25. Innocence to 62. Small Gains

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, dynamic, shows its subject free from all insincerity. His advance will be accompanied with good fortune. The first line is dynamic at the bottom of the trigram of Movement. His action will characterize all the action set forth, and will itself be fortunate. This is another way of saying that true goodness may expect good fortune, "by the appointment of Heaven."

2. Line 3

   The third line, magnetic, shows calamity happening to one who is free from insincerity -- as in the case of an ox that has been tied up. A passer-by finds it and carries it off, while the people in the neighborhood have the calamity of being accused and apprehended. Sometimes calamity may befall the best of us, even when there is freedom from insincerity. Line three, being magnetic in a dynamic place, is vulnerable to this misfortune. The people of the neighborhood are of course entirely innocent. On line three it is said: "The superior man seeks simply to be free from insincerity, and leaves the question of happiness and calamity to Heaven.”

3. Line 5

   The fifth line, dynamic, shows one who is free from insincerity, and yet has fallen ill. Let him not use medicine, and he will have occasion for joy in his recovery. Line five is dynamic in the central place of honor, and has a proper correlate in line two. Hence he must possess the qualities of the hexagram in perfection. Nevertheless, he is sick or in distress. He need not be anxious -- without his efforts a way of escape will be opened for him. The idea is that sickness shouldn't happen to one who is perfectly sincere, and if it does happen it must refer to some inexplicable will of Heaven. If such is the cause, then so shall it cure.

4. Line 6

   The sixth line, dynamic, shows its subject free from insincerity, yet sure to fall into error if he takes action. His action will not be advantageous in any way. Line six is at the top of the hexagram, and comes into the field when the action has run its course. He should be still, and not initiate any fresh movement. When a thing is over and done, submission and acquiescence are what are required -- not renewed attempts at action.

The present judgment

Innocence indicates progress and success through firm correctness. If the action of its subject is incorrect, he will fall into error. In such a case it will not be advantageous to move in any direction.

The later judgment

Small Powers indicates that there will be progress and attainment in small affairs, but not in great affairs. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct. It is like the song of a flying bird: It is better to descend than to ascend. In this way there will be good fortune.

What the move asks

Act with integrity and a clear conscience, taking small, humble steps to align your actions with what is right rather than seeking grand outcomes.

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