[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_iching64_en-iching-36":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-36",false,"2026-08-11T00:57:06.682Z","2026-07-04T14:35:07.000Z","Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 36, The Darkening of the Light hexagram, Earth over Fire, Kun above Li below","Detailed explanation of the thirty-sixth Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Original text of The Darkening of the Light hexagram\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light. Beneficial to maintain integrity amid hardship.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: When brightness enters the earth, this is The Darkening of the Light. The noble person governs the people by using obscurity while preserving inner clarity.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light hexagram: Divination concerning difficult matters is favorable.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The inner trigram is Li, which is the sun; the outer trigram is Kun, which is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, which is the image of The Darkening of the Light. The noble person observes this image and, in governing the people and administering affairs, does not regard harsh scrutiny as clarity. Instead, appearing foolish outwardly while being wise inwardly, the noble person accommodates things and draws close to the people.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light has Kun above and Li below, making it the wandering-soul hexagram of the Kan palace. The Darkening of the Light means that luminous virtue has been injured, symbolizing a noble person suffering hardship. At such a time, all affairs should be suspended; observe quietly and await change.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>The sun enters the earth and brightness is injured; all affairs are obstructed, so wait for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this hexagram have poor timing and hardship in everything. They should firmly maintain the right path, endure with dignity, and wait for the opportunity.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Protect yourself through wisdom to avoid disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: There is no visible profit; receive dividends secretly.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Father and son should live separately; the marriage is not formally arranged.\n \u003Cbr>Health: The liver is enlarged and congested; pay attention to care and recuperation.\n \u003Cbr>Traditional interpretation of the hexagram\n \u003Cbr>This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Li below and Kun above) repeated. Li is brightness and Kun is compliance; Li is the sun and Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, brightness is damaged, the future is unclear, and circumstances are difficult. One should follow the time, preserve oneself in obscurity, maintain the right path, appear foolish outwardly while wise inwardly, and conceal one’s brilliance.\n \u003Cbr>Great Image: The sun is hidden beneath Kun earth; the earth is dark, showing an image of lost sight.\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Everything is obstructed; petty people cause harm, and confusion arises in many matters. Hold steady and wait quietly for the right time before acting.\n \u003Cbr>Career: You are in an unfavorable environment. Deal calmly with dangerous conditions, strengthen your mental resilience, and withstand all pressures. Be outwardly gentle and cautious, inwardly perceptive; leave when it is time to leave, avoiding disaster and escaping danger. Prevent trouble before it occurs and persist in striving through adversity.\n \u003Cbr>Business: Carefully observe market movements and act when the opportunity arises, but uphold business ethics. Even in unfavorable circumstances, take risks and move forward; in particular, develop toward the south, where you will gain greatly.\n \u003Cbr>Seeking fame: Keep great aspirations inwardly, act with hard work and patience, struggle through adversity, guard your purpose, restrain your intelligence rather than displaying it, uphold justice amid confusion, and preserve a humble, unassuming manner.\n \u003Cbr>Love and marriage: Analyze the other person’s circumstances comprehensively; do not sacrifice the greater good for a small gain. Pay attention to major principles.\n \u003Cbr>Decision-making: You are in a poor situation, the environment is difficult, and the future is unclear. But if you can face misfortune calmly, bend and stretch as needed, the outlook will become bright. You should especially strengthen self-cultivation, endure while carrying out your purpose, appear foolish outwardly but wise inwardly, and turn adversity into good fortune. If you act cautiously and take care at every step, you can achieve something.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the thirty-sixth hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The image of The Darkening of the Light hexagram and its symbolic meaning\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light is a hexagram of contrasting trigrams: Li below and Kun above. Li is brightness and Kun is compliance; Li is the sun and Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, brightness is damaged, the future is unclear, and circumstances are difficult. Applied to human affairs, this means a dark ruler above and an enlightened minister below who dares not display his wisdom. One should follow the time, preserve oneself in obscurity, maintain the right path, appear foolish outwardly while wise inwardly, and conceal one’s brilliance to avoid harm from petty people.\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light follows The Progress hexagram and is its upright-reversed counterpart. The Sequence says: “Advancement must encounter injury, so The Darkening of the Light follows. Yi means injury.” Advancement or progress inevitably suffers some damage, so The Darkening of the Light appears next, meaning that brightness has been harmed. Cheng Yi explained the difference between The Darkening of the Light and The Progress this way: “The Progress hexagram is one of flourishing brightness: an enlightened ruler is above, and worthy people advance together. The Darkening of the Light is a hexagram of darkness: a dark ruler is above, and those who are bright suffer injury.”\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains The Darkening of the Light: Brightness enters the earth; the noble person governs the people by using obscurity while preserving inner clarity.\n \u003Cbr>The Image points out that the hexagram image of The Darkening of the Light is Li (fire) below and Kun (earth) above. Li is fire and represents brightness, showing brightness entering beneath the earth and symbolizing “brightness being obstructed.” The noble person should follow this principle in governing the people: intentionally not displaying personal talents and wisdom, but instead enabling the people to be governed\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light symbolizes obstructed brightness and is a lower-middle hexagram. The Image’s judgment of this hexagram is: “When time turns adverse and fortune is clumsy, one cannot get anywhere; hurrying to cross the river, one tears down the bridge; a benefactor becomes unjust and turns into an enemy; in everything there is no achievement, only wasted labor.”","Detailed explanation of the Initial Nine of the thirty-sixth Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: When the light is darkened, one flies with drooping wings. The noble person sets out and goes three days without food. If there is somewhere to go, the host will have words of blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The noble person sets out; in accordance with righteousness, he will not eat.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: “A pelican is flying and comes to rest by a marsh. The noble person leaves home and has no food for three days.” If divination yields this line and one goes somewhere, one will surely incur the host’s reproach.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The noble person is on a journey and, according to ritual and righteousness, cannot accept food in disgrace.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who receive this line may suffer an injury to a limb; the favorable aspect brings the joy of increased wealth and blessings. Officials show signs of rapid success, but should beware of loss.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: You have not yet risen; protect yourself well.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Capital suffers damage; the owner brings troublesome complaints.\n \u003Cbr>Home: It is best to move; marriage is disharmonious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: There is an illness of the esophagus or a disease in the hand.\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_36_1.png'\" alt='\"周易第36卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Initial Nine changes, it becomes Hexagram 15 of the Zhouyi: Earth over Mountain, Humility. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Gen below and Kun above) repeated. Gen is mountain and Kun is earth. A mountain stands on the earth: the earth is low and the mountain high, an inner-high and outer-low image. It symbolizes having great merit without taking personal credit, having a high reputation without praising oneself, and holding high office without arrogance. This is Humility.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The first line of The Darkening of the Light hexagram, line statement: Initial Nine: When the light is darkened, one flies with drooping wings.\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: When the light is darkened, one flies with drooping wings. The noble person sets out and goes three days without food. If there is somewhere to go, the host will have words of blame. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>“In flight” means while flying.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: When brightness is injured, it is like a bird flying with its wings drooping and hurrying away in alarm. If the noble person wants to withdraw and hide, he does not care even if he loses his office and has no food. But if the noble person acts at this time, he will inevitably be reprimanded by those in power.\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: When the light is darkened, one flies with drooping wings. The noble person sets out and goes three days without food. If there is somewhere to go, the host will have words of blame. Life insight\n \u003Cbr>The “Darkening of the Light hexagram” means “brightness entering the earth,” and the earth falls into darkness. The Initial Nine shows movement, wanting to leave quickly and fly away from this place. Yet forced by the circumstances, one must “droop one’s wings,” hoping to keep a low profile and preserve one’s life. Those who receive this line should remain low-key during difficult times, avoid competing aggressively with others, quietly do the work at hand, avoid starting new projects, and ignore the rumors around them.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “The noble person sets out”; in accordance with righteousness, he will not eat. This points out that the noble person withdraws and hides because, adhering to morality and principles, he is unwilling to accept this salary any longer. The Darkening of the Light emphasizes maintaining the right path; for the noble person, even losing salary or wealth is not too high a price to pay for doing so.\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: When the light is darkened, one flies with drooping wings. The noble person sets out and goes three days without food. If there is somewhere to go, the host will have words of blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The noble person sets out; in accordance with righteousness, he will not eat.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of the classical text is: Brightness enters the earth, and the birds all return to their nests and no longer fly. The noble person wants to leave and goes three days without food. If there is somewhere to go, the host has words of blame. The meaning of the Image is: The noble person is determined to leave and, according to righteousness, can no longer accept salary or food.\n \u003Cbr>The Darkening of the Light hexagram evolves from The Small Exceeding hexagram. When the Nine in the fourth place and the Initial Six of The Small Exceeding exchange positions, it becomes The Darkening of the Light. The Small Exceeding has the image of a flying bird; its Initial Six is the bird’s wing, and it now comes to the Six in the fourth place of The Darkening of the Light, creating the image of a bird folding its wings, that is, “drooping its wings.”\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Nine in the second place of the thirty-sixth Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: The light is darkened; the left thigh is injured. Use a strong horse for rescue; auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The auspiciousness of the Six in the second place lies in following while observing standards.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: Pelican, pelican, injured in the left thigh; the noble person is wounded and rescued by a horse. Auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The auspiciousness of the Six in the second place is because the yielding line Six in the second place lies below the firm Nine in the third place, like a horse obeying its master and understanding his intentions.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspicious: Ordinary people may face difficulty but will receive help from a noble benefactor. Officials will have real authority and be able to shoulder major responsibilities. Scholars will achieve good results.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: A noble benefactor provides help, fortunately avoiding disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Poor planning makes loss unavoidable.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Repairs and restoration are complete; the woman suffers a foot ailment.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Injury to the left foot.\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_36_2.png'\" alt='\"周易第36卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Six in the second place changes, it becomes Hexagram 11 of the Zhouyi: Earth over Heaven, Peace. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Qian below and Kun above) repeated. Qian is heaven and yang; Kun is earth and yin. Yin and yang interact, above and below communicate, Heaven and Earth join, and the myriad things flourish. Conversely, it is ominous: all things are opposed and transform; what flourishes to the extreme must decline, and what declines turns prosperous. Thus adapting to the time is Peace, meaning communication.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The second line of The Darkening of the Light hexagram, line statement: Six in the second place: The light is darkened; the left thigh is injured. Use a strong horse for rescue; auspicious. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>“Left thigh” means the left upper leg. “Rescue” means to save. “Strong horse” means a robust horse.\n \u003Cbr>In terms of the hexagram image, the Six in the second place is a yielding line in a yielding position, so it has the proper place and influence, maintaining the middle and attaining correctness. The Six in the second place has the qualities of gentleness, compliance, centrality, and correctness. Such a person is more easily bullied in dark times and therefore suffers injury. However, because this line maintains the middle and correctness, someone will come to help, bringing auspiciousness.\n \u003Cbr>The Image analyzes this line: The auspiciousness of the Six in the second place lies in following while observing standards. This points out that the Six in the second place obtains auspiciousness because it is yielding yet maintains principles.\n \u003Cbr>If you receive this line, when your circumstances deteriorate further, your activities will be restricted. If a strong and capable friend comes to help at this time, they can help reduce your pressure.\n \u003Cbr>In an organization, you may encounter this situation: the people assisting you nearby have been harmed, so you should quickly bring in strong people to rescue the dangerous situation. This is like using a strong horse to save you when your left leg is injured. Only then can you escape danger and turn misfortune into good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: The light is darkened; the left thigh is injured. Use a strong horse for rescue; auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The auspiciousness of the Six in the second place lies in following while observing standards.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of the classical text is: Brightness enters the earth, the left thigh is injured, and a strong horse comes to rescue; auspicious. The meaning of the Image is: The auspiciousness of the Six in the second place is because it is both compliant and principled.\n \u003Cbr>This is like a person walking at night who falls and injures a thigh. Yet because the person has a strong horse, the horse rescues them. Having help when danger strikes, one ultimately becomes fortunate. The Six in the second place is the lower line of Kan, the lower nuclear trigram of The Darkening of the Light. Kan represents a fine-backed horse and a horse that drags, and also danger; therefore the line statement speaks of encountering danger and being rescued by a horse. Horses are extremely attuned to human nature, and films often show how a horse saves its master. With such a good horse, its owner will naturally be fortunate.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Nine in the third place of the thirty-sixth Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Third Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the third place: When the light is darkened, hunt in the south and capture the great leader. Do not rush illness; maintain integrity.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The aspiration to hunt in the south leads to great gain.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the third place: In the hunting grounds of the south, draw the bow and shoot arrows, capturing some large wild beasts. If divination yields this line, asking about illness is unfavorable.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The determination to hunt in the south greatly fulfills one’s wishes.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who receive this line may have signs of repairing or constructing a house. The unfavorable aspect brings injury to the left thigh and much worry over separation.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Withdraw and hold the southern position; you can achieve your aim.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Operate patiently; eventually you will see the light.\n \u003Cbr>Home: A wealthy family in the native place; obtain a fine spouse.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Recuperating in the south is more suitable.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Third Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_36_3.png'\" alt='\"周易第36卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Nine in the third place changes, it becomes Hexagram 24 of the Zhouyi: Earth over Thunder, Return. This hexagram is made of contrasting trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above) repeated. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kun is earth and compliance. Movement is compliant, following nature. Movement occurs within compliance: yang is inside and yin outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which benefits progress.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The third line of The Darkening of the Light hexagram, line statement: Nine in the third place: When the light is darkened, hunt in the south and capture the great leader. Do not rush illness; maintain integrity. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Shou: refers to hunting. Great leader: refers to the chief. Urgent: refers to being anxious.\n \u003Cbr>The third line of Hexagram Mingyi, the line statement: Nine in the third place: In the south, hunting, he captures the great leader; he must not be hasty. Correctness. Life insights\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, the third line is a yang line in a firm position, so it is correctly placed. A yang line is active and upward-striving. The third line is at the end of the lower trigram: it has momentum and retains inner brightness, so it can be put into action.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The resolve to hunt in the south brings a great gain. This indicates that the aspiration to campaign and conduct a royal hunt in the south will bring a very substantial harvest.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line, though in difficult circumstances, can still accomplish something. As long as they do not act too hastily, their actions can still yield results.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the third place: Light is wounded while hunting in the south; he captures the great chief. He must not act hastily; perseverance in the correct path is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The aspiration to hunt in the south leads to great gain.\n \u003Cbr>The classical text means: When light enters the earth, hunt in the south and capture the great chief; do not act hastily, but hold fast to the correct path. The Image means: The event of hunting in the south shows that a great gain can be obtained.\n \u003Cbr>It is dark, and the animals are asleep. Under such circumstances, capturing them is easier. In warfare, however, a night attack is also a tactic that can readily defeat the enemy. The line statement describes a successful night raid. Not only was the enemy defeated, but its leader was also captured. Yet in this situation, because darkness makes things unclear, it is disadvantageous to pursue relentlessly and annihilate the enemy; hence, “he must not act hastily.”\n \u003Cbr>The reason the line statement says “hunting in the south” is mainly that the third line, Nine in the third place, is the top line of the lower trigram Li in Hexagram Mingyi, and Li represents the south in King Wen’s directional arrangement of the Eight Trigrams.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the fourth line, Nine in the fourth place, of the 36th Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place. Entering the left abdomen, he obtains the heart of Mingyi, and goes out through the gate of the courtyard.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Entering the left abdomen means gaining insight into the heart.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place: Return to a deeply hidden place. When you leave your dwelling and enter society, you sense the danger of the environment, and the thought of withdrawing arises naturally.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Returning to a deeply hidden place fulfills the wish to withdraw.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who obtain this line and go out to seek opportunities will proceed smoothly. A pregnant woman will give birth to a boy. The unhealthy may develop an illness of the heart or abdomen. An officeholder in an idle post will return to active service; those already in office will often be assigned elsewhere. Those who conceal their talents and bide their time will eventually rise and become known.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Move from clarity into obscurity; it is better to go out.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Go out to do business and become prosperous to your satisfaction.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The road is obstructed; the wife is already pregnant.\n \u003Cbr>Health: A heart-and-abdomen ailment; go out to seek medical treatment.\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_36_4.png'\" alt='\"周易第36卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the fourth line, Six in the fourth place, changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 55: Feng, Thunder over Fire. This is a transformed hexagram made of two different trigrams, Li below and Zhen above. Lightning flashes and thunder roars; achievements are immense, symbolizing reaching the summit, like the sun at midday. Warning: Be sure to note that things inevitably develop toward their opposites. Prosperity and decline are changeable, so one must remain vigilant.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The fourth line of Hexagram Mingyi, the line statement: Six in the fourth place: Entering the left abdomen, he obtains the heart of Mingyi and goes out through the gate of the courtyard. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>The line statement means: Entering the left side of the abdomen makes it possible to understand deeply the inner situation of obstructed light; thus one firmly steps across the courtyard gate and leaves this place.\n \u003Cbr>From the image of the hexagram, the fourth line is a yielding line in a yielding position, at the beginning of the upper trigram. The darkness of Mingyi lies in the upper trigram, so this Six in the fourth place has already entered the darkness.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “Entering the left abdomen” means gaining the heart’s intention. This indicates that the fourth line has already “entered the left abdomen,” allowing it to understand from within the condition of obstructed light and the thoughts and intentions of the dark ruler, then decide to leave—just as Weizi, in the Shang era, understood King Zhou of Shang and left the court.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line have fallen into a predicament and understand why it arose: perhaps the leader is incompetent, or perhaps petty people hold power. At this time, they must resolve to leave the place of right and wrong. Yet even in the darkest moment, they must retain light in their hearts and hold fast to the correct path; only then can they again be understood and entrusted with responsibility.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place: Entering the left abdomen, he obtains the heart of Mingyi and goes out through the gate of the courtyard. The Image says: Entering the left abdomen and obtaining the heart means obtaining the intended meaning.\n \u003Cbr>The classical text means: Entering the inner side of the close ministers and learning the truth of the damaged light, one walks out of the courtyard. The Image means: Entering the inner side of the close ministers makes it possible to learn the ruler’s true thoughts.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the fifth line, Nine in the fifth place, of the 36th Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place: The light of Jizi is wounded; perseverance in the correct path is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Jizi’s perseverance shows that his light cannot be extinguished.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: After Yin fell, Jizi fled to an eastern neighboring state to seek refuge, and received an auspicious omen when he consulted the oracle.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Jizi withdrew and upheld the correct path; his radiant image will never perish through the ages.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who receive this line will have difficulty meeting a true confidant, or may suffer disaster within the family. Officials must cultivate virtue and character to remain free from worry.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: A noble person remains steadfast in poverty; the future will open up.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Only after enduring hardship can profit be gained.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The relatives are at odds; ending the engagement is advisable.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Mental and emotional symptoms.\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_36_5.png'\" alt='\"周易第36卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the fifth line, Six in the fifth place, changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 63: Ji Ji, Water over Fire. This is a transformed hexagram made of two different trigrams, Li below and Kan above. Kan is water and Li is fire; water and fire meet, with water above fire, so the force of water overcomes the force of fire and the great task of extinguishing the fire is accomplished. Ji means already; ji means completion. Ji Ji means that the matter has already succeeded, but a change will ultimately occur.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The fifth line of Hexagram Mingyi, the line statement: Six in the fifth place: The brightness-wounding of Jizi. Favorable to correctness. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Jizi was the uncle of King Zhou of Shang. The “Yu Lao” chapter of Han Feizi records: “In ancient times, when Zhou made ivory chopsticks, Jizi became frightened.” King Zhou had someone make him a pair of ivory chopsticks. Others thought nothing of it, but when Jizi learned of it, he felt alarmed. Jizi said: “If one eats with ivory chopsticks, one will certainly refuse coarse bowls and utensils. One will next demand rhinoceros-horn and jade cups and plates, as well as delicacies from the mountains and seas; then one will wear fine silk and brocade and build lofty, spacious palaces and towers. If this continues, it will become impossible to stop.” Later, Zhou became increasingly extravagant and licentious. Jizi repeatedly remonstrated, but Zhou would not listen. Someone advised Jizi: “This state is beyond saving. Leave quickly.” Jizi replied: “If a minister remonstrates and is ignored, then leaves, he displays his ruler’s evil and advertises himself to please the people. I cannot bear to do that.” He believed that, as a minister, advising and warning the ruler against improper words and conduct was his responsibility. If the ruler refused to listen, leaving him would merely expose the ruler’s evil and advertise oneself to win popular favor; he could not do such a thing.\n \u003Cbr>Here Jizi followed the principle of concealing evil and proclaiming good, a virtue that ancient times required an upright gentleman to uphold. A gentleman must not stir up disputes all day or seek popularity through sensationalism. Jizi did not choose to leave, yet he did not want to assist Zhou in tyranny. He let his hair down and pretended to be mad. Later, King Zhou demoted him to household slave, so he withdrew and lived in seclusion at Mount Ji. He often played the qin and sang sorrowfully. Later generations recorded the song he sang under the title “Jizi Cao.”\n \u003Cbr>In a dark, despotic society, it is extremely difficult for a minister to survive safely without assisting tyranny. In such circumstances, Jizi was willing to sacrifice material interests, power, and personal reputation while waiting for darkness to pass and light to arrive. He finally lived to see that day. Later, after King Wu of Zhou defeated King Zhou, he respectfully and fearfully sought instruction from Jizi. Jizi then taught King Wu the Great Plan’s Nine Categories, the great way of governing the state.\n \u003Cbr>The line statement means: One should adopt Jizi’s method of concealing his own intelligence and talents; this is beneficial for upholding the correct path.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the top line, Upper Six, of the 36th Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place: The light of Jizi is wounded; perseverance in the correct path is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Jizi’s perseverance shows that his light cannot be extinguished.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: After Yin fell, Jizi fled to an eastern neighboring state to seek refuge, and received an auspicious omen when he consulted the oracle.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Jizi withdrew and upheld the correct path; his radiant image will never perish through the ages.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who receive this line will have difficulty meeting a true confidant, or may suffer disaster within the family. Officials must cultivate virtue and character to remain free from worry.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: A noble person remains steadfast in poverty; the future will open up.\n \u003Cbr>Finances: Only after enduring hardship can profit be gained.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The relatives are at odds; ending the engagement is advisable.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Mental and emotional symptoms.\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_36_5.png'\" alt='\"周易第36卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the fifth line, Six in the fifth place, changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 63: Ji Ji, Water over Fire. This is a transformed hexagram made of two different trigrams, Li below and Kan above. Kan is water and Li is fire; water and fire meet, with water above fire, so the force of water overcomes the force of fire and the great task of extinguishing the fire is accomplished. Ji means already; ji means completion. Ji Ji means that the matter has already succeeded, but a change will ultimately occur.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The sixth line of Hexagram Mingyi, the line statement: Six at the top: No brightness, darkness; at first he ascends to Heaven, afterward he enters the Earth. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Obscurity: carries the meanings of darkness and dullness.\n \u003Cbr>The line statement means: There is no brightness, only deep obscurity. At first it rises to heaven; later it falls into the earth.\n \u003Cbr>The Upper Six is at the summit of the entire hexagram and represents the darkest time. The fifth and top lines belong to the positions of heaven; heaven should have the sun shining in all directions. But the person in the highest position is dull and does not uphold the correct path, so the light “falls into the earth.”\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “At first it ascends to heaven”—it illuminates the four states; “later it enters the earth”—it has lost its function. This indicates that “rising to heaven” means its light can shine over the four regions, while “later entering the earth” means that by violating the correct path it has lost its proper function and changed from light into darkness.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line are in a group or organization where the leader is incompetent and petty people hold power; they are trapped in darkness. Upper Six: Without brightness, there is obscurity; at first it ascends to heaven, later it enters the earth.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “At first it ascends to heaven”—it illuminates the four states. “Later it enters the earth”—it has lost the rule.\n \u003Cbr>The classical text means: There is no brightness, only obscurity. At first it rises into the sky; later it falls onto the earth.\n \u003Cbr>The Image means: At first it rises into the sky and can illuminate the four directions. Later it falls onto the earth, meaning it has lost the rule.\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six is at the extreme point of darkness, and the darkest age is also the age when light is about to arrive. This is the darkness before dawn. Thus it explains the cycle and alternation of light and darkness. “At first it ascends to heaven” depicts sunrise;\n \u003Cbr>“Later it enters the earth” depicts sunset. Therefore, at the darkest moment, one must understand that light is about to arrive.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary further develops the line statement, holding that the darkness caused by the setting sun results from the loss of principles. The sunset mentioned here is not the sunset we see at dusk, but refers to the political corruption of the Mingyi hexagram, the sunset of civilized institutions, and the meaning of darkness and decay.","Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 36, Hexagram Mingyi, Earth over Fire Mingyi, Kun above Li below — Detailed Explanation of the Hexagram Judgment — Oriental Metaphysics Library","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 36, Hexagram Mingyi (Earth over Fire Mingyi, Kun above Li below): the original hexagram judgment and plain-language translation, an auspiciousness analysis of each line statement, and interpretations for career, relationships, and fortune.","䷣","\u003Cp>The Darkening of the Light: Beneficial to maintain integrity amid hardship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tuan Commentary says: When brightness enters the earth, this is The Darkening of the Light. Inner brilliance and outer compliance enable one to endure great hardship; King Wen embodied this. “Beneficial to maintain integrity amid hardship” means concealing one’s brightness. Amid inner difficulties, one can still keep one’s aspirations upright; Lord Jizi embodied this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Image says: When brightness enters the earth, this is The Darkening of the Light. The noble person governs the people by using obscurity while preserving inner clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>",36,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 36, Hexagram Yi, Sixty-four Hexagrams, hexagram judgment, line statement, plain-language explanation",1787044933291]