The 53rd Hexagram of the I Ching – The Hexagram of Gradual Progress (Jiàn Guà, 渐卦)
Symbolic Meaning of the Hexagram: The Image of Wood and Mountain in Jiàn Guà
Jiàn Guà, or the Hexagram of Gradual Progress, is formed by the combination of two trigrams: the lower trigram is Gèn (艮), representing a mountain, and the upper trigram is Xùn (巽), representing wood or wind. The image is that of wood growing on a mountain, gradually developing as the mountain rises higher. This symbolizes a process of gradual advancement, which is why the hexagram is called “Jiàn” (渐), meaning gradual progress, suggesting slow and steady forward movement without rushing.
Interpretation from “Duàn Yì Tiānjī”
In the “Duàn Yì Tiānjī” commentary, Jiàn Guà is interpreted as Xùn above and Gèn below, symbolizing the return of the soul to the Gèn palace. Gradual progress is favorable, especially for women who are marrying, and generally advantageous for any endeavor that is undertaken.
Interpretation by Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong
Shao Yong, a scholar from the Northern Song Dynasty, explained that one should move forward step by step, accumulating small gains to create larger ones. Gradual progress is beneficial, but impatience will lead to failure. When encountering this hexagram, one should follow a steady, incremental approach to achieve success, avoiding hasty actions that might lead to failure.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Classical Scholar Fu Peirong
- Fortune: Times are turning in your favor, and success is within reach.
- Wealth: Gradual gains in wealth through good deeds and virtuous actions.
- Family and Home: A gentleman should reside here; a virtuous woman is an excellent match for marriage.
- Health: A time for rest and recovery, ensuring good physical condition.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram
Jiàn Guà is formed by the combination of two opposite trigrams (Gèn below and Xùn above). Gèn represents the mountain, and Xùn represents wood or wind. The imagery suggests that wood grows on a mountain, slowly and steadily. This symbolizes a process of gradual progress—advance slowly but surely without rushing.
The Great Image (Dà Xiàng): The image of a tree growing on a mountain represents gradual progress, highlighting the importance of a steady and methodical approach.
- Fortune: The path ahead is becoming brighter. One should focus on laying a solid foundation for any endeavor. Good fortune is possible, but beware of possible pitfalls related to temptation or mistakes in paperwork.
- Career: After a period of stagnation, a new phase of your career begins. At this time, patience is key. Avoid impulsive or hasty actions. Success requires a steady, step-by-step approach, grounded in a solid work ethic and humility. With these qualities, progress will be assured.
- Business: This is a time for steady, measured progress. Seize opportunities, but do not rush ahead without careful planning. Avoid excessive optimism or stagnation. Strive for gradual, consistent progress, and be mindful of business ethics. Provide good service and build a strong reputation to expand your market.
- Reputation: Like a tree rooted firmly on a mountain, steadily growing over time, your reputation and academic achievements should be nurtured gradually. Focus on improving both your character and learning. Take responsibility for helping to improve societal values. Reputation is best achieved through gradual and steady effort, without rushing.
- Marriage and Relationships: Do not rush into decisions. Gradual development of a relationship leads to lasting happiness and harmony. A steady, careful approach will result in a long and fulfilling partnership.
- Decision-Making: The time for change has arrived. Do not miss this opportunity. Be cautious and move forward step by step. With humility and a gradual approach, you will gain strong support and achieve significant success.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line in the Hexagram of Jiàn
Line Text:
Chū liù (初六): Hóng jiàn yú gān; xiǎo zǐ lì, yǒu yán, wú jiù
Translation: The wild goose begins its migration at the riverbank, preparing for the long journey ahead. The young goose, unaware of the hardships, acts impatiently and receives criticism for not waiting patiently. If one can proceed gradually and steadily, they will avoid harm.
Interpretation of the Line Text:
The term gān (干) here can also be understood as àn (岸), meaning “riverbank.” “Yǒu yán” (有言) refers to having complaints or being criticized by others.
This line expresses the idea of a wild goose gathering at the riverbank, ready to begin its journey. The young goose, unaware of the difficult road ahead, is impatient and receives reproach from others. The message here is that things should be done gradually and with patience to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Advice for this Line:
The advice for this line is:
- Nurture your aspirations in tranquil places like forests and springs, and don’t listen to the opinions of idle people.
- Like clouds floating under the bright sun, a gentleman’s path will flourish more and more.
- A heart at peace will navigate through difficult matters with ease, and the road may be difficult, but the person will not be harmed.
- Like clouds dissipating to reveal the moon, or waters receding to rest the boat at the shore, everything will fall into place in due time.
Changing Line of the First Line:
The first line’s change leads to the 37th hexagram, Fēng Huǒ Jiārén (风火家人), or “Family with Wind and Fire.” This hexagram consists of two opposite trigrams: lí (离), representing fire, and xùn (巽), representing wind. The fire causes heat to rise, becoming wind. The hexagram symbolizes that everything should begin from within and then extend outward. The internal order precedes external success. This can be interpreted as “first manage your family, then manage the world”—when the family is in harmony, the world will be at peace.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line in the Hexagram of Jiàn
Line Text:
Liù èr (六二): Hóng jiàn yú pán, yǐn shí héng héng, jí
Translation: The wild goose has moved from the riverbank and gradually gathered on a rock, preparing for the final stage of the journey. They are peacefully enjoying their food together—this is auspicious.
Interpretation of the Line Text:
Here, the wild geese have gathered on a rock (pán, 盘), ready for the next stage of their journey. They are in a calm and organized state, enjoying their food together, which symbolizes peace and proper preparation before moving forward. This line suggests that when one takes the time to properly prepare and gather strength, success will follow.
Advice for this Line:
The advice for this line is:
- There is no rush, but when the time is right, you will soar like an arrow into the sky.
- Heaven has already given its decree, so there is no need to fear lack of success.
- The spring in the Immortal Garden is blossoming, and the flowers and willows in the courtyard are fresh and vibrant.
- The magpie sings joyful tunes, and the trees and grass are full of vitality.
Changing Line of the Second Line:
The second line’s change leads to the 57th hexagram, Xùn wèi Fēng (巽为风), “Wind over Wind.” This hexagram is formed by two overlapping xùn trigrams. The wind is relentless and ever-present, moving through every crack and corner. This symbolizes a force that is continuous and unstoppable. Xùn also refers to the qualities of humility and adaptability. It suggests that adopting a humble and flexible attitude will lead to success.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line in the Hexagram of Jiàn
Line Text:
Jiǔ sān (九三): Hóng jiàn yú lù, fū zhēng bù fù, fù yùn bù yù, xiōng; lì yù shì
Translation: The wild goose has reached the flat top of a mountain, and each goose is closely following the group. If one acts alone, they may not return. One cannot indulge in personal desires or make hasty decisions; otherwise, even if there is a potential, it will not be realized, which brings misfortune. Only by adhering to the right path and defending cautiously can one guard against external threats.
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line describes the wild goose reaching the top of the mountain, progressing steadily but not straying from the group. It warns against acting impulsively or pursuing personal desires, as doing so can lead to failure. This is a line that encourages staying true to the collective goal and maintaining discipline and caution. When dealing with external forces, one must defend and protect what is valuable.
Advice for this Line:
The advice for this line is:
- Like an arrow piercing through two geese in flight, the lost geese will not return.
- People by the water side weep, while one lone child sits silently in front of the mountain.
- Flowers bloom and then fade in the muddy rain, leaving only a haunting wind at night.
- Do not lament by the dark window, for the answers lie within your dreams.
Changing Line of the Third Line:
The third line’s change leads to the 20th hexagram, Fēng Dì Guān (风地观), or “Wind and Earth Viewing.” This hexagram features the xùn (巽) trigram, symbolizing wind, below the kūn (坤) trigram, symbolizing earth. The wind moves across the earth, illustrating the idea of teaching virtue widely. The hexagram encourages observing the world from a moral perspective, respecting the wisdom and authority of others. When observing and respecting others, one will gain their support and follow the right path.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line in the Hexagram of Jiàn
Line Text:
Liù sì (六四): Hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù
Translation: The wild goose gradually flies into a forest. It may find a suitable branch to rest on without causing harm.
Interpretation of the Line Text:
Here, mù (木) refers to a large tree, and jué (桷) refers to the fork in the tree’s branches, which is often a place for birds to nest. The wild goose has moved from its previous location and now finds itself in a large forest, where it may find a branch to rest on without encountering any misfortune. This line suggests that when one is able to find a stable position and remain adaptable, they will avoid calamities and experience peace.
Advice for this Line:
The advice for this line is:
- Be gentle and adaptable, and place yourself in a position of stability and virtue. With patience, you will find the right place to flourish.
- The peach and plum trees bear fruit in abundance, symbolizing success in reputation and achievement.
- If you desire something elusive, you must first work patiently towards it.
- High-level connections will guide you, bringing joy and prosperity.
Changing Line of the Fourth Line:
The fourth line’s change leads to the 33rd hexagram, Tiān Shān Dùn (天山遁), or “Retreat of the Mountain.” This hexagram consists of two opposite trigrams: qián (乾) for heaven and gèn (艮) for mountain. The mountain’s height causes the heavens to recede. This symbolizes that when adversity strikes, one may need to retreat, step back, and protect oneself. It also advises the wise to remain hidden and preserve their well-being until the right opportunity arises to make a move.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line in the Hexagram of Jiàn
Line Text:
Jiǔ wǔ (九五): Hóng jiàn yú líng, fù sān suì bù yùn; zhōng mò zhī shèng, jí
Translation: The wild goose has gradually flown to the hills. It is like a husband who has been away for three years without his wife becoming pregnant. Ultimately, righteousness prevails, and good fortune follows.
Interpretation of the Line Text:
In this line, the wild goose reaches the hills after a long journey, symbolizing perseverance. The situation of the wife who has not conceived for three years is compared to the struggle of the wild goose in finding rest. However, the eventual success of the righteous path implies that despite difficulties, ultimately, one will receive good fortune. This line represents a period of patience and waiting, where eventual success will come when one remains steadfast and follows the correct path.
Advice for this Line:
The advice for this line is:
- Like a peach blossom that ripens with time, success will eventually come with steady effort.
- Even though there may be delays and setbacks, eventually, the path will open up.
- One must take steady and firm action to reach the highest goals.
- Persevere and the most difficult obstacles will be overcome.
Changing Line of the Fifth Line:
The fifth line’s change leads to the 52nd hexagram, Gèn wèi Shān (艮为山), or “Mountain Over Mountain.” This hexagram consists of two gèn trigrams stacked upon one another, symbolizing stillness. It represents a period of stagnation or retreat. After the peak of activity, a time of quietness and rest follows. The key message here is to know when to act and when to remain still. Balance in action and inaction will lead to success.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line in the Hexagram of Jiàn
Line Text:
Shàng jiǔ (上九): Hóng jiàn yú lù, qí yǔ kě yòng wéi yí, jí
Translation: The wild geese have gradually reached their destination. Their beautiful feathers may now be used as ornaments in ceremonial rituals, which is auspicious.
Interpretation of the Line Text:
In this line, the wild geese have completed their journey and arrived at their final destination. The beautiful feathers, symbolic of their progress, can now be used for decoration, signifying honor and achievement. This line suggests that through steady progress, one will eventually achieve success, and their accomplishments will be recognized and valued.
Advice for this Line:
The advice for this line is:
- A person of clear and lofty aspirations can transcend the mundane world, gaining support from others.
- Success will be achieved and will spread like the fragrance of blooming flowers.
- Though one may feel unfulfilled in material gains, peace of mind will bring contentment.
- What appears to be a joyful time may soon face challenges, but they will be overcome.
Changing Line of the Sixth Line:
The sixth line’s change leads to the 39th hexagram, Shuǐ Shān Jiǎn (水山蹇), or “Water and Mountain: Obstruction.” This hexagram is formed by kǎn (坎) for water below and gèn (艮) for mountain above. It symbolizes difficulties and obstacles, where one encounters challenges that are difficult to overcome. The key advice here is to recognize when to stop and wait, using wisdom to navigate through adversity. In times of hardship, it is important to act with caution and remain humble.