21. Biting Through

The judgment

Legge

亨。利用獄。

Success is found in Discernment. The restrictions of the law bring advantage.

The six lines

line 1 is at the bottom

1. Line 1Yang

   屨校滅趾，无咎。

   Since this is only your initial step off the right path, the consequences will be mild. This should encourage early correction.

2. Line 2Yin

   噬膚滅鼻，无咎。

   Consequences come quickly and thoroughly for those who persist in wrongdoing. Even if they seem harsh, they will effectively prompt change. Ultimately, this is a necessary process.

3. Line 3Yin

   噬腊肉，遇毒。小吝，无咎。

   You currently lack the authority needed to initiate change. Your efforts may be met with indifference, leaving you feeling embarrassed. Nevertheless, change is essential, and your attempts are valid.

4. Line 4Yang

   噬乾胏，得金矢，利艱貞，吉。

   The challenge before you is indeed formidable. You must confront a powerful force. Stay determined and steadfast once you begin; successful outcomes require vigilance and continuous effort.

5. Line 5Yin

   噬乾肉，得黃金，貞厲，无咎。

   Despite limited options, making a decision is tough. Once you commit to a path, stand firm in your choice. Stay alert to potential risks, and you'll be able to navigate them.

6. Line 6Yang

   何校滅耳，凶。

   A person who fails to acknowledge their own flaws will stray further from the right path. Someone off the path cannot grasp the warnings offered by others. As the saying goes: 'There will be trouble.'

When this hexagram changes

These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.

• 21.2,6 to 54
• 21.2,3,5 to 1
• 21.4,5 to 42
• 21.2,3,6 to 34
• 21.2,4,6 to 19
• 21.1,5,6 to 45
• 21.3,4,6 to 36
• 21.1 to 35

Sharing a trigram

• ䷍14. Wealth大有
• ䷐17. Following隨
• ䷗24. The Turning Point復
• ䷚27. Nourishment頤
• ䷝30. Clarity離
• ䷢35. Progress晉