11. Harmony to 29. Danger

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, dynamic, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. Advance on the part of its subject will be fortunate. The symbolism of the first line is suggested by the three dynamic lines of the lower trigram, all together, and all possessed by the same instinct to advance. The movement of the first line will be supported by the others, and will be fortunate. "He has his will set on what is external to himself" means that he is bent on going forward.

2. Line 3

   The third line, dynamic, shows that, while there is no state of peace that is not liable to be disturbed, and no departure of evil men so that they shall not return, yet when one is firm and correct, as he realizes the distresses that may arise, he will commit no error. There is no occasion for sadness at the certainty of such recurring changes; and in this mood the happiness of the present may be long enjoyed. The symbolism of the third line shows the constant change that is taking place in nature and human affairs. As night becomes day, and winter becomes summer, so calamity may be expected to follow prosperity, and decay the flourishing of a state. The third is the last line in the lower trigram of Strength, by whose creative activity the happy state of Harmony has been produced. Another aspect of things may be expected, but by firmness and correctness the good estate of the present may be long continued.

3. Line 5

   The fifth line, magnetic, reminds us of king Ti-yi's rule about the marriage of his younger sister. By such a course there is happiness and there will be great good fortune. According to Ch'eng-tzu, Ti-yi was the first to enact a law that daughters of the royal house, in marrying princes of the states, should be in subjection to them, as if they were not superior to them in rank. Here line five, while occupying the place of dignity and authority in the hexagram, is yet a magnetic line in the place of a dynamic one. She accordingly humbly condescends to her dynamic and proper correlate in line two.

The present judgment

Harmony shows the inferior departed and the great arrived. There will be good fortune with progress and success.

The later judgment

The trigram of Danger, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is penetrating. Action in accordance with this will be of high value.

Add a comment

Log in to comment on this combination.