4. Inexperience to 54. Improper Advances

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, magnetic, has respect to the dispelling of ignorance. It will be advantageous to use punishment for that purpose, and to remove the shackles from the mind. But going on in that way of punishment will give occasion for regret. The first line, magnetic, and at the bottom of the figure, is in the grossest ignorance. Let her be punished. If punishment avails to loosen the shackles from the mind, well and good. If not, and if the punishment is prolonged, the effect will be bad.

2. Line 4

   The fourth line, magnetic, shows its subject as if bound in chains of ignorance. There will be occasion for regret. The fourth line is far from both the second and sixth, and can get no help from her first line correlate who is as weak as she is. What good can be done with or by her?

3. Line 6

   The sixth line, dynamic, shows one smiting the ignorant youth. But no advantage will come from doing him an injury. Advantage would come from warding off injury from him. Line six is dynamic and in the topmost place. It is natural, but unwise, for him to use violence in carrying out his educational measures. He represents, according to the scheme of the hexagram, one who uses force in the cause of education; but the force is best applied, not on the ignorant, but on those who would keep them ignorant, or increase their ignorance. He therefore acts according to his nature, and the subjects of all the magnetic lines below are cared for as is best for them.

The present judgment

Inexperience means progress and success. I do not seek the inexperienced youth, but he seeks me. When he shows the sincerity proper for divination, I instruct him. If he asks two or three times, that is troublesome, and I do not instruct the troublesome. Firm correctness brings advantage.

The later judgment

Propriety indicates that action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

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