The 52nd Hexagram of the I Ching: Gèn Hexagram (艮卦)
Symbolism of the Gèn Hexagram
Gèn (艮) represents a mountain. The symbol for Gèn in the Yì Jīng (I Ching) is “艮”. The creation of this symbol stems from the ancient observation that mountains are made up of many different-sized stones. Therefore, the symbol for Gèn uses two Yin (阴) lines, represented by “二二”, to symbolize the various rocks on the mountain. The topmost part, the mountain peak, is uneven and rugged, represented by a Yang (阳) line, depicted as “一”, which forms the mountain symbol for Gèn.
Interpretation from Duàn Yì Tiān Jī (断易天机):
The Gèn hexagram, with Gèn above and Gèn below, represents the Gèn palace in its most basic form. Gèn means “to stop” and symbolizes the potential for the loss of wealth, suggesting the need for caution and vigilance.
Interpretation from Shao Yong, a Northern Song Dynasty Yi scholar:
Gèn symbolizes a pause or blockage; it represents an obstacle preventing further progress. The lesson here is to remain steady and avoid being overly ambitious or forceful. One should be patient and wait for the right moment, as attempting to push forward prematurely may lead to failure.
Interpretation from Fu Peirong, a renowned Confucian scholar from Taiwan:
- Fortune: The luck or fortune is average, and it is not advisable to take unnecessary risks or act impulsively.
- Wealth: Stick to your current work and avoid excessive greed for money.
- Home and Family: Avoid making drastic changes to your living situation, as destiny has already been set.
- Health: If facing health issues, it is best to take care and manage your condition carefully, prolonging life with proper self-care.
Traditional Interpretation of the Gèn Hexagram
The Gèn hexagram is formed by two identical Gèn symbols stacked together (Gèn below, Gèn above), representing stillness and the idea of immobility. Gèn is a symbol of the mountain, with two mountains placed together to symbolize immobility. This hexagram contrasts with the Zhèn hexagram (震卦), which represents movement. After the peak or high point of something, a subsequent low point or pause follows. In the context of Gèn, this symbolizes the relative stillness and pause that follows a climax or period of activity. It suggests that during times of stillness, one should know when to act and when to stop, striking the balance between movement and stillness.
Great Symbol:
The image of two mountains standing side by side symbolizes a blockage, urging us to stop rather than push forward. This represents a time of stagnation or a lack of progress. The key advice is to wait and act only when the right time comes.
Fortune:
In general, now is not a time for hasty action. The road ahead is blocked, and the best course of action is to wait for the right opportunity to arise. The advice is to refrain from rash decisions and to be patient.
Career:
After a period of development or progress, it is time to pause, adjust, and reflect on past actions. Avoid being driven by greed or the desire for fame and success. Practice self-restraint, and be cautious in your words and actions. Rather than pursuing others blindly, take time for self-reflection. After the period of rest and adjustment, when the right moment comes, you will be in a better position to take decisive action.
Business:
This hexagram indicates a time of stagnation or standstill in business. It is important not to rush forward recklessly. Instead, stop and take a break when necessary, focusing on quiet retreat and internal reflection. Do not be distracted by outside influences. Maintaining calm and rationality, especially within yourself, is key. It is not advisable to easily partner with others during this time. Wait for the right moment, as success will come when the timing is right.
Seeking Fame:
Maintain a pure and honest intention. Stay true to the right path, and do not be swayed by the temptation of fame and fortune. Stay loyal and humble, and success will follow.
Relationships and Marriage:
Focus on sincere emotions and mutual trust. Approach your relationships with honesty, and you will achieve lasting happiness together.
Decision-Making:
Your character is likely to be calm, introverted, and not particularly fond of social activities. You may not be skilled in networking but are loyal, honest, and value integrity. It is important to listen to the advice of others and protect yourself wisely. If opportunities do not arise, it is best not to act impulsively. When the right moment comes, take action, but do not hold unrealistic expectations.
The Gèn hexagram teaches us about stillness, pause, and patience. In times when progress seems blocked, waiting for the right moment to act, while maintaining inner peace and discipline, is essential for future success.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Gèn Hexagram
Line Text:
Chū liù (初六): Gèn qí zhǐ, wú jiù, lì yǒng zhēn (艮其址，无咎，利永贞)
Explanation of the Line:
This line means that before taking a step forward, if one realizes they are going in the wrong direction, they should stop immediately. By doing so, no mistake will be made, and it will benefit long-term adherence to the correct path.
Key Advice from this Line:
- If something is not in accordance with reason, follow reason and return to the right way.
- There is no need to move if the situation does not require it. Stay where you are and do not be in haste.
- Patience leads to good news, and good news will come naturally in time.
- A determined course should be followed from beginning to end, but be mindful not to delay progress.
Change of the First Line of Gèn Hexagram:
The first line’s change transforms it into the 22nd Hexagram: Mountain and Fire (山火贲, Shān Huǒ Bì).
This hexagram is formed by combining Li (离), the trigram for Fire, and Gèn (艮), the trigram for Mountain. Fire represents illumination and brightness, while Mountain signifies stillness and stopping. This combination conveys the idea of civility tempered with restraint, balancing the bright and the steady.
The Bì Hexagram focuses on the relationship between substance and appearance, prioritizing substance and using appearance (decorations) to regulate. This line advises that one should maintain their internal essence and external actions in balance, focusing on one’s core values while managing the surface or outward actions.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Gèn Hexagram
Line Text:
Liù èr (六二): Gèn qí fēi, bù zhěng qí suí, qí xīn bù kuài (艮其腓，不拯其随，其心不快)
Explanation of the Line:
This line means that one is constrained or held back, unable to assist others and must follow others’ lead, leading to inner dissatisfaction.
Key Advice from this Line:
- In the face of loss or gain, it is best to stay in the middle and adhere to the righteous path, ultimately bringing good fortune.
- Maintaining a good heart will lead to a fulfilling life. While youth may face difficulties, perseverance will pay off in the end.
- Moving too hastily and recklessly will lead to mistakes—timing is key.
- Like the return of spring, if you stay grounded, good things will come.
- There may be changes in relationships or circumstances, so remain flexible and attentive.
Change of the Second Line of Gèn Hexagram:
The second line’s change transforms it into the 18th Hexagram: Mountain and Wind (山风蛊, Shān Fēng Gǔ).
This hexagram is a combination of Xùn (巽), the trigram for Wind, and Gèn (艮), the trigram for Mountain. Gù (蛊) originally refers to pestilence or decay and extends to represent chaos or disorder in society. Just as a long-unused vessel becomes infested with insects, a system that has long remained stagnant begins to deteriorate and needs to be revitalized.
The Gù Hexagram advises that when disorder arises, change and innovation are necessary to rejuvenate and restore harmony. It urges the need for renewal and reformation to avoid the risk of collapse or failure.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Gèn Hexagram
Line Text:
Jiǔ sān (九三): Gèn qí xiàn, liè qí yín, lì xūn xīn (艮其限，列其夤，厉薰心)
Explanation of the Line:
This line indicates that one is restricted or halted in their movements, which can lead to painful physical and emotional strain. When this happens, there is a sense of great distress and worry.
Key Advice from this Line:
- During moments of confusion or difficulty, your heart will be tormented, and you may lose sight of clarity and direction.
- Patience and cautiousness will eventually lead to a better outcome, as opportunities will present themselves.
- Even when faced with challenges, be resolute and persistent, for the journey will eventually lead to peace and success.
- Sometimes, worrying over internal matters can lead to trouble. Pre-emptively preparing for adversity can transform potential disaster into opportunity.
Change of the Third Line of Gèn Hexagram:
The third line’s change transforms it into the 23rd Hexagram: Mountain and Earth (山地剥, Shān Dì Bō).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of Kūn (坤), the trigram for Earth, and Gèn (艮), the trigram for Mountain. The Bō Hexagram depicts a situation where Yin (阴) is dominant and Yang (阳) is isolated, representing decline and loss.
It is an image of downfall or corruption, where things are slowly being stripped away. This hexagram warns of circumstances where someone or something of virtue is being oppressed or neglected, while the less deserving rise to prominence. It advises caution and suggests that in such situations, careful management and self-restraint are needed to avoid failure.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Gèn Hexagram
Line Text:
Liù sì (六四): Gèn qí shēn, wú jiù (艮其身，无咎)
Explanation of the Line:
This line means that if one restrains themselves from acting physically, they will not fall into harm. It suggests that by maintaining control over one’s actions and emotions, one can avoid potential misfortune.
Key Advice from this Line:
- If one occupies a position of service or is in a subordinate role, maintaining integrity and stability will naturally lead to success and the absence of blame.
- When outside, auspicious signs will appear, and both fame and fortune will be achieved.
- Actions should be free from regret or reluctance, always considering oneself and the consequences of one’s behavior.
- Good fortune will come with the right timing, like a new spring full of happiness and fresh opportunities.
Change of the Fourth Line of Gèn Hexagram:
The fourth line’s change transforms it into the 56th Hexagram: Fire and Mountain (火山旅, Huǒ Shān Lǚ).
This hexagram is created by combining Li (离), the trigram for Fire, and Gèn (艮), the trigram for Mountain. Fire on the mountain represents an unstoppable force, like travelers rushing along their way without pause. This hexagram symbolizes the traveler who must continue forward despite obstacles. It indicates the need for patience and perseverance on a journey, even if the path is difficult and full of challenges.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Gèn Hexagram
Line Text:
Liù wǔ (六五): Gèn qí fǔ, yán yǒu xù, huǐ wáng (艮其辅，言有序，悔亡)
Explanation of the Line:
This line means that by restraining one’s speech and speaking with order and propriety, one can avoid regret. The message here is that careful speech and measured words prevent harm and mistakes.
Key Advice from this Line:
- Words should be aligned with justice and correctness. If one speaks with moderation, regret and self-doubt will naturally disappear.
- Success may come late, but with it, prosperity and abundance in the future.
- Patience and discipline in speech will lead to a steady and fulfilling life, filled with positive changes.
Change of the Fifth Line of Gèn Hexagram:
The fifth line’s change transforms it into the 53rd Hexagram: Wind and Mountain (风山渐, Fēng Shān Jiàn).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of Xùn (巽), the trigram for Wind, and Gèn (艮), the trigram for Mountain. Wind and mountain represent slow and steady progress, with the wind gradually growing stronger and the mountain slowly increasing in height. This hexagram symbolizes gradual progress and improvement over time. It suggests that success is achieved step-by-step, with no need for haste.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Gèn Hexagram
Line Text:
Shàng jiǔ (上九): Dūn Gèn, jí (敦艮，吉)
Explanation of the Line:
This line advises that by cultivating a deep, sincere, and solid moral character, one can restrain harmful desires and achieve success and good fortune. It encourages the pursuit of uprightness and virtuous conduct, leading to favorable outcomes.
Key Advice from this Line:
- Be sincere and grounded in virtue, and you will be free from hardship. Though there may be delays, success will come when the time is right.
- Opportunities for promotion and success will appear unexpectedly, bringing great rewards and honor.
Change of the Sixth Line of Gèn Hexagram:
The sixth line’s change transforms it into the 15th Hexagram: Earth and Mountain (地山谦, Dì Shān Qiān).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of Kūn (坤), the trigram for Earth, and Gèn (艮), the trigram for Mountain. The image of the earth with a mountain rising from it suggests humility. The earth is low, and the mountain is high, symbolizing modesty and self-restraint. This hexagram emphasizes the virtue of humility, where greatness is not flaunted or arrogantly proclaimed, but rather accepted with grace.