The 57th Hexagram of the I Ching: Xùn Hexagram
The Meaning of the Hexagram’s Text:
Xùn (巽): “Small success, benefit in going somewhere, benefit in seeing a great person.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram’s Text:
The meaning of this hexagram is that minor progress has been made, and it is a time to take action. It is favorable to seek out virtuous and capable individuals who can offer guidance.
Interpretation by Duàn Yì Tiān Jī (《断易天机》):
The Lǚ hexagram is made up of two Xùn (巽) trigrams stacked on top of each other, representing the Xùn palace in its original position. Xùn means “to go with the flow,” “humility,” or “obedience.” It is a favorable hexagram for virtuous individuals, especially in seeking the guidance of those with great wisdom.
Interpretation by the Northern Song Dynasty Scholar Shào Yōng (北宋易学家邵雍):
This hexagram emphasizes adaptability and humility. Success will come through being humble and following others. Those who are humble and modest will gain assistance and help from powerful figures, especially when adapting to ever-changing circumstances.
Interpretation by the Taiwanese Classical Scholar Fù Pèi Róng (台湾国学大儒傅佩荣):
- Fortune: The time is favorable for progress, and things will generally go well.
- Wealth: Adaptation to circumstances will lead to gains.
- Home: Stability is possible; family harmony is likely.
- Health: Potential for a stroke; be cautious and seek help from others when needed.
Traditional Interpretation:
This hexagram is formed by stacking two Xùn trigrams on top of each other. Xùn represents wind, and when two winds are stacked, it suggests a force that cannot be stopped. Wind blows through every opening, just as policies penetrate and spread through society. It also symbolizes humility, and such an attitude will lead to success in any endeavor.
Great Image (Dà Xiàng):
This hexagram symbolizes two overlapping winds, implying unstoppable movement and influence, much like the profound effect of government policies that reach deep into the hearts of the people.
Fortune (Yùn Shì):
The energy of this hexagram indicates many twists and turns. The fortune of the individual may fluctuate and feel unstable. It is essential to adapt to circumstances, remain calm, and stick to the good course with a steady heart.
Career:
At this stage, one’s career is developing. You must adopt a forward-driving spirit to overcome obstacles and move upward. While the beginning may be difficult, help from talented and capable people will lead to the desired outcome.
Business:
The market is highly competitive and fraught with risks. One must exercise caution and adhere to business ethics. A humble attitude towards peers, customers, and even competitors will bring success and lead to profitable opportunities.
Reputation:
Approach everything with humility, but avoid self-deprecation, weakness, or pretense. Sincerity and humility will lead to rapid progress and recognition.
Marriage and Love:
It is important not to approach relationships with a hasty attitude but to proceed cautiously with mutual respect. A respectful, humble approach will lay the foundation for a harmonious partnership.
Decision-making:
With a sharp mind, flexibility, and a cheerful disposition, you will gain the respect and attention of others. A humble attitude will help you build good relationships and earn favor from superiors. However, excessive humility can be detrimental if it leads to weakness or insincerity. Maintain a balance of firmness and righteousness for optimal growth.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Xùn Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Chū Liù (初六): “Advance or retreat, it is favorable for a warrior’s perseverance.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This line indicates that excessive humility and a lack of confidence lead to hesitation in both action and retreat. The situation is better suited for those with bravery and strength, who can adhere to the path of integrity and resolve.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- Doubt arises when one is uncertain about moving forward or stepping back, and it is beneficial for those who have the strength and courage to act with conviction.
- Personal honor is not easily gained; avoid hesitation at critical junctures.
- Do not second-guess progress or retreat, as doubt will only lead to discord.
- Keep your intentions straight and your actions consistent, even the smallest gestures matter in the long run.
The First Line Changes to the 9th Hexagram:
The movement of the first line leads to the transformation into the Xiàng (9th Hexagram), Fēng Tiān Xiǎo Chù (风天小畜), or “Wind over Heaven, Small Accumulation.” This hexagram, created by stacking Qián (乾, Heaven) over Xùn (巽, Wind), suggests favorable weather conditions, and growth is steady but limited. It advises that one should wait for the right time to act on accumulated strengths and potential, rather than rushing forward.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Xùn Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Liù Èr (六二): “Xùn is under the bed, with the use of historical figures and shamans. Auspicious and without fault.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This line suggests that excessive humility can result in subjugation or a low position, as represented by being under the bed. However, by humbling oneself and showing reverence, as shamans or ritualists do in their devotions, one can gain blessings without harm.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- If your heart is not at peace, don’t despise your humble position. Respect must be shown towards those in higher status.
- Sincerity and earnestness in seeking guidance and offering respect will bring good fortune and protect from harm.
- A person’s fortune will improve gradually, like a bird flying towards a bamboo grove, and the right moment will bring prosperous opportunities.
- Those who are wise will seize opportunities before others, and the path will be clear.
- Your efforts, even when they seem modest, will soon lead to success.
The Second Line Changes to the 53rd Hexagram:
The movement of the second line leads to the transformation into the Jiàn (53rd Hexagram), Fēng Shān Jiàn (风山渐), or “Wind over Mountain, Gradual Progress.” This hexagram, formed by stacking Gèn (艮, Mountain) under Xùn (巽, Wind), symbolizes gradual growth, like a tree growing on a mountain. It suggests steady, incremental progress, as things improve over time with patience.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Xùn Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Jiǔ Sān (九三): “Frequent Xùn, which leads to regret.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This line represents a situation of inconsistency and indecision, where frequent changes lead to confusion and eventual misfortune. The person may lack focus, changing directions constantly without a clear sense of purpose, leading to negative outcomes.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- Be cautious of taking risks without proper foresight, as inconsistency and poor judgment will lead to setbacks.
- The journey is perilous and requires careful management of one’s actions to avoid harm.
- Unclear intentions lead to confusion, and unresolved thoughts breed anxiety.
- Without clarity, there will be a sense of frustration, but once the right approach is realized, things will begin to improve.
The Third Line Changes to the 59th Hexagram:
The movement of the third line leads to the transformation into the Huàn (59th Hexagram), Fēng Shuǐ Huàn (风水涣), or “Wind over Water, Dispersion.” This hexagram, created by stacking Kǎn (坎, Water) under Xùn (巽, Wind), represents the idea of dispersal, when things are scattered and lack cohesion. It symbolizes the dissolution of organizations or groups and the need to address this fragmentation through proactive measures, turning danger into safety by restoring unity and stability.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Xùn Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Liù Sì (六四): “Regret is gone, the field harvest yields three ranks.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This line suggests that the difficulties and struggles will dissipate, and success will follow. It symbolizes the harvest of abundance, particularly in the context of hunting, where rewards are plentiful.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- Orders are followed, and strength leads to victory, bringing success in all endeavors.
- The winds are favorable now, and great achievements can be made.
- Like water flowing smoothly, one’s success is steady and uninterrupted, bringing fruitful harvests.
- Gradual success is like the geese flying in different directions, each finding its place.
- The river and sea flow leisurely, symbolizing ease and the eventual success that comes with patience and persistence.
- Every endeavor brings rewards, just like the catch from a fishing line—efforts in the middle will lead to results.
The Fourth Line Changes to the 44th Hexagram:
The movement of the fourth line transforms the hexagram into Tiān Fēng Gòu (天风姤), or “Heaven over Wind, Encounter.” This hexagram, formed by stacking Qián (乾, Heaven) over Xùn (巽, Wind), represents a time of interaction or meeting, where Yin and Yang meet but do not last long due to the imbalance of forces. It suggests that moments of encounter can lead to favorable outcomes, but stability is not easily achieved.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Xùn Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Jiǔ Wǔ (九五): “Persevering, auspicious, regret is gone, nothing is unfavorable; what begins has an end; after three days of Gēng (庚), after three more days of Gēng, auspicious.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This line suggests that by remaining steadfast and adhering to the right path, one will experience good fortune. Difficult situations will resolve themselves, and success will be achieved. While the beginning may be difficult, the eventual outcome will be smooth and prosperous. It also notes that the most auspicious time for action is during the three days before and after Gēng days, which will lead to favorable results.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- When planning ahead, remember to consider the future and take appropriate action at the right moment.
- Even though there may be obstacles at the beginning, perseverance will lead to eventual success.
- For ordinary people, steadfastness brings good fortune and resolves doubts and regrets.
- Actions taken during auspicious times (like the Gēng days) will naturally yield positive results.
- The sound of the magpie indicates good news, and the voice of the swallow carries messages of joy.
- While others may not understand, keeping to one’s integrity will still yield success, even if it requires hardship.
The Fifth Line Changes to the 18th Hexagram:
The movement of the fifth line changes the hexagram into Shān Fēng Gǔ (山风蛊), or “Mountain over Wind, Corruption.” This hexagram, created by stacking Gèn (艮, Mountain) over Xùn (巽, Wind), symbolizes the need to address and resolve decay or corruption. It suggests that stagnation and corruption have set in, and to restore harmony and order, reform is necessary. The old must be abandoned, and new approaches must be adopted to overcome crises and revitalize efforts.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Xùn Hexagram
Hexagram Text:
Shàng Jiǔ (上九): “Xùn is under the bed, losing its tools and axes; perseverance leads to danger.”
Interpretation of the Hexagram Text:
This line represents a situation where excessive humility has led to a loss of one’s strength and ability. It indicates that when a person goes too far in their humility and submission, they lose the tools necessary for survival and action, ultimately resulting in misfortune.
Key Reminder for this Line:
- Just as muddy water is undrinkable, excessive humility leads to the loss of integrity and strength.
- The garden full of flowers is overwhelmed by the wind, much like how excessive humility may lead to the loss of what was once good.
- Too much humility causes a loss of firm resolve, leading to an inability to take decisive action.
- It may take a time of great challenge—like encountering the dragon and tiger—for balance and success to return.
The Sixth Line Changes to the 48th Hexagram:
The movement of the sixth line changes the hexagram to Shuǐ Fēng Jǐng (水风井), or “Water over Wind, The Well.” This hexagram, formed by stacking Kǎn (坎, Water) under Xùn (巽, Wind), symbolizes a wellspring, where water nourishes life and sustains growth. Just as a well depends on its continuous supply, this hexagram suggests that human effort and virtue can sustain and nourish life, symbolizing resilience and the importance of maintaining both inner strength and external support. By aligning oneself with this principle, long-term success and stability can be achieved.