1. The Dynamic to 7. Discipline

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?"

5. Line 6

   The sixth dynamic line shows its subject as a dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance. The dragon appears in the sixth line as going beyond the proper limits. The ruling-sage has gone through all the spheres in which he is called on to display his attributes, and now it is time for him to relax. The line should not always be pulled tight, the bow should not always be kept drawn. The continuous use of force will give occasion for repentance. In short, the exalted shall be abased.

The present judgment

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

The later judgment

Discipline indicates that with firm correctness and a leader of age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Add a comment

Log in to comment on this combination.