37. The Family to 62. Small Gains

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, dynamic, shows its subject establishing restrictive regulations in his household. Occasion for repentance will disappear. Line one is dynamic in a dynamic place. It suggests the necessity of strict rule in governing the family. Regulations must be established, and their observance strictly insisted on.

2. Line 4

   The fourth line, magnetic, shows its subject enriching the family. There will be great good fortune. Line four is magnetic and in her proper place. The wife is again suggested to us, and despite her confinement to the internal affairs of the household, she can do much to enrich the family. Yu Yen (Yuan Dynasty) observes that the riches of a family are not to be sought in its wealth, but in the affection and harmony of its members. Where these prevail the family is not likely to be poor, and whatever it has will be well preserved.

3. Line 5

   The fifth line, dynamic, shows the influence of the king extending to his family. There need be no anxiety -- there will be good fortune. The subject of the dynamic fifth line appears as the king. This may be the husband spoken of as also a king, or the real king whose merit is revealed first in his family. The central place here tempers the display of strength and power. The mention of "mutual love" is unusual in Chinese writings, and must be considered remarkable here. "The husband," says Ch'eng-tzu, "loves his helpmate in the house; the wife loves him who is the pattern for the family."

4. Line 6

   The sixth line, dynamic, shows its subject possessed of sincerity and arrayed in majesty. In the end there will be good fortune. Line six is also dynamic, and being in a magnetic place, he might degenerate into stern severity. But he is sincere and complete in himself. His majesty is not artificial: his character is remolded and perfected, hence his action will only lead to good fortune. The words of Mencius are aptly quoted in illustration of the lesson: "If a man himself does not walk in the right path, it will not be walked in even by his wife and children."

The present judgment

For the regulation of The Family, what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

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

Maintain inner integrity and attend to small, concrete details to ensure harmony in both personal relationships and daily tasks.

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