The Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Hexagram in the I Ching: Méng (蒙, Méng)
The Wisdom of Enlightenment in the Méng Hexagram
The Méng (蒙, Méng) hexagram represents the wisdom of education and enlightenment. It consists of Gèn (艮, Gèn) as the upper trigram, symbolizing a mountain, and Kǎn (坎, Kǎn) as the lower trigram, symbolizing water or a spring. The image of a spring emerging from the base of a mountain suggests the beginning of a river, just as an ignorant mind begins to gain knowledge. However, since the mountain also represents obstacles, it implies stagnation due to difficulties, leading to ignorance and lack of clarity. The early stage of any development is characterized by ignorance, making education an urgent necessity. Cultivating a student’s pure and virtuous character is the fundamental approach to resolving ignorance.
Structure and Meaning of the Méng Hexagram
The Méng hexagram is composed of two different trigrams stacked together: Kǎn (坎, Kǎn) below and Gèn (艮, Gèn) above.
- Gèn (艮, Gèn) symbolizes mountains, signifying stillness.
- Kǎn (坎, Kǎn) symbolizes water, signifying danger.
The image of danger beneath a mountain represents ignorance (蒙昧, méng mèi). However, if one seizes opportunities and acts appropriately, enlightenment and progress can be achieved.
Méng follows Zhùn (屯, Zhùn), the hexagram of birth and beginnings, in the sequence of the I Ching. According to the Sequence of the Hexagrams (序卦, Xù Guà), “When things come into existence, they are inevitably ignorant; hence, Méng follows.” Méng represents immaturity, comparable to the early stage of life when one is still unaware and uninformed, much like a child in need of education.
The Commentary on Méng
The Xiang Zhuan (象传, Xiàng Zhuàn), the Commentary on the Images, explains:
“A spring emerges beneath the mountain—this is Méng. The superior person cultivates virtue through decisive action.”
Interpretations by Scholars
The “Duan Yi Tian Ji” (断易天机) Interpretation
Méng is associated with the fourth generation within the Lí Palace (离宫, Lí Gōng). The hexagram signifies ignorance, repetition, doubt, and hesitation, often leading to worry, mistakes, and misfortune.
Shao Yong’s (邵雍, Shào Yōng) Interpretation (Northern Song Dynasty)
- Wisdom is not yet awakened; ignorance prevails.
- Hesitation and indecisiveness lead to a lack of determination.
- Those who receive this hexagram may find themselves in a state of confusion, unable to distinguish right from wrong. However, if they follow the guidance of wise mentors and virtuous friends, their intelligence will be awakened, leading to success.
Fu Peirong’s (傅佩荣, Fù Pèi Róng) Interpretation (Modern Taiwanese Scholar)
- Fortune: Cultivate virtue before stepping into the world.
- Wealth: Mining businesses; success comes through decisiveness.
- Home & Family: A gentleman’s household prospers; signifies the beginning of marriage.
- Health: Expel harmful heat and maintain well-being.
Traditional Explanation of the Méng Hexagram
As an overlapping hexagram (Kǎn below, Gèn above), Méng’s symbolism remains consistent:
- Gèn (艮, Gèn) represents a mountain (signifying stillness).
- Kǎn (坎, Kǎn) represents water (signifying danger).
The image of danger beneath the mountain suggests that ignorance can lead to difficulties, but if one perseveres and acts wisely, enlightenment and success are possible.
Key Themes and Practical Applications
General Outlook:
- Méng represents a state of obscurity and lack of vision, necessitating education and enlightenment.
Fortune & Destiny:
- Initially, there is confusion and uncertainty, requiring patience and readiness to act when the time is right.
- Seeking advice from others will help lead to success.
Career & Business:
- A new business venture may be disorganized and filled with challenges.
- Boldness and determination can help turn the situation around.
- Strict discipline and continuous learning are essential for success.
- Avoid unrealistic ambitions; otherwise, one risks isolation and failure.
Commerce & Trade:
- Caution is necessary in business.
- Avoid short-term gains and focus on ethical business practices to build credibility and long-term success.
Education & Knowledge:
- A solid foundational education is crucial.
- A pure and upright motivation ensures successful learning.
Marriage & Relationships:
- Carefully evaluate the character of a potential partner.
- Wealth should not be the main factor in choosing a spouse.
- Mutual understanding and tolerance are key to a successful marriage.
Decision-Making & Leadership:
- Confusion and hesitation may arise, leading to missed opportunities.
- Fear and indecision can cause failures.
- Learning from mentors and enduring challenges will lead to eventual success.
- Overcoming doubts and waiting for the right moment will ensure a smooth path forward.
The Méng (蒙, Méng) hexagram teaches that ignorance is a natural stage of life, but through education, perseverance, and wise guidance, enlightenment can be achieved. It emphasizes patience, discipline, and ethical behavior in all aspects of life, whether in education, business, relationships, or leadership.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line in Méng Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
“Chū Liù: Fā Méng, lì yòng xíng rén, yòng shuō zhì gù. Yǐ wǎng lìn.”
(初六：发蒙，利用刑人，用说桎梏。以往吝。)
Explanation of the Text:
- Xíng Rén (刑人): “Xíng” (刑) is the ancient form of “Xíng” (型), meaning a mold used for shaping pottery or metal casting. Here, it signifies discipline and correction as a form of education.
- Zhì Gù (桎梏): Wooden shackles used for punishment.
- Shuō (说): An alternate form of “Tuō (脱),” meaning to remove or free.
This line suggests that in the process of enlightening ignorance, it is beneficial to educate people about the laws and punishments to regulate behavior. This serves as a warning, helping people avoid crimes and suffering from consequences. If one rushes into action without proper learning, difficulties will arise.
From a structural perspective, the first line (Chū Liù, 初六) is a yin line in a yang position, which means it is weak in a strong place, lacking stability. Like an inexperienced child who acts recklessly, this line needs guidance and discipline. The second line (Jiǔ Èr, 九二), which represents a wise mentor, provides strict but necessary instruction, ensuring the first line follows the right path. Otherwise, without guidance, one may make irreversible mistakes.
This line illustrates an educational approach based on negative examples. A method of teaching through cautionary tales—such as showing the consequences of crime and imprisonment—can be effective in guiding people toward righteousness. For instance, educating young people about laws and showing them the fate of criminals instills a sense of discipline and moral awareness.
Transformation of the First Line
When the first line changes, it transforms into Hexagram 41: Mountain Over Lake (Shān Zé Sǔn, 山泽损, “Decrease”).
Symbolism:
Mountain (Gèn, 艮) above; Lake (Duì, 兑) below.
A lake eroding the base of a mountain.
Gain and loss are interconnected—reducing one thing benefits another.
Philosophical Insight:
This transformation suggests that sometimes removing excess (restraints, ignorance) is necessary for growth.
In governance, excessive taxation or regulation may harm the state; moderation is key.
It emphasizes prudence in balancing loss and gain.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line in Méng Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
“Jiǔ Èr: Bāo Méng, jí. Nà fù jí. Zǐ kè jiā.”
(九二：包蒙，吉。纳妇吉。子克家。)
Explanation of the Text:
- Bāo (包): To embrace or contain.
- Nà (纳): To accept or take in, here meaning “to marry.”
- Kè (克): To be capable of.
- Zǐ Kè Jiā (子克家): “The son can govern the household,” meaning the next generation thrives.
This line teaches the virtue of tolerance and inclusivity. The second line (Jiǔ Èr, 九二) is a yang line in a yin position, which is technically weak but becomes the leader of the hexagram due to its ability to embrace and guide others.
- It represents an individual who nurtures and supports those around them, much like a large tree sheltering birds.
- The surrounding lines (yin lines) symbolize those who depend on this leadership, similar to how a wise ruler or teacher nurtures their people.
- The reference to marriage symbolizes harmony and prosperity, suggesting that patience and inclusivity lead to success.
Lesson:
If you receive this line, it advises developing a broad mind and accepting others, including the ignorant and those in need. Rejecting those who seek guidance could bring misfortune.
Transformation of the Second Line
When the second line changes, it transforms into Hexagram 23: Mountain Over Earth (Shān Dì Bō, 山地剥, “Splitting Apart”).
Symbolism:
Five yin lines below, one yang line above.
A strong figure surrounded and overpowered by weaker elements.
Represents corruption, decline, and loss of power.
Philosophical Insight:
When inclusivity goes too far, it can lead to being taken advantage of.
Leaders must balance kindness with discipline.
In times of decline, one must act cautiously to prevent further deterioration.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line in Méng Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
“Liù Sān: Wù yòng qǔ nǚ, jiàn jīn fū, bù yǒu gōng. Wú yōu lì.”
(六三：勿用取女，见金夫，不有躬。无攸利。)
Explanation of the Text:
- Wù yòng qǔ nǚ (勿用取女): “Do not take this woman as a wife.”
- Jiàn jīn fū (见金夫): “She sees a wealthy man.”
- Bù yǒu gōng (不有躬): “Loses herself (to him).”
- Wú yōu lì (无攸利): “There is no benefit.”
This line serves as a moral caution. It warns against marrying someone who values wealth over integrity, as this could bring instability and harm to the family.
- The third line (Liù Sān, 六三) is a yin line in a yang position, making it unstable.
- It suggests someone easily swayed by external influences, much like a person who lacks proper moral education and follows material desires.
Lesson:
For educators or parents, this warns of the dangers of poor upbringing and improper values. If this line appears in a reading, one should pay attention to the moral development of students or children, particularly in matters of relationships and values.
Transformation of the Third Line
When the third line changes, it transforms into Hexagram 18: Mountain Over Wind (Shān Fēng Gǔ, 山风蛊, “Decay and Renewal”).
This hexagram suggests that problems must be actively addressed to prevent further deterioration.
Symbolism:
Mountain (Gèn, 艮) above; Wind (Xùn, 巽) below.
“Gǔ (蛊)” refers to corruption, decay, or disorder.
Indicates a state of stagnation that requires urgent reform and renewal.
Philosophical Insight:
Neglect leads to corruption, but with effort, things can be restored.
It urges correcting mistakes, taking responsibility, and revitalizing order.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line in the Méng Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞, Divination Statement):
Liù Sì (六四): Kùn Méng (困蒙), Lìn (吝).
Interpretation of the Yáo Cí:
This statement means: being trapped in ignorance leads to difficulties.
Life Lessons from the Fourth Line in the Méng Hexagram
In the Méng hexagram, there are two types of people: the enlightened teacher and the ignorant individual. Yang (阳) lines represent those who guide and educate, while Yin (阴) lines symbolize the uneducated, ignorant individuals.
Looking at Liù Sì (六四), even though it is a Yin line in a Yin position (which means it is in its proper place), it is completely surrounded by other Yin lines. It is far away from Jiǔ Èr (九二) and Shàng Jiǔ (上九), which are the two Yang lines representing wisdom and guidance. Being isolated in ignorance, it has no way to seek help and is unable to take action, leading to a state of difficulty and entrapment.
Since Liù Sì is entirely surrounded by Yin lines, there is a natural repulsion (as Yin repels Yin), making it difficult to connect with wisdom. Moreover, it is positioned at the base of the Gèn (艮, Mountain) Trigram, which represents being weighed down by a mountain—this symbolizes being trapped and unable to escape ignorance.
However, because Liù Sì is in its proper position, there is no extreme danger—only struggles and difficulties.
Hexagram Transformation for the Fourth Line
When Liù Sì moves, it transforms into Hexagram 64 (Huǒ Shuǐ Wèi Jì, 火水未济 – Fire Over Water, “Not Yet Fulfilled”). This hexagram represents an unfinished state—fire is above, and water is below, unable to mix properly. This symbolizes a situation where efforts are still incomplete, reflecting the idea that enlightenment is a process that takes time and is not yet fully realized.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line in the Méng Hexagram
Interpretation of the Yáo Cí:
This line suggests that education should begin as early as possible and must proactively address a child’s flaws before they become deeply ingrained. If you wait until problems have fully emerged before addressing them, it may be too late. Preventative education is key.
Life Lessons from the Fifth Line in the Méng Hexagram
The Xiàng Cí (象辞, Symbolic Statement) says:
“Lì yòng yù kòu (利用御宼),” meaning “It is beneficial to guard against harmful influences.”
In terms of child education, this line stresses early intervention. A child’s mind is like a blank canvas—if you do not paint it with good values, it will be easily influenced by negative elements. Without proper education, a child may develop harmful thoughts, similar to that of a criminal, and eventually become a threat to society. However, if properly guided and taught righteous values, the child can grow into a positive force that counteracts evil.
Hexagram Transformation for the Fifth Line
When Liù Wǔ (六五) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 59 (Fēng Shuǐ Huàn, 风水涣 – Wind Over Water, “Dispersing”). This hexagram symbolizes disintegration and disorder, warning that disorganization in education can lead to chaos. To counteract this, strong and active measures must be taken to restore order and prevent the spread of ignorance and moral decay.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line in the Méng Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞, Divination Statement):
Shàng Jiǔ (上九): Jī Méng (击蒙), Bù Lì Wéi Kòu (不利为宼), Lì Yù Kòu (利御宼).
Interpretation of the Yáo Cí:
This statement means: ignorance must be firmly corrected. It is not beneficial to become a criminal, but it is beneficial to resist and counteract criminals.
Life Lessons from the Sixth Line in the Méng Hexagram
The Xiàng Cí (象辞, Symbolic Statement) states:
“Lì yòng yù kòu (利用御宼),” meaning “It is beneficial to guard against harmful influences.”
This emphasizes the necessity of early education. If a child’s flaws are not corrected early, they may develop criminal tendencies that will be difficult to change later. A child’s mind is like a blank slate—if not properly guided, it can be easily corrupted by negative influences. A poorly educated child may eventually harm society, while a well-educated child can grow into a righteous person who defends against evil.
This line teaches that discipline and correction are necessary components of education. It is not enough to simply let a child develop without guidance; strict yet fair correction is sometimes needed to ensure they grow into responsible individuals.
Hexagram Transformation for the Sixth Line
When Shàng Jiǔ (上九) moves, it transforms into Hexagram 7 (Dì Shuǐ Shī, 地水师 – Earth Over Water, “The Army”). This hexagram symbolizes organized discipline and strategic action. It suggests that, while force is sometimes necessary, it must be used wisely and for the right reasons—just as an army should only be deployed when absolutely necessary and in a just cause.