Zhouyi I Ching hexagram 35: the Advance hexagram, Fire over Earth, Li above Kun

Detailed explanation of the first line of the thirty-fifth Zhouyi hexagram
Initial Six line statement
Six at the beginning. Advancing, then being frustrated; persistence brings good fortune. Not trusted, yet generous; no blame.
The Image says: Advancing, then being frustrated; one walks alone on the right path. Generous and without blame; one has not yet received a mandate.
Explanation in plain language
Six at the beginning: Attack the enemy and defeat them; divination brings good fortune. The victorious army captures no prisoners and plunders no wealth; there will be no disaster.
The Image says: Attacking and defeating the enemy succeeds because the commander follows the right path. Deploying calmly and defeating the enemy without disaster shows that the commander can adapt to circumstances and decide independently.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line have mixed worries and joys; stillness is auspicious, action is ominous. Officials should not seek advancement and must guard against rumors.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Wait patiently; there is no need to advance quickly.
Finances: Wait a little longer and you can gain a substantial profit.
Home: A fortunate house can be occupied; marriage will be delayed.
Health: Relax your mind and ease your burdens.

Initial Six changing hexagram


When the initial Six changes, it becomes hexagram 21 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Thunder, Biting Through. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Zhen below and Li above. Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and yang meet, biting through hard things, symbolizing the use of both kindness and authority, combining leniency with strictness, and balancing firmness with gentleness. Biting Through is the meeting of the upper and lower jaws in chewing.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

The first line of the Advance hexagram, line statement: Six at the beginning: Advancing, then being frustrated; persistence brings good fortune. Mutual trust, generosity, no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Frustrated: “Frustration” means being broken or defeated; “advancing, then being frustrated” means a state of setback. Not: equivalent to “without.” Trust: integrity and credibility. Not trusted: not receiving confidence. Generous: broad-minded and tolerant.
The meaning of this line statement is: At the very beginning of advancing, you encounter obstacles and obstruction. But as long as you hold firmly and consistently to the right path, good fortune will surely come. You have not yet gained trust; remain broad-minded and composed, and naturally no harm will result.
From the hexagram image, the initial Six is a yin line in a yang position, so it is not in its proper place. Although it wishes to advance and rise, it encounters setbacks. This is because the initial Six is like a newly graduated young person just entering society, who cannot yet gain others’ trust. In this situation, although you meet setbacks, do not give up. Even without trust, do not take offense; instead, learn humbly from others and train yourself. With such magnanimity, there will naturally be no blame.
The Image explains this line as follows: “Advancing, then being frustrated”; one walks alone on the right path. “Generous and without blame”; one has not yet received a mandate. This indicates that when one encounters obstacles and obstruction at the beginning of advancement, one must persevere, continue working according to one’s principles, and then obtain a fortunate result. “Acting freely without fault” is because one has not yet been entrusted with authority, responsibility, or a mission.
Those who receive this line: For now, understand your own situation and know when to advance or retreat. Your work may begin slowly and you may be isolated without support. But as long as you walk uprightly and act honorably, you will ultimately win others’ trust and respect.
Six at the beginning: Advancing, then being frustrated; persistence brings good fortune. Mutual trust, generosity, no blame.
The Image says: Advancing, then being frustrated; one walks alone on the right path. Generous and without blame; one has not yet received a mandate.
The meaning of the canonical text is: Seeking advancement but being excluded; keeping to the right path brings good fortune. Not trusted, yet broad-minded, so there is no sudden disaster. The meaning of the Image is: Seeking advancement but being excluded is because you alone walk the right path. Being broad-minded and free of disaster is because you have not yet received an appointment.
The three yin lines in the lower trigram of Advance all wish to develop upward, like open and covert struggles in officialdom. Although the initial Six is at the very bottom, it corresponds with the Nine in the fourth place, making it akin to a leader’s favored person; such people are often the most easily excluded in official circles. What should be done? As the saying goes, “Under a low eave, one must bow one’s head.” Endurance is the best policy, but constantly suppressing oneself makes one ill, so one must also broaden one’s mind to avoid disaster.
Detailed explanation of the second line of the thirty-fifth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the second place line statement
Six in the second place. Advancing with sorrow; persistence brings good fortune. Receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother.
The Image says: Receiving this great blessing is because one is centered and upright.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the second place: Attack the enemy and overwhelm them; divination brings good fortune. You receive great blessing through the protection of the ancestral grandmother.
The Image says: The reason for receiving this great blessing is that the Six in the second place occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person who possesses the way of centrality and uprightness.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will have their plans fulfilled, receive much help from their mother, or gain a wife’s wealth. Officials who uphold the right path can advance.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Many things you seek are obstructed; holding to the right path will bring success.
Finances: Hold through the downturn; blessings will naturally come.
Home: Move to live with an elderly person; marriage should wait a little.
Health: Listen more to the words of elders.

Six in the second place changing hexagram


When the Six in the second place changes, it becomes hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Water, Not Yet Fulfilled. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Li above. Li is Fire and Kan is Water. Fire above and water below: the fire overwhelms the water, so the great task of extinguishing the fire remains unfinished, hence the name Not Yet Fulfilled. The Zhouyi begins with the Qian and Kun hexagrams and ends with Fulfillment and Not Yet Fulfilled, fully reflecting the idea of development through change.

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

The second line of the Advance hexagram, line statement: Six in the second place: Advancing with sorrow; persistence brings good fortune. Receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother. Explanation of the line statement
Sorrow: worry and anxiety. This: equivalent to “this.” Great: In the Book of Songs, Minor Odes, there is the phrase “If the spirits hear you, they will grant you great blessings”; “great” here means substantial. Royal grandmother: refers to the Six in the fifth place. The fifth place is the ruler’s position, and because it is a yin line in the ruler’s position, it is called the “royal grandmother.”
The meaning of this line statement is: Although advancement brings sorrow because of setbacks, holding firmly to the right path brings good fortune; in the end, one receives the great blessing bestowed by the royal grandmother in the fifth place.
From the hexagram image, the Six in the second place is a yin line in a yielding position and occupies the central position of the lower trigram. It is both centered and properly placed, possessing the virtue of centrality, uprightness, and yieldingness. This wins the ruler line’s appreciation, so it can receive grace and blessings.
The Image explains this line as follows: “Receive this great blessing”; this is because one is centered and upright. It points out that being able to receive “great grace and blessings” is because one’s position is central and one’s conduct accords with one’s status and the right path.
Those who receive this line: Your progress may not be smooth, and you may be deeply worried, but you should not become disappointed or give up. Remain humble and yielding, continue striving, and persist patiently; your dedicated efforts will ultimately receive kind support and rewards.
Six in the second place: Advancing with sorrow; persistence brings good fortune.
Receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother.
The Image says: Receiving this great blessing is because one is centered and upright.
The meaning of the canonical text is: Advancement brings sorrow as well; holding to the right path brings good fortune. This great blessing comes from the royal grandmother. The meaning of the Image is: Receiving this blessing is because the Six in the second place is centered and properly placed.
Although the Six in the second place has some status in officialdom, it is very worried. Why? It is opposed to and does not correspond with the Six in the fifth place, and it is adjacent to the upper nuclear Kan, which signifies danger and many anxieties. Thus the second line is always full of concerns, like standing at the edge of danger. Precisely because of this, it avoids disaster through cautious conduct. It occupies its proper place and the center, and possesses the virtue of centrality and uprightness. Thus, although it repels the same yin nature of the fifth line, it can still receive the fifth line’s commendation. This is “receive this great blessing from the royal grandmother.”
Detailed explanation of the third line of the thirty-fifth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the third place. The multitude trusts; remorse disappears.
The Image says: The multitude trusts him; his will moves upward.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the third place: The multitude is of one mind and attacks with all its strength; there is nothing to regret.
The Image says: When the multitude trusts, their aspirations will be fulfilled.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line gain friends’ assistance and succeed in their plans, but should guard against unexpected dangers. Officials have an opportunity for promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: When everyone is pleased and submitted, there is naturally no regret.
Finances: When both sides are harmonious, buying and selling are profitable.
Home: A harmonious atmosphere; the two sexes get along well.
Health: Group exercise; mediation of disputes.

Six in the third place changing hexagram


When the Six in the third place changes, it becomes Hexagram 56 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Mountain, The Wanderer. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Gen below and Li above) repeated. It is the opposite of The Abundance hexagram and forms its “reversed hexagram.” Fire burns in the mountains without stopping, spreading continually forward like a traveler hurrying along the road. Hence it is called The Wanderer.

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

The third line of The Progress hexagram, line statement: Six in the third place: The people approve; remorse disappears. Interpretation of the line statement
“The people” refers to the populace. “Approve” means fairness, consent, recognition, and trust.
The meaning of this line statement is: What has been done has gained everyone’s approval, and remorse will disappear.
In terms of the hexagram image, the Six in the third place is a yielding line in a firm position, so it is out of place and should ordinarily bring remorse. Yet it stands at the top of Kun, the lower trigram, and itself possesses the virtue of humility and compliance. The two lines below are also yielding lines, representing a popular base and the people’s trust; therefore remorse disappears. This hexagram emphasizes that anyone wishing to advance or develop must have a foundation among the people and win their hearts. Only then can they gain the trust and employment of those above them.
The Image explains this line: “The people approve” means that one’s aspiration is to advance upward. This points out that the aspiration to “gain everyone’s approval” requires striving diligently forward.
If you receive this line, focus on gaining the approval and trust of subordinates or people around you, rather than single-mindedly trying to please your superiors. Once you have everyone’s trust, you can continue striving toward your established goal. Taking action with support will more easily awaken your courage and confidence, and it can also win the appreciation of your superiors or leaders, enabling you to achieve what you wish.
Six in the third place: The people approve; remorse disappears.
The Image says: “The people approve”; the aspiration is to advance upward. The meaning of the classical text is: Rising upward by relying on the strength of the people, without remorse. The meaning of the Image is: One receives the people’s trust because one’s aspiration is progressive.
The two yielding lines below the Six in the third place, together with the response from the Upper Nine, cause remorse to disappear. Both interactions have an upward tendency, so the Six in the third place can also use the strength below to rise. Moreover, the Six in the third place harmonizes yin and yang with the Nine in the fourth place and corresponds with the Upper Nine, so its rise will proceed smoothly. For example, the Six in the third place is like a department director today: the people below all want promotion, but because he has influential support above and senior leaders value him, once the staff below take over his position, he is naturally promoted to a higher leadership post. How could such a natural, effortless promotion bring remorse?
Detailed explanation of the Nine in the fourth place of the thirty-fifth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the fourth place: Progressing like a rat; persistence brings danger.
The Image says: The rat’s persistence brings danger because its position is inappropriate.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fourth place: Attacking the enemy while timid as a mouse; divination brings an ominous sign.
The Image says: Attacking the enemy while timid as a mouse, divination brings an ominous sign, because the firm line Nine in the fourth place occupies a yielding position, like a person in an unfavorable situation.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ominous: Those who receive this line have poor timing and may face disputes or lawsuits. Officials should not press forward; there will be resistance, so they must maintain integrity.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Maintaining integrity is advisable; deceit will bring misfortune.
Finances: Greed for wealth will lead to failure; take profits while things are favorable.
Home: Excessive loss and waste; marriage is improper.
Health: Scabies or vomiting blood; either is dangerous.

Transformation of the Fourth Nine line


When the Nine in the fourth place changes, it becomes Hexagram 23 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Earth, Splitting Apart. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Kun below and Gen above) repeated. Five yielding lines are below and one firm line above: yin is flourishing while yang stands alone; a high mountain rests upon the earth. Both images signify stripping away, hence it is called Splitting Apart. Yin is strong and yang weak, symbolizing petty people gaining power while noble people are distressed and their undertakings deteriorate.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

The fourth line of The Progress hexagram, line statement: Nine in the fourth place: Progressing like a rat; persistence brings danger. Interpretation of the line statement
The rat is also called the flying squirrel. The Shuowen describes it as a rat that “can fly but not cross a roof, can climb but not reach the top of a tree, can swim but not cross a valley, can burrow but not make a hole large enough to conceal itself, and can run but not get ahead of people.” This condition of possessing “five skills yet being at a dead end” is used to portray greed without accomplishment.
The meaning of this line statement is: You want to advance, yet are like the rat—greedy and without any outstanding skill. Even if you strictly keep to your proper duties, you still cannot avoid disaster.
The Nine in the fourth place is a firm line in a yielding position, so it is out of place. Three yielding lines below are also pressing upward, leaving no way forward and trapping it in difficulty. The Image analyzes it this way: “The rat’s persistence brings danger because its position is inappropriate.” This points out that the reason it is “like the rat—although it may strictly keep to its proper duties, it still cannot avoid disaster” is that its position is wrong.
If you receive this line, your present situation is somewhat unfavorable, with no way forward. You are constantly on guard, like a mouse shrinking back timidly. If you want to accomplish something now, do not be like the rat, greedy for many things yet accomplishing nothing. Master one skill and make it your specialty; this will benefit your development
.
If you receive this line, you may have gained a promotion or development, but because the methods were improper, the consequences are serious. You must undergo arduous cultivation before danger can be removed.
Nine in the fourth place: Progressing like a rat; persistence brings danger.
The Image says: The rat’s persistence brings danger because its position is inappropriate.
The meaning of the classical text is: To advance like a rat; even maintaining the right path brings danger.
The meaning of the Image is: The rat’s persistence brings danger because its position is inappropriate. The Six in the fifth place is surrounded by all the yielding lines, trapped in Kan of the upper nuclear trigram, and is also the top line of the lower nuclear trigram. Moreover, a firm line in an even position is out of place, so the Nine in the fourth place is in danger yet unable to free itself. The line statement uses “the rat” as a metaphor for the Nine in the fourth place: it can fly but cannot fly far; it can climb but cannot reach the top of a tree; it can swim but cannot reach the opposite bank, only swimming back and forth in a small pool; it can burrow but cannot make a hole in which to hide; its legs work frantically, yet after running for a long time it has not gone as far as a person’s single step. People who know a little of everything but have no specialty are common in society, and their life’s fate consequently becomes like that of “the rat.” Even if such people follow the right path, they cannot escape danger.
Detailed explanation of the Nine in the fifth place of the thirty-fifth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the fifth place: Remorse disappears. Do not worry about loss and gain; going forward is auspicious and nothing is unfavorable.
The Image says: Do not worry about loss and gain; going forward brings celebration.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fifth place: There is nothing to regret. After suffering defeat, do not lose heart. As long as you continue making efforts, you will ultimately turn defeat into victory. Nothing is unfavorable.
The Image says: After suffering loss, do not lose heart; move forward bravely, and celebrations will surely arrive.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will see good fortune arrive and gain from their plans. Officials will have the joy of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Disaster departs and blessing arrives; gains come unexpectedly.
Finances: There was a small loss before, but now you can gain greatly.
Home: The household’s fortunes improve; marriage is auspicious.
Health: There is no longer any serious problem.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the Six in the fifth place changes, it becomes Hexagram 12 of the Zhouyi: Heaven and Earth Obstruction. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Kun below and Qian above) repeated, with a structure opposite to The Peace hexagram. Yang energy rises while yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and the myriad things cannot communicate. The two are “reversed 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 fifth place line

The fifth line of The Progress hexagram, line statement: Six in the fifth place: Remorse disappears; do not worry about loss and gain; going forward is auspicious and nothing is unfavorable. Interpretation of the line statement
“Loss” means to misplace or lose. “Concern” means worry or apprehension.
The meaning of this line statement is: Remorse disappears. Do not worry about gain or loss; going forward is auspicious, and everything will become smooth.
In terms of the hexagram image, the Six in the fifth place is a yielding line in a firm position, occupying the ruler’s place. Yet it is surrounded above and below by firm lines. Although the Six in the fifth place is personally weak, it treats firm ministers with modesty and harmony, maintains the middle without becoming extreme, and effectively regulates the forces on both sides; therefore the situation is very favorable.
The Image explains this line: “Do not worry about loss and gain”; going forward brings celebration. This indicates that as long as one continues striving, auspicious blessings will inevitably come.
If you receive this line, as long as you walk uprightly and act properly, you need not worry about temporary gains and losses. Matters of remorse, misfortune, and disaster will all disappear. Move forward bravely; nothing will be unfavorable, and you will obtain the result you hope for.
Six in the fifth place: Remorse disappears; do not worry about loss and gain; going forward is auspicious and nothing is unfavorable.
The Image says: Do not worry about loss and gain; there will be celebration.
The meaning of the classical text is: There is no anxious remorse; do not worry about gain or loss; going forward is auspicious, with nothing unfavorable. The meaning of the Image is: By not calculating gain and loss, going forward brings celebration.
As the saying goes, “To give up is to gain.” Without loss, how could there be gain? This is like the old story of the old man whose horse ran away: by losing one horse, he eventually gained a whole herd. If the old man had tied his horse securely, how could that horse have brought him a herd? In life, gain and loss often coexist.
The fifth line occupies the honored position and is embraced and supported by firm lines above and below. Therefore, whether advancing or retreating, whether gaining or losing, it will always have something worthy of celebration.
Detailed explanation of the Upper Nine of the thirty-fifth Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Top Nine line
Upper Nine: Advancing to the horns; one may use force only against a fief. Danger may turn auspicious and bring no blame; persistence brings embarrassment.
The Image says: One may use force only against a fief; the Way has not yet become luminous.
Explanation in plain language
Upper Nine: When attacking the enemy, one must compare the strength of both sides and may consider attacking the enemy’s city. Yet the outcome is uncertain: it may be dangerous, auspicious, free of disaster, or it may fulfill an ominous sign.
The Image says: Considering an attack on the enemy’s city shows that the kingly Way has not been widely implemented, causing the subordinate fiefs to rebel.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line may have the joy of repairing or building a house; the unfavorable aspect brings worry over disputes or lawsuits. Officials may receive the honor of a fief.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Good fortune is nearing its end; guard against accidents.
Finances: There is conflict within the same industry, but fortunately there will be no blame.
Home: Relations with neighbors are unsettled; there will be disputes at first but harmony in the end.
Health: Take care of the head; ending the lawsuit is auspicious.

Transformation of the Top Nine line


When the Upper Nine changes, it becomes Hexagram 16 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Earth, Enthusiasm. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Kun below and Zhen above) repeated. Kun is earth and compliance; Zhen is thunder and movement. Thunder emerges in season, foretelling spring’s return to the earth. Movement arising from compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and Humility are reversed hexagrams that interact with each other.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The sixth line of The Progress hexagram, line statement: Upper Nine: Advancing to the horns; one may use force only against a fief; danger may turn auspicious and bring no blame; persistence brings embarrassment. Interpretation of the line statement
“Wei” is a grammatical particle. “Fief” means a subordinate territory or small dependent state.
The meaning of this line statement is: Advancement or development has reached its peak, like reaching the tip of an animal’s horn. At this point, one may subdue a dependent state. Although this is dangerous, it brings no disaster. If one rigidly holds to the status quo, trouble will arise.
In terms of the hexagram image, the Upper Nine is a firm line in a yielding position, so it is out of place. It occupies the final position of the whole hexagram, indicating that advancement or development has reached the highest point and there is no road ahead. At this time, one may stabilize internal affairs; if no action is taken, difficulties will arise.
The Image explains this line: “One may use force only against a fief”; the Way has not yet become luminous. This indicates that progress and prosperity have reached their peak and can no longer be developed or expanded.
If you receive this line, your progress or development has reached its peak. Charging forward now has no meaning; you need to revise and change your strategy and look for internal problems. If you find problems, eliminate them with all your strength. Although this may invite misunderstanding and danger, failing to act will cause even more trouble.
Upper Nine: Advancing to the horns; one may use force only against a fief; danger may turn auspicious and bring no blame; persistence brings embarrassment. The Image says: One may use force only against a fief; the Way has not yet become luminous.
The meaning of the classical text is: Advancement has reached its peak; only by subduing a small state can one establish merit. There is auspiciousness amid danger, no disaster, but holding to the right path brings difficulty.
The meaning of the Image is: Having to establish merit only by subduing a small state shows that the way of advancement of the Upper Nine cannot yet shine widely.
When advancement reaches its extreme, power is instead lost. Advancement in ancient times differed from today. Nowadays, generally speaking, the higher one rises, the greater and more powerful one becomes. In ancient times, however, reaching the very top meant becoming the retired supreme emperor: nominally the most important figure, feared even by the emperor, yet actually deprived of real power. This Upper Nine is someone who pursues fame and merit, so to continue increasing his honor he can only attack some small countries. Because the Upper Nine is at the end of the road and will soon be pushed aside by the many yielding lines, merely clinging to the right path will bring worry and embarrassment.