Zhouyi, I Ching, hexagram 51, Zhen hexagram, Zhen as Thunder, Zhen above Zhen

Detailed explanation of the Initial Nine line of the 51st hexagram of the Zhouyi
Statement of the First Nine line
Initial Nine. When the shock comes, there is fearful trembling; afterward, laughter and easy conversation. Auspicious.
The Image says: When the shock comes, there is fearful trembling—fear can bring blessings. Laughter and easy conversation afterward mean that one later understands the proper way.
Explanation in plain language
Initial Nine: Thunder rolls in, frightening one into trembling all over; later, even on hearing thunder, one talks and laughs as usual. Auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: Thunder rolls in, frightening one into trembling all over, because believing that reverence for great celestial phenomena can avert guilt and bring blessings. Later, one can still talk and laugh as usual on hearing thunder, meaning that one has gained some experience with such matters.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will see good fortune arrive, with surprise first and joy afterward.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: New good luck arrives; hardship comes before pleasure.
Wealth: Manage affairs diligently and profits will bring joy.
Household: Caution is advisable; worries first, joy later.
Health: Danger first, safety later.

Transformation of the First Nine line


When the Initial Nine line changes, it becomes hexagram number 16 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Earth, Yu. This hexagram consists of opposing trigrams, Kun below and Zhen above. Kun is earth and compliance; Zhen is thunder and movement. Thunder emerges in season, foretelling spring’s return to the earth. Movement arising from compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and Qian form inverse complementary hexagrams and act upon each other.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

First line of Zhen, line statement: Initial Nine: When the shock comes, there is fearful trembling; afterward, laughter and easy conversation. Auspicious. Explanation of the line statement
Fearful trembling: a state of alarm, apprehension, and unease. Easy laughter: a state of joyful, harmonious laughter.
The meaning of this line statement is: The shaking of startling thunder is terrifying without end; a noble person too should recognize fear and cultivate self-reflection, after which speech and laughter become composed. The result is auspicious.
The Initial Nine is a yang line in a firm position. It delights in movement and shock and is therefore the principal line of Zhen, so the hexagram judgment is repeated.
This also points out: “The shaking of startling thunder is terrifying without end,” showing that after fear one acts cautiously and can thereby bring blessings; “a noble person too should recognize fear and cultivate self-reflection, after which speech and laughter become composed,” showing that a noble person should understand the principles of proper conduct.
The lesson this line offers is: When an unexpected incident suddenly occurs, one should not be excessively afraid, but should face it calmly. Only then can adversity be turned into good fortune.
Those who obtain this line are hot-tempered people. In daily work they often devote their energy to studying their profession, rarely communicate with others, and strongly display the tendency to value loyalty over etiquette.
If the person who obtains this line is the leader of an organization or group, they should first establish authority. Only with authority can they lead subordinates smoothly.
Initial Nine: When the shock comes, there is fearful trembling; afterward, laughter and easy conversation. Auspicious.
The Image says: When the shock comes, there is fearful trembling—fear can bring blessings. Laughter and easy conversation afterward mean that one later understands the proper way.
Detailed explanation of the Nine in the Second Place line of the 51st hexagram of the Zhouyi
Six in the second place line statement
Six in the Second Place. When the shock comes, danger. Reckoning that valuables will be lost, one climbs nine hills. Do not pursue; in seven days they will be recovered.
The Image says: When the shock comes, danger—this is because it rides upon the firm.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Second Place: Thunder and lightning strike together, extremely dangerous. In the panic, money is lost; one crosses mountains and travels a long way to search but does not find it. The diviner tells him: “There is no need to keep searching. Within seven or eight days, this loss can be compensated.”
The Image Commentary says: When thunder and lightning strike together, one crosses nine mountain ranges; the line image shows that the person has offended against thunder and lightning and is in a dangerous situation.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line face a difficult period and may encounter disputes or lawsuits; caution is best. An official faces the worry of being framed by treacherous people.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Anxiety over gains and losses; there is no need to worry excessively.
Wealth: There will be gains and losses; maintain awareness of crisis.
Household: Pay attention to theft prevention; the spouses are not harmonious.
Health: The illness is worrying, but recovery may come in seven days.

Six in the second place changing hexagram


When the Six in the Second Place changes, it becomes hexagram number 54 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Lake, Gui Mei. This is an opposing-trigram hexagram, with Dui below and Zhen above. Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the young girl. When a young girl follows the eldest son, affection arises, along with the movement of marriage and the image of a daughter marrying; hence it is called Gui Mei.

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

Second line of Zhen, line statement: Six in the Second Place: When the shock comes, danger; reckoning that valuables will be lost, one climbs nine hills; do not pursue; in seven days they will be recovered. Explanation of the line statement
Reckoning: equivalent to “supposition,” meaning an inference. Valuables: benefits and property. Climb: to rise into. Nine hills: very high hills. Pursue: to chase and search.
The meaning of this line statement is: Thunder shakes, bringing danger; it is estimated that a large amount of property will be lost, and in such circumstances...
From the hexagram image, the firm and advancing Initial Nine symbolizes the beginning of the shock. The Second Place lies close behind it; being yielding while riding upon firmness, it receives the greatest impact and has nowhere to settle.
The Image Commentary analyzes this line: “When the shock comes, danger”—it rides upon the firm. This means that the Six in the Second Place is above the firmness of the Initial Nine, so danger may arise.
Although it will be struck by danger, the Six in the Second Place is a yielding line in a yielding position, centered and correct, with no personal fault. Although it loses money and property because of the shock, everyone is busy preserving their lives and no one attends to property. Once calm returns, everything resumes as usual, and the lost possessions can be recovered.
If you receive this line in a divination, your situation is very dangerous amid an unexpected upheaval. The power or some property in your hands has been taken away. You need not cling to that power or property; quickly hide far away and stay clear of trouble. Do not worry—the power or property you lost will return to your hands.
Six in the Second Place: When the shock comes, danger; reckoning that valuables will be lost, one climbs nine hills; do not pursue; in seven days they will be recovered.
The Image says: When the shock comes, danger—this is because it rides upon the firm.
Detailed detailed explanation of the Nine in the Third Place line of the 51st hexagram of the Zhouyi
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the Third Place. Shaking faintly; proceeding amid the shock brings no calamity.
The Image says: Shaking faintly—its position is inappropriate.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Third Place: On leaving the gate, one encounters lightning and thunder and feels doubtful and uneasy. Continue forward; there will be no calamity.
The Image Commentary says: On leaving the gate, one encounters lightning and thunder and feels doubtful and uneasy because the Six in the Third Place is a yielding line in a firm position, like a person in an unfavorable situation.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line face much worry and many calamities; caution is advisable to avoid trouble. An official should not strive aggressively.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Double your caution and you can avoid blame.
Wealth: Sales are poor; find another way.
Household: Beware of earthquakes; the entrance is improperly placed.
Health: From danger to safety.

Six in the third place changing hexagram


When the Six in the Third Place changes, it becomes hexagram number 55 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Fire, Feng. This is an opposing-trigram hexagram, with Li below and Zhen above. Lightning and thunder together signify great achievement, like reaching a summit or the sun at midday. Warning: one must pay close attention to developments toward the opposite side; prosperity and decline are changeable, so vigilance is essential.

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

Third line of Zhen, line statement: Six in the Third Place: Shaking faintly; proceeding amid the shock brings no calamity.
Shaking faintly: trembling slightly. Calamity: disaster.
The meaning of this line statement is: When thunder shakes, one trembles slightly, but because of this acts cautiously; thus there is no calamity.
From the hexagram image, the Six in the Third Place is a yielding line in a firm position, with weak natural ability, and it is neither centered nor correct. It cannot easily withstand a major blow and is easily frightened by difficulties, so on hearing the shock it trembles slightly.
The Image says: “Shaking faintly”—its position is inappropriate. This means that “thunder shakes, causing fear and unease,” showing that the position of the Six in the Third Place is neither centered nor correct and is unsuitable.
Yet from another angle, this alarm and timidity are also beneficial: “What afflicts people is acting recklessly without a heart of caution and fear. If one can act because of this fearful heart, one will not move rashly in maintaining oneself, will have established rules for dealing with affairs, and what calamity could there be?” If fear leads one to act cautiously and meticulously, one may stay far from disaster. Those who obtain this line may be in the midst of an unexpected upheaval and extremely tense about it. At this time, deal with the disorder through calm analysis; act carefully with a heart that knows fear, and there will be no trouble.
Six in the Third Place: Shaking faintly; proceeding amid the shock brings no calamity.
The Image says: Shaking faintly—its position is inappropriate.
Detailed detailed explanation of the Nine in the Fourth Place line of the 51st hexagram of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the Fourth Place. The shock falls into mud.
The Image says: The shock falls into mud—it has not yet become radiant.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the Fourth Place: Lightning and thunder strike downward and touch the ground.
The Image Commentary says: Hearing startling thunder suddenly, the person is frightened into falling into mud, showing that his knowledge is narrow and his courage small.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line are at a loss and face obstacles in advancing. An official risks demotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Lacking strength to revive, withdraw and protect yourself.
Wealth: Spending money like earth, making savings difficult.
Household: yang energy is blocked; establishing a household is arduous.
Health: Stagnation in the abdomen; it should be discharged.

Transformation of the Fourth Nine line


When the Nine in the Fourth Place changes, it becomes hexagram number 24 of the Zhouyi: Earth over Thunder, Fu. This is an opposing-trigram hexagram, with Zhen below and Kun above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kun is earth and compliance. Movement therefore follows compliance and follows nature. Movement within compliance, inner yang and outer yin, proceeds step by step, advancing and retreating freely, and is favorable for progress.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

Fourth line of Zhen, line statement: Nine in the Fourth Place: The shock falls into mud. Explanation of the line statement
Falls: equivalent to “drops,” meaning to sink and become trapped.
The meaning of this line statement is: Thunder roars and shakes; in panic and confusion one falls into mud and cannot pull oneself free.
Zhen is thunder, moving in cooperation with yang energy. From the hexagram image, the Nine in the Fourth Place is a yang line in a yielding position, neither centered nor correct, signifying that it has not cultivated virtue and cannot maintain the firm and vigorous way. In the whole image, the Fourth Place is among four yielding lines, an image of yang trapped in yin. Although there is a tendency to shake and rise, it is trapped in heavy yin and cannot develop, like an object jolted down by thunder and sinking into mud.
The Image Commentary analyzes this line: “The shock falls into mud—it has not yet become radiant.” This means that thunder roars and shakes, causing one to panic, fall into mud, and be unable to escape, showing that one’s aspirations cannot be developed and made great.
Those who obtain this line should take care not to lose the ability to distinguish direction in fear, delay making the right decision, and keep postponing action. Otherwise, you will sink ever more deeply into trouble.
Nine in the Fourth Place: The shock falls into mud.
The Image says: The shock falls into mud; crimson radiance.
The meaning of the classic text is: Startling thunder falls into muddy water.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: Startling thunder falls into muddy water because it has not yet been made great and radiant.
Detailed detailed explanation of the Nine in the Fifth Place line of the 51st hexagram of the Zhouyi
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the Fifth Place. Shock comes and goes, dangerous; reckoning that there is no loss, there is a matter to attend to.
The Image says: Shock comes and goes, dangerous—this is perilous conduct. The matter is centered, so there is no great loss.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Fifth Place: Great thunder roars, with danger ahead. As long as one is careful and cautious, disaster will not be brought about, nor will the matter suffer loss.
The Image Commentary says: Great thunder roars, with danger ahead, symbolizing that a person’s actions will be dangerous. Yet because the matter accords with principle, there will be no great loss.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line are in an unfavorable period and may worry about injury to a hand or foot. An official who keeps to normal conduct has no worry.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: The hardship has passed; great matters can be accomplished.
Wealth: Small loss, great profit; there is no need for much worry.
Household: Perform sacrifices and prayers to ward off harmful influences.
Health: Cultivate your character and nature.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the Six in the Fifth Place changes, it becomes hexagram number 17 of the Zhouyi: Lake over Thunder, Sui. This is an opposing-trigram hexagram, with Zhen below and Dui above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Dui is joy. Movement joined with joy is “following.” Following means mutually yielding: the self follows things, and things can follow the self, allowing communication between both sides. Following must accord with time and circumstances, with principles and conditions, and take steadfastness as its premise.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

Fifth line of Zhen, line statement: Six in the Fifth Place: Shock comes and goes, dangerous; reckoning that there is no loss, there is a matter to attend to. Explanation of the line statement
There is a matter: In the Spring and Autumn period, sacrificial activities were called “having a matter”; here it refers by extension to the ancestral temple and state altars. No loss: there will be no great loss; here it means the ancestral temple and state are secure.
This line occupies the ruler’s position, and what it must protect is the ancestral temple and state. From the hexagram image, the Six in the Fifth Place is a yielding line in a firm position, with two firm lines below and an adverse relationship with the top line; its situation is dangerous.
The Image Commentary explains this line: “Shock comes and goes, dangerous”—it is perilous conduct; “the matter is centered, so there is no great loss.” This means that when thunder shakes, going back and forth above and below is dangerous, but if one recognizes fear and acts cautiously, and handles affairs while adhering to the middle way, there will be no great loss.
Although the Six in the Fifth Place is weak in natural ability, its position is honored and it maintains the virtue of yielding compliance; thus, although it is in a dangerous place, there is no disaster.
Those who obtain this line face a sudden event, with the image of a tree falling and monkeys scattering. People think your leadership ability is ordinary and do not particularly admire you, so it is difficult to obtain help from those around you. At this time, adopt a humble and cautious attitude, act carefully, and maintain a good relationship with your assistants. Only with their help can you smoothly leave the difficult situation.
Six in the Fifth Place: Shock comes and goes, dangerous; reckoning that there is no loss, there is a matter to attend to.
The Image says: Shock comes and goes, dangerous—perilous conduct. The matter is centered, so there is no great loss.
Detailed detailed explanation of the Top Nine line of the 51st hexagram of the Zhouyi
Upper Six line statement
Top Six. Shock, trembling repeatedly; the eyes dart around in alarm. Proceeding is inauspicious. The shock does not strike his body but his neighbor; there is no blame. In marriage, there are words.
The Image says: Shock, trembling repeatedly—one has not attained the center. Although inauspicious, there is no blame, because one fears the neighbor’s warning.
Explanation in plain language
Top Six: Thunder and lightning strike together. The person acts cautiously and looks around in alarm because the road ahead is difficult and danger is everywhere. Yet thunder and lightning do not strike him; they fall on his neighbor instead. He himself has no fault, whereas the other neighbor has committed an offense.
The Image Commentary says: Thunder and lightning strike together, and one acts cautiously because the heart is empty and the spirit tense. Although danger exists, there is ultimately no calamity because one takes warning from the neighbor’s experience and thereby draws near to good and distances oneself from evil.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line must guard against accidents; there may be marital conflict or harm to relatives and neighbors. An official must beware the danger of demotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: A high position necessarily carries danger; quietly hold your ground.
Wealth: Guard against excessive greed; carefully preserve modest gains.
Household: The neighbors have trouble; a matchmaker comes soon.
Health: Set your mind at ease and nourish your eyes.

Upper Six changing hexagram


When the Top Six changes, it becomes hexagram number 21 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Thunder, Shi He. This is an opposing-trigram hexagram, with Zhen below and Li above. Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and yang meet, biting through hard matter, symbolizing applying both favor and authority, combining leniency with strictness, and balancing firmness with softness. Shi He means the upper and lower jaws coming together to bite and chew.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

Sixth line of Zhen, line statement: Top Six: Shock, trembling repeatedly; the eyes dart around in alarm. Proceeding is inauspicious. The shock does not strike his body but his neighbor; there is no blame. In marriage, there are words. Explanation of the line statement
From the hexagram image, the Top Six is a yielding line in a yielding position, with weak natural ability. Unable to maintain the center, it cannot seek stability and must not charge blindly. The Top Six is at the summit of Zhen, an edge condition in which the shock waves are gradually fading.
The Image Commentary explains this line: “Shock, trembling repeatedly”—the center has not been attained; “although inauspicious, there is no blame, because one fears the neighbor’s warning.” This means that being frightened into trembling all over after hearing thunder is because the position of the Top Six is incorrect. Although there is danger, one is not harmed because one sees the danger to nearby neighbors and prepares defenses in time, thereby preventing trouble before it arises.
Those who obtain this line will become extremely panicked after hearing of an accident. At this time, pause and do not continue forward. The accident did not happen to you but to a friend or someone nearby; you are deeply shocked and think it may happen to you one day, so you learn from it and prepare in time. If you do this, you can evade the disaster. This is an unfavorable time for marriage; otherwise there will be verbal disputes and conflict.
Top Six: Shock, trembling repeatedly; the eyes dart around in alarm. Proceeding is inauspicious. The shock does not strike his body but his neighbor; there is no blame. In marriage, there are words.
The Image says: Shock, trembling repeatedly—one has not attained the center. Although inauspicious, there is no blame, because one fears the neighbor’s warning.