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I Ching · 64 Hexagrams
Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 64, the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram, Fire over Water, Li above Kan below
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Not Yet Fulfilled: Success. The little fox is almost across, but wets its tail; nothing is beneficial.
The Tuan Commentary says: Not Yet Fulfilled, success—the yielding line attains the center. The little fox is almost across, but has not yet emerged from the middle. Its tail becomes wet; nothing is beneficial—it does not carry the undertaking through to completion. Although the lines are not in their proper places, the hard and yielding lines respond to each other.
The Image says: Fire above water—Not Yet Fulfilled. Thus the superior person carefully distinguishes things and places each in its proper position.
Hexagram 64 — original text and overview
Detailed explanation of the 64th hexagram of the Zhouyi
Original text of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram
Not Yet Fulfilled. Success. The little fox is almost across, but wets its tail; nothing is beneficial.
The Image says: Fire above water—Not Yet Fulfilled. Thus the superior person carefully distinguishes things and places each in its proper position.
Explanation in plain language
Not Yet Fulfilled: Success. The little fox is about to cross the river but wets its tail. It appears that nothing will benefit this journey.
The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram is Li, which is fire; the lower trigram is Kan, which is water. Fire above water means that water cannot overcome fire—this is the image of Not Yet Fulfilled. The superior person observes this image and, moved by water and fire being out of position and unable to overcome each other, carefully distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram, Li above Kan below, is the third-generation hexagram of the Li palace. Not Yet Fulfilled means unfinished. The line positions are improper and the image appears extremely unfavorable, but change is brewing and the future is full of hope.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Do not provide assistance; wait for the right time to act. Grow from small to large; do not advance impatiently.
Those who receive this hexagram have blocked fortune, and things cannot go as wished. Proceed from small to large and advance steadily. Patiently break through difficulties, and success will ultimately come.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Fortune is reversed; be especially cautious.
Wealth: Nothing goes smoothly; proceed step by step.
Home: Change direction; the household is not in harmony.
Health: The blood circulation is obstructed; use medicine cautiously.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire and Kan is water. Fire is above and water below; the force of fire overwhelms that of water, and the great task of putting out the fire remains unfinished, hence the name Not Yet Fulfilled. The Zhouyi begins with Qian and Kun and ends with Already Fulfilled and Not Yet Fulfilled, fully reflecting the idea of change and development.
Great Image: Water flows downward and fire rises upward; water and fire do not interact, yin and yang are not in their proper positions, signifying that matters remain incomplete and unsuccessful.
Fortune: Luck is poor, but patience is essential to break through difficulties; success will ultimately come. The image is initial bad fortune followed by good fortune.
Career: You are at the final critical moment, with success or failure immediately ahead, so you must not become careless. Self-restraint is very important. Persist to the end, and when necessary, undertake moderate risks cautiously to accomplish your career.
Business: The market is on the eve of major change, and its prospects remain unclear. This is the most difficult period. Keep a cool head, do not take risks or act excessively; exercise restraint, observe developments, and then decide what to do.
Seeking fame: Long-term effort and pursuit will soon produce results. At the crucial moment between success and failure, remain calm, leave it to Heaven, and follow nature.
Love and marriage: You have already passed through the difficult stage; apply one more careful effort and there will be a happy result.
Decision-making: This hexagram means “unfinished,” showing unlimited prospects and ample potential for development. Therefore, adhere to principles of balance and correctness, and accomplish your work with wisdom, moderation, sincerity, and humility. In facing life, work diligently and do everything humanly possible, then leave the rest to Heaven; there is no need to worry excessively about success or failure.
The philosophical meaning of the 64th hexagram
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire and Kan is water. Fire above water overwhelms the water, and the great task of putting out the fire remains unfinished, hence the name Not Yet Fulfilled.
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram follows the Already Fulfilled hexagram. The Sequence Commentary explains: “Things cannot come to an end, therefore Not Yet Fulfilled follows it. Thus it ends.” The Already Fulfilled hexagram becomes exhausted when it lasts too long, so vitality must be restarted to demonstrate the I Ching principle that change never ends, with Not Yet Fulfilled serving as the finale of the 64 hexagrams. “Not Yet Fulfilled” means not yet completed and not yet concluded. The Image explains the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Fire above water—Not Yet Fulfilled; thus the superior person carefully distinguishes things and places each in its proper position. This indicates that the image is Kan (water) below and Li (fire) above, fire above water. The blazing fire and surging water oppose and overcome each other, symbolizing incompletion. At this time, the superior person should clearly distinguish all things, see their essence, and strive to direct their changes toward what is good; then everything can be accomplished.
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram symbolizes an unfinished undertaking and belongs to the lower-middle class of hexagrams. The Image judges it this way: A person descends several fathoms from the ground; beware thieves attacking the camp. Later, Tai Sui is sealed as an evil spirit; with constant caution, calamity will not invade.
Original text of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram
Not Yet Fulfilled. Success. The little fox is almost across, but wets its tail; nothing is beneficial.
The Image says: Fire above water—Not Yet Fulfilled. Thus the superior person carefully distinguishes things and places each in its proper position.
Explanation in plain language
Not Yet Fulfilled: Success. The little fox is about to cross the river but wets its tail. It appears that nothing will benefit this journey.
The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram is Li, which is fire; the lower trigram is Kan, which is water. Fire above water means that water cannot overcome fire—this is the image of Not Yet Fulfilled. The superior person observes this image and, moved by water and fire being out of position and unable to overcome each other, carefully distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram, Li above Kan below, is the third-generation hexagram of the Li palace. Not Yet Fulfilled means unfinished. The line positions are improper and the image appears extremely unfavorable, but change is brewing and the future is full of hope.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Do not provide assistance; wait for the right time to act. Grow from small to large; do not advance impatiently.
Those who receive this hexagram have blocked fortune, and things cannot go as wished. Proceed from small to large and advance steadily. Patiently break through difficulties, and success will ultimately come.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Fortune is reversed; be especially cautious.
Wealth: Nothing goes smoothly; proceed step by step.
Home: Change direction; the household is not in harmony.
Health: The blood circulation is obstructed; use medicine cautiously.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire and Kan is water. Fire is above and water below; the force of fire overwhelms that of water, and the great task of putting out the fire remains unfinished, hence the name Not Yet Fulfilled. The Zhouyi begins with Qian and Kun and ends with Already Fulfilled and Not Yet Fulfilled, fully reflecting the idea of change and development.
Great Image: Water flows downward and fire rises upward; water and fire do not interact, yin and yang are not in their proper positions, signifying that matters remain incomplete and unsuccessful.
Fortune: Luck is poor, but patience is essential to break through difficulties; success will ultimately come. The image is initial bad fortune followed by good fortune.
Career: You are at the final critical moment, with success or failure immediately ahead, so you must not become careless. Self-restraint is very important. Persist to the end, and when necessary, undertake moderate risks cautiously to accomplish your career.
Business: The market is on the eve of major change, and its prospects remain unclear. This is the most difficult period. Keep a cool head, do not take risks or act excessively; exercise restraint, observe developments, and then decide what to do.
Seeking fame: Long-term effort and pursuit will soon produce results. At the crucial moment between success and failure, remain calm, leave it to Heaven, and follow nature.
Love and marriage: You have already passed through the difficult stage; apply one more careful effort and there will be a happy result.
Decision-making: This hexagram means “unfinished,” showing unlimited prospects and ample potential for development. Therefore, adhere to principles of balance and correctness, and accomplish your work with wisdom, moderation, sincerity, and humility. In facing life, work diligently and do everything humanly possible, then leave the rest to Heaven; there is no need to worry excessively about success or failure.
The philosophical meaning of the 64th hexagram
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram consists of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Li above. Li is fire and Kan is water. Fire above water overwhelms the water, and the great task of putting out the fire remains unfinished, hence the name Not Yet Fulfilled.
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram follows the Already Fulfilled hexagram. The Sequence Commentary explains: “Things cannot come to an end, therefore Not Yet Fulfilled follows it. Thus it ends.” The Already Fulfilled hexagram becomes exhausted when it lasts too long, so vitality must be restarted to demonstrate the I Ching principle that change never ends, with Not Yet Fulfilled serving as the finale of the 64 hexagrams. “Not Yet Fulfilled” means not yet completed and not yet concluded. The Image explains the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Fire above water—Not Yet Fulfilled; thus the superior person carefully distinguishes things and places each in its proper position. This indicates that the image is Kan (water) below and Li (fire) above, fire above water. The blazing fire and surging water oppose and overcome each other, symbolizing incompletion. At this time, the superior person should clearly distinguish all things, see their essence, and strive to direct their changes toward what is good; then everything can be accomplished.
The Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram symbolizes an unfinished undertaking and belongs to the lower-middle class of hexagrams. The Image judges it this way: A person descends several fathoms from the ground; beware thieves attacking the camp. Later, Tai Sui is sealed as an evil spirit; with constant caution, calamity will not invade.
Hexagram 64 — line-by-line explanation
Detailed explanation of the Initial-Sixth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Initial Six line statement
Initial Six: Its tail becomes wet; humiliation.
The Image says: Its tail becomes wet; it does not know its limit.
Explanation in plain language
Initial Six: Wading across the river, he wets the hem of his clothing; advancing will be difficult.
The Image Commentary says: Wading across the river and wetting the hem, then continuing recklessly after seeing a small sign of danger, shows failure to heed warning.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line face unfavorable business; travelers crossing water or sailing should beware drowning. Officials encounter obstacles in their careers and cannot advance.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Acting rashly leaves no path forward.
Wealth: Failing to learn from lessons, there is no proper way to seek wealth.
Home: The orientation of the doors is improper; reunion is difficult.
Health: The illness is in the lower body.
Initial Six changing hexagram
When the Initial-Sixth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 38 of the Zhouyi: Opposition, Fire over Lake. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Dui below and Li above. Fire above and lake below oppose one another and do not support each other. Through opposition, generation arises; things repeatedly move back and forth without emptiness. All things differ, and where there is difference there is divergence; they contradict one another. Kui means contradiction.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The meaning of this line statement is: The little fox gets its tail wet while crossing the river; trouble will result.
The first line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Initial Six: Its tail becomes wet; humiliation. Life insight
From the hexagram image, Initial Six is a yin line in a yang position, giving it a tendency toward rashness and impatience. It is in the lower trigram Kan, which represents water; its yielding nature is weak, so entering the water recklessly will be dangerous.
The Image analyzes this line: “Its tail becomes wet”—it does not know its limit. This points out that the little fox wetting its tail while crossing the river shows that it overestimates itself, does not know how much strength it truly possesses, advances impatiently, and consequently brings trouble upon itself.
Those who receive this line should not overestimate their strength, nor advance rashly before determining how deep the water is in the hope of achieving quick success. If you do, you will bring trouble upon yourself.
Initial Six: Its tail becomes wet; humiliation.
The Image says: Its tail becomes wet; it does not know its limit.
The meaning of the classic text is: The tail becomes wet; there is worry and humiliation.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: The tail becomes wet, and one does not know that one has reached one’s limit. (The fox’s tail is already wet, showing that if the water were any deeper, the little fox would be in danger.)
Detailed explanation of the Second-Ninth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the Second Place: He restrains the wheel; constancy is auspicious.
The Image says: Nine in the Second Place is auspicious through constancy because, being centered, it acts according to the right path.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the Second Place: Holding up his belt while wading across the river. Divination brings an auspicious sign.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement of Nine in the Second Place says “constancy is auspicious” because the yang line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person who acts according to the right path.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line and observe their duties and rules will achieve their aims. Officials who overcome difficulties have prospects of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: The upper and lower levels support each other; nothing is unfavorable.
Wealth: Manage with care and return fully laden.
Home: A beautiful and virtuous household; you will certainly gain a worthy wife.
Health: Obstruction in the chest and abdomen.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
When the Ninth-Second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 35 of the Zhouyi: Progress, Fire over Earth. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kun below and Li above. Li is the sun and brightness; Kun is earth. The sun hangs high and illuminates the earth, while the earth is humble and receptive and all things grow. It signifies openness, gentle advancement, and rising upward, like a career flourishing day by day.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The second line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Second Place: He restrains the wheel; constancy is auspicious.
Interpretation of the line statement: Restrain means to hold back.
The meaning of this line statement is: Hold back the wheel so that its speed does not become too great; by adhering to the right path, one gains auspiciousness.
From the hexagram image, Nine in the Second Place is a yang line in a yielding position, naturally possessing a tendency toward rashness and impatience, but it can remain centered and uphold correctness, thereby changing its temperament.
The Image analyzes this line: Nine in the Second Place is auspicious through constancy because it remains centered and unmoving, upright and unbiased, exercising restraint; acting this way will surely bring good fortune.
Those who receive this line should not speed themselves up, but slow down. When your career has just begun, do not greedily seek merit or quick results; remember that haste makes waste. Intentionally slow down, build a solid foundation, advance step by step, remain centered and uphold correctness, and good fortune will naturally follow.
Nine in the Second Place: He restrains the wheel; constancy is auspicious.
The Image says: Nine in the Second Place is auspicious through constancy because, being centered, it acts according to the right path.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Third line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the Third Place: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious, but crossing the great river is beneficial.
The Image says: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious because the position is improper.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Third Place: The river cannot be crossed; going out brings danger. It is unfavorable to wade across water.
The Image Commentary says: The river cannot be crossed and going out is dangerous because Six in the Third Place, a yin line, occupies a yang position, like a person in an unfavorable situation.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line should act according to circumstances and should not move recklessly. Officials may achieve success through another person’s help. Merchants and travelers may gain profit by crossing rivers and enduring danger.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Seize the opportunity; reckless action brings misfortune.
Wealth: Seize the right opportunity; transport by boat is favorable.
Home: It is best to live peacefully; marriage is auspicious.
Health: Prevent misfortune and harmful influences; crossing the river will bring relief.
Six in the third place changing hexagram
When the Sixth-Third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 50 of the Zhouyi: The Cauldron, Fire over Wind. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Xun below and Li above. Wood is burned to cook food, transforming raw into cooked, signifying removing the old and establishing the new. The cauldron is a precious and important vessel, with its three legs symbolizing stability. Cooking food represents abundance, with no further hardship or distress. On this basis, one should reform and develop one’s career.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
The third line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Six in the Third Place: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious, but crossing the great river is beneficial. Interpretation of the line statement
Advance: Refers to a military expedition or attacking others.
The meaning of this line statement is: The matter is unfinished; advancing impatiently on a distant journey is dangerous, but crossing a great river or rapid is beneficial.
From the hexagram image, Six in the Third Place is a yin line in a hard position, with the tendency to advance impatiently despite weak qualities and insufficient ability. It is also in the lower trigram Kan, which represents danger, so going on an expedition is unfavorable.
The Image analyzes this line: “Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious”—the position is improper. This points out that advancing impatiently on a distant journey while the matter is unfinished is dangerous because the current position is unsuitable. However, Six in the Third Place has a proper correspondence with Upper Nine at the top of the hexagram, showing that one may cross mountains and rivers to accomplish something far away. The upper trigram is Li, representing brightness, meaning one can leave danger and find light; with help and care from friends, the outcome will be very auspicious. Those who receive this line are in a position and situation unfavorable to them. If you seek to accomplish something here, danger may arise. If you have a very capable friend elsewhere, consider going to him; with his help, you may make progress. Or, if the current project or industry is unsuitable for development and success is difficult, switch to another project or industry.
Six in the Third Place: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious, but crossing the great river is beneficial.
The Image says: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious because the position is improper.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Fourth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang. After three years, he received a reward from the great state.
The Image says: Constancy is auspicious and regret disappears because the aspiration is carried out.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the Fourth Place: Auspicious divination, with no regret. He undertook a major military campaign and helped Yin attack Gui-fang; after three years, he defeated it and received a reward from the Yin state.
The Image Commentary says: Auspicious divination with no regret means that the will has been fulfilled and action has succeeded.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will have their plans fulfilled and gain abundant wealth. Officials will be entrusted with important responsibilities and obtain both fame and profit. Students will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Self-satisfaction and success; both fame and profit.
Wealth: Business in distant places; profits are considerable.
Home: Live peacefully and work happily; marriage in two years.
Health: It can be protected for three years.
Transformation of the Fourth Nine line
When the Ninth-Fourth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 4 of the Zhouyi: Youthful Folly, Mountain over Water. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Gen above. Gen is the image of a mountain and signifies stopping; Kan is the image of water and signifies danger. The hexagram shows danger below the mountain, yet one continues forward without stopping—this is ignorance, hence Youthful Folly. But because one seizes the right moment and acts in accordance with the time, the hexagram also signifies enlightenment and progress.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
The fourth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang; after three years he received a reward from the great state. Interpretation of the line statement
Thunderous force: Refers to a mighty momentum like thunder that frightens people. Attack: A military expedition or punitive attack. Gui-fang: The name of a tribe. Great state: Refers to Yin-Shang.
The fourth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang; after three years he received a reward from the great state. Life insight
From the hexagram image, Nine in the Fourth Place is a yang line in a yielding position. It has already left the lower trigram Kan and moved away from danger, entering a turning point toward victory. As a minister close to the ruler, it balances hardness and yielding; as long as it adheres to the right path, there will be no danger. The Image explains this line: “Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears”—the aspiration is carried out. This points out that holding firmly to the right path brings good fortune and removes regret, showing that the dream of establishing merit and achievement has been realized.
Those who receive this line should understand: overcoming obstacles is not a matter of one day or one night; factors that hinder and damage your career always exist. You must take decisive action, and only through long-term effort can you achieve success.
Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang; after three years he received a reward from the great state.
The Image says: Constancy is auspicious and regret disappears; the aspiration is carried out.
The meaning of the classic text is: Uphold the right path and it is auspicious, with no regret; rally yourself and attack Gui-fang, achieving success after three years and receiving a reward from the great state.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: Upholding the right path is auspicious and brings no regret because the will of Nine in the Fourth Place is determined to be carried out.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Fifth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the Fifth Place: Constancy is auspicious; no regret. The light of the superior person. With trustworthiness, there is good fortune.
The Image says: The light of the superior person—its radiance is auspicious.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Fifth Place: Auspicious divination, with no regret. Having won a battle and captured prisoners, this is the glory of the superior person; auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: The superior person is honored; being upright and honorable is naturally auspicious.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will accomplish their plans and gain abundant wealth. Officials can expect promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Luck is at its peak; everything is auspicious.
Wealth: Official business; profits are stable.
Home: A greatly auspicious household; the marriage will certainly succeed.
Health: Clear-minded and refreshed.
Six in the fifth place changing hexagram
When the Sixth-Fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 6 of the Zhouyi: Conflict, Heaven over Water. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Qian above. It is opposite to the Waiting hexagram and forms its “inverted hexagram.” Qian is strong and vigorous; Kan is dangerous and sunken. Strength facing danger and vigor facing danger inevitably produce disputes and lawsuits. Litigation is not a good matter, so one must be cautious and fearful.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
The fifth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Six in the Fifth Place: Constancy is auspicious; no regret. The light of the superior person; with trustworthiness, there is good fortune. Interpretation of the line statement
The meaning of this line statement is: Adhering to the right path brings good fortune and no regret. This is the radiance of the superior person’s virtue; possessing honesty and trustworthiness brings good fortune.
From the hexagram image, Six in the Fifth Place is a yin line in the ruler’s position, so it is not in its proper place, indicating a ruler of relatively weak ability. Yet a ruler’s virtue matters more than talent. If the ruler is humble, benevolent, gentle, sincere, and trustworthy, capable people will certainly assist. The Image analyzes this line: “The light of the superior person”—its radiance is auspicious. This points out that one must possess the virtues of honesty, trustworthiness, uprightness, and openness to receive good fortune.
Those who receive this line do not possess especially strong personal abilities, so treat people humbly and seek the help of capable individuals. Your success will not rely on ability alone, but on your virtue. After long effort, the radiance of your character has influenced many people; you now possess the conditions for success.
Six in the Fifth Place: Constancy is auspicious; no regret. The light of the superior person; with trustworthiness, there is good fortune.
The Image says: The light of the superior person—its radiance is auspicious.
Detailed explanation of the Upper-Ninth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Top Nine line
Upper Nine: With trustworthiness, he drinks wine and is blameless. If his head becomes wet, then despite trustworthiness he loses what is right.
The Image says: Drinking until the head is wet shows that one does not know restraint.
Explanation in plain language
Upper Nine: He captures prisoners and drinks to celebrate. There is no disaster, but he becomes drunk and causes trouble, wetting even his hair. The prisoners seize the opportunity to rebel, and he kills them.
The Image Commentary says: Becoming drunk and causing trouble until the hair is wet shows a complete lack of restraint.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who receive this line may proceed through danger smoothly; the immoral face the misfortune of drowning and the disaster of excessive drinking. Officials have prospects of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Knowing frugality can preserve safety.
Wealth: Live within your means and enjoy your wealth forever.
Home: Manage the household diligently and frugally; treat each other with mutual respect.
Health: Eating and drinking without restraint; one must be cautious.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
When the Upper-Ninth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 40 of the Zhouyi: Release, Water over Thunder. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kan is water and danger. Danger lies within and movement occurs without. In the severe winter, heaven and earth are closed off, but after extreme stillness comes movement. All things renew, winter gives way to spring, and everything is released—this is Release.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
The sixth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Upper Nine: With trustworthiness, he drinks wine and is blameless; if his head becomes wet, then despite trustworthiness he loses what is right. Interpretation of the line statement
The meaning of this line statement is: Drinking with sincerity is not a fault. Indulging in excessive drinking and becoming drenched in wine, although one may have trustworthiness, one has lost propriety and harmed the superior person’s right path.
From the hexagram image, Upper Nine is a yang line in a yin position, so it is not in its proper place. It is at the top of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram, where the career is approaching completion. As a meritorious minister, it is close to Six in the Fifth Place and has the intention of assisting the ruler in saving the world; this is not a fault. Like celebrating a victory, a meritorious official who drinks sincerely commits no error. But if, relying on his achievements, he disregards ritual and cannot control himself, indulging in excessive drinking, then even if he remains loyal to the ruler, the ruler will dislike him and he will bring disaster upon himself.
The Image says: “Drinking wine until the head is soaked”—this also shows a lack of moderation. This points out that “indulging in excessive drinking until one’s head is drenched with wine” will leave one drunken and cause important matters to be neglected, bringing disaster that overwhelms one completely. This is the result of indulging oneself without restraint.
Those who receive this line may be regarded as meritorious contributors in their organization, but their achievements already belong to the past. Like an elderly person who should set fame and gain aside and enjoy a peaceful old age, you should not keep bringing up your accomplishments from those years. You should work steadily and prepare to earn merit again next time. If you rely on your past contributions, or even violate certain rules of etiquette, you will get yourself into trouble
.
Top nine: Have sincerity in drinking wine, and there is no blame. If your head becomes soaked, sincerity is lost and this is wrong.
The Image says: Drinking until the head is wet shows that one does not know restraint.
Initial Six line statement
Initial Six: Its tail becomes wet; humiliation.
The Image says: Its tail becomes wet; it does not know its limit.
Explanation in plain language
Initial Six: Wading across the river, he wets the hem of his clothing; advancing will be difficult.
The Image Commentary says: Wading across the river and wetting the hem, then continuing recklessly after seeing a small sign of danger, shows failure to heed warning.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line face unfavorable business; travelers crossing water or sailing should beware drowning. Officials encounter obstacles in their careers and cannot advance.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Acting rashly leaves no path forward.
Wealth: Failing to learn from lessons, there is no proper way to seek wealth.
Home: The orientation of the doors is improper; reunion is difficult.
Health: The illness is in the lower body.
Initial Six changing hexagram
When the Initial-Sixth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 38 of the Zhouyi: Opposition, Fire over Lake. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Dui below and Li above. Fire above and lake below oppose one another and do not support each other. Through opposition, generation arises; things repeatedly move back and forth without emptiness. All things differ, and where there is difference there is divergence; they contradict one another. Kui means contradiction.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The meaning of this line statement is: The little fox gets its tail wet while crossing the river; trouble will result.
The first line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Initial Six: Its tail becomes wet; humiliation. Life insight
From the hexagram image, Initial Six is a yin line in a yang position, giving it a tendency toward rashness and impatience. It is in the lower trigram Kan, which represents water; its yielding nature is weak, so entering the water recklessly will be dangerous.
The Image analyzes this line: “Its tail becomes wet”—it does not know its limit. This points out that the little fox wetting its tail while crossing the river shows that it overestimates itself, does not know how much strength it truly possesses, advances impatiently, and consequently brings trouble upon itself.
Those who receive this line should not overestimate their strength, nor advance rashly before determining how deep the water is in the hope of achieving quick success. If you do, you will bring trouble upon yourself.
Initial Six: Its tail becomes wet; humiliation.
The Image says: Its tail becomes wet; it does not know its limit.
The meaning of the classic text is: The tail becomes wet; there is worry and humiliation.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: The tail becomes wet, and one does not know that one has reached one’s limit. (The fox’s tail is already wet, showing that if the water were any deeper, the little fox would be in danger.)
Detailed explanation of the Second-Ninth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the Second Place: He restrains the wheel; constancy is auspicious.
The Image says: Nine in the Second Place is auspicious through constancy because, being centered, it acts according to the right path.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the Second Place: Holding up his belt while wading across the river. Divination brings an auspicious sign.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement of Nine in the Second Place says “constancy is auspicious” because the yang line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person who acts according to the right path.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line and observe their duties and rules will achieve their aims. Officials who overcome difficulties have prospects of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: The upper and lower levels support each other; nothing is unfavorable.
Wealth: Manage with care and return fully laden.
Home: A beautiful and virtuous household; you will certainly gain a worthy wife.
Health: Obstruction in the chest and abdomen.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
When the Ninth-Second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 35 of the Zhouyi: Progress, Fire over Earth. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kun below and Li above. Li is the sun and brightness; Kun is earth. The sun hangs high and illuminates the earth, while the earth is humble and receptive and all things grow. It signifies openness, gentle advancement, and rising upward, like a career flourishing day by day.
Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line
The second line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Second Place: He restrains the wheel; constancy is auspicious.
Interpretation of the line statement: Restrain means to hold back.
The meaning of this line statement is: Hold back the wheel so that its speed does not become too great; by adhering to the right path, one gains auspiciousness.
From the hexagram image, Nine in the Second Place is a yang line in a yielding position, naturally possessing a tendency toward rashness and impatience, but it can remain centered and uphold correctness, thereby changing its temperament.
The Image analyzes this line: Nine in the Second Place is auspicious through constancy because it remains centered and unmoving, upright and unbiased, exercising restraint; acting this way will surely bring good fortune.
Those who receive this line should not speed themselves up, but slow down. When your career has just begun, do not greedily seek merit or quick results; remember that haste makes waste. Intentionally slow down, build a solid foundation, advance step by step, remain centered and uphold correctness, and good fortune will naturally follow.
Nine in the Second Place: He restrains the wheel; constancy is auspicious.
The Image says: Nine in the Second Place is auspicious through constancy because, being centered, it acts according to the right path.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Third line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Six in the third place line statement
Six in the Third Place: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious, but crossing the great river is beneficial.
The Image says: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious because the position is improper.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Third Place: The river cannot be crossed; going out brings danger. It is unfavorable to wade across water.
The Image Commentary says: The river cannot be crossed and going out is dangerous because Six in the Third Place, a yin line, occupies a yang position, like a person in an unfavorable situation.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line should act according to circumstances and should not move recklessly. Officials may achieve success through another person’s help. Merchants and travelers may gain profit by crossing rivers and enduring danger.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Seize the opportunity; reckless action brings misfortune.
Wealth: Seize the right opportunity; transport by boat is favorable.
Home: It is best to live peacefully; marriage is auspicious.
Health: Prevent misfortune and harmful influences; crossing the river will bring relief.
Six in the third place changing hexagram
When the Sixth-Third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 50 of the Zhouyi: The Cauldron, Fire over Wind. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Xun below and Li above. Wood is burned to cook food, transforming raw into cooked, signifying removing the old and establishing the new. The cauldron is a precious and important vessel, with its three legs symbolizing stability. Cooking food represents abundance, with no further hardship or distress. On this basis, one should reform and develop one’s career.
The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place
The third line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Six in the Third Place: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious, but crossing the great river is beneficial. Interpretation of the line statement
Advance: Refers to a military expedition or attacking others.
The meaning of this line statement is: The matter is unfinished; advancing impatiently on a distant journey is dangerous, but crossing a great river or rapid is beneficial.
From the hexagram image, Six in the Third Place is a yin line in a hard position, with the tendency to advance impatiently despite weak qualities and insufficient ability. It is also in the lower trigram Kan, which represents danger, so going on an expedition is unfavorable.
The Image analyzes this line: “Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious”—the position is improper. This points out that advancing impatiently on a distant journey while the matter is unfinished is dangerous because the current position is unsuitable. However, Six in the Third Place has a proper correspondence with Upper Nine at the top of the hexagram, showing that one may cross mountains and rivers to accomplish something far away. The upper trigram is Li, representing brightness, meaning one can leave danger and find light; with help and care from friends, the outcome will be very auspicious. Those who receive this line are in a position and situation unfavorable to them. If you seek to accomplish something here, danger may arise. If you have a very capable friend elsewhere, consider going to him; with his help, you may make progress. Or, if the current project or industry is unsuitable for development and success is difficult, switch to another project or industry.
Six in the Third Place: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious, but crossing the great river is beneficial.
The Image says: Not Yet Fulfilled; advancing is inauspicious because the position is improper.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Fourth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang. After three years, he received a reward from the great state.
The Image says: Constancy is auspicious and regret disappears because the aspiration is carried out.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the Fourth Place: Auspicious divination, with no regret. He undertook a major military campaign and helped Yin attack Gui-fang; after three years, he defeated it and received a reward from the Yin state.
The Image Commentary says: Auspicious divination with no regret means that the will has been fulfilled and action has succeeded.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will have their plans fulfilled and gain abundant wealth. Officials will be entrusted with important responsibilities and obtain both fame and profit. Students will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Self-satisfaction and success; both fame and profit.
Wealth: Business in distant places; profits are considerable.
Home: Live peacefully and work happily; marriage in two years.
Health: It can be protected for three years.
Transformation of the Fourth Nine line
When the Ninth-Fourth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 4 of the Zhouyi: Youthful Folly, Mountain over Water. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Gen above. Gen is the image of a mountain and signifies stopping; Kan is the image of water and signifies danger. The hexagram shows danger below the mountain, yet one continues forward without stopping—this is ignorance, hence Youthful Folly. But because one seizes the right moment and acts in accordance with the time, the hexagram also signifies enlightenment and progress.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line
The fourth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang; after three years he received a reward from the great state. Interpretation of the line statement
Thunderous force: Refers to a mighty momentum like thunder that frightens people. Attack: A military expedition or punitive attack. Gui-fang: The name of a tribe. Great state: Refers to Yin-Shang.
The fourth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang; after three years he received a reward from the great state. Life insight
From the hexagram image, Nine in the Fourth Place is a yang line in a yielding position. It has already left the lower trigram Kan and moved away from danger, entering a turning point toward victory. As a minister close to the ruler, it balances hardness and yielding; as long as it adheres to the right path, there will be no danger. The Image explains this line: “Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears”—the aspiration is carried out. This points out that holding firmly to the right path brings good fortune and removes regret, showing that the dream of establishing merit and achievement has been realized.
Those who receive this line should understand: overcoming obstacles is not a matter of one day or one night; factors that hinder and damage your career always exist. You must take decisive action, and only through long-term effort can you achieve success.
Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy is auspicious; regret disappears. With thunderous force he attacked Gui-fang; after three years he received a reward from the great state.
The Image says: Constancy is auspicious and regret disappears; the aspiration is carried out.
The meaning of the classic text is: Uphold the right path and it is auspicious, with no regret; rally yourself and attack Gui-fang, achieving success after three years and receiving a reward from the great state.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: Upholding the right path is auspicious and brings no regret because the will of Nine in the Fourth Place is determined to be carried out.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Fifth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the Fifth Place: Constancy is auspicious; no regret. The light of the superior person. With trustworthiness, there is good fortune.
The Image says: The light of the superior person—its radiance is auspicious.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the Fifth Place: Auspicious divination, with no regret. Having won a battle and captured prisoners, this is the glory of the superior person; auspicious.
The Image Commentary says: The superior person is honored; being upright and honorable is naturally auspicious.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will accomplish their plans and gain abundant wealth. Officials can expect promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Luck is at its peak; everything is auspicious.
Wealth: Official business; profits are stable.
Home: A greatly auspicious household; the marriage will certainly succeed.
Health: Clear-minded and refreshed.
Six in the fifth place changing hexagram
When the Sixth-Fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 6 of the Zhouyi: Conflict, Heaven over Water. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Qian above. It is opposite to the Waiting hexagram and forms its “inverted hexagram.” Qian is strong and vigorous; Kan is dangerous and sunken. Strength facing danger and vigor facing danger inevitably produce disputes and lawsuits. Litigation is not a good matter, so one must be cautious and fearful.
Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line
The fifth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Six in the Fifth Place: Constancy is auspicious; no regret. The light of the superior person; with trustworthiness, there is good fortune. Interpretation of the line statement
The meaning of this line statement is: Adhering to the right path brings good fortune and no regret. This is the radiance of the superior person’s virtue; possessing honesty and trustworthiness brings good fortune.
From the hexagram image, Six in the Fifth Place is a yin line in the ruler’s position, so it is not in its proper place, indicating a ruler of relatively weak ability. Yet a ruler’s virtue matters more than talent. If the ruler is humble, benevolent, gentle, sincere, and trustworthy, capable people will certainly assist. The Image analyzes this line: “The light of the superior person”—its radiance is auspicious. This points out that one must possess the virtues of honesty, trustworthiness, uprightness, and openness to receive good fortune.
Those who receive this line do not possess especially strong personal abilities, so treat people humbly and seek the help of capable individuals. Your success will not rely on ability alone, but on your virtue. After long effort, the radiance of your character has influenced many people; you now possess the conditions for success.
Six in the Fifth Place: Constancy is auspicious; no regret. The light of the superior person; with trustworthiness, there is good fortune.
The Image says: The light of the superior person—its radiance is auspicious.
Detailed explanation of the Upper-Ninth line of Hexagram 64 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Top Nine line
Upper Nine: With trustworthiness, he drinks wine and is blameless. If his head becomes wet, then despite trustworthiness he loses what is right.
The Image says: Drinking until the head is wet shows that one does not know restraint.
Explanation in plain language
Upper Nine: He captures prisoners and drinks to celebrate. There is no disaster, but he becomes drunk and causes trouble, wetting even his hair. The prisoners seize the opportunity to rebel, and he kills them.
The Image Commentary says: Becoming drunk and causing trouble until the hair is wet shows a complete lack of restraint.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who receive this line may proceed through danger smoothly; the immoral face the misfortune of drowning and the disaster of excessive drinking. Officials have prospects of promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Knowing frugality can preserve safety.
Wealth: Live within your means and enjoy your wealth forever.
Home: Manage the household diligently and frugally; treat each other with mutual respect.
Health: Eating and drinking without restraint; one must be cautious.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
When the Upper-Ninth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 40 of the Zhouyi: Release, Water over Thunder. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Kan below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kan is water and danger. Danger lies within and movement occurs without. In the severe winter, heaven and earth are closed off, but after extreme stillness comes movement. All things renew, winter gives way to spring, and everything is released—this is Release.
Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line
The sixth line of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Upper Nine: With trustworthiness, he drinks wine and is blameless; if his head becomes wet, then despite trustworthiness he loses what is right. Interpretation of the line statement
The meaning of this line statement is: Drinking with sincerity is not a fault. Indulging in excessive drinking and becoming drenched in wine, although one may have trustworthiness, one has lost propriety and harmed the superior person’s right path.
From the hexagram image, Upper Nine is a yang line in a yin position, so it is not in its proper place. It is at the top of the Not Yet Fulfilled hexagram, where the career is approaching completion. As a meritorious minister, it is close to Six in the Fifth Place and has the intention of assisting the ruler in saving the world; this is not a fault. Like celebrating a victory, a meritorious official who drinks sincerely commits no error. But if, relying on his achievements, he disregards ritual and cannot control himself, indulging in excessive drinking, then even if he remains loyal to the ruler, the ruler will dislike him and he will bring disaster upon himself.
The Image says: “Drinking wine until the head is soaked”—this also shows a lack of moderation. This points out that “indulging in excessive drinking until one’s head is drenched with wine” will leave one drunken and cause important matters to be neglected, bringing disaster that overwhelms one completely. This is the result of indulging oneself without restraint.
Those who receive this line may be regarded as meritorious contributors in their organization, but their achievements already belong to the past. Like an elderly person who should set fame and gain aside and enjoy a peaceful old age, you should not keep bringing up your accomplishments from those years. You should work steadily and prepare to earn merit again next time. If you rely on your past contributions, or even violate certain rules of etiquette, you will get yourself into trouble
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Top nine: Have sincerity in drinking wine, and there is no blame. If your head becomes soaked, sincerity is lost and this is wrong.
The Image says: Drinking until the head is wet shows that one does not know restraint.