1. The Dynamic to 4. Inexperience

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   In the first line, dynamic, we see its subject as the dragon lying hid in the deep. It is not the time for active doing. The dragon can be the symbol of the superior man, or the great man -- the sage on the throne.

2. Line 3

   In the third line, dynamic, we see its subject as the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. The position is dangerous, but there will be no mistake. The dynamic line is in its proper place. In the exercise of his caution he will refrain from any improper action.

3. Line 4

   In the fourth dynamic line we see its subject as the dragon looking as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake. Both the third and fourth lines of any hexagram belong to man, and are intermediate between those of Heaven above and those of Earth beneath. K'ung Ying-ta, to explain the difficulty in what is said on this fourth line, says that man is actually nearer to Earth than to Heaven, and is aptly represented therefore by the third line and not by the fourth. In any event, the subject of this fourth line will move very cautiously, and so escape blame.

4. Line 5

   The fifth dynamic line shows its subject as the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man. The fifth is almost always the place of honor and authority in the hexagram, and here the great man is seen as the sage on the throne. The argument is that as things of the same kind respond to and seek one another, so is it with the sage and ordinary men. They are of the same kind, though far apart; and when a sage appears, all other men look to him with admiration and hope. Ch'eng-tzu says here that "Heaven and Earth are another name for Tao, and that because the sage is in harmony with the Tao or practical reason of the universe, how could men or spirits be contrary to him?"

The present judgment

The Dynamic represents what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

The later judgment

Inexperience means progress and success. I do not seek the inexperienced youth, but he seeks me. When he shows the sincerity proper for divination, I instruct him. If he asks two or three times, that is troublesome, and I do not instruct the troublesome. Firm correctness brings advantage.

What the move asks

Embrace the fundamental strength of your current position while remaining open to learning from those with less experience.

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