Qián Guà – The Philosophical Meaning of the First Hexagram in the I Ching
Qián Guà (乾卦) encompasses concepts associated with vigor, strength, authority, circularity, male elders, preciousness, wealth, coldness, hardness, fragility, and anything that is elevated. Among the sixty-four hexagrams, Qián symbolizes the sky, yang (阳, yáng), the sun, the ruler, the father, the husband, roundness, jade, metal, ice, cold, horses, the color red, speed, fast-moving vehicles, and tirelessness.
In relation to the human body, Qián corresponds to the head, the chest, the large intestine, the lungs, the right foot, the lower right abdomen, semen, and the male reproductive organs.
Qián Guà is composed of two identical Qián hexagrams stacked together, symbolizing the sky. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the dragon represents a virtuous and talented person, and Qián also embodies pure yang energy and vitality, signifying prosperity and strength. This hexagram conveys the principle of transformation in all things, indicating auspiciousness and teaching people to align with the natural order.
As the first of the sixty-four hexagrams, Qián Guà represents “heaven,” while Kūn Guà (坤卦, kūn¹ guà⁴) represents “earth.” The Sequence of Hexagrams (《序卦》, xù⁴ guà⁴) explains: “With heaven and earth in place, all things are born.” This means Qián represents the active, vigorous force of creation, while Kūn represents receptivity. Their interplay gives rise to all things in the universe.
Interpretation in the I Ching
The Book of Changes (《易经》, Yì⁴ Jīng¹) explains Qián Guà as:
“The movement of heaven is strong and unyielding; the superior person should strive for continuous self-improvement.”
This passage emphasizes that the natural order is relentless and unstoppable, and a person of virtue should emulate this principle by remaining self-reliant and persistent in their endeavors.
Qián Guà as an Auspicious Hexagram
The Commentary on the Image (《象辞》, xiàng⁴ cí²) states:
“A dragon in distress finds water, bringing good fortune. Happiness naturally follows, and all aspirations will be fulfilled. In time, fortune will continue to rise.”
Qián Guà’s Original Text:
乾。元，亨，利，贞。
(Qián: Great beginnings, smooth progress, beneficial outcomes, steadfastness.)
The Interpretation:
Qián Guà signifies immense fortune and success. The commentary states that the heavenly principle is strong and unceasing, guiding the virtuous to follow nature’s way and strive for self-improvement.
Interpretations by Scholars
Shaoyong of the Northern Song Dynasty (邵雍, shào⁴ yōng¹):
Qián represents great strength and the power of growth. It leads to smooth success but warns against excessive forcefulness. Those who receive this hexagram should embrace perseverance and seize opportunities. However, for women, it may indicate excessive rigidity.
Fu Peirong (傅佩荣, fù⁴ pèi⁴ róng²), a Taiwanese Confucian Scholar:
Fortune: Be resilient and strive for progress.
Wealth: Giving brings more blessings than receiving; selling is better than buying.
Home and Family: Good deeds bring lasting prosperity; women should be cautious of being too assertive.
Health: Maintain consistent self-care.
Traditional Interpretation of Qián Guà
This hexagram consists of two identical Qián trigrams, symbolizing the sky and the noble dragon, representing a virtuous ruler. It embodies pure yang energy, denoting strength and prosperity. The key phrase “Great beginnings, smooth progress, beneficial outcomes, steadfastness” implies auspiciousness and teaches adherence to the moral order of the universe.
Qián Guà in Practical Aspects
- General Fortune: Like a dragon soaring in the sky, this hexagram signifies fame and success. One should seize opportunities and strive for achievements.
- Career: Highly favorable for advancement, bringing prosperity and divine blessings. However, as yang energy reaches its peak, decline may follow, requiring caution, humility, and wisdom to sustain success.
- Business: Expansion and progress are promising, but patience and strategic analysis are crucial. Ethical business practices and resilience against challenges will ensure success.
- Reputation: Potential remains untapped. With humility, diligence, and ethical conduct, one can achieve great renown.
- Marriage: The strong yang presence suggests an imbalance, but harmony can be achieved if a gentle and accommodating partner balances the relationship.
- Decision-making: Great endeavors can be realized by upholding integrity, accumulating knowledge, and maintaining perseverance. Strength, righteousness, and fairness will lead to overcoming obstacles and eliminating misfortunes.
Qián Guà, as the first hexagram of the I Ching, embodies the spirit of unwavering perseverance and self-improvement, serving as an eternal guide for those seeking success and wisdom.
The Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of Qian Hexagram
Chu Jiu (Initial Nine): Qian long wu yong. The classic meaning is: Being in a lowly position, the timing is not yet ripe, so one should act like a dragon lying dormant and not display one’s talents.
“Chu Jiu” refers to the sequence of this line. As previously mentioned, the order of the six lines from bottom to top is Initial, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Top. Yang (positive) lines are represented by “Nine,” while Yin (negative) lines are represented by “Six.” Chu Jiu thus refers to the lowest Yang line.
The meaning of Chu Jiu: Qian long wu yong is: The dragon lies hidden and should not act.
From the hexagram’s imagery, Chu Jiu is a Yang line in a strong (yang) position, which is appropriate (well-placed). The Jiu Er (Second Nine) line above it is also a Yang line, creating a repulsive “enemy-like” relationship due to their same nature. Although Chu Jiu is unwilling to remain subordinate, it is suppressed by Jiu Er, with its vigorous Yang energy buried underground. Even with great talent, one in a low position must learn to endure and not act impulsively.
A giant dragon submerged in water cannot exert influence due to its lowly status. This hexagram metaphorically suggests that at the beginning of development, although there is momentum, it is still weak. Caution and restraint are advised.
Transformation of the First Line of Qian Hexagram
When the first line of Qian moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 44: Tian Feng Gou (Heaven Wind Encounter). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Xun below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Xun represents Wind. Wind blows across the earth under Heaven, symbolizing the union of Yin and Yang and the flourishing of all things. The Gou hexagram is the inverse of the Dui (Decisive) hexagram, forming “complementary hexagrams.” Gou means “union” (as in marriage), but with five Yang lines and one Yin line, the relationship cannot last.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of Qian Hexagram
Jiu Er (Second Nine): Jian long zai tian, li jian da ren. The line explanation is: The dragon appears in the field, and it is advantageous to meet a great person to further one’s development.
“Jian” has two interpretations here: one is “to appear,” and the other is “to meet.”
The meaning of this line is: The dragon emerges in the field, and it is appropriate to meet a great person.
From the hexagram’s imagery, Jiu Er is a Yang line in a Yin position, which is misplaced, but it is central within the lower trigram. The number “two” represents the upper part of the earth, indicating that the dragon has begun to reveal itself and its talents are noticed. Meeting a great person at this time is beneficial because, although one has some ability, it is still limited. Encountering a great person can provide further refinement and mentorship. Additionally, if supported by a great person, progress will be smoother. This “great person” is one’s benefactor. A classic example is Shun’s experience: while farming and hunting, Shun was recognized by Emperor Yao for his excellence, embodying “li jian da ren.”
In the context of one’s life, this stage is roughly equivalent to ages 25–35, signifying that after a period of learning and accumulation, one has gained certain abilities and is ready to emerge and showcase talents. At this time, assistance from a benefactor is even more conducive to success.
Transformation of the Second Line of Qian Hexagram
When the second line of Qian moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 13: Tian Huo Tong Ren (Heaven Fire Fellowship). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Li below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven and the ruler; Li represents Fire and the common people. Heaven above and Fire below, with Fire rising to align with Heaven, symbolizes harmony between superiors and subordinates, working together like being in the same boat. Interpersonal relationships are harmonious, and the world is united.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of Qian Hexagram
Line Explanation: Qian qian: Originally referring to the unceasing movement of the sun, here it metaphorically represents a gentleman’s unwavering diligence. Ti: Means reverence, caution, and vigilance. Xi ti ruo: Means to remain vigilant even at night. Li: Refers to danger. Jiu: Refers to disaster. Li wu jiu: Means that while danger exists, disaster will not occur if one remains vigilant.
The meaning of this line is: A gentleman is tirelessly self-improving and diligent throughout the day, and remains vigilant even at night. Though danger exists, disaster will not occur.
Jiu San (Third Nine) is a Yang line, also called a “strong line.” In I Ching terminology, strong lines represent gentlemen, while soft lines represent petty people. The “Xici” (Appended Judgments) states: “Line Two often receives praise, Line Four often faces fear, Line Three often encounters peril, and Line Five often achieves merit.” This line is in the “perilous” position. The “Wenyan” (Commentary on the Decision) explains: Jiu San is overly strong and acts immoderately, becoming detached from both Heaven and Earth. Thus, it requires an unyielding spirit and constant vigilance in response to changing circumstances. By doing so, even if danger arises, disaster will not follow.
From the hexagram’s imagery, Jiu San is in the lower trigram and cannot foresee the next step. Only by adhering to the spirit of Qian can one strive day and night. Although the development from Chu Jiu to Jiu Er shows a growing Yang energy, from “Qian long wu yong” to “Jian long zai tian,” the trend suggests rising Yang energy. However, development is not so simple, and things do not always go smoothly. Yet, if one remains diligent and vigilant, even danger will not lead to disaster.
The “Xiang” (Image) explains this line: “Zhong ri qian qian” (unceasingly striving all day) is a repeated principle. It emphasizes that “unceasing striving all day” is to avoid regression and to remain cautious at all times.
The position of “Jiu San” marks the end of the lower trigram. In Qian hexagram, based on the trend of the first two lines, Yang energy is rising, but since it is still in the lower trigram, the future is uncertain. Thus, maintaining a mindset of diligence and vigilance is necessary, as it is a psychological stage for those actively pursuing success.
People at this stage are similar to recent graduates who have just achieved academic success and are full of confidence. However, society is a complex arena, and whether one can make a mark is still unknown. Difficulties encountered in society far exceed the simple imaginations of school life, revealing many unprecedented challenges.
In the context of one’s life, this line represents the period around ages 35–45, a time of great pressure when one’s career is neither advancing nor receding. Persistence is key to success; otherwise, one may give up halfway.
Transformation of the Third Line of Qian Hexagram
When the third line of Qian moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 10: Tian Ze Lu (Heaven Lake Treading). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Dui below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Dui represents a marsh (lake). The original text states: “Lu (treading) on a tiger’s tail, but it does not Di (bite) a person.” Thus, the outcome is auspicious. The ruler is above, and the people are below, each in their proper place. Dui (gentle) meets Qian (strong), creating a perilous situation. “Lu” means to practice, and the hexagram signifies the meaning of advancing steadily and practically.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of Qian Hexagram
Line Explanation: The meaning of this line is: The dragon may leap into the sky or stay in the abyss. As long as it moves according to the needs of the situation, there will be no mistakes.
Jiu Si (Fourth Nine): Or leap in the abyss, no fault.
Life Inspiration: This line teaches us to act with a clear sense of when to advance and when to retreat.
From the hexagram’s imagery, Jiu Si begins to enter the upper trigram. It is a Yang line in a soft (Yin) position, which is out of place, making it unstable. Therefore, the line text includes “or,” indicating uncertainty. However, this uncertainty—whether to leap up or stay submerged—is actually a correct response to the changing circumstances, so there is no fault.
In the Qian hexagram, the previous lines emphasize the need for the dragon to be patient and strive for improvement. By the fourth line, as the dragon enters the upper trigram, it feels that its strength has accumulated enough to take action. However, the situation is not entirely favorable. Jiu Si is in a period of曲折 (tortuous) development and rising Yang energy, which is not yet strong enough to overcome Yin energy. Therefore, while Jiu Si may feel eager to act, it must assess the situation carefully, advancing when appropriate and retreating when necessary.
Transformation of the Fourth Line of Qian Hexagram
When the fourth line of Qian moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 9: Feng Tian Xiao Chu (Wind Heaven Small Accumulation). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Qian below, Xun above). Qian represents Heaven, and Xun represents Wind. It symbolizes favorable weather and the growth of crops, hence the name Xiao Xu (Small Accumulation). The power is limited and must develop to a certain extent before great achievements can be made.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of Qian Hexagram
From the hexagram’s imagery, Jiu Wu is a Yang line in a strong (Yang) position. The fifth line represents the position of a monarch, the highest leadership role in the hexagram. Looking at the progression from Chu Jiu, Jiu Er, Jiu San, Jiu Si, to Jiu Wu, it illustrates the development of a process. The Yang energy symbolized by the dragon, after struggling with Yin energy, finally soars into the sky, shining like the midday sun over the earth. All things bask in the warm sunlight, and good fortune is at its peak.
The “Xiang” (Image) explains this line: “The dragon flies in the sky,” a great person’s achievement. It points out that “the dragon flying in the sky” symbolizes a noble figure with high virtue and great influence, who will surely accomplish great things.
In terms of personal development, Jiu Wu is like a talented person who, after much effort, finally (welcomes) the opportunity to achieve great things. Having reached a high position, they can now make significant contributions. Drawing this line indicates that one’s career is thriving, life is satisfying, and fortune is very good.
From the perspective of a nation, drawing this hexagram may indicate that the country will experience significant events, hold grand activities, and the head of state will be present.
Transformation of the Fifth Line of Qian Hexagram
When the fifth line of Qian moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 14: Huo Tian Da You (Fire Heaven Great Possession). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Qian below, Li above). The upper trigram is Li, representing Fire; the lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven. Fire in the sky shines upon all things, and the people submit. Acting in accordance with Heaven and the times, great achievements can be made.
The Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of Qian Hexagram
From the hexagram’s imagery, this line is in the position of Shang Jiu (Top Nine), the highest line of the hexagram. A Yang line in a soft (Yin) position is out of place, making the situation very unfavorable. “Kang Long” (excessive dragon) means the dragon has flown too high, and Yang energy has reached its peak. When things reach an extreme, they will reverse. Yang energy at its peak will decline, like the sun at noon will eventually set, and cannot last.
The “Wenyan” (Commentary on the Decision) says: “The meaning of ‘kang’ is to know how to advance but not how to retreat, to know how to exist but not how to perish, to know how to gain but not how to lose. Only a sage knows all these. To know the principles of advancing and retreating, existing and perishing, and to act without losing the proper path, is this not the way of a sage?”
The “Xiang” (Image) states: “The dragon flies too high and will regret it,” because extreme prosperity cannot last. It points out that when the dragon flies too high, there will be disasters or regrets, as things will eventually reverse when they reach their extreme.
Transformation of the Sixth Line of Qian Hexagram
When the sixth line of Qian moves, it transforms into I Ching Hexagram 43: Ze Tian Guai (Lake Heaven Decision). This hexagram is formed by the superimposition of two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian represents Heaven and strength; Dui represents a marsh and joy. The marsh’s vapor rises, forms rain, and nourishes all things. With five Yang lines and one Yin line, removing the Yin line is not difficult, hence the name Guai (Decision).