The 58th Hexagram of the I Ching: Duì Hexagram
Duì Hexagram Text:
Duì (兑): “Héng, lì zhēn.” (亨，利贞)
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This hexagram signifies success, smooth progress, and the benefit of adhering to the path of righteousness and correctness.
Key Reminder for this Hexagram:
- It is favorable to act in the west, focusing on self-improvement and gaining joy.
- Just like peach and plum trees thrive in the spring wind, with the potential to transform into dragons and soar thousands of miles.
- Joy should be pursued first; it is a time for respite and rest.
- No labor or struggles are needed at this moment—things will proceed smoothly.
- The autumn season brings flourishing results, and kindness and favor will be present.
- Success and profit are achievable, and there’s no need to worry about gossip or criticism.
Explanation from Duàn Yì Tiān Jī (断易天机):
The Duì hexagram consists of two Duì (兑) trigrams stacked one over the other, forming the base hexagram. Duì signifies joy, pleasure, and communication. It is also associated with a marsh or a lake, where the water nourishes all life. This hexagram is highly auspicious and suggests that the person represented by this hexagram will experience prosperity and success.
Interpretation from the Song Dynasty Scholar, Shào Yōng (邵雍):
The marsh waters nourish everything, symbolizing double joy. It suggests harmony and good relations among people, with a strong adherence to the path of righteousness. For those who receive this hexagram, it signifies a period of celebration and success in human relations, but it also cautions to remain on the right path, lest misfortune follows.
Interpretation from Taiwanese Scholar, Fù Pèiróng (傅佩荣):
- Fortune: You will receive support from friends, so cherish these relationships.
- Wealth: Help from others makes profit easier to obtain.
- Home: Friends and loved ones will gather together; even marriage may be a result of friendship.
- Health: A skilled doctor can provide treatment and help you recover.
Traditional Interpretation:
This hexagram is formed by stacking two Zé (泽) trigrams, which represent water. The connection of two bodies of water, their mutual flow, and harmony between the upper and lower trigrams symbolize unity, support, and joy. Duì is associated with happiness, and the hexagram conveys the importance of blending firmness and gentleness—acting in a correct and upright manner while being considerate and kind to others. It encourages leading people toward goodness and progress.
Image (Xiàng):
The image of this hexagram is of two marshes (or lakes) side by side, where water flows harmoniously and the moon is reflected in the water. This creates a beautiful and joyful scene, symbolizing tranquility, happiness, and peace.
Fortune:
Mixed emotions will arise, but both praise and criticism will be present. However, by following the correct path, everything will proceed smoothly and in accordance with your desires.
Career:
You have a strong ability to manage relationships and bring people together, which leads to success in your career. By adhering to righteousness and sincerity, your career will progress smoothly. If you remain true to your motivations and principles, your future will be bright.
Business:
The hexagram suggests favorable conditions, with multiple channels of support available. However, it also advises that success should not lead to complacency. Caution and careful attention to detail are essential, especially in avoiding deception and dishonest individuals.
Reputation:
As long as your intentions are sincere and you possess true skills and knowledge, you will gain the help and support of others from all directions, enabling you to achieve your goals.
Love and Relationships:
Mutual satisfaction is likely, and success in relationships is very possible. However, be cautious of stubbornness or an unwillingness to compromise.
Decision-Making:
You are intelligent, cheerful, and adaptable, with a kind heart and a passion for serving the public. Your organizational skills will allow you to rise to leadership positions. However, always maintain a balanced and righteous approach in your work. Do not resort to flattery or manipulation to gain favor, and never oppress others. Remain humble, as excessive self-confidence can lead to difficulties and attract negative influences.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Duì Hexagram
Line Text:
Chū jiǔ (初九): Hé duì, jí (和兑，吉).
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line suggests that by maintaining a harmonious and joyful attitude towards others, one will gain good fortune.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- There should be no hesitation or force in your actions; no need for flattery or deceit.
- Social interactions should be conducted with harmony and happiness, bringing about auspicious outcomes.
- Harmony in relationships benefits one’s reputation, as it is a joyful, mutually beneficial exchange.
- Once aligned with the right people and goals, success will naturally follow.
- Let go of doubts and worries; be bold and confident as you move forward, like the wind, like a dragon in the clouds.
Duì Hexagram, First Line Changing to the 47th Hexagram:
The change of this line leads to Kùn (困) – The Lake Water Hexagram (泽水困).
This is a combination of the trigrams Kǎn (坎), representing water and danger, and Duì (兑), symbolizing joy and pleasure. The hexagram indicates a situation where one is in a state of difficulty, trapped, unable to apply wisdom. However, as long as one remains steadfast in the righteous path and enjoys inner peace, success will eventually come and the challenges will be overcome.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Duì Hexagram
Line Text:
Jiǔ èr (九二): Fú duì, jí, huǐ wáng (孚兑，吉，悔亡).
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line conveys that through honesty and joy, one will achieve success, and regret will disappear.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- When friends or colleagues come together to study and work, the key is to be sincere and trustworthy.
- One should act with integrity and without selfish motives, as there is no room for regret or dissatisfaction.
- Like jade emerging from the Kun Mountain, the journey may begin with difficulty, but success will soon follow.
- Success will come naturally when actions are well-planned, and decisions will not cause regret or worry.
Duì Hexagram, Second Line Changing to the 17th Hexagram:
The change of this line leads to Suí (随) – The Lake Thunder Hexagram (泽雷随).
This hexagram combines Zhèn (震), representing thunder and movement, with Duì (兑), which symbolizes joy and communication. The hexagram suggests mutual cooperation, following the times, and being adaptable in response to circumstances. It advises to go with the flow, but only if it aligns with principles and values, maintaining steadfastness and integrity.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Duì Hexagram
Line Text:
Liù èr (六二): Lái duì, xiōng (来兑，凶).
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line warns that seeking joy or happiness at the wrong time or in the wrong way may lead to misfortune.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- A decision made hastily, without proper consideration, can lead to disaster.
- Just like trying to fish in dangerous waters or climb a treacherous mountain, pursuing joy in the wrong circumstances can lead to harm.
- If the situation is uncertain or unstable, it is best not to take unnecessary risks or make abrupt decisions.
- Think carefully, and avoid returning to an unstable course of action; patience is key.
Duì Hexagram, Third Line Changing to the 43rd Hexagram:
The change of this line leads to Guài
(夬) – The Lake Heaven Hexagram (泽天夬).
This is a combination of Qián (乾), representing heaven and strength, and Duì (兑), representing joy and communication. The hexagram signifies a time for decisive action, the need to make clear, firm decisions, and to eliminate obstacles. As the rain falls, it nourishes the earth, signifying that clearing obstacles and making a clean break will lead to growth and prosperity.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Duì Hexagram
Line Text:
Jiǔ sì (九四): Shāng duì, wèi níng, jiè jí yǒu xǐ (商兑，未宁，介疾有喜).
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line suggests that by carefully considering the potential dangers of overly close relationships with others, one can overcome unease and avoid disaster, eventually leading to happiness.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- The interaction of interests may create a chaotic situation, where peace is yet to be reached.
- However, by maintaining a strong sense of righteousness and clarity, happiness will eventually arrive.
- It is important to avoid sickness or dangers, and not be unsettled when guests arrive.
- Exaggerated promises or boastful claims will eventually cause confusion; true, steady relationships are built on sincerity.
- While things may seem difficult at first, with patience and proper actions, harmony will be restored.
- The key is to manage both difficulties and success with a calm and composed heart.
Duì Hexagram, Fourth Line Changing to the 60th Hexagram:
The change of this line leads to Jié (节) – The Water Lake Limitation Hexagram (水泽节).
This hexagram is formed by Duì (兑), representing joy and communication, and Kǎn (坎), representing water and danger. The hexagram indicates the importance of balance and limitation. Just like water in a lake, too much will overflow, but proper control and moderation will ensure success. This hexagram is about setting boundaries and maintaining order, whether in a nation, society, or personal life.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Duì Hexagram
Line Text:
Jiǔ wǔ (九五): Fú yú bō, yǒu lì (孚于剥，有厉).
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line warns that being overly influenced by flatterers or deceitful people, which leads to the erosion of one’s integrity, will eventually bring danger.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- Like the croaking of frogs in the grass or dogs barking at night, external distractions and negative influences can unsettle one’s peace.
- Being misled by deceitful people will eventually lead to a fall, but truth and righteousness will prevail in the end.
- Small-minded people disregard trust, while noble people withdraw from such behavior.
- Protect yourself from harm and always remain vigilant in the face of unforeseen dangers.
- The beauty of spring or the sound of birds may be fleeting, but one must be wary of being distracted from their true purpose.
Duì Hexagram, Fifth Line Changing to the 54th Hexagram:
The change of this line leads to Guī Mèi (归妹) – The Thunder Lake Return of the Maiden Hexagram (雷泽归妹).
This hexagram combines Zhèn (震), representing thunder and movement, with Duì (兑), representing joy and communication. It symbolizes the return of the maiden, often seen as a symbol of marriage or reunion. The hexagram suggests that love and affection between people can grow, but there is an inherent inequality in relationships, as represented by the dynamic between the young woman (the maiden) and the elder (the man). This hexagram suggests the importance of following natural rhythms and timing.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Duì Hexagram
Line Text:
Shàng liù (上六): Yǐn duì (引兑).
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line describes the act of inviting others to share in joy and happiness, but with the caution that timing must be right and actions should be well thought out.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- Like the beauty of the autumn moon and spring flowers, the right timing and circumstances will bring clarity and joy.
- However, when the time is not yet right, things may become tangled and confusing.
- It’s important to speak with sincerity and caution, for boastful or premature claims can lead to unnecessary complications.
- When people are of one heart and mind, happiness and success will follow naturally.
Duì Hexagram, Sixth Line Changing to the 10th Hexagram:
The change of this line leads to Lǚ (履) – The Heaven Lake Footsteps Hexagram (天泽履).
This hexagram combines Qián (乾), representing heaven and strength, with Duì (兑), representing joy and communication. The hexagram symbolizes the need to step carefully and with purpose, as one moves forward with determination, like stepping on a tiger’s tail—potentially dangerous but also part of the natural order. Success comes through careful, grounded actions, maintaining the right balance between ambition and humility, always moving forward with integrity.