Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 40: Release, Thunder over Water, Zhen above Kan below

Detailed explanation of the First Ninth line of the Zhouyi’s Fortieth Hexagram
Initial Six line statement
Initial Six. No blame.
The Image says: At the junction of firmness and yielding, there is no blame in principle.
Explanation in plain language
Initial Six: Divination of this line indicates no disaster.
The Image says: Initial Six connects with the Ninth line, symbolizing the harmony of firmness and yielding; it is like ruler and minister or husband and wife working together wholeheartedly, and therefore there is naturally no disaster.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who receive this line will fare well in business; the unmarried will find a match. Officials’ virtue and position will correspond, promotion is promising, and scholars will achieve good results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Difficulties have only just begun to ease; do not act rashly.
Financial fortune: Suffering no loss is itself fortunate.
Home and family: Live out your days in peace.
Health: Everything is fine.

Initial Six changing hexagram


When the Initial Six line changes, it becomes the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Lake, Returning Maiden. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Dui below and Zhen above, doubled. Zhen means movement and the eldest son; Dui means joy and the young daughter. When a young daughter follows the eldest son, affection arises, along with the movement toward marriage and the image of a daughter being married off; hence it is called Returning Maiden.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

The first line of the Release hexagram, line statement: Initial Six: No blame. Explanation of the line statement.
The meaning of this line statement is: In a situation where danger has only just been relieved, there is no fault or impropriety.
This line marks the moment when difficulties are being resolved. Initial Six is a yielding line in a yielding position at the very bottom of the Release hexagram; it is yielding and its position is inconspicuous, so it is safe. Moreover, Initial Six corresponds in polarity with the Ninth line of the upper trigram. Although this is not greatly auspicious, there is no disaster.
The Image explains this line: At the junction of firmness and yielding, there is no blame in principle. This indicates that being in a position where firmness and yielding complement and support each other entails no fault or impropriety.
Those who receive this line have no disaster, calamity, error, or guilt; everything is safe. This means the work or enterprise they are pursuing is turning in a favorable direction, returning from a state of danger and obstruction to normality. However, it is not appropriate to act immediately; preparations should first be made.
Initial Six: No blame.
The Image says: At the junction of firmness and yielding, there is no blame in principle.
The classical text means: There is no disaster.
The Image means: Initial Six and the Ninth line complement each other in firmness and yielding; in accordance with righteousness, there is therefore no disaster.
The Initial Six line is the lowest line of the lower trigram Kan in the Release hexagram; Kan means danger, so Initial Six is at the edge of danger. Moreover, Initial Six is a yielding line in an odd position, so its situation is not good. However, because it harmonizes in polarity with the Ninth line and corresponds with the Fourth line, its danger is relieved. In other words, although Initial Six has difficulties, it can escape them; therefore “no blame.”
Detailed explanation of the Second Ninth line of the Zhouyi’s Fortieth Hexagram
Statement of the Second Nine line
Second Nine. In the field, capture three foxes and obtain a yellow arrowhead. Correctness is auspicious.
The Image says: The Second Nine is auspicious through correctness because it has attained the middle path.
Explanation in plain language
Second Nine: Hunting yields three foxes, and the prey bears a bronze arrowhead. Divination indicates an auspicious sign.
The Image says: The line statement of the Second Nine says divination is auspicious because the Second Nine occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person who conducts affairs according to the proper path.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line are in a favorable period and can gain wealth. Officials will enjoy honor and prosperity, while scholars will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Turn away from evil and return to what is right; success and recognition are promising.
Financial fortune: Work hard at the business and substantial profits can be obtained.
Home and family: Guard against harmful influences; obtain a proper wife.
Health: Guard against harmful thoughts and illnesses.

Transformation of the Second Nine line


When the Second Nine line changes, it becomes the 16th hexagram of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Earth, Enthusiasm. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Zhen above, doubled. Kun means earth and compliance; Zhen means thunder and movement. Thunder emerges at the proper time, announcing spring’s return to the earth. Movement through compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and the Modesty hexagram are inverse counterparts and act upon each other.

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

The second line of the Release hexagram, line statement: Second Nine: In the field, capture three foxes and obtain a yellow arrowhead; correctness is auspicious. Explanation of the line statement.
“Field” refers to hunting. “Foxes” refers to foxes, metaphorically petty people who use slander to trap the loyal. “Yellow arrowhead” refers to a yellow arrowhead; the arrowhead metaphorically represents firmness and uprightness.
The meaning of this line statement is: While hunting, one captures many foxes and also obtains a yellow arrow symbolizing virtue. By maintaining this virtue and upholding the right path, one can gain auspiciousness.
The lesson revealed by the Second Nine is that resolving difficulties requires holding to principles of moderation and uprightness.
From the hexagram image, the Second Yang line is in the central position of the inner trigram, and therefore follows moderation. It also corresponds with the Sixth-Five line in the ruler’s position and gains trust. Looking at the whole hexagram, there are four yielding lines. Besides the Sixth-Five line in the ruler’s position, there are three other yielding lines, hence “three foxes.” The Second Yang line draws its bow and shoots arrows to drive away the petty people who confuse the ruler—namely, the “three foxes.”
The Image analyzes this line: The Second Nine is auspicious through correctness because it has attained the middle path. This indicates that the Second Nine gains auspiciousness because it follows the central and correct path, conforming to the laws of development.
The Second Nine uses a “yellow arrow” to drive out petty people. Yellow is the color of earth and, among the Five Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, it is the central color. The arrow is straight, symbolizing that when driving out petty people one must use moderate and upright methods. Only by upholding the right path and championing justice can petty people be expelled; such an outcome brings auspiciousness.
Those who receive this line should remember: Do not solve problems by going to extremes. Hold to the middle path; only then can hidden dangers be eliminated more effectively.
Second Nine: In the field, capture three foxes and obtain a yellow arrowhead; correctness is auspicious.
The Image says: The Second Nine is auspicious through correctness because it has attained the middle path.
The classical text means: Hunting captures three foxes and obtains a yellow arrow; guarding the right path is auspicious.
The Image means: The Second Nine’s auspiciousness in upholding the right path comes from being situated on the central and correct path.
The Second Nine is situated amid danger, and a firm line occupies an even position, so its situation is not good. However, it harmonizes with Initial Six and Sixth Three and corresponds with Sixth Five, so it can gain everyone’s help and escape danger. The “three foxes” in the line statement refer to those three yielding lines. The Second Nine is also in the middle of the lower trigram and can maintain moderation; this is the “yellow arrow” of the line statement. Yellow is central among the Five Elements and here metaphorically represents the Second Nine’s virtue of being centered. The moderate virtues possessed by Initial Six, Sixth Three, Sixth Five, and the Second Nine itself can relieve the Second Nine’s predicament, so as long as the Second Nine upholds the right path, it will be auspicious.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth line of the Zhouyi’s Fortieth Hexagram
Six in the third place line statement
Six Three. Carrying a load and riding in a carriage brings bandits. Correctness is humiliating.
The Image says: Carrying a load and riding in a carriage is also disgraceful. Having brought the bandits upon oneself, whom else can one blame?
Explanation in plain language
Six Three: Carrying many possessions, both on one’s back and in a cart, flaunting them and attracting thieves naturally brings bandits to rob one. Divination indicates disaster.
The Image says: Carrying many possessions, both on one’s back and in a cart, flaunting them and attracting thieves is foolish and shameful. By hiding wealth carelessly and teaching thieves, one has brought the bandits; whom can one blame?
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line must guard against theft, disputes, and lawsuits. Officials should be especially careful about the risk of demotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: One’s conduct has always been improper, so one brings humiliation upon oneself.
Financial fortune: Take care to guard against theft to avoid loss.
Home and family: Theft is difficult to prevent; wealth without benevolence.
Health: Taking ready-made medicines indiscriminately is asking for trouble.

Six in the third place changing hexagram


When the Sixth Three line changes, it becomes the 32nd hexagram of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Wind, Duration. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Zhen above, doubled. Zhen is man and thunder; Xun is woman and wind. Firmness is above and yielding is below. Firmness above and yielding below create a constant pattern, each nourishing the other. Yin and Yang correspond, as in ordinary human relationships; hence it is called Duration.

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

The third line of the Release hexagram, line statement: Sixth Three: Carrying a load and riding in a carriage brings bandits; correctness is humiliating. Explanation of the line statement.
“Carry” means to bear on one’s back. “Ride” means to ride in a vehicle.
The meaning of this line statement is: Carrying something on one’s shoulder while sitting in an ornate carriage attracts bandits. Even if one can maintain one’s proper conduct, difficulties will still arise.
The lesson of this line is that name and reality should correspond. Sixth Three is a yielding line, symbolizing a petty person, yet it occupies a high position. Moreover, a yielding line in a Yang position is improper; virtue and status do not match, inevitably attracting those who want to steal that position. Even maintaining the right path cannot prevent humiliation.
The Image analyzes this line: “Carrying a load and riding in a carriage” is also disgraceful; having brought the bandits upon oneself, whom can one blame? This indicates that carrying something on one’s shoulder while sitting in an ornate carriage is extremely ugly behavior and will inevitably bring disaster. Having caused war through one’s own actions, whom can one blame? It is simply bringing the consequences upon oneself.
Confucius once commented on this line: “Did the authors of the Changes understand thieves? The Changes says: ‘Carrying a load and riding in a carriage brings bandits.’ Carrying is the affair of petty people; riding is the vehicle of noble people. When a petty person rides the vehicle of a noble person, thieves think of taking it away. When those above are arrogant and those below are violent, thieves think of attacking them. Careless storage teaches thieves; a seductive appearance teaches lust. The Changes
says: ‘Carrying a load and riding in a carriage brings bandits.’ It is an invitation to thieves.” Confucius meant that a lowly person destined to carry wealth, yet riding in the noble carriage used by a gentleman, will of course attract bandits.
Those who receive this line should not treat subordinates with an attitude of self-importance, nor flaunt their wealth. Otherwise, they will face opposition and suffer losses.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth line of the Zhouyi’s Fortieth Hexagram
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Fourth Nine. Release your big toe; then friends arrive and trust is established.
The Image says: Release your big toe; this is because the position is not appropriate.
Explanation in plain language
Fourth Nine: After making money, one is lazy and unwilling to leave, and as a result is captured by others.
The Image says: Being lazy and unwilling to move shows that the person neglects their duties and is unworthy of their position.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line must guard against petty people or the misfortune of being careless in choosing friends.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Success depends on others; opportunity comes through people.
Financial fortune: Profits are not large, but friends become sincere and close.
Home and family: It is not easy to live in peace; there is an influential matchmaker.
Health: Jogging for fitness.

Transformation of the Fourth Nine line


When the Fourth Nine line changes, it becomes the 7th hexagram of the Zhouyi: Earth over Water, the Army. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Kun above. “The Army” means an army. Kan is water and danger; Kun is earth and compliance, suggesting soldiers hidden among farmers. War is dangerous and using troops is something a sage does only when unavoidable, but it can resolve contradictions smoothly because it follows circumstances and has a justified cause; thus it can transform danger into good fortune.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line


The fourth line of the Release hexagram, line statement: Fourth Nine: Release your big toe; then friends arrive and trust is established. Explanation of the line statement.
“Big toe” means the big toe of the foot. “Thus” means in this way. “Trust” means sincerity and integrity.
The meaning of this line statement is: Escape the entanglement of petty people as if untying a bound big toe; only then will like-minded people come with sincere trust to help.
The fourth line of the Release hexagram, line statement: Fourth Nine: Release your big toe; then friends arrive and trust is established. Life guidance.
The lesson revealed by this line is: Only by severing relations with petty people will one gain the trust of noble people.
The Memorial on Sending Off the Army contains this saying: “Be close to worthy ministers and stay far from petty people; this was why the Former Han flourished. Be close to petty people and stay far from worthy ministers; this was why the Later Han collapsed.” Once a person becomes closely involved with petty people, noble people become disappointed and leave one after another. Once the person breaks away from petty people, noble people see this and return to associate with them; only then can the person’s career develop.
The Image explains: “Release your big toe”—this is because the position is not appropriate. This indicates that escaping the entanglement of petty people is due to being in an improper position. The Fourth Nine is a Yang line in a Yin position and is not central, so its position is improper.
Those who receive this line have encountered trouble at work. To ease the conflict, they should first cut ties with petty people or remove the petty person’s
Detailed explanation of the Fifth line of the Zhouyi’s Fortieth Hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six Five. The noble person alone has release. Auspicious; there is trust even among petty people.
The Image says: When the noble person is released, petty people withdraw.
Explanation in plain language
Six Five: After being imprisoned, the noble person is released; auspicious. Petty people will be punished.
The Image says: The noble person removes petty people from office, showing that petty people are driven away.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line are in a favorable period; it benefits noble people, and the sick recover. Officials will hold important positions.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: The proper course is flourishing; noble people benefit.
Financial fortune: Act naturally and profits will come.
Home and family: A blessed home is suitable for residence; marriage is auspicious.
Health: Restore the body’s proper vital energy.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the Fifth Six line changes, it becomes the 47th hexagram of the Zhouyi: Lake over Water, Oppression. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Dui above. Dui is Yin and lake, symbolizing joy; Kan is Yang and water, symbolizing danger. Lake over Water means being trapped in difficulty, with intelligence unable to be applied. Yet by maintaining the right path and finding joy within oneself, one can surely accomplish things and escape the predicament.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

The fifth line of the Release hexagram, line statement: Sixth Five: The noble person alone has release; auspicious; there is trust among petty people. Explanation of the line statement. “Alone” is a modal particle.
The meaning of this line statement is: The noble person is auspicious only after removing the obstacles; only then can the noble person win the submission of petty people.
From the hexagram image, the Fifth Six occupies the central position of the upper trigram, suggesting the use of both grace and authority. The yielding Fifth Six is in a Yang position and has a gentle, compliant nature; it can draw near to capable and worthy ministers, while also maintaining trust with petty people. On one hand, it appoints firm and upright noble people to eliminate treacherous petty people; on the other, it uses sincerity to pacify and transform petty people, giving them an opportunity to correct themselves, thereby easing the conflict.
ease.
The Image explains this line: When the noble person has release, petty people withdraw. This indicates that only after the noble person removes obstacles can the noble person win the trust of petty people. The emphasis is on Yang growing and Yin diminishing: if one maintains one’s proper vital energy, harmful influences will naturally retreat and eventually disappear.
Those who receive this line should treat subordinates at work by appointing capable people on one hand, while not giving up on or punishing petty people on the other. Instead, use methods of transformation and moral influence so that they change.
Six Five: The noble person alone has release, auspicious; there is trust among petty people.
The Image says: When the noble person is released, petty people withdraw.
The classical text means: The noble person escapes the predicament; auspicious. Use sincerity to transform petty people.
The Image means: The noble person is released and the influence of petty people recedes.
The Fifth Six occupies the honored position, equivalent to the ruler. Yet it is the top line of the Kan formed in the upper mutual trigram, so it has the image of danger and being bound. But who could bind the ruler? Generally, no one would dare. However, some petty people gather around the ruler, like ropes binding him. How can the ruler escape this predicament? Only by drawing near to worthy ministers and staying far from petty people. The Fifth Six accomplishes this: it unites with the worthy minister Fourth Nine and corresponds with the worthy minister Second Nine, thereby removing the petty people’s restraints upon itself. Being able to free oneself from restraints is naturally auspicious. By doing so, the ruler is actually transforming petty people and turning them into noble people.
Detailed explanation of the Top Ninth line of the Zhouyi’s Fortieth Hexagram
Upper Six line statement
Top Six. A duke shoots a hawk on the high wall and captures it; nothing is unfavorable.
The Image says: The duke shoots the hawk in order to remove rebellion and violence.
Explanation in plain language
Top Six: On a high city wall, a duke shoots an eagle, hits it, and captures it. There is nothing inauspicious about this.
The Image says: The duke shoots the eagle with the intention of eliminating the strong and suppressing violence.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will have a smooth course of fortune and gain from many plans. Officials in idle posts will be reinstated and hold important positions.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: The course of fortune is smooth; guard against minor bandits.
Financial fortune: Careful precautions bring benefit without loss.
Home and family: Guard against theft.
Health: Exercise outdoors.

Upper Six changing hexagram


The moving top sixth line changes to Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Water, Not Yet Fulfilled. This hexagram consists of two unlike trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire, and Kan is water. With fire above and water below, the force of fire overwhelms that of the water; the great task of putting out the fire has not yet been completed, hence the name Not Yet Fulfilled. The I Ching begins with the hexagrams Qian and Kun and ends with the hexagrams Already Fulfilled and Not Yet Fulfilled, fully reflecting the idea of development through change.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The sixth line of Hexagram Jie, line statement: Top Six: The duke shoots a falcon on the high wall and captures it. Nothing is unfavorable. Explanation of the line statement
Duke: a feudal lord. Falcon: a fierce, predatory bird. Wall: the city wall.
The meaning of this line statement is: To completely remove internal troubles, one must be like a duke shooting an evil bird perched on a high wall; one arrow strikes it, and nothing is unfavorable.
The lesson revealed by this line is that evil should be dealt with decisively.
This top sixth line is a yin line in a yielding position, so it is properly placed. It is also the highest position in the hexagram. As the concluding line of Hexagram Jie, it necessarily indicates that all difficulties have already been resolved. The falcon refers to a fierce, vicious bird; here it symbolizes treacherous ministers and rebels who cause internal trouble. The top sixth line treats treacherous rebels who covet high office and lack correspondence like a falcon standing on a high wall: it shoots them down, and everything is auspicious.
The Image explains this line as follows: “The duke shoots the falcon”—thus resolving rebellious disorder. This indicates that the ruler should remove the dangers caused by defiance in this way.
For someone who receives this line in divination, conflicts may arise in business or family, originating from company leadership or family members. In such a situation, you must make a firm decision and face it courageously. Do not procrastinate or act indecisively; resolve the conflict as quickly as possible.
Top Six: The duke shoots the falcon from atop the high wall and captures it. Nothing is unfavorable.
The Image says: The duke shoots the falcon, thereby resolving rebellious disorder.
The meaning of the classic text is: The duke shoots the great eagle from the high wall; he hits it, and nothing is unfavorable.
The meaning of the Image is: The duke shoots the great eagle to remove those who rely on defiance.
The top sixth line is at the highest position of Hexagram Jie, hence the phrase “high wall.” Why would a duke shoot a great eagle from atop a high wall? It is meant to display this to everyone under Heaven. The duke’s shooting of the great eagle is actually a metaphor for subduing feudal states that refuse to submit. Subduing rebellious feudal states is intended to unify and pacify the realm; it uses war to remove the threat of war. For a state, it is necessary both to free itself from the restraints of petty people by “turning away the thousand-mile horses” and to use force to eliminate the threat of rebellion. This is civil governance together with military preparedness. When the duke successfully suppresses the rebellion, naturally there will be nothing unfavorable.