The 40th Hexagram of the I Ching: Jiě (解卦) – The Hexagram of Liberation
Symbolic Meaning of the Jiě Hexagram: Thunder and Water
The Jiě hexagram is formed by the combination of two trigrams: kǎn (坎) below, representing water and danger, and zhèn (震) above, representing thunder and movement. The symbolism of this hexagram reflects the idea of danger (kǎn) within and movement (zhèn) without. The general meaning of the hexagram is that after a harsh winter, when people hear the first thunder of the year, they know that the ice and snow have melted, signaling the arrival of spring. This indicates that all living things have been liberated from the harshness of winter. The phrase “严冬天地闭塞，静极而动，万象更新，冬去春来，一切消除，是为解” (yán dōng tiāndì bìsè, jìng jí ér dòng, wànxiàng gēngxīn, dōng qù chūn lái, yīqiè xiāochú, shì wéi jiě) translates to: “In the severe winter, the world is closed off, and when stillness reaches its peak, movement arises. The world is renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, everything is dispelled—this is liberation.”
Interpretation from the “Duàn Yì Tiānjī” (断易天机)
The Jiě hexagram, with zhèn above and kǎn below, forms the second generation hexagram of the zhèn trigram. Zhèn represents movement, while kǎn represents danger. When facing danger, moving forward signifies the impending release from adversity, which is typically a good omen. Therefore, the Jiě hexagram usually indicates auspicious outcomes.
Interpretation by Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (邵雍)
This hexagram suggests the resolution of difficulties and the dispelling of troubles. It encourages seizing opportunities and taking action promptly. People who draw this hexagram will likely overcome previous obstacles and should take advantage of favorable circumstances to pursue career prospects or ventures, especially those that involve travel or external opportunities.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Scholar Fu Pei-Rong (傅佩荣)
- Timing: Disasters have been resolved, and your reputation will rise significantly.
- Wealth: Opportunities arise when the right time, place, and people align.
- Family: Prayers for relief bring good fortune; marital relationships are harmonious.
- Health: Medical treatments are effective, and health is restored.
Traditional Interpretation
The Jiě hexagram is formed by two trigrams: kǎn (坎) representing water and danger, and zhèn (震) representing thunder and movement. The symbolism of water and thunder suggests that danger is within while movement is external. Just as in the severe winter when everything is frozen, stillness leads to the first sign of movement when thunder is heard, signaling the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
Xiàng (象) Interpretation: The spring thunder shakes the earth, signaling the thawing of the land—this symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of new life.
Fortune and Career: This hexagram suggests that it is a good time to seize opportunities and resolve any difficulties in your life. It is particularly favorable for people looking to travel or work externally, with the southwest direction being auspicious.
Career Advice: As your energy starts to return, it is time to rest and rebuild. Quiet and calm are the best approach, with kindness and flexibility being important. Once you’re ready, act quickly, taking advantage of favorable opportunities. Avoid greed, and balance diligence with caution. Stay away from deceitful people and work together with virtuous individuals to create a successful career.
Business: Quick action and proactive behavior are crucial to overcoming any obstacles. Follow ethical business practices, avoid showy displays, and refrain from making reckless decisions that could lead to disaster.
Reputation: If you’re starting something new, focus on self-improvement and continue learning. Act strategically and cautiously, avoiding negative influences, and staying close to people of integrity and talent to enhance your personal growth.
Marriage and Relationships: It’s a good time for marital harmony. When both partners work together, they can eliminate past difficulties and create a stable and peaceful home.
Decision-Making: Caution is advised, as things are still in the early stages of recovery. Be careful not to take unnecessary risks. To secure future success, adopt a strategy of generosity and flexibility, stay true to principles, and foster relationships with wise and virtuous people.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Jiě Hexagram
Line Text: Chū Liù (初六): Wú jiù (无咎) – No blame.
Explanation of the Line Text:
The meaning of this line is that, in a situation where difficulties are being resolved, there is no fault or improper action. It implies that, even when facing adversity, the person involved is not to blame for the circumstances.
Interpretation:
This line teaches that when you’re in a period of resolving difficulties (such as a crisis or major challenge), your actions are justified, and there is no blame for the situation. Keep in mind:
- “万物从春发，一书遥送来” (wànwù cóng chūn fā, yī shū yáo sòng lái): The start of spring brings life to everything, and distant letters bring new news.
- “旧愁将远尽，新喜始方回” (jiù chóu jiāng yuǎn jìn, xīn xǐ shǐ fāng huí): Old worries are disappearing, and new joys are beginning to return.
- “黑云笼月桂，欲攀攀不得” (hēi yún lóng yuè guì, yù pān pān bùdé): Black clouds surround the moon, and you desire to climb but cannot.
- “终后见团圆，时不定嗟恻” (zhōng hòu jiàn tuán yuán, shí bù dìng jiē cè): In the end, there will be unity, but the timing is uncertain, and feelings of regret may arise.
Line Change:
When the first line changes, it transforms into the 54th Hexagram: Léi Zé Guī Mèi (雷泽归妹) – Thunder and Marsh Return the Maiden.
This hexagram represents a situation where the young woman (symbolizing the feminine or receptive energy, duì, 兑) is united with the elder man (representing the active or masculine energy, zhèn, 震). This union signifies love, marriage, and the engagement of the feminine in union with the masculine, symbolizing marriage or the act of sending off a daughter for marriage.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Jiě Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Èr (九二): Tián huò sān hú, dé huáng shǐ; zhēn jí (田获三狐，得黄矢；贞吉) – A successful hunt for three foxes and a yellow arrow; remaining steadfast leads to good fortune.
Explanation of the Line Text:
The tián (田) refers to hunting, and the hú (狐) represents foxes, symbolizing deceitful people who use slander to harm the loyal. The huáng shǐ (黄矢), a yellow arrow, symbolizes virtue and righteousness. The message is that by staying true to your principles and keeping your integrity intact, you will experience good fortune.
Interpretation:
The line suggests that by adhering to integrity, you will not only overcome deceptive forces but also receive rewards for your righteousness. Keep in mind:
- “获狐遂得矢，贞吉往优游” (huò hú suì dé shǐ, zhēn jí wǎng yōu yóu): Catching the foxes and obtaining the arrow, steadfastness brings good fortune and leads to a life of leisure.
- “一箭射直远，佳人在水头” (yī jiàn shè zhí yuǎn, jiā rén zài shuǐ tóu): A well-aimed arrow travels far; the beautiful person is waiting by the water’s edge.
- “万水波涛静，一天风月清” (wàn shuǐ bōtāo jìng, yī tiān fēng yuè qīng): The waters calm, and the weather becomes clear, signifying peace and clarity.
- “利名无阻障，行客出重关” (lì míng wú zǔ zhàng, xíng kè chū zhòng guān): Success and reputation face no obstacles, and the traveler passes through difficult barriers.
Line Change:
When the second line changes, it transforms into the 16th Hexagram: Léi Dì Yù (雷地豫) – Thunder on the Earth: Enthusiasm.
This hexagram consists of zhèn (震) above and kūn (坤) below. Zhèn represents movement and action, while kūn symbolizes receptiveness. The combination signals the arrival of positive forces, where the response is both harmonious and active, leading to happy and favorable outcomes. It signifies the importance of aligning oneself with favorable energies and acting enthusiastically and decisively.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Jiě Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sān (六三): Fù qiě chéng, zhì huǒ zhì; zhēn lín (负且乘，致宼至；贞吝) – Carrying a load and riding in a luxurious carriage, attracting robbers. Even with steadfastness, difficulties will arise.
Explanation of the Line Text:
The line suggests a situation where someone is burdened (carrying a load) but in a position of prominence (riding a luxurious carriage). This attracts difficulties or “robbers” (threats or challenges). Even if you remain steadfast, problems will still arise.
Interpretation:
This line advises caution. It indicates that while striving to maintain dignity and integrity, external challenges or obstacles (symbolized by the robbers) may appear. Keep in mind:
- “小人当负荷，乘马反为忧” (xiǎo rén dāng fù hè, chéng mǎ fǎn wèi yōu): When carrying burdens, the actions of small people (those of inferior character) can create worry, even when riding a horse.
- “自我招戎宼，虽贞亦致羞” (zì wǒ zhāo róng huǒ, suī zhēn yì zhì xiū): Inviting trouble for oneself can lead to shame, even if one’s actions are upright.
- “喜极怨还生，虽忧不足行” (xǐ jí yuàn huán shēng, suī yōu bù zú xíng): Extreme joy may lead to resentment, and although one is worried, action may not be possible.
- “二二逢九数，水畔舞人乘” (èr èr féng jiǔ shù, shuǐ pàn wǔ rén chéng): The numerology points to an unfavorable situation, where the people by the water (symbolizing instability) are still in motion.
Line Change:
When the third line changes, it transforms into the 32nd Hexagram: Léi Fēng Héng (雷风恒) – Thunder and Wind: Continuity.
This hexagram symbolizes a harmonious and continuous movement between opposites, where the strong (thunder) and the gentle (wind) work together in a mutually beneficial way. This signifies constancy and the steady progression of things, reflecting the principle of enduring success through balanced action.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Jiě Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Sì (九四): Jiě ér mǔ, péng zhì sī fú (解而拇，朋至斯孚) – To free oneself as one would loosen the tied thumb; true friends will arrive and show sincerity.
Explanation of the Line Text:
The mǔ (拇) refers to the thumb or big toe, symbolizing the importance of removing a small but significant obstacle, like untangling oneself from a troublesome situation. Péng (朋) means true friends or allies, and sī fú (斯孚) means sincerity or faithfulness. This line indicates that, by eliminating the entanglements or negative influences in your life (symbolized by the tied thumb), genuine and loyal individuals will come to your aid.
Interpretation:
The line suggests that, just as untangling a binding thumb leads to freedom, overcoming minor obstructions or negative influences will allow sincere and trustworthy people to come to your side and help. Keep in mind:
- “万里风波泛小舟，相将达岸赴蓬人” (wàn lǐ fēng bō fàn xiǎo zhōu, xiāng jiāng dá àn fù péng rén): Across a vast sea of storms, the small boat drifts, but together we can reach the shore, and people from afar will come to help.
- “之人宜涉亲携手，触目繁华处处鲜” (zhī rén yí shè qīn xié shǒu, chù mù fán huá chù chù xiān): Such people should join hands with close allies, where every corner is filled with vibrant opportunities.
- “解散群邪党，朋来正直人” (jiě sàn qún xié dǎng, péng lái zhèng zhí rén): Dissolve the group of evil influences, and true friends, people of integrity, will come.
- “信诚相应接，灾散福来臻” (xìn chéng xiāng yìng jiē, zāi sàn fú lái zhēn): Faith and sincerity will resonate, disaster will dissipate, and blessings will arrive.
- “泛泛一孤舟，飘然何处游” (fàn fàn yī gū zhōu, piāo rán hé chù yóu): The lone boat drifts aimlessly; the future remains uncertain without proper guidance.
- “若逢人与虎，名利一时休” (ruò féng rén yǔ hǔ, míng lì yī shí xiū): If one encounters a person like a tiger (dangerous or treacherous), fame and fortune should be put on hold for now.
Line Change:
When the fourth line changes, it transforms into the 7th Hexagram: Dì Shuǐ Shī (地水师) – Earth and Water: The Army.
This hexagram represents a situation where the forces of kūn (坤) (Earth) and kǎn (坎) (Water) come together. Shī (师) refers to the army or military, signifying organized, disciplined effort. It symbolizes a strategic approach to resolving difficult situations. The military or authoritative force, although dangerous in nature, is sometimes necessary to address a crisis and can ultimately lead to success if executed with proper order and purpose.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Jiě Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Wǔ (六五): Jūn zǐ wéi yǒu jiě, jí, yǒu fú yú xiǎo rén (君子维有解，吉，有孚于小人) – The superior man finds resolution and good fortune, earning the trust of the petty people.
Explanation of the Line Text:
The jūn zǐ (君子) refers to the noble person, someone who embodies integrity and virtue. Yǒu jiě (有解) means finding resolution, and fú yú xiǎo rén (孚于小人) refers to earning the trust or allegiance of lesser individuals, who may be difficult to win over. This line indicates that only after resolving challenges will true success come, and only then can one gain the trust of even those who may have been previously untrustworthy.
Interpretation:
This line speaks of the importance of overcoming challenges with wisdom, which ultimately leads to both good fortune and the trust of others, including those who may have been difficult to win over. Keep in mind:
- “一信自西至，佳音有禄来” (yī xìn zì xī zhì, jiā yīn yǒu lù lái): A message of trust arrives from the west, bringing good news and rewards.
- “解中终得吉，进用莫疑猜” (jiě zhōng zhōng dé jí, jìn yòng mò yí cāi): After resolving difficulties, you will ultimately receive good fortune. As you advance, do not doubt or second-guess.
- “牛解借刀，衣剥借力” (niú jiě jiè dāo, yī bō jiè lì): Sometimes, one must rely on external tools or support (symbolized by the cow using a knife or the clothes needing strength) to facilitate resolution.
- “雾卷云收，一轮红日” (wù juǎn yún shōu, yī lún hóng rì): The mist clears, the clouds dissipate, and a new day dawns, signifying clarity and success.
- “险难今消散，云开见日明” (xiǎn nán jīn xiāo sàn, yún kāi jiàn rì míng): The dangers are now dispersed, and the clouds part to reveal the bright sun.
- “自然无阻隔，何事不光亨” (zì rán wú zǔ gé, hé shì bù guāng hēng): There are no more obstacles, and everything will progress smoothly and brightly.
Line Change:
When the fifth line changes, it transforms into the 47th Hexagram: Zé Shuǐ Kùn (泽水困) – The Lake and Water: Oppression.
This hexagram represents a situation where water (symbolizing danger and obstacles) is trapped in a lake, creating a sense of being stuck or in a challenging situation. However, this hexagram also teaches perseverance and the importance of adhering to one’s principles despite adversity. When one maintains integrity and patience, success is achievable even in difficult circumstances.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Jiě Hexagram
Line Text: Shàng Liù (上六): Gōng yòng shè sǔn yú gāo yōng zhī shàng, huò zhī, wú bù lì (公用射隼于高墉之上，获之，无不利) – The ruler uses arrows to shoot a hawk perched on the high city wall; it is captured, and nothing is disadvantageous.
Explanation of the Line Text:
The gōng (公) refers to the ruler or sovereign, and the sǔn (隼) is a hawk, symbolizing a dangerous or malevolent force. The yōng (墉) refers to a city wall, symbolizing a stronghold. The image of shooting the hawk from a high city wall suggests the complete removal of an internal threat with precision and decisiveness, leading to favorable outcomes.
Interpretation:
This line teaches that the internal obstacles or threats (symbolized by the hawk) can be successfully eradicated through decisive action, just as a ruler would use arrows to eliminate danger. Keep in mind:
- “藏器于身久，七年逢五数” (cáng qì yú shēn jiǔ, qī nián féng wǔ shù): Keeping your talents hidden for a long time, one will face an opportunity after seven years.
- “一箭青云路，许多闲口嘴” (yī jiàn qīng yún lù, xǔ duō xián kǒu zuǐ): One arrow to the blue skies, many idle mouths speaking.
- “高墉可获禽。荣利总成名” (gāo yōng kě huò qín. róng lì zǒng chéng míng): The hawk is captured from the high city wall; fame and fortune are achieved.
- “营求指望成。反作笑嘻声” (yíng qiú zhǐ wàng chéng. fǎn zuò xiào xī shēng): The efforts are successful, and the result is met with joy and laughter.
Line Change:
When the sixth line changes, it transforms into the 64th Hexagram: Huǒ Shuǐ Wèi Jì (火水未济) – Fire and Water: Not Yet Accomplished.
This hexagram signifies a time when things are not yet fully resolved, with fire above and water below, symbolizing a situation of tension and uncompleted work. However, this change suggests that there is still room for progress and eventual completion, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the continual movement toward resolution.