begin to grow and be nourished; therefore Nourishment indicates development and is generally auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Cultivate and nurture what is upright; be cautious in speech and moderate in eating. Observe practical affairs, know yourself, and act prudently.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this hexagram must be cautious in both speech and food. They should keep to the right path, speak and act carefully. Those harboring schemes will invite disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Vitality is emerging and flourishing; speak and act cautiously.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Movement up and down within and without; circulation may not be smooth.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Take care to prevent fire; a virtuous wife follows her husband.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Cold above and heat below; recovery will take five days.\n \u003Cbr>Traditional interpretation of the hexagram\n \u003Cbr>This is a Composite Hexagram (Thunder below, Mountain above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain above and thunder below: solid outside, empty inside. When spring warmth nourishes all things, one should nourish the worthy and nurture the people according to the season. Yang is solid and yin is empty; what is solid nourishes others, while what is empty is nourished by others. Support yourself through your own labor.\n \u003Cbr>Great Image: Its form resembles the mouth, so it takes the way of eating and drinking as its theme. One must speak carefully and pay attention to daily life.\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Matters are handled without sufficient thorough consideration. Do not harbor schemes; keep to the right path and act kindly, and there will be good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>Career: Everything depends on personal pursuit and one’s own effort, not reliance on others. Still less should one seek wealth through dishonorable means. As long as you follow the right path, support yourself, speak and act cautiously, good opportunities will certainly arise. After hard work, success is possible.\n \u003Cbr>Business: Do not rush to achieve results. Proceed cautiously and step by step, treat people sincerely, cooperate honestly, adapt to circumstances, and continually seek new directions for expansion. When necessary, take reasonable risks.\n \u003Cbr>Seeking recognition: Make enriching your own knowledge the goal. Be content and at peace, work diligently, and the hope of success is very great.\n \u003Cbr>Love and marriage: Do not rush for results; the key lies in strengthening your own cultivation. Once you have chosen, pursue it wholeheartedly, especially without divided attention.\n \u003Cbr>Decision: Pay attention to moral cultivation, willingly do your utmost to help others, rescue people from urgent difficulties, and do not covet wealth you are not entitled to. As a result, you can earn the respect of others and continually receive assistance from outside, so your personal career will proceed very smoothly and the likelihood of success is very high. Above all, do not be careless; keep firmly in mind that great achievements also bring great resistance.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the 27th hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The image and symbolic meaning of Mountain over Thunder, Nourishment\n \u003Cbr>Nourishment is a Composite Hexagram: Zhen is below and Gen above. Zhen is Thunder; Gen is Mountain. Mountain above and Thunder below: solid outside, empty inside.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Thunder below the mountain: Nourishment. Thus the noble person is careful with speech and moderate in food and drink. This indicates that the image of Nourishment is Zhen (Thunder) below and Gen (Mountain) above, appearing as thunder shaking beneath the mountain. It extends to the state of chewing food, in which the upper jaw is still and the lower jaw moves, and therefore symbolizes nourishment. Nourishment must hold firmly to the right path, so the noble person should use careful speech to cultivate fine character and moderate food to foster a healthy body. Spring warmth nourishes all things; one should nourish the worthy and nurture the people according to the season. Yang is solid and yin is empty; what is solid nourishes others, while what is empty is nourished by others.\n \u003Cbr>Analyzing the hexagram image, the central yin lines represent the teeth, while the two upper and lower yang lines represent the cheeks, lips, and chin around the teeth. The upper trigram of Nourishment is Gen, Mountain; the lower is Zhen, Thunder. Thunder below the mountain is the image of Nourishment. How can there be thunder below a mountain? It actually refers to the great sounds within mountains. Changes in the earth’s crust can produce enormous sounds, sometimes causing landslides or earthquakes. Such landslides or earthquakes bury the things on the mountain’s surface as the mountain collapses. The ancients thought this was the mountain eating— the greatest image of “eating”—so they used it to represent the entire way of food and drink. When people eat, sounds also come from the mouth, which corresponds to the mountain eating.","Detailed explanation of the first line, Nine at the beginning, of the 27th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the beginning. Abandon your spiritual tortoise and watch me with distended cheeks; misfortune.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: To watch me with distended cheeks is not worthy of esteem.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the beginning: Though one stores abundant wealth, one still envies others’ possessions and will certainly encounter danger.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Envying others’ possessions is not noble conduct.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Misfortune: Those who receive this line may bring disaster upon themselves by competing for wealth and profit. In general, those who are kind-hearted and uphold the right path can remain free of worry. Officials may accept bribes and lose their integrity.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Abandon yourself and gaze at others, merely coveting an empty reputation.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Business goes poorly while others profit.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Without a guiding center; marriage is disharmonious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Illness caused by diet.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_27_1.png'\" alt='\"周易第27卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>The changing first line changes into Hexagram 23 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Earth, Stripping. This is a Composite Hexagram (Earth below, Mountain above). Five yin lines are below and one yang line above: yin flourishes while yang stands alone; a high mountain rests upon the earth. Both images signify stripping away, hence Stripping. Yin is strong and yang weak, symbolizing petty people gaining power while noble people are distressed and their undertakings deteriorate.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The first line of Nourishment, line statement: Nine at the beginning: Abandon your spiritual tortoise and watch me with distended cheeks; misfortune. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Abandon means to give up. You refers to Nine at the beginning. The spiritual tortoise is an amphibious animal said to be skilled at absorbing breath to nourish itself and live long. Me refers to Nine at the top. It should be noted that in Nourishment there are only two yang lines, Nine at the beginning and Nine at the top. Yet Nine at the beginning relies on others to sustain itself, while Nine at the top sustains others.\n \u003Cbr>The lesson of this line is that one should support oneself through one’s own struggle. This gives dignity, expresses one’s value, and can endure, like the spiritual tortoise, which inherently possesses the capacity for longevity.\n \u003Cbr>Yet it abandons this ability and seeks to be supported by others, which is asking for trouble. Many people now live in the same way, abandoning themselves to seek others’ help, attaching themselves to others, and depending on others for their livelihood. Although this seems to require no effort, it is extremely dangerous.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “Watch me with distended cheeks”; this is not worthy of esteem. It indicates that “seeking nourishment from others,” although it also values maintaining the body, is not praiseworthy because it does not uphold the right path and depends on others.\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the beginning is a yang line in a firm position. By its firm yang nature it has the ability to support itself, yet it refuses to use its favorable conditions and seeks gifts instead; therefore it is admonished: “Misfortune.”\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line: If you can remain content with your proper place and a simple life, you will possess a peaceful and fulfilled state of mind. If you look at what is in your bowl while thinking about what is in the pot, you may instead go hungry.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the second line, Six in the second place, of the 27th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place. Upside-down nourishment, contrary to the usual way; nourishment at the hill; undertaking a campaign brings misfortune.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The campaign of Six in the second place brings misfortune because its conduct loses its proper kind.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: To make a living, one must clear land and cultivate it on a hillside. To rob others for one’s livelihood is a dangerous matter.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The line statement of Six in the second place says robbery brings misfortune because such conduct violates morality.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Misfortune: Those who receive this line experience great rises and falls and inconsistent right and wrong; in severe cases, illness may lead to death. Officials should guard against demotion.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Even if achieved by luck, it will ultimately be disastrous.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Contrary to normal principles; losses are hard to avoid.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Not properly established; the woman’s conduct may be questioned.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Dizziness and blurred vision; take care in recuperation.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_27_2.png'\" alt='\"周易第27卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>The changing second line changes into Hexagram 41 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Lake, Decrease. This is a Composite Hexagram (Lake below, Mountain above). Gen is Mountain; Dui is Lake. Mountain above and lake below: the great lake erodes the mountain’s base. Decrease and increase alternate, with benefit within decrease and loss within increase. Their relationship must be treated with care. Decreasing below to benefit above, as in governing a country, damages the country’s foundation if excessive. Decrease when appropriate, but according to capacity and in moderation. Little decrease with greater benefit is best.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The second line of Nourishment, line statement: Six in the second place: Upside-down nourishment, contrary to the usual way; nourishment at the hill; undertaking a campaign brings misfortune. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Upside-down means reversed. Contrary to the usual way means violating or opposing; the usual way means ordinary principles. A hill originally means a small elevation above level ground, but here refers to the upper Nine line. Undertaking means advancing on a distant campaign.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: Reversing the way of nourishment and instead begging subordinates for food in order to be supported violates the usual principles. Seeking nourishment from higher places brings danger along the road of advance.\n \u003Cbr>The second line of Nourishment, line statement: Six in the second place: Upside-down nourishment, contrary to the usual way; nourishment at the hill; undertaking a campaign brings misfortune. Life lesson\n \u003Cbr>The second line shows that being unable to support oneself is quite dangerous. Because Six in the second place cannot nourish itself, it seeks help from a subordinate, the first line, Nine at the beginning. This violates the normal way of support. As a superior or leader, you should be able to support your subordinates; asking them for help reverses the order, like a boss who does not pay employees but borrows money from them to spend. This is dangerous. If one does not seek downward but seeks upward, looking for outside support, one is also unlikely to succeed.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line must develop an awareness of self-reliance; they cannot count on either those above or below. Subordinates lack the ability to help, and outside supporters will not help either. The Image says: The “campaign bringing misfortune” of Six in the second place means that its conduct loses its kind. The outside support it seeks is not of its own kind, like neither kin nor friend, so they will not lend a hand. The urgent task is to rely on one’s own ability and effort to sustain oneself and escape difficulty. Naturally, if you cannot stand independently and someone helps you, do not despise them because their ability or influence is limited and seek someone more capable or powerful. You would lose the original help and receive no new help, leading to a very dangerous outcome.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: Upside-down nourishment, contrary to the usual way; nourishment at the hill; undertaking a campaign brings misfortune.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The campaign of Six in the second place brings misfortune because its conduct loses its proper kind.\n \u003Cbr>The classical text means: Eating while lying down violates the usual rules of health cultivation; eating beside a mound; undertaking a campaign brings danger. The Image Commentary means: The campaign of Six in the second place brings danger because its conduct loses its kind.\n \u003Cbr>The line corresponds to the position of a grandee, so life is relatively affluent and a habit of indulgence and laziness develops. This violates the way of nourishing the body, making it fat and heavy; naturally one cannot be a winner in a struggle, hence “undertaking a campaign brings misfortune.” Ancient texts record that some wealthy people of the time placed extreme emphasis on food and pleasure and were highly particular about eating. Often, after filling themselves with delicacies, they still wanted to eat more. What could they do? Some physicians invented a formula that induced vomiting. After eating exquisite dishes, people took the medicine, vomited, and then continued eating. Eating this way while not exercising obviously could not improve physical fitness, so once warfare arose, they would only be able to suffer defeat.چار\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the third line, Nine in the third place, of the 27th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place. Contrary to nourishment; perseverance brings misfortune. For ten years do not employ it; there is nothing beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: For ten years do not employ it, because the Way is greatly violated.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place: Violating the right way of nourishing and living through crooked means; divination brings a bad sign. For ten years there will be misfortune, with no benefit at all.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: For ten years there will be misfortune because this conduct greatly violates morality.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Misfortune: Those who receive this line have low fortune and absurd circumstances, possibly even the pain of death or separation. Officials face the danger of losing reputation and integrity.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: There is no road forward; close the door and reflect on your faults.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: It is difficult to accomplish anything for a long time; there is no profit to gain.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The household is unsettled; marriage only after ten years.\n \u003Cbr>Health: A chronic illness is difficult to cure.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_27_3.png'\" alt='\"周易第27卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>The changing third line changes into Hexagram 22 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Fire, Adornment. This is a Composite Hexagram (Fire below, Mountain above). Li is Fire and brightness; Gen is Mountain and stillness. Civilization with restraint. Adornment discusses the relationship between form and substance, taking substance as primary and form as its adjustment. Adornment means embellishment and decoration.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The third line of Nourishment, line statement: Six in the third place: Contrary to nourishment; perseverance brings misfortune. For ten years do not employ it; there is nothing beneficial. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Contrary means to brush aside, seize, or violate. Perseverance here does not mean correctness; it means stubbornly maintaining one’s original intention without repentance. Ten is the end of counting; “for ten years do not employ it” means it can never be used.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: Violating the right way of nourishment will inevitably bring danger. The idea of refusing to nourish oneself and recklessly seeking nourishment from others can never be employed and has no benefit whatsoever.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “For ten years do not employ it” means the Way is greatly violated. This indicates that the idea of refusing to nourish oneself and recklessly seeking nourishment from others can never be employed because it fundamentally differs from the right way of nourishment and violates the principles and methods of nurturing others and preserving oneself.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line should watch their conduct. In building a career, one may seek help, but only within proper limits. If one uses deception or other improper means, there will be no benefit. Once others recognize your true nature, they may cut off contact with you.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the fourth line, Nine in the fourth place, of the 27th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place. Upside-down nourishment; auspicious. Watch like a tiger, intent and unwavering; pursue your desires steadily, and there will be no blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The auspiciousness of upside-down nourishment comes from the ruler above spreading light and grace.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place: Seeking only enough to live, one must not harbor the intention of harming others; auspicious. One must remain watchful like a tiger—one cannot be without a mind that guards against others. Then one can enjoy a peaceful old age, at ease and carefree, without calamity.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Seeking no more than a livelihood is auspicious because the ruler above gives generously, enough to nourish the people.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspicious: Those who receive this line will receive help from good people and see their plans fulfilled. Officials will receive ancestral blessings and exceptional favor.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Build up your strength and reserve; achievement and fame can be pursued.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Understand the market clearly; buying and selling will bring profit.\n \u003Cbr>Home: It can still be considered proper.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Fewer desires bring peace.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_27_4.png'\" alt='\"周易第27卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>The changing fourth line changes into Hexagram 21 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Thunder, Biting Through. This is a Composite Hexagram (Thunder below, Fire above). Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and yang interact, biting through hard objects; it symbolizes applying favor and authority together, combining leniency and severity, and harmonizing firmness and gentleness. Biting Through means the upper and lower jaws coming together to chew.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The fourth line of Nourishment, line statement: Six in the fourth place: Upside-down nourishment; auspicious. Watch like a tiger, intent and unwavering; pursue your desires steadily, and there will be no blame. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Upside-down means reversed. In this hexagram, the tiger is contrasted with the tortoise: the tortoise represents nourishing oneself from within, while the tiger represents seeking nourishment from outside. Steadily pursuing means following one after another without lack. No blame means no fault.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: Reversing the way of nourishment is auspicious. Like a tiger watching intently before pouncing on prey, remain single-minded and strive diligently; there will be no calamity.\n \u003Cbr>Looking at the hexagram Nourishment, Six in the second place becomes unfortunate because of “upside-down nourishment,” while Six in the fourth place becomes auspicious because of “upside-down nourishment.”\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this as: “The auspiciousness of upside-down nourishment comes from the ruler above spreading light.” In other words, Six in the fourth place occupies an upper position and corresponds with Nine at the beginning. It also upholds the right path: although it takes from the people, it uses it for the people, broadly spreading light and grace downward. This can be understood as modern taxation: the government collects taxes from the people and uses them for the people. Officials’ salaries come from the people, but officials serve the people; this kind of “upside-down nourishment” accords with the right path and is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>This line, Six in the Fourth, is immediately adjacent to the ruler at Six in the Fifth and is a minister close to the ruler. Having received sustenance from the people, he must work for them conscientiously, focusing like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, tirelessly traveling about and generously extending benefits to the people.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed Explanation of the Ninth-Five Line of the Twenty-Seventh Hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth. Deviating from the usual path; dwelling in constancy brings good fortune. One must not cross the great river.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The good fortune of dwelling in constancy comes from complying with and following those above.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth: Clearing wasteland and cultivating the land, living out one’s days peacefully; divination brings a favorable omen. When this line appears, one must not cross the river by water.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Living quietly while maintaining what is right is auspicious because the person follows the proper way and obeys the ruler above.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Good fortune: Those who receive this line will have support and can accomplish their affairs, but must not risk crossing the water by boat. Officials will succeed and preserve their positions through the help of others.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: It is best to hold firm; pressing forward hastily will be difficult to accomplish.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Traveling commerce is unfavorable; conducting business as a merchant is possible.\n \u003Cbr>Household: Living in the mountains is more suitable; following one path is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Rest quietly at home; exhaustion will be difficult to cure.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_27_5.png'\" alt='\"周易第27卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Six-Five line changes, it becomes Hexagram 42 of the Zhouyi: Increase, Wind over Thunder. This is a complementary hexagram, with Zhen below and Xun above, doubled. Xun is wind; Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder surge together, growing ever stronger: the thunder grows louder, and wind and thunder mutually reinforce one another. This hexagram is the opposite of Decrease. It diminishes the upper to benefit the lower, whereas the latter diminishes the lower to benefit the upper. The two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The Fifth Line of Nourishment: Line statement: Six in the Fifth: Deviating from the usual path; dwelling in constancy brings good fortune; one must not cross the great river.\n \u003Cbr>Meaning of the line statement—“deviating from the usual path”: going against ordinary principles.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: Although one has gone against the normal principles of nourishment, steadfastly upholding the right path brings good fortune. One must not travel far across great rivers.\n \u003Cbr>This line offers excellent advice to leaders whose abilities are insufficient and whose talents are weak: comply with and follow those above.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Six in the Fifth is a yielding line occupying the ruler’s firm position, with no proper correspondence, making it difficult to provide for the people. In an organization, this means difficulty in giving employees good treatment. Yet Six in the Fifth has a strong backer—or external support—in the form of Nine at the Top.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary analyzes it this way: “The good fortune of dwelling in constancy” comes from complying with and following a worthy person possessing the beauty of firmness and strength.\n \u003Cbr>Although Six in the Fifth is weak in talent and lacking in ability, occupying the ruler’s position makes it auspicious if it can employ the worthy, correctly accept the advice of capable ministers, and so on. Yet because its own abilities are limited, it is best to withdraw and preserve what has been achieved,\n \u003Cbr>If one is stubbornly self-willed, shows off strength, and loves to defeat others, the result will certainly be disappointing.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line, as leaders, must assess their own abilities correctly. If your talent is merely average,\n \u003Cbr>and your abilities are ordinary, you must employ capable people and listen to others’ opinions. Remain content with your proper role and do not expand the scale or enter new industries; otherwise, disaster may follow.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth: Deviating from the usual path; dwelling in constancy brings good fortune; one must not cross the great river.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The good fortune of dwelling in constancy comes from complying with and following those above.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of the classical text is: Going against the theory of nourishment, one should remain in the right path, which is auspicious; one must not cross great rivers on foot.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of the Image Commentary is: The good fortune of dwelling in the right path comes from Six in the Fifth yieldingly obeying the worthy person at Nine in the Top.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth occupies the ruler’s position but has no real power; authority still lies with the retired emperor, so it can only uphold the right path and is unlikely to accomplish anything major. Its situation resembles Emperor Wu of Han just after ascending the throne, when political power was in the hands of Empress Dowager Dou.\n \u003Cbr>Empress Dowager Dou favored the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi. Thus, although Emperor Wu of Han wanted to govern actively and accomplish great things, he did not dare propose it. Only after Empress Dowager Dou died could he pursue his political ambitions.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed Explanation of the Top-Nine Line of the Twenty-Seventh Hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Top Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the Top. Nourishment comes through it; danger, yet good fortune. Favorable to cross the great river.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Nourishment comes through it, dangerous yet auspicious—there will be abundant celebration.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the Top: Follow the proper way of living; there is hardship at first but good fortune in the end. When this line appears, it is favorable to cross the water by river.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Following the proper way of living brings hardship at first but good fortune in the end because the virtuous ultimately receive a good return.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Good fortune: Those who receive this line will succeed in their plans, with nothing they undertake proving unfavorable. Officials will enjoy distinguished rank and generous emoluments. Scholars will achieve excellent results.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Work cautiously and diligently, and success is possible.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Only painstaking management will bring gains.\n \u003Cbr>Household: Peace and safety for the whole family.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Though there is danger, no harm will result.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Top Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_27_6.png'\" alt='\"周易第27卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Top-Nine line changes, it becomes Hexagram 24 of the Zhouyi: Return, Earth over Thunder. This is a complementary hexagram, with Zhen below and Kun above, doubled. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kun is earth and compliance. Movement therefore follows compliance and nature. Movement occurs within compliance: yang is inside and yin outside, proceeding step by step, able to advance or retreat freely, favorable for moving forward.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The Sixth Line of Nourishment, line statement: Nine at the Top: Nourishment comes through it; danger, yet good fortune; favorable to cross the great river. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>“Through” means by way of or via. “Danger” refers to peril.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: The people throughout the realm rely on his nourishment to live and work in peace. Bearing such a great responsibility, he must guard against danger and remain alert; only then can he gain good fortune and overcome every difficulty, like successfully crossing a great river.\n \u003Cbr>The greater one’s ability, the greater one’s responsibility; such people are often regarded as heroic figures. The Top-Nine line refers to just such a person. In Nourishment, all the other lines below the Top-Nine hope to rely on it for sustenance, so the Top-Nine may be said to bear a heavy responsibility. This line resembles Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period, especially after Liu Bei’s death, when the later ruler Liu Shan was weak and incapable. Domestic affairs, diplomacy, securing the state, and helping the people all fell to Zhuge Liang. He constantly held danger in mind, handled affairs cautiously and conscientiously, and left an everlasting reputation.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line, although not the boss at their workplace, are its mainstay, bearing the heavy responsibilities above and below. They should harbor awareness of danger within and exert their utmost sincerity outwardly; in the end, good fortune will be attained.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line have followed the correct rhythms of life and principles of health preservation; through exercise, their illnesses have been eliminated and health restored. Good fortune is obtained, and they may now go out or travel.\n \u003Cbr>The Top-Nine occupies an extremely exalted position. Although it enjoys comfort and privilege, the danger of decline is imminent, so it appears to be in a perilous situation. Yet it has a correspondence with Six in the Third,\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the Top: Nourishment comes through it; danger, yet good fortune; favorable to cross the great river.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Nourishment comes through it, dangerous yet auspicious—there will be abundant celebration.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of the classical text is: Through this, one obtains health preservation; it appears dangerous but is actually auspicious, and it is favorable to cross the great river. \n \u003Cbr>The meaning of the Image Commentary is: Through this, one obtains health preservation; it appears dangerous but is actually auspicious because there will be joyous events. \n \u003Cbr>In other words, one can obtain support from the people below or from other forces, making it favorable to cross great obstacles and change one’s situation through action. With support from other forces, action will ultimately succeed, and therefore the final outcome will be auspicious.","Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 27, Nourishment, Mountain over Thunder—Detailed Explanation of the Judgment—Eastern Esoterica Library","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 27, Nourishment (Mountain over Thunder, Gen above Zhen): the original judgment and plain-language translation, auspiciousness analysis of each line statement, and interpretations for career, relationships, and fortune.","䷚","\u003Cp>Nourishment: Perseverance is auspicious. Observe nourishment; seek food for yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tuan Commentary says: Nourishment. Perseverance is auspicious because nourishing what is right is auspicious. Observe nourishment: observe what one nourishes. Seek food for yourself: observe how one nourishes oneself. Heaven and Earth nourish all things; sages nourish the worthy and thereby the people. The meaning of Nourishment in its time is truly great!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Image says: Thunder below the mountain: Nourishment. Thus the noble person is careful with speech and moderate in food and drink.\u003C\u002Fp>",27,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 27, Nourishment, Sixty-Four Hexagrams, hexagram judgment, line statement, plain-language detailed explanation",1787044933255]