Hexagram 25 of the I Ching: Wu Wang (无妄卦 / Wú Wàng Guà)
Wu Wang (无妄) is an “opposing hexagram,” meaning that it is formed by two trigrams stacked together—Zhen (震 / Zhèn) at the bottom and Qian (乾 / Qián) at the top. Qian represents heaven, symbolizing strength and vitality, while Zhen represents thunder, symbolizing movement and power. The combination of movement and strength creates a situation where, if one follows the right principles, success is inevitable. However, acting recklessly will lead to failure. Following the correct and righteous path will bring rewards.
The interpretation of the hexagram suggests that when thunder (Zhen) is guided by heaven (Qian), action must follow the principles of heaven. To act in accordance with the proper path will lead to success, but deviating from it leads to chaos and trouble. This means that actions should be in line with righteous and wise thoughts—this is the essence of “Wu Wang” (no falsehood, no deception).
Interpretation from Duan Yi Tian Ji
Wu Wang (无妄卦) is a hexagram where Qian is at the top and Zhen at the bottom, representing the fourth of the six possible hexagrams in the Xun palace (巽宫四世卦). It symbolizes thunder in the sky, indicating that things may not go as planned and there could be small misfortunes, but ultimately, after initial difficulties, good fortune will follow.
Interpretation from Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (邵雍 / Shào Yōng)
“Do not deceive or be deceived, act with sincerity; follow the natural course, and fortune and blessings will follow.”
For those who receive this hexagram, follow the natural flow and stick to the righteous path, and everything will go well. However, if one acts recklessly, disaster is inevitable.
Interpretation from Taiwan Scholar Fu Pei Rong (傅佩荣 / Fù Pèi Róng)
Fortune: The time is ripe for good luck; everything will proceed smoothly.
Wealth: Money will come naturally with minimal effort, leading to happiness.
Home: The household is prosperous, and the family is harmonious.
Health: Maintain physical activity for good health.
Traditional Interpretation
This hexagram is made up of the opposing trigrams Zhen (震 / Zhèn) at the bottom and Qian (乾 / Qián) at the top. Qian represents heaven and strength, while Zhen represents thunder and movement. The energy is strong and dynamic, and it indicates that if you follow the righteous course, you will succeed, but reckless actions will lead to disaster. Following the correct path will bring good fortune.
Big Picture: Thunder moves in the sky, symbolizing vitality and the absence of falsehood or deceit.
Fortune: Stick to the correct path. If you act recklessly, you will invite misfortune.
Career: Self-awareness is key. Work from your own reality and avoid unrealistic expectations. Stay grounded, work hard, keep your actions in check, and be cautious of unexpected mishaps. Do not focus on immediate success—honestly pursue your goals and wait for the right time, and your career will flourish.
Business: Do not push too hard; follow market rules and uphold business ethics. Avoid speculation and greed for quick profits. With diligent effort over time, success is guaranteed.
Fame: With good intentions and hard work, leave behind illusions and focus on effort, not results. Ultimately, you will achieve what you aim for.
Marriage and Relationships: Both parties should treat each other with sincerity. Do not approach relationships carelessly or hastily. Allow things to develop naturally, and everything will work out in time.
Decision-Making: You have the energy and drive to make progress. There is potential to achieve great things, but you must work diligently, with sincerity and commitment. Do not become complacent with minor achievements. Focus on real action, not just on what you can gain. Follow natural laws and wait for the right time to act. Remove any unrealistic thoughts, and you will be able to achieve your ideal goals.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of Hexagram Wu Wang
Line Text:
Chū jiǔ (初九): Wú wàng, wǎng jí (无妄，往吉).
Life Lesson:
As long as you do not harbor any reckless thoughts and follow the rules in your actions, things will proceed smoothly. However, in life, some people fail to distinguish between hope and delusion, unable to see their own shortcomings. Once your mind is clouded by wishful thinking and you refuse to listen to advice, calamity will soon follow. Being positive and ambitious is fine, but the key is not to act recklessly or impulsively. If you are at the beginning stages of a career or endeavor, stick to the right path and follow the steps methodically. Progress gradually, and success will come.
Poetry Interpretation:
- Sitting in the middle, reaching a thousand miles,
- Pausing briefly before continuing ahead.
- The tiger and rabbit run through the forest,
- Climbing the mountain’s peak, endless and green.
- Things support each other in confusion,
- After multiple attempts, success is achieved,
- No more turbulence to face.
Line Change in Wu Wang (无妄卦) First Line
The movement of Chū jiǔ (初九) transforms the hexagram into the twelfth hexagram, Tiāndì Pǐ (天地否). This hexagram is composed of Kūn (坤) below and Qián (乾) above, representing the reversal of the harmony between heaven and earth. It signals a time when the forces of heaven and earth are not in balance, symbolizing stagnation and the need for patience and persistence. It highlights that after extreme conditions, balance will be restored, leading to future prosperity.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of Hexagram Wu Wang
Line Text:
Liù èr (六二): Bù gēng huò, bù zī shē, zé lì yǒu yōu wǎng (不耕获，不菑畲，则利有攸往).
Life Lesson:
This line teaches that success comes through steady, honest work. Don’t expect immediate results or financial gain simply from beginning a task. In other words, don’t expect to harvest rewards without putting in the necessary effort. “Just work hard and let the rewards come naturally.” Avoid shortcuts or trying to achieve something without following the natural course. Perseverance is key, and this will eventually lead to success.
Poetry Interpretation:
- If you do not sow, you will not reap,
- If you do not plow or till the soil, success will not come.
- Hear the rooster crow, and the flute sound; success will arrive.
- Avoid unrealistic expectations and maintain sincerity.
- Watch out for hidden obstacles, and don’t be too eager to rush forward.
Line Change in Wu Wang (无妄卦) Second Line
The movement of Liù èr (六二) changes the hexagram into the tenth hexagram, Tiānzé Lǚ (天泽履). This hexagram features Qián (乾) above and Duì (兑) below, representing a balanced relationship between ruler and people. The message here is to tread carefully, following established principles and practicing sincerity, leading to success through careful action.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of Hexagram Wu Wang
Line Text:
Liù sān (六三): Wú wàng zhī zāi, huò xì zhī niú, xíng rén zhī dé, yì rén zhī zāi (无妄之灾，或系之牛，行人之得，邑人之灾).
Life Lesson:
There is an old saying: “Sit at home and disasters may come from the sky.” Sometimes, even when you are cautious and have no harmful intentions, unforeseen misfortunes can still strike. These disasters may not arise from your actions but from external circumstances. When faced with such misfortunes, adopt a calm and detached attitude. If you suffer because of others’ mistakes or misfortunes, accept it as part of life, and move forward with equanimity.
Poetry Interpretation:
- Gain and loss come in turn,
- Never rush or act impulsively.
- Tied to a cow, uncertain of the outcome,
- Progress may be made, but beware of setbacks.
- Past joys may lead to new troubles,
- Struggles are bound to arise,
- Even if you are careful, difficulties persist.
Line Change in Wu Wang (无妄卦) Third Line
The movement of Liù sān (六三) transforms the hexagram into the thirteenth hexagram, Tiānhuǒ Tóngrén (天火同人). This hexagram features Qián (乾) above and Lí (离) below, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between heaven and earth, and the unity of people. It represents social harmony, cooperation, and mutual support—ideal for success in collective endeavors.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of Hexagram Wu Wang
Line Text:
Jiǔ sì (九四): Kě zhēn, wú jiù (可贞，无咎).
Life Lesson:
This line advises that by adhering to the right path, you can avoid the consequences of reckless actions. The idea is simple to understand—imagine a cow tethered by the village road, only to be taken away by a passerby. The villagers become suspicious, but those who have consistently acted with integrity will naturally be excluded from suspicion. Even if people do not initially understand, once they observe your actions and character, they will eventually recognize your innocence and clear you of any doubt.
Poetry Interpretation:
- Virtue is vast, but humility remains,
- The path of the ruler and subjects is clear.
- Quietly guarding the right way leads to peace,
- The good news will come when the time is right.
- Like a tool yet to be completed,
- The heavens have not yet set their will, but your determination remains strong.
- Though it’s not the full moon,
- There are divine rays that shine down from the heavens.
Line Change in Wu Wang (无妄卦) Fourth Line
The movement of Jiǔ sì (九四) transforms the hexagram into the forty-second hexagram, Fēngléi Yì (风雷益). This hexagram features Shèn (震) below and Xùn (巽) above, symbolizing wind and thunder. The mutual strengthening of these two elements leads to growth and increase. This hexagram illustrates the principle of “increase through mutual support” and contrasts with the hexagram Sǔn (损), which represents the opposite—diminishing to bring about increase.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of Hexagram Wu Wang
Line Text:
Jiǔ wǔ (九五): Wú wàng zhī jí, wù yào yǒu xǐ (无妄之疾，勿药有喜).
Life Lesson:
This line uses the metaphor of illness to caution that when faced with an unjust calamity, it is best not to hastily attempt a solution. If an illness or problem arises without reason, do not immediately resort to a remedy, as doing so may cause more harm than good. For Jiǔ wǔ (九五), the ruler’s position and strength suggest that when facing a problem, their status alone will often resolve the issue. The key is not to overreact. When you face a troublesome situation, realize that sometimes the problem is imagined rather than real. If you simply continue your work with integrity, the issue will eventually fade away without requiring explanation. Like the cow tied by the roadside, even though others may suspect you, your actions will clear your name in time.
Poetry Interpretation:
- Illnesses cannot be treated by medicine if they are unjust,
- The future holds no worries.
- As the boat drifts, the sail will catch the wind.
- There is no need for worry over something that is not a problem.
Line Change in Wu Wang (无妄卦) Fifth Line
The movement of Jiǔ wǔ (九五) changes the hexagram into the twenty-first hexagram, Huǒléi Shìkè (火雷噬嗑). This hexagram features Lí (离) below and Shèn (震) above, representing fire and thunder. The image of biting and chewing represents the idea of applying both kindness and authority, balancing leniency and strictness. It emphasizes the necessity of blending firmness with gentleness to overcome challenges.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of Hexagram Wu Wang
Line Text:
Shàng jiǔ (上九): Wú wàng, xíng yǒu shèng, wú yōu lì (无妄，行有眚，无攸利).
Life Lesson:
At times, even if your intentions are not misguided or delusional, improper actions based on a failure to follow objective principles will still lead to unfavorable outcomes. This line reminds us that recklessness and impulsiveness should be avoided. It is important to align your actions with the natural order and to avoid hasty decisions that conflict with that order.
Poetry Interpretation:
- Prevent reckless action,
- Stick to your plans and stay grounded.
- The moon rises over the waters,
- A flower blooms in the cold of winter.
Line Change in Wu Wang (无妄卦) Sixth Line
The movement of Shàng jiǔ (上九) transforms the hexagram into the seventeenth hexagram, Zé léi Suí (泽雷随). This hexagram features Shèn (震) below and Duì (兑) above, symbolizing thunder and the marsh. Suí means to follow or to be in harmony with others. This hexagram emphasizes the need for mutual understanding and alignment with others’ actions, while maintaining principles and integrity. It suggests that success will come when you follow the right path and adapt to circumstances, yet remain firm in your resolve.