above LI THE CLINGING, FIRE below K’UN THE RECEPTIVE, EARTH
The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth. It is therefore the symbol of rapid, easy progress, which at the same time means ever widening expansion and clarity.
THE JUDGMENT
PROGRESS. The powerful leader Is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day one is granted audience three times.
As an example of progress, this pictures a time when a powerful feudal lord rallies the other lords around the sovereign and pledges fealty and peace. The sovereign rewards him richly and invites him to a closer intimacy.
A twofold idea is set forth here. The actual effect of the progress emanates from one who is in a dependent position and whom the others regard as their equal and are therefore willing to follow. this leader has enough clarity of vision not to abuse one or her great influence but to use it rather for the benefit of the ruler. The ruler in turn is free of all jealousy, showers presents on the great one, and invites them continually to one or her court. An enlightened ruler and an obedient servant–this is the condition on which great progress depends.
THE IMAGE
The sun rises over the earth: The image of PROGRESS. Thus the superior person Brightens one’s own bright virtue.
The light of the sun rises over the earth is by nature clear. The higher the sun rises, the more it emerges from the dark mists, spreading the pristine purity of its rays over an ever widening area. Real human nature is likewise originally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with earthly things and therefore needs purification before it can shine forth in its native clarity.
THE LINES
Six at the beginning means: Progressing, but turned back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake.
At a time when all elements are pressing for progress, we are still uncertain whether in the course of advance we may not meet with a rebuff. Then the thing to do is simply continue in what is right; in the end this will bring good fortune. It may be that we meet with no confidence. In this case we ought not to try to win confidence regardless of the situation, but should remain calm and cheerful and refuse to be roused to anger. Thus we remain free of mistakes.
Six in the second place means: Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Then one obtains great happiness from one’s ancestress.
Progress is halted; one is kept from getting in touch with the person in authority with whom one has a connection. When this happens, one must remain persevering, although one is grieved; then with a maternal gentleness the person in question will bestow great happiness upon one. this happiness comes to one–and is well deserved–because in this case mutual attraction does not rest on selfish or partisan motives but on firm and correct principles.
Six in the third place means: All are in accord. Remorse disappears.
One strives onward, in association with others whose backing encourages one. this dispels any cause for regret over the fact that one does not have enough independence to triumph unaided over every hostile turn of fate.
Nine in the fourth place means: Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger.
In times of progress it is easy for strong people in the wrong places to amass great possessions. But such conduct shuns the light. And since times of progress are inevitably those when dubious practices are brought to the light, perseverance in such action always leads to danger.
° Six in the fifth place means: Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything serves to further.
The situation described here is that of one who, finding oneself in an influential position in a time of progress, remains gentle and reserved. One might reproach oneself for lack of energy in making the most of the propitiousness of the time and obtaining all possible advantage. However, this regret passes away. One must not take either loss or gain to heart; they are minor considerations. What matters much more is the fact that in this way one has assured oneself of opportunities for successful and beneficent influence. Nine at the top means: Making progress with the horns is permissible Only for the purpose of punishing one’s own city. To be conscious of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation.
Making progress with lowered horns-i.e., acting on the offensive-is permissible, in times like those referred to here, only in dealing with the mistakes of one’s own people. Even then we must bear in mind that proceeding on the offensive may always be dangerous. In this way we avoid the mistakes that otherwise threaten, and succeed in what we set out to do. On the other hand, perseverance in such over energetic behavior, especially toward persons with whom there is no close connection, will lead to humiliation.
