11. Harmony to 64. Unfinished Business

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 4

   The fourth line, magnetic, shows its subject fluttering down -- not relying on her own rich resources, but calling in her neighbors. They all come not as having received warning, but in the sincerity of their hearts. The subjects of the fourth and other yin lines of the upper trigram are not to be seen as opponents of the yang lines in the lower trigram, but as their correlates. They are of one heart and mind to maintain the state of Harmony , and humbly and readily yield their power to the yang lines below. Chu Hsi says that the upper lines "have lost their substantiality." As magnetic lines, their proper place is below.

4. Line 6

   The sixth line, magnetic, shows us the city wall returned to the moat. It is not the time to use the army. The subject of the line may announce her orders to the people of her own city; but however firm and correct she may be, she will have cause for regret. The course denoted by Harmony has been run, and will be followed by one of a different and unhappy character. The earth dug from the moat had been built up to form a projecting wall, but it is now again fallen into the ditch. War will only aggravate the evil, and however the ruler may address good proclamations to the people of the capital, the coming evil cannot be altogether averted.

The present judgment

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

The later judgment

Unfinished Business suggests successful progress, but if the young fox that has nearly crossed the stream gets his tail wet, there will be no advantage.

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