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I Ching · 64 Hexagrams
Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 38, Opposition hexagram, Fire over Lake, Li above Dui below
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Opposition: Auspicious for small matters.
The Tuan Commentary says: Opposition: Fire moves upward and the lake moves downward. Two daughters dwell together, but their aims do not follow the same course; joy is joined to brightness, the yielding advances and moves upward, attaining the center and responding to the firm. Therefore small matters are auspicious. Heaven and Earth oppose one another, yet their affairs are the same; men and women oppose one another, yet their aims communicate; the myriad things oppose one another, yet their affairs are of one kind. The use of Opposition in its time is truly great!
The Image says: Fire above, lake below—Opposition. Thus the noble person seeks what is common while preserving differences.
Hexagram 38 — original text and overview
Detailed explanation of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Original text of the Opposition hexagram
Opposition. Auspicious for small matters.
The Image says: Fire above, lake below—Opposition. Thus the noble person seeks what is common while preserving differences.
Explanation in plain language
Opposition: If this hexagram is obtained in divination, small matters are auspicious.
The Image says: The upper trigram is Li, which is fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which is lake. Fire above and lake below, each moving away from the other, is the image of Opposition. The noble person observes this image, combines what all things share, and analyzes how all things differ.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Opposition hexagram is Li above Dui below, a fourth-generation hexagram of the Gen palace. Opposition symbolizes separation and divergence. If obtained in divination, major matters are inauspicious, while small matters proceed smoothly.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
People’s hearts turn outward and go against the Way; it is difficult to accomplish anything, so large undertakings are unsuitable.
Those who obtain this hexagram have unfavorable luck: water and fire cannot coexist, contradictions arise, and matters are difficult to accomplish.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Above and below do not communicate; handle matters with integrity.
Wealth: Take what others abandon; a small profit remains.
Home: Moving away for refuge is advisable; choose carefully before marrying.
Health: Fire above and dampness below; it is genuinely difficult to treat.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Dui below and Li above. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below oppose each other and do not assist each other. When they overcome one another, generation arises; their movement cycles without emptiness. All things differ, and where there is difference there is opposition and contradiction. Opposition means contradiction.
Great image: Li fire moves upward while Dui lake moves downward; one rises and one falls, mutually contrary. It also shows two daughters living together without attaining the proper order.
Fortune: The energy is unfavorable and matters are difficult to accomplish, resembling water and fire that cannot coexist. Remain calm in the face of change.
Career: Launching a venture is difficult and circumstances are arduous. If people share the same goals and trust one another, the aim can be achieved. At first, success will mostly come in small matters; accumulating small successes can produce a great accomplishment. Matters succeed through concerted effort and fail when people’s aims differ. Strengthen unity and bend in order to communicate; mutual suspicion within the group is especially harmful.
Business: Enter market competition with a calm and even-tempered attitude, seeking common ground while preserving minor differences. Do not treat competitors as enemies; cooperate without losing principles, associate without forming factions. Above all, do not provoke disputes, and make every effort to avoid calamity.
Seeking recognition: Advance diligently with a sincere heart. When necessary, do not completely avoid associating with bad people; adopt a broad and tolerant attitude and maintain moderate contact. Nor need you agree entirely with those who share your aims; seek common ground amid differences.
Marriage and love: Both sides must treat each other sincerely. Otherwise, a third party can easily intervene, and mutual suspicion between spouses can destroy the family.
Decision-making: You are in a state of contradiction and opposition. You must treat life with magnanimity, calmness, and gentleness. Only then can you remain peaceful, flexible, and progressive. Understand that union contains separation, separation contains union; sameness contains difference, and difference contains sameness. Otherwise, excessive rigidity becomes irritable, and excessive brightness gives rise to suspicion. Both violence and suspicion can be fatal.
The philosophical meaning of the Thirty-Eighth Hexagram
The image of the Opposition hexagram and the symbolic meaning of Fire over Lake Opposition
The Opposition hexagram consists of different trigrams stacked together, with Li above and Dui below. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below move contrary to one another and do not assist each other. Flames burn upward, while water seeps downward; the two move in opposite directions, so they are contrary and opposed. All things in the world differ, and difference necessarily entails variation and contradiction. This is Opposition; Opposition means contradiction.
Hexagram Kui consists of Dui below and Li above, and is positioned after Hexagram Jia Ren. The Sequence of Hexagrams (Xugua) says: "When the way of the family comes to an end, estrangement inevitably arises; hence it is followed by Kui. Kui means estrangement." When Hexagram Jia Ren reaches its end, estrangement emerges next, which is the main theme of Hexagram Kui.
From another angle, Li is the sun and brightness, in the upper trigram. Dui is joy and delight, in the lower trigram. This also shows that the two trigrams have an aspect of unity.
The Image explains this hexagram: Fire above, lake below—Opposition; the noble person seeks what is common while preserving differences.
The Image says that the Opposition image is Dui (lake) below and Li (fire) above, presenting the appearance of water and fire meeting and symbolizing opposition. Therefore the noble person should preserve small differences while seeking great common ground. This is the principle Opposition expresses: seek common ground amid differences.
The Opposition hexagram symbolizes confrontation and separation and belongs to the lowest class of hexagrams. The Image judges it as follows: Fortune is bad when this hexagram is cast, like Taigong doing business—pigs and cattle sell quickly, sheep sell slowly; when pigs and sheep are sold together, the butcher’s knife is broken.
Original text of the Opposition hexagram
Opposition. Auspicious for small matters.
The Image says: Fire above, lake below—Opposition. Thus the noble person seeks what is common while preserving differences.
Explanation in plain language
Opposition: If this hexagram is obtained in divination, small matters are auspicious.
The Image says: The upper trigram is Li, which is fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which is lake. Fire above and lake below, each moving away from the other, is the image of Opposition. The noble person observes this image, combines what all things share, and analyzes how all things differ.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Opposition hexagram is Li above Dui below, a fourth-generation hexagram of the Gen palace. Opposition symbolizes separation and divergence. If obtained in divination, major matters are inauspicious, while small matters proceed smoothly.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
People’s hearts turn outward and go against the Way; it is difficult to accomplish anything, so large undertakings are unsuitable.
Those who obtain this hexagram have unfavorable luck: water and fire cannot coexist, contradictions arise, and matters are difficult to accomplish.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Above and below do not communicate; handle matters with integrity.
Wealth: Take what others abandon; a small profit remains.
Home: Moving away for refuge is advisable; choose carefully before marrying.
Health: Fire above and dampness below; it is genuinely difficult to treat.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Dui below and Li above. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below oppose each other and do not assist each other. When they overcome one another, generation arises; their movement cycles without emptiness. All things differ, and where there is difference there is opposition and contradiction. Opposition means contradiction.
Great image: Li fire moves upward while Dui lake moves downward; one rises and one falls, mutually contrary. It also shows two daughters living together without attaining the proper order.
Fortune: The energy is unfavorable and matters are difficult to accomplish, resembling water and fire that cannot coexist. Remain calm in the face of change.
Career: Launching a venture is difficult and circumstances are arduous. If people share the same goals and trust one another, the aim can be achieved. At first, success will mostly come in small matters; accumulating small successes can produce a great accomplishment. Matters succeed through concerted effort and fail when people’s aims differ. Strengthen unity and bend in order to communicate; mutual suspicion within the group is especially harmful.
Business: Enter market competition with a calm and even-tempered attitude, seeking common ground while preserving minor differences. Do not treat competitors as enemies; cooperate without losing principles, associate without forming factions. Above all, do not provoke disputes, and make every effort to avoid calamity.
Seeking recognition: Advance diligently with a sincere heart. When necessary, do not completely avoid associating with bad people; adopt a broad and tolerant attitude and maintain moderate contact. Nor need you agree entirely with those who share your aims; seek common ground amid differences.
Marriage and love: Both sides must treat each other sincerely. Otherwise, a third party can easily intervene, and mutual suspicion between spouses can destroy the family.
Decision-making: You are in a state of contradiction and opposition. You must treat life with magnanimity, calmness, and gentleness. Only then can you remain peaceful, flexible, and progressive. Understand that union contains separation, separation contains union; sameness contains difference, and difference contains sameness. Otherwise, excessive rigidity becomes irritable, and excessive brightness gives rise to suspicion. Both violence and suspicion can be fatal.
The philosophical meaning of the Thirty-Eighth Hexagram
The image of the Opposition hexagram and the symbolic meaning of Fire over Lake Opposition
The Opposition hexagram consists of different trigrams stacked together, with Li above and Dui below. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below move contrary to one another and do not assist each other. Flames burn upward, while water seeps downward; the two move in opposite directions, so they are contrary and opposed. All things in the world differ, and difference necessarily entails variation and contradiction. This is Opposition; Opposition means contradiction.
Hexagram Kui consists of Dui below and Li above, and is positioned after Hexagram Jia Ren. The Sequence of Hexagrams (Xugua) says: "When the way of the family comes to an end, estrangement inevitably arises; hence it is followed by Kui. Kui means estrangement." When Hexagram Jia Ren reaches its end, estrangement emerges next, which is the main theme of Hexagram Kui.
From another angle, Li is the sun and brightness, in the upper trigram. Dui is joy and delight, in the lower trigram. This also shows that the two trigrams have an aspect of unity.
The Image explains this hexagram: Fire above, lake below—Opposition; the noble person seeks what is common while preserving differences.
The Image says that the Opposition image is Dui (lake) below and Li (fire) above, presenting the appearance of water and fire meeting and symbolizing opposition. Therefore the noble person should preserve small differences while seeking great common ground. This is the principle Opposition expresses: seek common ground amid differences.
The Opposition hexagram symbolizes confrontation and separation and belongs to the lowest class of hexagrams. The Image judges it as follows: Fortune is bad when this hexagram is cast, like Taigong doing business—pigs and cattle sell quickly, sheep sell slowly; when pigs and sheep are sold together, the butcher’s knife is broken.
Hexagram 38 — line-by-line explanation
Detailed explanation of the first line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Statement of the First Nine line
Nine at the beginning: Regret disappears. Having lost a horse, do not chase it; it will return by itself. Encountering a bad person brings no blame.
The Image says: Encountering a bad person is to avoid blame.
Explanation in plain language
Nine at the beginning: There is no need for regret. If the horses are lost, do not search for them; they will return by themselves. Even if one meets bad people along the way, there will be no disaster.
The Image says: The reason encountering a bad person brings no disaster is to eliminate that person’s ill intent.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line first lose and then gain in their undertakings; human relations first separate and then reunite. Guard against sinister disasters. In office, those in idle posts may return to duty, and those demoted may be promoted again.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Good fortune is just beginning; let nature take its course.
Wealth: Do not worry excessively; prosperity will surely come later.
Home: Peaceful and free of blame; wait patiently.
Health: No serious problem.
Transformation of the First Nine line
!["周易第38卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_38_1.png)
When the first line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 64: Before Completion, Fire over Water. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire and Kan is water. Fire above and water below: the fire overcomes the water, so the work of extinguishing the fire is not complete, hence Before Completion. The Zhouyi begins with Qian and Kun and ends with Already Across and Before Completion, fully reflecting the idea of developmental change.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The first line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Nine at the beginning: Regret disappears; having lost a horse, do not chase it, it will return by itself; encountering a bad person brings no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Lost horse: the horse that has gone missing. Chase: pursue or search for. Bad person: someone hostile to oneself.
The meaning of this line statement is: Regret disappears. The lost horse need not be pursued; it will return by itself. Approaching someone who opposes and despises you brings no disaster.
In terms of the hexagram image, the first line is a firm line in a firm position and therefore properly placed. Thus no regrettable event occurs, and the lost horse returns on its own. However, the first line is not in the central position; it has the correct place but lacks centrality. Its position is low and it is eager to move upward. Because it is in hostile correspondence with Nine in the fourth place, it suffers rejection and blows from that line and cannot advance. At this point it should not confront the opponent directly. Because its position is low, it should instead approach the person who is hostile toward it.
The Image analyzes this line: “Encountering a bad person”—to avoid blame. This points out that “approaching someone who opposes and despises you” allows communication and prevents harm caused by deeper opposition.
Those who obtain this line: If you argue with a friend, you will eventually reconcile as before. Regrets, unlucky events, and disasters will also disappear on their own. However, you should take the initiative to ease relations with people who dislike or oppose you; this will benefit you.
Nine at the beginning: Regret disappears; having lost a horse, do not chase it, it will return by itself; encountering a bad person brings no blame. The Image says: Encountering a bad person is to avoid blame.
Detailed explanation of the second line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the second place: Meet the master in the alley; no blame.
The Image says: Meeting the master in the alley means the Way has not been lost.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the second place: Encountering a warm and hospitable host brings no disaster.
The Image says: Encountering a warm and hospitable host shows that the Way has not been lost.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line will find a kindred spirit and have their undertakings go as intended. Officials will meet an enlightened ruler and have prospects of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Favorable circumstances converge; move forward bravely.
Wealth: Encounter a wealthy patron and go into business together.
Home: A benefactor visits; be careful of a secret affair.
Health: You will find a good physician.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
!["周易第38卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_38_2.png)
When the second line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 21: Biting Through, Fire over Thunder. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Zhen below and Li above. Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and yang meet and chew through hard matter, symbolizing applying both favor and authority, combining leniency and strictness, and harmonizing firmness with gentleness. Biting Through means the upper and lower jaws joining to chew.
Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line
The second line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Nine in the second place: Meet the master in the alley; no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Alley: a lane or narrow street.
The meaning of this line statement is: Encountering a person of high rank in a small alley brings no danger or disaster.
This line chiefly teaches the principle of achieving national salvation by an indirect route: when acting, it is better to be indirect than blunt.
In terms of the hexagram image, Nine in the second place is a firm line in a yielding position, properly aligned in polarity but improperly placed, which would normally be harmful. Yet because it is a yin line, it remains humble, follows the time, and does not depart from the middle way. Nine in the second place properly corresponds with Six in the fifth place. Six in the fifth place is in the center of the upper trigram; it is a yin line in the central position and is the “leader” of the hexagram, though centrally placed but not in its proper polarity. Six in the third place is at the top of the lower trigram, above Six in the second place, and is Six in the second place’s immediate superior, but Six in the third place and Six in the fifth place are incompatible. Nine in the second place naturally wants to attach itself to Six in the fifth place but has no opportunity. Six in the fifth place goes out on inspection or for some other matter, and the two meet in a small alley.
The Image explains this line: “Meet the master in the alley”—the Way has not been lost.
The Image points out: “Encountering a person of high rank in a small alley,” although unconventional, does not violate principle.
Those who obtain this line may happen to meet someone who can help them when going out; they may meet their employer or supervisor in a small alley, or encounter a business opportunity there.
Nine in the second place: Meet the master in the alley; no blame. The Image says: Meet the master in the alley—the Way has not been lost.
The meaning of the classic text is: Encountering the master in an alley brings no disaster.
The meaning of the Image statement is: Encountering the master in the alley shows that Nine in the second place has not lost the way of harmony between master and servant.
Nine in the second place is like the servant of a once-wealthy family that has fallen into poverty. The family scattered to make a living and could no longer afford to keep servants, so the servant was dismissed. One day, the master and servant met in a small alley. The servant still treated the former master as his master; how could such loyalty bring disaster? Since they met in a small alley, both were evidently not doing well at the time. Yet when master and servant are of one heart, their sharpness can cut metal; with them united, what difficulty could they not overcome?
In terms of the hexagram image, the master of Nine in the second place is Six in the third place, because Six in the third place is at the very top of the inner trigram and symbolizes the head of the household. The lower trigram is Dui, which signifies joy, reflecting the happiness after master and servant meet. Since Six in the fifth place corresponds with Nine in the second place, Nine in the second place’s conduct will win the fifth place’s appreciation. Thus it may be promoted and will not suffer disaster.
Detailed explanation of the ninth line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the third place: One sees a cart being dragged, its ox restrained. The person driving it has been branded on the forehead and had the nose cut off. There is no good beginning, but there is a good ending.
The Image says: Seeing a cart being dragged means the position is inappropriate; no good beginning but a good ending means encountering firmness.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the third place: A freight cart is seen being dragged; the ox pulling it strains forward and backward with great difficulty. The driver is a slave branded on the forehead and with his nose cut off. At first the cart is stuck and cannot move, but later it is finally pulled forward.
The Image says: Seeing a branded and mutilated slave pulling a cart shows that Six in the third place is a yielding line in a firm position, improperly placed, like a person fallen into misery. The beginning is unfavorable but the outcome is good because the yielding line advances and meets the firm line at Nine in the fourth place, like someone receiving help from the strong.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line face obstacles in their plans and must seek safety amid danger; first lost, then compliant. The immoral may suffer injury to bone and flesh. Officials should guard against slander by petty people.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: There may be punishment or injury; endure hardship for three years.
Wealth: Harmony among people is difficult; there is no profit to be gained.
Home: Facing west is advisable; first suspicious, then explanations emerge.
Health: Sores appear on the face; they will heal on their own after a long time.
Six in the third place changing hexagram
!["周易第38卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_38_3.png)
When Six in the third place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 14: Great Possession, Fire over Heaven. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Li above and Qian below. The upper trigram is Li, fire; the lower trigram is Qian, Heaven. Fire in the heavens illuminates all things, all people submit, and by following Heaven and relying on the seasons, great accomplishment is achieved.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
The third line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Six in the third place: A cart is seen being dragged, its ox restrained; its driver has been branded and had his nose cut off. There is no good beginning, but there is a good ending. Explanation of the line statement
Cart: a vehicle. Drag: to pull, draw, or tow. Restrain: to hold back or obstruct. The person: the driver. Branding: in ancient times, tattooing characters on a criminal’s forehead. Nose-cutting: an ancient cruel punishment of cutting off the nose.
The meaning of this line statement is: A large cart moves with difficulty, its ox is restrained and cannot advance, and its driver has suffered branding and nose-cutting. Although beset by hardship, the final outcome will be good.
The phrase “no good beginning, but a good ending” in Six in the third place shows that one should act deeply rather than superficially. In terms of the hexagram image, Six in the third place is a yielding line in a firm position, with two firm lines above and below blocking its path, leaving it unable either to advance or retreat.
The Image explains this line: “A cart is seen being dragged”—the position is inappropriate; “no good beginning, but a good ending”—because it encounters firmness. This points out that the cart’s difficult progress is caused by Six in the third place being improperly positioned. The reason hardship ultimately leads to a good ending is that it can correspond and unite with firmness. “Encountering firmness” refers to Six in the third place having a proper correspondence with the firm top line at Nine.
Those who obtain this line may find that matters begin extremely difficult, even leaving them trapped in hardship and barely able to move, but eventually someone will help and success will be achieved.
Those who obtain this line: If you suffer slander or lose face in public, do not always assume it is your fault. You may have encountered someone with a distorted state of mind; the matter will pass quickly.
Six in the third place: A cart is seen being dragged; its ox strains forward, and its driver has been branded and had his nose cut off. There is no good beginning, but a good ending. The Image says: A cart is seen being dragged; its position is inappropriate. There is no good beginning, but a good ending; it encounters firmness.
The meaning of the classic text is: A large cart is seen being pulled back, while the ox strains forward; the driver falls flat on all fours and injures his nose. The beginning is unfavorable, but the ending will be good. The Image means: The cart is pulled backward because its position is inappropriate; the beginning is bad but the ending is good because it receives help from the strong line at Nine.
Six in the third place is yielding but improperly positioned; Opposition has reached its extreme and the circumstances are difficult. Yet its exclusive attachment to Nine at the top makes Nine at the top’s doubts about Six in the third place disappear, and they unite joyfully.
The situation of Six in the third place is very poor. It drives an ox cart, but the cart is heavily loaded and the ox is unruly, so the driver falls from the cart and injures the face and nose. Yet, as stated earlier, help is encountered and the final outcome is good. Who helps? It should be Nine at the top, Nine in the fourth place, and Nine in the third place, because the Image says “encountering firmness,” meaning Six in the third place receives help from firm lines and thus has “no good beginning, but a good ending.”
Detailed explanation of the ninth line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the fourth place: Alone in opposition, one meets a great man. In mutual trust, danger brings no blame.
The Image says: Mutual trust brings no blame; the will is carried out.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fourth place: A traveler walks alone and encounters a lame person; they are seized together. The situation is dangerous, but in the end there is no disaster.
The Image says: Mutual trust brings no disaster, showing that the will can be carried out and the purpose attained.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line receive help from friends, turn danger into safety, and marriage seekers will find a suitable match. Officials will be recommended by colleagues and have an opportunity for promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: An isolated personality, but friends provide assistance.
Wealth: Caught between advance and retreat; an old friend helps.
Home: Desolate surroundings.
Health: An eye ailment; seek medical treatment.
Transformation of the Fourth Nine line
!["周易第38卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_38_4.png)
When the fourth line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 41: Decrease, Mountain over Lake. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Dui below and Gen above. Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. Mountain above and lake below: the great lake erodes the mountain’s base. Decrease and increase alternate; within decrease there is increase, and within increase there is decrease. One must treat the two carefully. Decreasing below to benefit above, as in governing a country, can damage the foundation if excessive. When decrease is called for, decrease, but measure it according to one’s ability and keep it moderate. A small decrease with benefit is best.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
The fourth line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Nine in the fourth place: Alone in opposition; meet a great man. In mutual trust, danger brings no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Alone: being by oneself. Great man: “Great” means beginning or first; “man” refers to a firm ruler; “great man” here means the first line, Nine at the beginning. Mutual trust: relating to one another with integrity.
The meaning of this line statement is: Because one’s aims differ from those of the group, one becomes isolated, but happens to meet a great man full of firm strength. By relating with integrity, although danger exists, disaster can be avoided.
Nine in the fourth place presents “mutual trust brings no blame,” showing that sincerity is preferable to pretense. In terms of the hexagram image, this line is yang in a yin position, neither in the center nor properly placed. The two lines above and below are both yin, leaving it isolated. In the entire hexagram, the only yang line with which it can associate is Nine at the beginning.
The Image analyzes this line: “Associating in trust, no blame”; the will is carried out.
Those who receive this line are isolated and without support at work or in life, with most people opposing their views. At such a time, seek people who share your aspirations and associate with them sincerely. Although differences remain, seek common ground while preserving differences; this will avert danger and calamity.
Detailed explanation of the fifth line, Nine in the fifth place, of the 38th Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the fifth place. Regret disappears; one’s clan members eat flesh. Going forward, what blame could there be?
The Image says: “One’s clan members eat flesh”; going forward, there will be celebration.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fifth place: Regret disappears. Seeing members of one’s clan eating meat, the solitary traveler gladly joins them, and the journey is safe and uneventful.
The Image Commentary says: Members of one’s clan eat flesh; going forward, there will certainly be a joyous occasion.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line may profit in business and receive support from influential people. In unfavorable circumstances, relatives and friends may resent them, and family members may suffer legal or physical harm. Officials may gain achievement and reputation; students may attain excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Members of the same clan help one another; you may proceed with confidence.
Finances: Beware of partnerships; keep yourself upright.
Home: An old house can be lived in; relatives become even closer.
Health: A skin ailment, not difficult to cure.
Six in the fifth place changing hexagram
!["周易第38卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_38_5.png)
When the changing fifth line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 10: Treading, Heaven over Lake. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Lake below and Heaven above. Qian is Heaven and Dui is Lake; Heaven symbolizes the ruler and Lake the people. The original text says: “Treading on a tiger’s tail; it does not bite.” Thus the outcome is auspicious. Ruler above and people below, each in the proper place. The yielding Dui encounters the firm Qian, so what is trodden is dangerous. Treading means putting principles into practice; the hexagram signifies advancing with one’s feet firmly on the ground.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
The fifth line of the Kui hexagram: Line statement—Six in the fifth place: Regret disappears; one’s clan members eat flesh. Going forward, what blame could there be? Explanation of the line statement.
Jue: a pronoun referring to “its” or “their.” Zong: the ancestral clan or a faction of the same group. Shi: to bite together; to merge. Fu: the outer part or surface.
The meaning of this line statement is: Regret disappears; members of the clan eat meat together. What harm could there be on the road ahead?
The lesson of Six in the fifth place is that in human relationships, closeness is preferable to estrangement. Six in the fifth place is a yielding line in a firm position, so it is out of place. Yet it has three major strengths: yielding advance, occupying the center, and responding to firmness. Yielding advance shows kindness and gentleness; occupying the center shows moderation without extremism; responding to firmness shows the ability to gain the assistance of worthy people. This not only makes regret disappear, but also unites those nearby, helping accomplish greater things.
The Image analyzes it this way: “One’s clan members eat flesh”; going forward, there will be celebration. This means that when clan members eat together, advancing will certainly bring something worth celebrating. Because everyone abandons old grievances and unites harmoniously, working together with one heart makes success easier.
If you receive this line and someone is waiting for you, you should go boldly to them; you may establish an intimate relationship of mutual trust with that person.
The Image Commentary means: A clan holds a feast and eats meat; going forward, one encounters celebration. It describes members of an impoverished wealthy family scattering to seek a livelihood. Eventually one person gains rank and fame, so he hosts a banquet for his clansmen. They drink and eat meat together, and naturally no disaster occurs.
Detailed explanation of the top line of the 38th Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top Nine. Estranged and alone, one sees a pig covered in mud and a cartload of ghosts. First one draws the bow, then lowers it. They are not bandits but a wedding party. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of meeting rain means that all suspicions disappear.
Explanation in plain language
Top Nine: The traveler walks alone and sees a large pig lying across the road, then encounters a large cart filled with oddly dressed people. The traveler draws a bow to shoot, then lowers it. The group are not bandits but people going to arrange a marriage. The traveler continues as usual and meets heavy rain, yet everything remains safe.
The Image Commentary says: The traveler in the top-line statement meets a wedding party on the road; at first both sides suspect each other and nearly resort to violence, but later they coexist peacefully and continue their journeys. This is because their fear and suspicion disappear.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line may be defamed and falsely accused, suffering loss first and gain later. Officials should beware of slander.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: When circumstances turn, keep your heart upright and intentions sincere.
Finances: Profit may come only after the autumn rains.
Home: Beware of disturbances; the marriage ultimately reaches harmony.
Health: Illness caused by suspicion; once doubts are resolved, there is no obstacle.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
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When the changing top line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 54: Thunder over Lake, Returning Maiden. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Lake below and Thunder above. Thunder means movement and the eldest son; Lake means joy and the young maiden. The young maiden follows the eldest son, giving rise to affection and the movement of marriage, symbolizing a daughter marrying out; hence it is called Returning Maiden.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
Top Nine: Estranged and alone, one sees a pig covered in mud and a cartload of ghosts; first one draws the bow, then lowers it. They are not bandits but a wedding party. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious. Explanation of the line statement.
Shi: a pig. Tu: to smear with mud. Hu: a bow and arrow. Yue: interchangeable with “tuo,” meaning “to remove” or “to escape.”
The meaning of this line statement is: One is in an extremely isolated state. In a daze, one sees a pig with its back covered in mud, then a cart full of ghostlike people. One raises a bow to shoot, then lowers it. It turns out they are not bandits but a wedding procession. Once the truth is clear, going forward and meeting rain brings good fortune.
The lesson of this line is: Trust is preferable to suspicion.
From the hexagram image, the top line is a yang line in a yin position, isolated and prone to hallucinations and irrational suspicion. Only by eliminating suspicion can one see the truth clearly. In dealings with others, one should not doubt them but trust one another. Handling conflicts this way can achieve harmony between yin and yang, just as rain falls when yin and yang meet in the sky; the outcome is certainly auspicious.
The Image explains: “The auspiciousness of meeting rain” means that the many former suspicions have vanished like smoke and no longer exist.
Those who receive this line often experience hallucinations amid uncertain suspicion, imagining that someone is plotting against them. Yet through interaction they discover that the person is actually trustworthy. In dealing with others, make trust the foundation; do not imagine ghosts and spirits, or danger and mistakes may result.
Top Nine: Estranged and alone, one sees a pig covered in
mud, a cartload of ghosts; first one draws the bow, then lowers it. They are not bandits but a wedding party. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of meeting rain means that all suspicions disappear.
The meaning of the classic text is: Estranged and alone, seeing a pig covered in mud and a cart pulling ghosts; first drawing the bow to shoot, then lowering it because those arriving are not bandits but people seeking marriage. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious. The Image means: Meeting rain is auspicious because many worries and suspicions have disappeared.
Top Nine is in extreme poverty. Its “estranged and alone” differs from the fourth line’s “estranged and alone”: the fourth line is lonely because of temperament, while Top Nine is lonely because of poverty. The main meaning of the Kui hexagram is disharmony and separation caused by poverty at home. From the hexagram image, the person seeking marriage should be Six in the third place, which corresponds to Top Nine. Six in the third place is the lower line of the upper nuclear Kan, and Kan means water and rain; hence “going forward and meeting rain is auspicious.”
Statement of the First Nine line
Nine at the beginning: Regret disappears. Having lost a horse, do not chase it; it will return by itself. Encountering a bad person brings no blame.
The Image says: Encountering a bad person is to avoid blame.
Explanation in plain language
Nine at the beginning: There is no need for regret. If the horses are lost, do not search for them; they will return by themselves. Even if one meets bad people along the way, there will be no disaster.
The Image says: The reason encountering a bad person brings no disaster is to eliminate that person’s ill intent.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line first lose and then gain in their undertakings; human relations first separate and then reunite. Guard against sinister disasters. In office, those in idle posts may return to duty, and those demoted may be promoted again.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Good fortune is just beginning; let nature take its course.
Wealth: Do not worry excessively; prosperity will surely come later.
Home: Peaceful and free of blame; wait patiently.
Health: No serious problem.
Transformation of the First Nine line
When the first line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 64: Before Completion, Fire over Water. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire and Kan is water. Fire above and water below: the fire overcomes the water, so the work of extinguishing the fire is not complete, hence Before Completion. The Zhouyi begins with Qian and Kun and ends with Already Across and Before Completion, fully reflecting the idea of developmental change.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The first line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Nine at the beginning: Regret disappears; having lost a horse, do not chase it, it will return by itself; encountering a bad person brings no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Lost horse: the horse that has gone missing. Chase: pursue or search for. Bad person: someone hostile to oneself.
The meaning of this line statement is: Regret disappears. The lost horse need not be pursued; it will return by itself. Approaching someone who opposes and despises you brings no disaster.
In terms of the hexagram image, the first line is a firm line in a firm position and therefore properly placed. Thus no regrettable event occurs, and the lost horse returns on its own. However, the first line is not in the central position; it has the correct place but lacks centrality. Its position is low and it is eager to move upward. Because it is in hostile correspondence with Nine in the fourth place, it suffers rejection and blows from that line and cannot advance. At this point it should not confront the opponent directly. Because its position is low, it should instead approach the person who is hostile toward it.
The Image analyzes this line: “Encountering a bad person”—to avoid blame. This points out that “approaching someone who opposes and despises you” allows communication and prevents harm caused by deeper opposition.
Those who obtain this line: If you argue with a friend, you will eventually reconcile as before. Regrets, unlucky events, and disasters will also disappear on their own. However, you should take the initiative to ease relations with people who dislike or oppose you; this will benefit you.
Nine at the beginning: Regret disappears; having lost a horse, do not chase it, it will return by itself; encountering a bad person brings no blame. The Image says: Encountering a bad person is to avoid blame.
Detailed explanation of the second line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the second place: Meet the master in the alley; no blame.
The Image says: Meeting the master in the alley means the Way has not been lost.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the second place: Encountering a warm and hospitable host brings no disaster.
The Image says: Encountering a warm and hospitable host shows that the Way has not been lost.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line will find a kindred spirit and have their undertakings go as intended. Officials will meet an enlightened ruler and have prospects of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Favorable circumstances converge; move forward bravely.
Wealth: Encounter a wealthy patron and go into business together.
Home: A benefactor visits; be careful of a secret affair.
Health: You will find a good physician.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
When the second line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 21: Biting Through, Fire over Thunder. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Zhen below and Li above. Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and yang meet and chew through hard matter, symbolizing applying both favor and authority, combining leniency and strictness, and harmonizing firmness with gentleness. Biting Through means the upper and lower jaws joining to chew.
Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line
The second line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Nine in the second place: Meet the master in the alley; no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Alley: a lane or narrow street.
The meaning of this line statement is: Encountering a person of high rank in a small alley brings no danger or disaster.
This line chiefly teaches the principle of achieving national salvation by an indirect route: when acting, it is better to be indirect than blunt.
In terms of the hexagram image, Nine in the second place is a firm line in a yielding position, properly aligned in polarity but improperly placed, which would normally be harmful. Yet because it is a yin line, it remains humble, follows the time, and does not depart from the middle way. Nine in the second place properly corresponds with Six in the fifth place. Six in the fifth place is in the center of the upper trigram; it is a yin line in the central position and is the “leader” of the hexagram, though centrally placed but not in its proper polarity. Six in the third place is at the top of the lower trigram, above Six in the second place, and is Six in the second place’s immediate superior, but Six in the third place and Six in the fifth place are incompatible. Nine in the second place naturally wants to attach itself to Six in the fifth place but has no opportunity. Six in the fifth place goes out on inspection or for some other matter, and the two meet in a small alley.
The Image explains this line: “Meet the master in the alley”—the Way has not been lost.
The Image points out: “Encountering a person of high rank in a small alley,” although unconventional, does not violate principle.
Those who obtain this line may happen to meet someone who can help them when going out; they may meet their employer or supervisor in a small alley, or encounter a business opportunity there.
Nine in the second place: Meet the master in the alley; no blame. The Image says: Meet the master in the alley—the Way has not been lost.
The meaning of the classic text is: Encountering the master in an alley brings no disaster.
The meaning of the Image statement is: Encountering the master in the alley shows that Nine in the second place has not lost the way of harmony between master and servant.
Nine in the second place is like the servant of a once-wealthy family that has fallen into poverty. The family scattered to make a living and could no longer afford to keep servants, so the servant was dismissed. One day, the master and servant met in a small alley. The servant still treated the former master as his master; how could such loyalty bring disaster? Since they met in a small alley, both were evidently not doing well at the time. Yet when master and servant are of one heart, their sharpness can cut metal; with them united, what difficulty could they not overcome?
In terms of the hexagram image, the master of Nine in the second place is Six in the third place, because Six in the third place is at the very top of the inner trigram and symbolizes the head of the household. The lower trigram is Dui, which signifies joy, reflecting the happiness after master and servant meet. Since Six in the fifth place corresponds with Nine in the second place, Nine in the second place’s conduct will win the fifth place’s appreciation. Thus it may be promoted and will not suffer disaster.
Detailed explanation of the ninth line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the third place: One sees a cart being dragged, its ox restrained. The person driving it has been branded on the forehead and had the nose cut off. There is no good beginning, but there is a good ending.
The Image says: Seeing a cart being dragged means the position is inappropriate; no good beginning but a good ending means encountering firmness.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the third place: A freight cart is seen being dragged; the ox pulling it strains forward and backward with great difficulty. The driver is a slave branded on the forehead and with his nose cut off. At first the cart is stuck and cannot move, but later it is finally pulled forward.
The Image says: Seeing a branded and mutilated slave pulling a cart shows that Six in the third place is a yielding line in a firm position, improperly placed, like a person fallen into misery. The beginning is unfavorable but the outcome is good because the yielding line advances and meets the firm line at Nine in the fourth place, like someone receiving help from the strong.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line face obstacles in their plans and must seek safety amid danger; first lost, then compliant. The immoral may suffer injury to bone and flesh. Officials should guard against slander by petty people.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: There may be punishment or injury; endure hardship for three years.
Wealth: Harmony among people is difficult; there is no profit to be gained.
Home: Facing west is advisable; first suspicious, then explanations emerge.
Health: Sores appear on the face; they will heal on their own after a long time.
Six in the third place changing hexagram
When Six in the third place changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 14: Great Possession, Fire over Heaven. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Li above and Qian below. The upper trigram is Li, fire; the lower trigram is Qian, Heaven. Fire in the heavens illuminates all things, all people submit, and by following Heaven and relying on the seasons, great accomplishment is achieved.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
The third line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Six in the third place: A cart is seen being dragged, its ox restrained; its driver has been branded and had his nose cut off. There is no good beginning, but there is a good ending. Explanation of the line statement
Cart: a vehicle. Drag: to pull, draw, or tow. Restrain: to hold back or obstruct. The person: the driver. Branding: in ancient times, tattooing characters on a criminal’s forehead. Nose-cutting: an ancient cruel punishment of cutting off the nose.
The meaning of this line statement is: A large cart moves with difficulty, its ox is restrained and cannot advance, and its driver has suffered branding and nose-cutting. Although beset by hardship, the final outcome will be good.
The phrase “no good beginning, but a good ending” in Six in the third place shows that one should act deeply rather than superficially. In terms of the hexagram image, Six in the third place is a yielding line in a firm position, with two firm lines above and below blocking its path, leaving it unable either to advance or retreat.
The Image explains this line: “A cart is seen being dragged”—the position is inappropriate; “no good beginning, but a good ending”—because it encounters firmness. This points out that the cart’s difficult progress is caused by Six in the third place being improperly positioned. The reason hardship ultimately leads to a good ending is that it can correspond and unite with firmness. “Encountering firmness” refers to Six in the third place having a proper correspondence with the firm top line at Nine.
Those who obtain this line may find that matters begin extremely difficult, even leaving them trapped in hardship and barely able to move, but eventually someone will help and success will be achieved.
Those who obtain this line: If you suffer slander or lose face in public, do not always assume it is your fault. You may have encountered someone with a distorted state of mind; the matter will pass quickly.
Six in the third place: A cart is seen being dragged; its ox strains forward, and its driver has been branded and had his nose cut off. There is no good beginning, but a good ending. The Image says: A cart is seen being dragged; its position is inappropriate. There is no good beginning, but a good ending; it encounters firmness.
The meaning of the classic text is: A large cart is seen being pulled back, while the ox strains forward; the driver falls flat on all fours and injures his nose. The beginning is unfavorable, but the ending will be good. The Image means: The cart is pulled backward because its position is inappropriate; the beginning is bad but the ending is good because it receives help from the strong line at Nine.
Six in the third place is yielding but improperly positioned; Opposition has reached its extreme and the circumstances are difficult. Yet its exclusive attachment to Nine at the top makes Nine at the top’s doubts about Six in the third place disappear, and they unite joyfully.
The situation of Six in the third place is very poor. It drives an ox cart, but the cart is heavily loaded and the ox is unruly, so the driver falls from the cart and injures the face and nose. Yet, as stated earlier, help is encountered and the final outcome is good. Who helps? It should be Nine at the top, Nine in the fourth place, and Nine in the third place, because the Image says “encountering firmness,” meaning Six in the third place receives help from firm lines and thus has “no good beginning, but a good ending.”
Detailed explanation of the ninth line of Zhouyi Hexagram Thirty-Eight
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the fourth place: Alone in opposition, one meets a great man. In mutual trust, danger brings no blame.
The Image says: Mutual trust brings no blame; the will is carried out.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fourth place: A traveler walks alone and encounters a lame person; they are seized together. The situation is dangerous, but in the end there is no disaster.
The Image says: Mutual trust brings no disaster, showing that the will can be carried out and the purpose attained.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who obtain this line receive help from friends, turn danger into safety, and marriage seekers will find a suitable match. Officials will be recommended by colleagues and have an opportunity for promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: An isolated personality, but friends provide assistance.
Wealth: Caught between advance and retreat; an old friend helps.
Home: Desolate surroundings.
Health: An eye ailment; seek medical treatment.
Transformation of the Fourth Nine line
When the fourth line changes, it becomes Zhouyi Hexagram 41: Decrease, Mountain over Lake. This is a composite hexagram of different trigrams, with Dui below and Gen above. Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. Mountain above and lake below: the great lake erodes the mountain’s base. Decrease and increase alternate; within decrease there is increase, and within increase there is decrease. One must treat the two carefully. Decreasing below to benefit above, as in governing a country, can damage the foundation if excessive. When decrease is called for, decrease, but measure it according to one’s ability and keep it moderate. A small decrease with benefit is best.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
The fourth line of the Opposition hexagram, line statement: Nine in the fourth place: Alone in opposition; meet a great man. In mutual trust, danger brings no blame. Explanation of the line statement
Alone: being by oneself. Great man: “Great” means beginning or first; “man” refers to a firm ruler; “great man” here means the first line, Nine at the beginning. Mutual trust: relating to one another with integrity.
The meaning of this line statement is: Because one’s aims differ from those of the group, one becomes isolated, but happens to meet a great man full of firm strength. By relating with integrity, although danger exists, disaster can be avoided.
Nine in the fourth place presents “mutual trust brings no blame,” showing that sincerity is preferable to pretense. In terms of the hexagram image, this line is yang in a yin position, neither in the center nor properly placed. The two lines above and below are both yin, leaving it isolated. In the entire hexagram, the only yang line with which it can associate is Nine at the beginning.
The Image analyzes this line: “Associating in trust, no blame”; the will is carried out.
Those who receive this line are isolated and without support at work or in life, with most people opposing their views. At such a time, seek people who share your aspirations and associate with them sincerely. Although differences remain, seek common ground while preserving differences; this will avert danger and calamity.
Detailed explanation of the fifth line, Nine in the fifth place, of the 38th Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the fifth place. Regret disappears; one’s clan members eat flesh. Going forward, what blame could there be?
The Image says: “One’s clan members eat flesh”; going forward, there will be celebration.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fifth place: Regret disappears. Seeing members of one’s clan eating meat, the solitary traveler gladly joins them, and the journey is safe and uneventful.
The Image Commentary says: Members of one’s clan eat flesh; going forward, there will certainly be a joyous occasion.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line may profit in business and receive support from influential people. In unfavorable circumstances, relatives and friends may resent them, and family members may suffer legal or physical harm. Officials may gain achievement and reputation; students may attain excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Members of the same clan help one another; you may proceed with confidence.
Finances: Beware of partnerships; keep yourself upright.
Home: An old house can be lived in; relatives become even closer.
Health: A skin ailment, not difficult to cure.
Six in the fifth place changing hexagram
When the changing fifth line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 10: Treading, Heaven over Lake. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Lake below and Heaven above. Qian is Heaven and Dui is Lake; Heaven symbolizes the ruler and Lake the people. The original text says: “Treading on a tiger’s tail; it does not bite.” Thus the outcome is auspicious. Ruler above and people below, each in the proper place. The yielding Dui encounters the firm Qian, so what is trodden is dangerous. Treading means putting principles into practice; the hexagram signifies advancing with one’s feet firmly on the ground.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
The fifth line of the Kui hexagram: Line statement—Six in the fifth place: Regret disappears; one’s clan members eat flesh. Going forward, what blame could there be? Explanation of the line statement.
Jue: a pronoun referring to “its” or “their.” Zong: the ancestral clan or a faction of the same group. Shi: to bite together; to merge. Fu: the outer part or surface.
The meaning of this line statement is: Regret disappears; members of the clan eat meat together. What harm could there be on the road ahead?
The lesson of Six in the fifth place is that in human relationships, closeness is preferable to estrangement. Six in the fifth place is a yielding line in a firm position, so it is out of place. Yet it has three major strengths: yielding advance, occupying the center, and responding to firmness. Yielding advance shows kindness and gentleness; occupying the center shows moderation without extremism; responding to firmness shows the ability to gain the assistance of worthy people. This not only makes regret disappear, but also unites those nearby, helping accomplish greater things.
The Image analyzes it this way: “One’s clan members eat flesh”; going forward, there will be celebration. This means that when clan members eat together, advancing will certainly bring something worth celebrating. Because everyone abandons old grievances and unites harmoniously, working together with one heart makes success easier.
If you receive this line and someone is waiting for you, you should go boldly to them; you may establish an intimate relationship of mutual trust with that person.
The Image Commentary means: A clan holds a feast and eats meat; going forward, one encounters celebration. It describes members of an impoverished wealthy family scattering to seek a livelihood. Eventually one person gains rank and fame, so he hosts a banquet for his clansmen. They drink and eat meat together, and naturally no disaster occurs.
Detailed explanation of the top line of the 38th Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top Nine. Estranged and alone, one sees a pig covered in mud and a cartload of ghosts. First one draws the bow, then lowers it. They are not bandits but a wedding party. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of meeting rain means that all suspicions disappear.
Explanation in plain language
Top Nine: The traveler walks alone and sees a large pig lying across the road, then encounters a large cart filled with oddly dressed people. The traveler draws a bow to shoot, then lowers it. The group are not bandits but people going to arrange a marriage. The traveler continues as usual and meets heavy rain, yet everything remains safe.
The Image Commentary says: The traveler in the top-line statement meets a wedding party on the road; at first both sides suspect each other and nearly resort to violence, but later they coexist peacefully and continue their journeys. This is because their fear and suspicion disappear.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line may be defamed and falsely accused, suffering loss first and gain later. Officials should beware of slander.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: When circumstances turn, keep your heart upright and intentions sincere.
Finances: Profit may come only after the autumn rains.
Home: Beware of disturbances; the marriage ultimately reaches harmony.
Health: Illness caused by suspicion; once doubts are resolved, there is no obstacle.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
When the changing top line becomes Zhouyi hexagram 54: Thunder over Lake, Returning Maiden. This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, Lake below and Thunder above. Thunder means movement and the eldest son; Lake means joy and the young maiden. The young maiden follows the eldest son, giving rise to affection and the movement of marriage, symbolizing a daughter marrying out; hence it is called Returning Maiden.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
Top Nine: Estranged and alone, one sees a pig covered in mud and a cartload of ghosts; first one draws the bow, then lowers it. They are not bandits but a wedding party. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious. Explanation of the line statement.
Shi: a pig. Tu: to smear with mud. Hu: a bow and arrow. Yue: interchangeable with “tuo,” meaning “to remove” or “to escape.”
The meaning of this line statement is: One is in an extremely isolated state. In a daze, one sees a pig with its back covered in mud, then a cart full of ghostlike people. One raises a bow to shoot, then lowers it. It turns out they are not bandits but a wedding procession. Once the truth is clear, going forward and meeting rain brings good fortune.
The lesson of this line is: Trust is preferable to suspicion.
From the hexagram image, the top line is a yang line in a yin position, isolated and prone to hallucinations and irrational suspicion. Only by eliminating suspicion can one see the truth clearly. In dealings with others, one should not doubt them but trust one another. Handling conflicts this way can achieve harmony between yin and yang, just as rain falls when yin and yang meet in the sky; the outcome is certainly auspicious.
The Image explains: “The auspiciousness of meeting rain” means that the many former suspicions have vanished like smoke and no longer exist.
Those who receive this line often experience hallucinations amid uncertain suspicion, imagining that someone is plotting against them. Yet through interaction they discover that the person is actually trustworthy. In dealing with others, make trust the foundation; do not imagine ghosts and spirits, or danger and mistakes may result.
Top Nine: Estranged and alone, one sees a pig covered in
mud, a cartload of ghosts; first one draws the bow, then lowers it. They are not bandits but a wedding party. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of meeting rain means that all suspicions disappear.
The meaning of the classic text is: Estranged and alone, seeing a pig covered in mud and a cart pulling ghosts; first drawing the bow to shoot, then lowering it because those arriving are not bandits but people seeking marriage. Going forward and meeting rain is auspicious. The Image means: Meeting rain is auspicious because many worries and suspicions have disappeared.
Top Nine is in extreme poverty. Its “estranged and alone” differs from the fourth line’s “estranged and alone”: the fourth line is lonely because of temperament, while Top Nine is lonely because of poverty. The main meaning of the Kui hexagram is disharmony and separation caused by poverty at home. From the hexagram image, the person seeking marriage should be Six in the third place, which corresponds to Top Nine. Six in the third place is the lower line of the upper nuclear Kan, and Kan means water and rain; hence “going forward and meeting rain is auspicious.”