The I Ching (Zhou Yi) Hexagram 21: Shike Hexagram (Bitterness and Hardship)
Symbolism of the Fire and Thunder Shike Hexagram
The Shike Hexagram (噬嗑卦, shì kē guà) represents the interaction of two opposites. It is made up of two trigrams: Thunder (震, zhèn) below and Fire (离, lí) above. Fire is considered a Yin (阴, yīn) trigram, while Thunder is a Yang (阳, yáng) trigram. The combination of these two forces symbolizes a powerful act of biting through hard objects, signifying the balance between mercy and authority, flexibility and strictness. It is a union of softness and hardness, suggesting both gentle persuasion and forceful measures. The term Shike refers to biting, where “Shì” (噬, to bite) and “Kē” (嗑, similar to “He”, meaning to clamp or bite through) represent the act of clenching one’s teeth and chewing. It symbolizes overcoming obstacles or breaking through difficulties.
Interpretation from “Duan Yi Tian Ji”
The Shike Hexagram, with Fire above and Thunder below, is associated with the “Xun Palace” (巽宫, xùn gōng), the fifth generation hexagram in the sequence. The hexagram signifies the need to “bite through” and overcome obstacles before progress can be made. This hexagram is often seen as favorable for legal matters, especially in litigation, where determination and persistence are key.
Interpretation by Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong
“Bitten through tough bones represents a firm attitude.”
This hexagram signals that one may face many challenges and obstacles, with many things not going according to plan. Disputes are inevitable, but the advice is to maintain conventional methods, resist temptations of quick gain, and steady perseverance will lead to peace.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Confucian Scholar Fu Peirong
- Fortune: Good luck begins to show, reputation rises rapidly.
- Wealth: Business ventures succeed, goods sell well.
- Home: Be cautious of fires; long-term harmony and unity in the family.
- Health: Guard against internal heat and potential loss or misplacement of valuables.
Traditional Interpretation
This hexagram consists of two different trigrams stacked together: Thunder below and Fire above. Fire symbolizes Yin energy and Thunder represents Yang energy. The interaction of Yin and Yang in this context suggests that difficulties and hard objects must be broken down in order to move forward. It emphasizes the balance between flexibility and rigidity in overcoming obstacles. The image depicted is that of the upper and lower jaws biting together, representing the act of breaking things apart for progress.
Major Symbolism
When something is caught between the upper and lower lips, it must be bitten through before it can be closed properly. This symbolizes obstacles that must be removed before success can be achieved. Challenges and disputes may occur, but by sticking to conventional practices, avoiding temptations, and focusing on resolution, one can find a way forward.
Fortune
Difficulties and obstacles are present, with disputes being unavoidable. The advice is to remain steady, resist temptations, and adhere to the usual course. Issues will eventually be resolved.
Career
There will be significant resistance and difficulty in your career. It is important to remain resolute and brave, and to adopt an impartial and just attitude in dealing with setbacks. At times, you may need to take a firm stance or even use legal means to resolve matters and achieve a positive outcome.
Business
In unfavorable conditions, stay calm and assess the situation carefully. Look for opportunities, but avoid being tempted by short-term gains or illegitimate profits. Listen to wise advice, follow the law, and act with fairness. Be cautious not to violate legal boundaries.
Reputation
Your efforts may not be recognized yet. Do not rush for success. View setbacks as tests of your resilience. By continuing to persevere, success is inevitable.
Relationships
At first, relationships may not go smoothly, but with determination, satisfactory results can be achieved. Personal emotions should not interfere with family matters or relationships.
Decision Making
Life may be filled with obstacles and difficulties, but these should be viewed as tests. Reflect on your experiences and use them to build stronger willpower. With perseverance, progress will come, and in time, you will reach brighter prospects and achieve significant accomplishments.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Shike Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Initial Nine (初九, chū jiǔ): “Xu jiāo miè zhǐ, wú jiù” (屦校灭趾，无咎)
This means: “Wear a foot shackle, covering the toes, no blame.”
Explanation:
In this line, the term Xu (屦, shoes) refers to bindings or restraints, Jiāo (校, shackles) refers to a wooden restraint tool, and Miè (灭, to cover) refers to the act of obscuring. Zhǐ (趾, toes) indicates the limitation of movement. This line suggests that when one faces constraints or limitations (represented by shackles on the feet), there is no great harm if these constraints are not overly burdensome. The message here is to reflect before taking action, ensuring that what one does is ethical, reasonable, and lawful. If external resistance makes progress difficult, it might be wise to stop, as doing so could be beneficial. Minor flaws should be corrected promptly before they escalate into greater errors. If punished for a mistake, there’s no need to harbor resentment, as “Yù bù zhuó bù chéng qì” (玉不琢不成器) – “a jade that is not carved will not become a vessel.” This implies that mistakes can be seen as part of personal growth. If children or students make mistakes, they must be disciplined, as “Xiǎo chéng ér dà jiè” (小惩而大诫) – “small punishments to prevent greater misdeeds,” leading to “no blame.”
Reflection for this line:
- “A step taken, full of resistance, the road to fame not yet open.”
- “A jade meets a good craftsman, a flower awaits the spring breeze.”
- “People leaning against a building, burdened with worries.”
- “Take a step back, hold firm to the foundation.”
- “Prevent failure before it emerges, do not delay.”
- “A small mistake uncorrected leads to greater errors.”
Transformation of the First Line of the Shike Hexagram
When the first line changes, it transforms into the 35th Hexagram of the I Ching: Fire over Earth (火地晋, huǒ dì jìn). This hexagram consists of two trigrams: Fire (离, lí) above and Earth (坤, kūn) below. Fire represents light and brightness, while Earth is receptive and supportive. The imagery suggests the sun shining brightly upon the earth, nurturing life and growth, symbolizing the flourishing of one’s career with transparency, integrity, and steady progress.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Shike Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Six Two (六二, liù èr): “Shì fū miè bí, wú jiù” (噬肤灭鼻，无咎)
This means: “Bite the flesh, nose buried in it, no blame.”
Explanation:
In this line, Fū (肤, skin) refers to the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. The imagery of biting flesh and having the nose sink into it symbolizes excessive greed or indulgence, suggesting a person becomes too engrossed in their desires or actions. Although it appears uncivilized to act in such a way (as one might overindulge or act improperly), the line suggests there is no serious fault in this case. The line indicates that the individual, represented by Six Two (六二, liù èr), holds an influential position (like a minister or leader) but has let greed or an overbearing attitude prevail. It symbolizes the imbalance created when a more powerful individual attempts to control another. The advice is to remain humble and not try to overpower others, especially when the situation may lead to conflicts.
Reflection for this line:
- “Internal and external forces pulling at you, obscurity arises within the gates.”
- “Be cautious and prudent to ensure peace and security.”
- “After the rain, the beautiful lady picks peaches, flowers fade, and hard work prevails.”
- “Before, a different spring had appeared, now only faint sounds of good news rise.”
- “Advance or retreat, both are difficult; the journey remains stuck.”
Transformation of the Second Line of the Shike Hexagram
When the second line changes, it transforms into the 38th Hexagram of the I Ching: Fire over Lake (火泽睽, huǒ zé kuí). This hexagram consists of Fire (离, lí) above and Lake (兑, duì) below. The contradiction between fire and water symbolizes discord and opposition, signifying the presence of tension or rivalry.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Shike Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Six Three (六三, liù sān): “Shì là ròu, yù dú; xiǎo lì, wú jiù” (噬腊肉，遇毒；小吝，无咎)
This means: “Bite dried meat, encounter poison; small dissatisfaction, no blame.”
Explanation:
In this line, Là ròu (腊肉, dried meat) refers to meat that has been preserved through salting and drying, which is difficult to chew, symbolizing a task that has grown more difficult. The line implies that biting into the dried meat, one might encounter poison, indicating the danger of pursuing material gains without caution. Despite the difficulties, the line reassures that small obstacles will not lead to major consequences if handled carefully. The warning is that while pursuing tangible benefits (represented by dried meat), one may encounter hidden dangers (symbolized by poison), but with caution, the risk can be mitigated.
Reflection for this line:
- “A steep mountain, difficult for the car to ascend, winding roads lead to nowhere.”
- “Prevent small dissatisfaction from growing into regret.”
- “Whispers in the dark, no substantial evidence.”
- “In the blink of an eye, the dark clouds clear, revealing the sun.”
Transformation of the Third Line of the Shike Hexagram
When the third line changes, it transforms into the 30th Hexagram of the I Ching: Fire over Fire (离为火, lí wéi huǒ). This hexagram consists of Fire (离, lí) above and Fire (离, lí) below. The fire represents clarity, enlightenment, and persistence. The imagery of fire rising and shining with no obstruction symbolizes continuous movement and progress, even when surrounded by difficulty.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Shike Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Nine Four (九四, jiǔ sì): “Shì gān zǎi, dé jīn shǐ; lì jiān zhēn, jí” (噬干胏，得金矢；利艰贞，吉)
This means: “Bite dried meat with bones, receive a metal arrow; advantageous to maintain righteousness in difficult circumstances, and the result is auspicious.”
Explanation:
Gān zǎi (干胏, dried meat with bones) refers to dried meat that still contains bones, which symbolizes something difficult or hard to digest. Jīn shǐ (金矢, metal arrow) symbolizes a valuable reward or a tool for achieving a goal. This line suggests that by sticking to the righteous path in challenging times, despite difficulties, one will receive a reward or achieve success. The metaphor of biting into dried meat with bones suggests that although the process may be tough and challenging, persistence will lead to positive outcomes. The idea is that even when facing hard conditions, if one stays firm and true to their principles, fortune will ultimately favor them.
Reflection for this line:
- “Legal disputes are hard to clarify, first guard against small-minded people.”
- “Without firm virtue, how can one expect peace and success?”
- “The bow is drawn, the arrow aimed straight at the lone wild goose.”
- “As the rooster crows, prosperity will naturally grow.”
- “Although the beginning is difficult, the end will be easy.”
- “The arrow enters the clouds, all is favorable without exception.”
Transformation of the Fourth Line of the Shike Hexagram
When the fourth line changes, it transforms into the 27th Hexagram of the I Ching: Mountain over Thunder (山雷颐, shān léi yí). This hexagram consists of Mountain (艮, gèn) above and Thunder (震, zhèn) below. Mountain symbolizes stillness, while Thunder represents movement. The hexagram suggests that nourishment (represented by the mountain) comes from the movements of the thunder below. It also represents the need for stability while nourishing oneself and others.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Shike Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Six Five (六五, liù wǔ): “Shì gān ròu, dé huáng jīn; zhēn lì, wú jiù” (噬干肉，得黄金；贞厉，无咎)
This means: “Bite dried meat, obtain gold; stay firm, though there are risks, there is no disaster.”
Explanation:
Gān ròu (干肉, dried meat) suggests something that is difficult or hard to chew, and huáng jīn (黄金, gold) represents a valuable reward or success. This line advises that by staying on the righteous path, even in the face of danger, one will ultimately succeed. The key message is that righteousness and perseverance lead to the acquisition of great rewards, such as gold, and even when difficulties arise, there is no real harm if one holds fast to their principles.
Reflection for this line:
- “Chasing the rabbit through the night, overcoming difficulties now leads to easier success later.”
- “In a golden land, one gains virtue and blessings, turning back to find gold and jewels on the ground.”
- “By staying on the right path and eliminating corruption, others will naturally submit.”
- “Always maintain a sense of caution and fear, and resentment and misfortune will naturally disappear.”
- “The jewel is in your hand, but don’t waste time fighting over it.”
- “When people cooperate, everything naturally falls into place.”
Transformation of the Fifth Line of the Shike Hexagram
When the fifth line changes, it transforms into the 25th Hexagram of the I Ching: Heaven over Thunder (天雷无妄, tiān léi wú wàng). This hexagram consists of Heaven (乾, qián) above and Thunder (震, zhèn) below. Heaven symbolizes strength and clarity, while Thunder represents movement and change. The hexagram indicates that if one acts without false intentions and adheres to righteousness, success will come. It also suggests that by following the natural course of things and avoiding unnecessary actions, one will receive rewards and blessings.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Shike Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Upper Nine (上九, shàng jiǔ): “Hé jiāo miè ěr, xiōng” (何校灭耳，凶)
This means: “Carry heavy shackles, covering the ears, dangerous.”
Explanation:
Hé (何, to carry or bear), Jiāo (校, shackles), and Miè (灭, to cover) represent burdens or constraints that are difficult to bear, symbolizing an oppressive situation. In this line, one is warned against overburdening oneself with too many responsibilities or constraints, as it can lead to negative consequences. The covering of the ears indicates being unable to hear or understand the situation clearly, which is a sign of danger. The line suggests that a lack of openness or awareness, coupled with overwhelming burdens, can lead to failure or disaster.
Reflection for this line:
- “Covering the ears leads to many issues, often caused by a lack of understanding.”
- “Ignoring advice and refusing to listen to warnings leads to further danger.”
- “In the face of adversity, don’t cry but laugh instead, and remain composed.”
- “Though the stormy seas may toss the boat, the journey will continue.”
- “Worry by the pillow, disturbances at the door.”
- “Connected by feelings, the mind becomes confused.”
Transformation of the Sixth Line of the Shike Hexagram
When the sixth line changes, it transforms into the 51st Hexagram of the I Ching: Thunder over Thunder (震为雷, zhèn wéi léi). This hexagram consists of Thunder (震, zhèn) above and Thunder (震, zhèn) below, indicating that the impact of change or a sudden event will be powerful and transformative. This hexagram signals that in the face of unexpected occurrences, one must be prepared and resilient, maintaining composure and clarity of mind to navigate through the challenges.