41. Sacrifice to 18. Repair

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, dynamic, shows its subject suspending his own affairs, and hurrying away to help the subject of the fourth line. He will commit no error, but let him consider how far he should contribute of what is his for the other. Line one is dynamic and his correlate in line four is magnetic. He wants to help her, but won't leave anything of his own undone in doing so. Nor will he diminish anything of his own for her without due deliberation.

2. Line 3

   The third line, magnetic, shows how of three men walking together, the number is diminished by one; and how one, walking, finds his friend. Chu Hsi says that the lower trigram was originally three yang lines, like "three men" walking together, and that the third line was removed and made into the topmost line of the upper trigram which was originally three yin lines. This exchange of places between lines three and six maintains their proper correlation and suggests the proper pairing of affinities. The K'ang-hsi editors observe that this line is true not only of three men, but of many repetitions of thought or action.

The present judgment

Compensating Sacrifice means that sincerely maintained rectitude brings great success. Action is appropriate if one's sacrifice is sincere, even two baskets of grain, though there be nothing else, may be offered.

The later judgment

Successful progress is indicated for those who properly repair what has been spoiled. It is advantageous to cross the great stream. One should consider carefully the events three days before the turning point and the tasks remaining for three days afterward.

What the move asks

Let go of unnecessary burdens to clear the way for essential renewal.

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