The Philosophical Meaning of Hexagram 15: “Qiān Guà” (谦卦)
Hexagram 15, Qiān Guà (谦卦), is formed by the combination of Gèn (艮) and Kūn (坤) trigrams. The upper trigram, Kūn (坤), represents the Earth, symbolizing obedience and simplicity, while the lower trigram, Gèn (艮), represents the Mountain, symbolizing stability and firmness. This hexagram suggests that, although the internal nature of the person (represented by Gèn) is filled with substance and strength (like a mountain), the external appearance is humble and modest (like the flatness of the Earth, Kūn). This teaches that one should remain humble despite inner achievements, avoiding arrogance and embracing modesty and self-restraint.
The Philosophy of Qiān Guà:
- Kūn (坤) symbolizes humility, a quality of yielding and simplicity.
- Gèn (艮) represents mountain-like stability, showing the strength that lies beneath but is not displayed outwardly.
- The combination implies a person who is full inside but modest on the outside, humbling themselves and not showing off their strengths, emphasizing humility and selflessness.
Interpretations by Different Scholars
Interpretation by “Duàn Yì Tiān Jī” (断易天机):
- Qiān Guà, with Kūn above and Gèn below, is a favorable hexagram. Both trigrams represent humility—Gèn (mountain) and Kūn (earth) both symbolize yielding and modesty, making this a highly auspicious hexagram.
Interpretation by the Song Dynasty Scholar, Shào Yōng (邵雍):
- Humility and forbearance are the keys to success. By respecting others and lowering oneself, everything can be achieved.
- Those who embrace humility and forbearance will rise steadily, while the arrogant will face failure. Humility brings benefit, while fullness brings harm.
Interpretation by the Taiwanese Confucian Scholar, Fù Pèi Róng (傅佩荣):
- Current Situation: Smooth and steady progress with constant advancement.
- Financial Fortune: Prices are fair, and profits are ensured.
- Home: Living near a mountain brings peace and safety to the family.
- Health: Internal stress may exist; relaxation and broadening one’s mind will be beneficial.
Traditional Interpretation of Qiān Guà:
This hexagram is formed by the combination of Gèn (艮) below and Kūn (坤) above. Gèn represents the mountain, which is tall and prominent, while Kūn represents the earth, which is flat and expansive. In this combination, Kūn is lower, symbolizing a low and humble external appearance, while Gèn is upper, signifying hidden strength and potential. The overall message is that one should have high internal qualities (like a mountain) but remain humble externally, just like a mountain that stands tall but does not show off. This is a metaphor for modesty, where great achievements should be kept humble, titles or recognition should not be flaunted, and status should not breed arrogance.
Great Symbol (Dà Xiàng):
- The mountain should be on the ground, but in this case, it is hidden beneath, symbolizing humility as a virtuous characteristic.
Fortune and Success
- Fortune: The hexagram indicates good fortune and peaceful progress, suggesting a promising future if one practices humility and avoids arrogance. One’s path is clear, but success comes only if pride and arrogance are removed.
- Career: Although others may not immediately recognize your talents, those who remain virtuous will eventually be discovered. Avoid self-promotion and continue to work hard; others will notice your efforts and will assist you in achieving success.
- Business: Things may progress steadily but without fast profits. Success will come through caution, honest collaboration, and gradual accumulation. Maintaining strong business ethics and working hard will bring long-term growth.
- Reputation: Although gifted, you may initially be overlooked due to your introverted nature and lack of desire for self-promotion. Continue to work diligently, study hard, and maintain a humble attitude. Success will come in time if you stay committed.
- Marriage: A successful marriage requires effort from both parties. If both are humble and work together, a harmonious relationship will develop. If one party is arrogant, the relationship will struggle.
- Decision-Making: Humility and empathy toward others will help you unite people and gain support. When facing difficulties, your modesty will allow you to resolve conflicts and succeed. Because you are able to learn from others, progress will be swift and unimpeded, but always be mindful of personal growth in terms of education, virtue, and self-cultivation.
Summary and Conclusion
Qiān Guà (谦卦) advocates the values of modesty and humility, both inwardly and outwardly. It encourages a person to remain grounded and not boastful of achievements or talents. While the internal strength (represented by the mountain) is significant, it should not be outwardly flaunted, and external humility should be embraced. The hexagram teaches that success and prosperity are best achieved through hard work, dedication, and caring for others. Arrogance, pride, or excessive self-promotion will lead to downfall, while humility and restraint will bring about lasting success and harmonious relationships.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of Hexagram Qiān
The first line of Hexagram 15, Qiān Guà (谦卦), is represented by the following line text:
Chū Liù (初六): Qiān Qiān Jūn Zǐ, Yòng Shè Dà Chuān, Jí (谦谦君子，用涉大川，吉).
Line Text Interpretation:
- Qiān Qiān (谦谦) means extreme humility, indicating a state of being especially modest and humble.
- This line suggests that a person with the virtue of extreme humility can successfully cross a great river and will be safe and auspicious.
From the perspective of the hexagram’s structure, the Chū Liù (初六) line is a yin line (representing feminine or passive energy) positioned in the yang or active place. This shows the balance of yin and yang. This position symbolizes someone who is aware of their lowly position and works hard to avoid impulsiveness and rashness. They are able to self-restrain and act with humility, leading to good fortune.
Line Text:
Chū Liù (初六): Qiān Qiān Jūn Zǐ, Yòng Shè Dà Chuān, Jí
Interpretation for this line:
- A true gentleman (Jūn Zǐ) who is humble, even in extreme circumstances, will successfully navigate challenges (represented by crossing a great river).
- For those who draw this hexagram, the message is clear: true humility will lead to constant good fortune.
- Do not boast or take unnecessary pride in your wealth or success.
- Humility in action, both in actions and speech, will bring favorable outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- A true gentleman is someone who acts with extreme humility in every situation.
- Even when crossing a great challenge (like a great river), this person remains humble, careful, and measured in their actions, ensuring their success.
- Humility is the path to fortune; it prevents reckless action and ensures continued success.
Change in the First Line: Transition to Hexagram 36, “Dì Huǒ Míng Yí” (地火明夷)
When the first line (Chū Liù) moves or transforms, it shifts to Hexagram 36: Dì Huǒ Míng Yí (地火明夷).
This is an opposing hexagram (with Li below, symbolizing fire, and Kūn above, symbolizing earth). The combination of these trigrams means that light is obscured, symbolizing a period of difficulty, where one’s path forward is unclear and dim. This suggests that in such a time, it is best to remain low-key, maintain humility, and protect your inner wisdom, as external circumstances may be unfavorable.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of Hexagram Qiān
Line Text:
Liù Èr (六二): Míng Qiān, Zhēn Jí (鸣谦，贞吉).
Line Text Interpretation:
- Míng (鸣) means to spread or announce.
- Míng Qiān (鸣谦) means to broadcast or proclaim one’s humility widely.
- This line suggests that when one’s reputation for humility is well-known and respected, staying true to one’s path (Zhēn) will lead to good fortune.
In this line, the yin line is in the yin position, meaning it is in the right place for expressing humility. The connection between the second line and the third line (Jiǔ Sān) shows that humility at this level will resonate far and wide. The virtue of humility represented here is not just internal, but publicly known and admired, which has a resonating impact on others.
Line Text:
Liù Èr (六二): Míng Qiān, Zhēn Jí
Interpretation for this line:
- By following the path of humility, others will acknowledge and praise you.
- Proclaiming or spreading the word of your humility will bring good fortune.
- Stay humble and true to your values, and success will follow.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility can gain recognition and praise from others, leading to lasting success.
- The public proclamation of humility will result in positive outcomes if one remains true to their principles.
Change in the Second Line: Transition to Hexagram 46, “Dì Fēng Shēng” (地风升)
When the second line (Liù Èr) moves or transforms, it shifts to Hexagram 46: Dì Fēng Shēng (地风升).
This is another opposing hexagram (with Kūn below and Xùn above). The meaning of Dì Fēng Shēng is growth and progress. It symbolizes the earth supporting the wind as it rises, suggesting a time when one’s efforts lead to gradual improvement and successful advancement. This is in line with the idea that humility and modesty will lead to success, but it will be gradual and must be built upon over time.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of Hexagram Qiān
Line Text:
Jiǔ Sān (九三): Láo Qiān Jūn Zǐ, Yǒu Zhōng, Jí (劳谦君子，有终，吉).
Line Text Interpretation:
- Láo (劳) means hard work or effort.
- Yǒu Zhōng (有终) means with final success or with a conclusion.
- This line suggests that someone who has worked hard and achieved something, yet remains humble, will achieve good results and final success.
Here, the third line is a yang line in a yang position, symbolizing someone who has achieved success through hard work and effort but still remains humble. Such a person is recognized for their greatness, but they are not boastful, which brings favorable outcomes.
Line Text:
Jiǔ Sān (九三): Láo Qiān Jūn Zǐ, Yǒu Zhōng, Jí
Interpretation for this line:
- You have achieved something significant but should remain humble.
- A true gentleman, even after achieving success, does not boast.
- Hard work and humility will lead to final success and recognition.
Key Takeaways:
- Even after great achievements, humility will ensure that the success is long-lasting and well-respected.
- Hard work combined with humility will lead to final and significant success.
Change in the Third Line: Transition to Hexagram 2, “Kūn Wéi Dì” (坤为地)
When the third line (Jiǔ Sān) moves or transforms, it shifts to Hexagram 2: Kūn Wéi Dì (坤为地).
This is the same hexagram repeated (with Kūn both above and below), symbolizing earth and the passive or receptive energy. The hexagram suggests that by being humble, and following the path of submission to higher forces (symbolized by Kūn), one will align with the right path and attain good fortune.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of Hexagram Qiān
Line Text:
Liù Sì (六四): Wú Bù Lì, Huī Qiān (无不利，挥谦).
Line Text Interpretation:
- Huī (挥) means to exert or to express.
- The line suggests that there is no disadvantage as long as one continues to express humility and utilize its virtues.
This line speaks to the importance of recognizing your position and maintaining humility, especially in the presence of those with greater achievements or higher positions. The Liù Sì (六四) line is a yin line placed in a soft position, which allows for the cultivation of humility. As long as you continue to remain humble, things will go well for you.
Line Text:
Liù Sì (六四): Wú Bù Lì, Huī Qiān
Interpretation for this line:
- Express humility in your dealings with others, and you will not encounter any disadvantages.
- There may be others who are more accomplished or in positions of greater power around you, but you must maintain a humble attitude.
- Success will come from being modest and not overstepping your place.
- Although the situation may not feel completely stable at the moment, with continued patience, you will achieve success and prosperity in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility is the key to success, even when surrounded by more accomplished individuals.
- Maintaining humility will lead to favorable outcomes in the long term, even if success isn’t immediate.
Change in the Fourth Line: Transition to Hexagram 62, “Léi Shān Xiǎo Guò” (雷山小过)
When the fourth line (Liù Sì) transforms, it changes to Hexagram 62: Léi Shān Xiǎo Guò (雷山小过).
This hexagram is an opposing hexagram (with Gèn below, symbolizing mountain, and Zhèn above, symbolizing thunder). The name Xiǎo Guò (小过) means small excess or small overstepping. It indicates that while there is potential for progress or movement, caution is needed to avoid overstepping or going beyond the proper boundaries. It suggests moderation and careful action, much like thunder rolling under the mountain, which should be approached with respect and care.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of Hexagram Qiān
Line Text:
Liù Wǔ (六五): Bù Fù Yǐ Qí Lín, Lì Yòng Qīn Fá, Wú Bù Lì (不富以其邻，利用侵伐，无不利).
Line Text Interpretation:
- This line suggests that although one may not be wealthy, they still have the support of their neighbors or allies. The line encourages strategic action, and it will bring no harm or disadvantage.
- The Liù Wǔ (六五) line represents the position of leadership, where the yin line is in a yang position, symbolizing humility and strength in balance. While not overly rich or powerful, the person can still secure the support of others and use strategic action to overcome obstacles or challenges.
Line Text:
Liù Wǔ (六五): Bù Fù Yǐ Qí Lín, Lì Yòng Qīn Fá, Wú Bù Lì
Interpretation for this line:
- Through humility, you gain the support of those around you, be it colleagues, friends, or clients.
- Although not wealthy or powerful, you can still pursue your goals through careful strategic action, and it will be beneficial.
- While others may resist or challenge you, your humility allows you to effectively deal with any opposition and achieve your goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility will bring you support, even when you don’t have significant wealth or power.
- By using strategic humility, you can achieve your goals and overcome challenges without facing negative consequences.
Change in the Fifth Line: Transition to Hexagram 39, “Shuǐ Shān Jiǎn” (水山蹇)
When the fifth line (Liù Wǔ) transforms, it changes to Hexagram 39: Shuǐ Shān Jiǎn (水山蹇).
This hexagram represents difficulty or obstacle. It is an opposing hexagram (with Kǎn below, symbolizing water, and Gèn above, symbolizing mountain). This combination indicates a time when obstacles seem insurmountable. The water flows down the mountain, and the mountain blocks the flow, creating a difficult situation. However, the message is clear: when faced with such obstacles, it is important to recognize the difficulty and act with patience and wisdom to overcome it.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of Hexagram Qiān
Line Text:
Shàng Liù (上六): Míng Qiān, Lì Yòng Xíng Shī, Zhēng Yì Guó (鸣谦，利用行师，征邑国).
Line Text Interpretation:
- Míng (鸣) means to spread or proclaim.
- Xíng Shī (行师) refers to mobilizing the army or engaging in military action.
- Zhēng Yì Guó (征邑国) means to conquer neighboring states or to defend your territory.
- This line suggests that humility can gain widespread recognition, and it is also favorable for engaging in action such as military campaigns or defending territories.
The Shàng Liù (上六) line is at the top position, indicating a time of great potential and the possibility of using one’s humility and reputation to take action, whether to defend against enemies or extend influence.
Line Text:
Shàng Liù (上六): Míng Qiān, Lì Yòng Xíng Shī, Zhēng Yì Guó
Interpretation for this line:
- Proclaim your humility, and your reputation will spread, making it easier to rally support or take action.
- Whether defending your land or expanding your reach, humility will aid in gathering allies and achieving success.
- By mobilizing strategically, you will have the upper hand and can overcome your adversaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility will allow you to mobilize support and take decisive action, whether to defend or expand your influence.
- With strategic humility, success in military or political ventures is likely.
Change in the Sixth Line: Transition to Hexagram 52, “Gèn Wéi Shān” (艮为山)
When the sixth line (Shàng Liù) transforms, it changes to Hexagram 52: Gèn Wéi Shān (艮为山).
This hexagram is a repetition of the same trigram (Gèn below and above), symbolizing mountain. It represents stillness and stability. After a period of action, one must retreat into stillness to reflect and gather strength. This phase advises caution and suggests that sometimes the best course of action is to remain still and wait for the right moment.