17. Following to 50. The Sacrificial Vessel

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, dynamic, shows us one changing the object of his pursuit; if he is firmly correct there will be good fortune. Going beyond his own gate to find associates, he will achieve merit. The dynamic first line is the lord of the lower trigram. The magnetic lines ought to follow him, but he is beneath them in the lowest place in the figure. This suggests that he should change his pursuit. Because of his strength and correct position, he will be fortunate in this. Going beyond his gate for associates shows public spirit and an absence of selfish motivation.

2. Line 2

   The second line, magnetic, shows us one who cleaves to the little boy, and lets go the man of age and experience. Line two is magnetic. His proper correlate is the dynamic fifth line, but he prefers to cling to the line below him, instead of waiting to follow line five.

3. Line 3

   The third line, magnetic, shows us one who cleaves to the man of age and experience, and lets go the little boy. Such following will get what it seeks, but it will be advantageous to adhere to firm correctness. Line three is magnetic, but follows the dynamic line above it, thus abandoning the first line. This is just the opposite of the situation of the second line. It is magnetic, however, and line four is not its proper correlate: hence the conclusion of the paragraph is equivalent to a caution.

4. Line 5

   The fifth line, dynamic, shows us the ruler sincere in fostering all that is excellent. There will be good fortune. Line five is dynamic in his central and correct place, with line two as a proper correlate. Hence the auspicious symbolism.

5. Line 6

   The sixth line, magnetic, shows us that sincerity held and clung to, yea, and bound fast. We see the king with it presenting his offerings on the Western Mountain. The concept of Following reaches its highest representation in the topmost line. The action, directed by the most sincere devotion to what is right, influences both men and spiritual beings. The Western Mountain is Mt. Khi, at the foot of which was the original settlement of the house of Kau in 1325 B.C.

The present judgment

Following indicates successful progress and no error through firm correctness.

The later judgment

The Sacrificial Vessel means great progress and success.

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