I Ching Hexagram 34 – Dà Zhuàng (Great Strength)
Symbolic Meaning of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
The Dà Zhuàng (大壮) hexagram consists of two different trigrams stacked together. The lower trigram is Qián (乾), representing Heaven, while the upper trigram is Zhèn (震), representing Thunder. The imagery here is of thunder resounding in the sky, with rolling clouds and powerful reverberations. This symbolizes immense strength, robust vitality, and the flourishing of all things. The term “Zhuàng (壮)” means strength and vigor, and when combined with “Dà (大),” it signifies great and powerful strength, hence the name Dà Zhuàng.
Interpretations from Various Scholars
“Duàn Yì Tiān Jī” (《断易天机》) Interpretation
The Dà Zhuàng hexagram, with Zhèn (震) above and Qián (乾) below, belongs to the fourth generation of the Kūn (坤) palace. The name Dà Zhuàng denotes growth and expansion, with strong Yang energy symbolizing a noble person. A noble person who grows stronger will naturally experience success and prosperity.
Shao Yong (邵雍), Northern Song Dynasty Scholar
- Righteousness and Magnanimity: This hexagram represents strength and expansion, but also emphasizes tolerance and harmony—one must avoid impulsiveness.
- Fortune Reading: If you receive this hexagram, it suggests that your fortune is currently very strong. However, you must remain calm and cautious, or you may invite trouble due to excessive ambition.
Fu Pei-Rong (傅佩荣), Taiwanese Scholar of Confucianism
- Fate & Luck: Achieving success and recognition is not difficult, but one must avoid arrogance.
- Wealth & Finances: Sell at the right price, do not be overly greedy.
- Home & Family: Be cautious of fire hazards; maintain respect and harmony in relationships.
- Health: Take care of your legs and feet.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram
The Dà Zhuàng hexagram is composed of Qián (乾) below and Zhèn (震) above.
- Zhèn (震) represents thunder, while Qián (乾) represents heaven.
- This imagery suggests thunder roaring in the sky, an immense and powerful sound that signifies the dominance of Yang energy, leading to vitality and growth.
- With four strong Yang lines rising, this hexagram emphasizes action and strength, but also warns against recklessness.
Key Symbolism and Predictions
General Symbolism
- Loud thunder echoing across the sky, symbolizing brightness and openness.
- Also represents earthquakes or great movements, as it is one of the Six Conflicting Hexagrams (六冲卦).
Fate & Luck
- Fortune is strong, but it has reached its peak—when something reaches its extreme, decline may follow.
- Stay calm and composed, or failure may result due to excessive ambition.
Career & Business
- Success in career and business requires wisdom, not just brute force.
- Courage must be balanced with strategy—reckless actions will lead to failure.
- Avoid arrogance and rash decisions, as overconfidence may invite danger.
- Beware of scheming individuals, as deception from petty people may threaten your career.
- While pursuing business growth, collaboration is essential—do not act alone.
- Understand the principle of “when things reach their peak, they begin to decline”, and prepare for future downturns in business cycles.
Seeking Fame or Recognition
- Be mindful of how you use your strength—excessive ambition may lead to setbacks.
- Do not become overconfident in your talents; instead, use your abilities wisely and seek external support for greater achievements.
Love & Marriage
- Do not be overly proud due to your own advantages (whether looks, status, or wealth).
- Avoid arrogance, as it may lead to missed opportunities for a great relationship.
Decision-Making & Life Choices
- Maintain a balance of strength and moderation—do not exhaust yourself or push too hard.
- In times of success, do not act recklessly; hasty decisions could lead to downfall.
- Be aware that you might already be at a difficult crossroads where neither advancement nor retreat seems easy.
- Self-preservation and careful planning are crucial—be prepared for changing circumstances.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
Yáo Text (爻辞)
Chū Jiǔ (初九): 壮于趾，征凶，有孚。
- Zhǐ (趾): Refers to toes or feet.
- Fú (孚): Represents sincerity and trust, implying both confidence and the ability to take action.
Interpretation
The meaning of this line is: Strength is concentrated in the toes. Advancing recklessly will bring misfortune. However, there is still sincerity and trustworthiness.
Guidance When Receiving This Hexagram
- Using strength alone to take action makes it difficult to achieve lasting success.
- Rushing forward without caution may bring disaster, but staying righteous can prevent misfortune.
- Those in lower positions should not challenge their superiors, as reckless action leads to misfortune.
- When the river runs clear, people cross safely; when the tide is rough, even mice struggle to survive.
- A vast river with no boat—waves crash furiously against the sky.
- The moon tilts, clouds drift, and messages become difficult to send and receive.
Transformation of the First Line
When Chū Jiǔ (初九) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 32 – Héng (恒, Perseverance).
- This hexagram consists of Xùn (巽, Wind) below and Zhèn (震, Thunder) above.
- Zhèn symbolizes masculinity and thunder, while Xùn represents femininity and wind.
- With firmness above and gentleness below, natural creation follows a constant rhythm.
- The interaction of Yin and Yang leads to continuity and persistence, which is why this hexagram is called Héng, meaning “perseverance.”
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
Yáo Text (爻辞)
Jiǔ Èr (九二): 贞吉。
Interpretation
This line means: By maintaining righteousness, one will attain good fortune.
Guidance When Receiving This Hexagram
- Standing firm in the middle position brings stability.
- Humility and restraint bring honor—knowing when to advance and when to retreat ensures long-term success.
- Acting with integrity and fairness will lead to great prosperity and fortune.
- The wise stay humble and righteous, ensuring that good fortune remains stable.
- A young woman smiles toward the east, rising with strength even from afar.
- The pear blossoms bloom—it is the peak of spring.
- If you have deep concerns, embrace change and renewal.
Transformation of the Second Line
When Jiǔ Èr (九二) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 55 – Fēng (丰, Abundance).
- This hexagram consists of Lí (离, Fire) below and Zhèn (震, Thunder) above.
- It represents lightning flashing in the sky, symbolizing great achievement and reaching a pinnacle.
- However, one must be cautious—all things rise and fall, and prosperity does not last forever.
- This hexagram warns against complacency and the inevitable decline after reaching a peak.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
Yáo Text (爻辞)
Jiǔ Sān (九三): 小人用壮，君子用罔；贞厉，羝羊触藩，羸其角。
- Yòng Zhuàng (用壮): Using one’s strength recklessly.
- Yòng Wǎng (用罔): Meaning “as if there is nothing,” implying restraint or inaction.
- Chù Fān (触藩): A ram (male sheep) forcefully ramming a fence.
- Léi (羸): Being trapped or entangled.
Interpretation
This line means: A petty person relies solely on brute strength, whereas a noble person exercises restraint. Even if the reckless one manages to maintain strength for a while, the outcome will not be favorable. It is like a strong ram ramming a fence—its horns become stuck, leaving it unable to move forward or retreat.
Guidance When Receiving This Hexagram
- Strength must be used wisely—reckless force leads to entrapment.
- A noble person knows when to advance and when to retreat, avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
- Relying solely on strength without wisdom will only lead to failure.
- One who becomes entangled in conflicts and ambitions will face misfortune.
- At the peak of Yin energy, the mountains stand tall and majestic.
- A wise person who advances at the right time can cultivate vast fields of fortune.
- The winds rise on flat ground—fortune favors those who prepare.
- It is not the right time to settle—seek opportunities in higher places.
Transformation of the Third Line
When Jiǔ Sān (九三) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 54 – Guī Mèi (归妹, Marrying Maiden).
- This hexagram consists of Duì (兑, Lake) below and Zhèn (震, Thunder) above.
- Zhèn represents movement and the eldest son, while Duì symbolizes joy and the youngest daughter.
- It signifies the marriage of a young woman to a powerful man, symbolizing unbalanced relationships or forced unions.
- This transformation warns against rushing into situations without proper preparation, as it may lead to instability or regret.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
Yáo Text (爻辞)
Jiǔ Sì (九四): 贞吉，悔亡；藩决不羸，壮于大舆之馥。
- Fān (藩): Refers to a fence or barrier.
- Jué (决): Means breaking open or collapsing.
- Dà Yú Zhī Fù (大舆之馥): Refers to the axle of a large carriage, symbolizing great strength and movement.
Interpretation
This line means: Holding firm to righteousness brings good fortune, and regret will disappear. The fence is broken, so there is no more entanglement. Strength is as powerful as the axle of a grand carriage, allowing smooth and forceful movement.
Guidance When Receiving This Hexagram
- A letter carries news of a promising future—there is no need to worry about obstacles ahead.
- Just as a strong wind aids a thousand-mile journey, favorable conditions allow smooth progress.
- However, be cautious—opportunities may slip away unexpectedly, so tread carefully.
- Once difficulties are overcome, success follows naturally.
- The road ahead is open and clear, allowing for rapid and successful advancement.
Transformation of the Fourth Line
When Jiǔ Sì (九四) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 11 – Tài (泰, Peace).
- This hexagram consists of Qián (乾, Heaven) below and Kūn (坤, Earth) above.
- Qián represents Heaven and Yang, while Kūn symbolizes Earth and Yin. Their interaction fosters balance and harmony.
- When Yin and Yang are in harmony, prosperity and peace flourish.
- However, when they are out of balance, misfortune arises—all things are cyclical, and one must adapt to changing times.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
Yáo Text (爻辞)
Liù Wǔ (六五): 丧羊于易，无悔。
- Yì (易): Similar to 埸 (yì), meaning a border or boundary.
Interpretation
This line means: Losing a sheep at the field’s edge is not something to regret.
Guidance When Receiving This Hexagram
- It is best to remain still rather than act recklessly, as hasty movements can bring disaster.
- Wealth and status may come easily, like flowers blooming in spring, but one must not be overly attached.
- A bull with two tails—a sign of an unusual or confusing situation.
- The journey is long and full of obstacles, with storms and turmoil ahead. Proceed with caution.
Transformation of the Fifth Line
When Liù Wǔ (六五) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 43 – Guài (夬, Determination).
- This hexagram consists of Qián (乾, Heaven) below and Duì (兑, Lake) above.
- Qián symbolizes strength and firmness, while Duì represents joy and openness.
- This hexagram signifies decisive action, like a rising force that will break through barriers.
- One Yin line among five Yang lines suggests that a weaker element must be removed for success.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Dà Zhuàng Hexagram
Yáo Text (爻辞)
Shàng Liù (上六): 羝羊触藩，不能退，不能遂。
- Dī Yáng (羝羊): A stubborn and combative ram.
Interpretation
This line means: A strong ram charges at a fence, but its horns get caught. It cannot move forward, nor can it retreat. There is no benefit to this situation. Only by enduring hardship and struggle can one eventually find good fortune.
Guidance When Receiving This Hexagram
- Worries will soon fade, and success will arrive swiftly, like a galloping horse.
- There is unexpected joy near the trees, and there is no need for doubt.
- Spring buds dangle from the branches, awaiting their time to bloom.
- Just as a Taoist master waves his fan, great changes will unfold in time.
- Longevity and wisdom are within reach, but challenges remain ahead.
- Dark clouds do not block the moon, and heavy rain will not destroy the flowers—hardships are temporary, and good fortune will follow.
Transformation of the Sixth Line
When Shàng Liù (上六) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 14 – Dà Yǒu (大有, Great Possession).
- This hexagram consists of Qián (乾, Heaven) below and Lí (离, Fire) above.
- Lí represents brightness and illumination, while Qián signifies strength and vastness.
- The fire in the sky shines upon all things, bringing widespread prosperity.
- This hexagram suggests great achievements and success—as long as one follows the natural order, prosperity will continue.