I Ching Hexagram 27: Yí (颐)
Symbolism of the Yí Hexagram: Mountain and Thunder
The I Ching Yí Hexagram is a combination of two opposite hexagrams: Zhèn (震) below and Gèn (艮) above. Zhèn represents thunder, and Gèn represents a mountain. In this configuration, the mountain is above, and thunder is below, indicating an external solidity and internal emptiness.
The term Yí refers to the jaw and chin. The natural division is made at the mouth, with the area above the mouth being the Yí of the cheeks, and below the mouth being the Yí of the chin. Gèn signifies stopping or stillness at the top, while Zhènsignifies movement below. When people eat, drink, or speak, the primary motion occurs at the chin, while the cheeks remain still. This mirrors the dynamic of the Zhèn below (movement) and Gèn above (stillness), which is why this hexagram is named Yí.
The interaction between motion and stillness (either speaking or eating/drinking) represents nurturing oneself. The Yí Hexagram symbolizes nourishment, both physical and spiritual. Its essence is that through the nourishment of the body, one also nurtures the mind, virtue, and relationships with others.
Interpretation of the Hexagram:
The Yí Hexagram, with Gèn above and Zhèn below, represents the energy of nourishment and cultivation. In the context of spring, it signifies the beginning of growth and the nurturing of all things. Thus, the Yí Hexagram is a sign of development and potential success, often associated with positive outcomes.
Interpretation from the Book Duàn Yì Tiān Jī (断易天机):
The Yí Hexagram, with Gèn above and Zhèn below, is associated with the Xùn palace, representing a wandering spirit. The hexagram signifies cultivation, both in terms of physical well-being and moral development. Thunder in the mountains indicates the arrival of spring, the time for nurturing and growth. Therefore, the Yí Hexagram represents a favorable omen for development and is generally auspicious.
Interpretation by Shao Yong (邵雍), a Neo-Confucian Scholar from the Northern Song Dynasty:
The Yí Hexagram advises one to focus on proper nurturing, discipline, and moderation. In terms of speech and eating, one should be cautious. It is crucial to follow the right path and be cautious in one’s actions. Those who harbor secretive intentions or engage in deceit will attract misfortune.
Interpretation by Fu Pei-Rong (傅佩荣), a Taiwanese Scholar of Classical Studies:
- Fortune: Vitality is emerging, but one must be cautious in speech and action.
- Wealth: Both internal and external movements may not be entirely smooth, with no guarantees of success.
- Family: Be cautious of fire hazards, and a virtuous wife should support her husband.
- Health: Coldness in the upper body and heat in the lower body, but improvement is expected in five days.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram:
The Yí Hexagram is formed by stacking two opposite hexagrams: Zhèn (thunder) below and Gèn (mountain) above. The mountain represents stillness, while thunder represents movement. This configuration symbolizes a process of nourishing and fostering growth, a time for nurturing both people and virtues. The hexagram encourages self-sufficiency, with nourishment being both physical (from food and drink) and spiritual (through discipline and cultivation).
- Symbolism: Like the shape of a mouth, the hexagram reflects the importance of nourishment and careful speech. It suggests paying attention to daily habits and life practices.
- Fortune: There may be insufficient consideration in handling affairs, and one must avoid secretive intentions. Following the right path will bring good fortune.
- Career: Success relies on personal effort and perseverance, rather than relying on others. Avoid using underhanded tactics to gain wealth. By following the right path, working diligently, and speaking cautiously, good opportunities will arise after hard work and determination.
- Business: Do not rush for quick success. Be cautious, proceed step by step, and deal with others sincerely. Adapt to the times and be willing to take calculated risks when necessary.
- Fame: Focus on enriching your knowledge, find contentment in simplicity, and work diligently. Success is highly likely.
- Marriage and Relationships: Do not rush the process. The key is to enhance self-cultivation. Once you have made a decision, pursue it with determination, and do not be indecisive.
- Decision-Making: Pay attention to moral development and help others in need. Do not covet what is not yours. By doing so, you will earn respect from others and receive support. Personal endeavors will be successful, but be mindful of the potential for significant obstacles.
This hexagram emphasizes the importance of nourishment in all aspects of life—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It advises caution in speech and action, recommends self-reliance, and encourages careful planning and hard work to achieve success.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Yí Hexagram
Text of the Line:
Chū Jiǔ (初九): “Shě ěr líng guī, guān wǒ duǒ yí, xiōng.”
Translation: “Let go of the divine turtle, observe my jaw movement, and misfortune follows.”
Life Insight:
This line teaches us the importance of self-reliance. We must depend on our own efforts to sustain ourselves. This way, we not only maintain our dignity but also demonstrate our value, ensuring long-term stability. Just like the divine turtle, which inherently possesses the ability to live long, it would be foolish to abandon that natural ability and rely on others for sustenance. Many people today live in a similar manner: abandoning their own ability to fend for themselves and relying on others. Although this may seem like an easy path, it is a dangerous one.
Caution for Those Who Draw This Line:
- Abandoning the East to settle in the West may seem like a good idea, but the foundation is shaky.
- Passing by the river, one sees a woman in the cold crying.
- The colors of red and purple have faded, as a single leaf drifts in the wind.
- The neighbor’s rooster wakes up from its dream, and one’s thoughts become empty.
Transformation of the First Line:
Chū Jiǔ (初九) transforms into Hexagram 23: Shān Dì Bō (山地剥):
This hexagram is formed by the stacking of Kūn (坤) below and Gèn (艮) above. There are five yin lines at the bottom and one yang line at the top, representing a situation where yin dominates and yang stands alone. This scenario is like a mountain on top of the earth, with both elements being about peeling away. This hexagram symbolizes a time when the forces of negativity (small people gaining power) triumph, while the noble (junzi) suffer and their ventures fail.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Yí Hexagram
Text of the Line:
Liù Èr (六二): “Diān yí, fú jīng, yú qiū yí, zhēng xiōng.”
Translation: “Upside-down nourishment, disturbing the teachings, at the hilltop nourishment, misfortune in seeking help.”
Life Insight:
If you draw this line, it is a strong reminder to be self-sufficient. You cannot depend on either lower or external assistance. The Xiàng (象) says, “Liù Èr ‘Zhēng xiōng’ — seeking help from the wrong sources.” The help you’re seeking is not from those in your own circle but rather from strangers or those who are indifferent to your cause, which results in no support. The key is to rely on your own capabilities and efforts to overcome your challenges. If help does come, do not dismiss it simply because it seems insufficient or from a less powerful source. Rejecting such help will only lead to losing your original support and finding no new assistance. The outcome can be quite dangerous.
Caution for Those Who Draw This Line:
- The dragon moves east, and the sheep returns with the water.
- A pile of gold is yet to be seen, and the fruits fall from the tree branches.
- Holding a candle, you go west and east, yet the boat leaks dangerously.
- The seamstress walks along the flat shore, but still fears the rising waves.
Transformation of the Second Line:
Liù Èr (六二) transforms into Hexagram 41: Shān Zé Sǔn (山泽损):
This hexagram is formed by stacking Dùi (兑) below and Gèn (艮) above. Gèn is a mountain, and Dùi is a marsh. The marsh below erodes the base of the mountain above. This suggests a balancing act between loss and gain, with loss leading to potential benefits when handled carefully. It warns that while some reduction is necessary, it must be done judiciously. Overly harsh reductions can damage the foundation.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Yí Hexagram
Text of the Line:
Liù Sān (六三): “Fú yí, zhēn xiōng, shí nián wù yòng, wú yōu lì.”
Translation: “Disturbing the nourishment, perseverance leads to misfortune. Do not use for ten years, there is no benefit.”
Life Insight:
In this line, the Yí Hexagram’s teachings are violated. Liù Sān represents a situation where a yin line occupies a yang position—incorrect and misaligned with the natural order. This line resides at the top of the lower trigram Zhèn (震), which is all about motion and action. However, Liù Sān is an unstable and restless force that does not want to follow the proper path. Instead of cultivating oneself and relying on self-sufficiency, Liù Sān seeks shortcuts and tries to manipulate others for its own sustenance. This is a direct violation of the principles of Yí, and it will result in misfortune.
Caution for Those Who Draw This Line:
- The master of old is distorting nourishment, and misfortune follows.
- For ten years, one should not act.
- Wings fly high, thunder shakes the realm.
- Time for rest, as the strategy is full of mistakes.
- The sun sets into the clouds, and fear of loss prevails.
Transformation of the Third Line:
Liù Sān (六三) transforms into Hexagram 22: Shān Huǒ Bì (山火贲):
This hexagram is formed by stacking Lí (离) below and Gèn (艮) above. Lí represents fire and brightness, while Gènrepresents a mountain and stillness. The hexagram speaks to the relationship between substance and decoration, emphasizing that substance should always come first, while appearance serves only as decoration. Bì teaches moderation and restraint, urging careful control in how one expresses or embellishes things.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Yí Hexagram
Text of the Line:
Liù Sì (六四): “Diān yí, jí; hǔ shì dān dān, qí yù zhú zhú, wú jiù.”
Translation: “Upside-down nourishment, auspicious; the tiger watches keenly, desiring to chase, but no harm follows.”
Life Insight:
In the case of the Yí (颐) Hexagram, the second line received misfortune due to “upside-down nourishment,” but the fourth line gains blessings from the same condition. The Xiàng (象) says, “The auspiciousness of upside-down nourishment comes from the ability to shine above.” This means that the fourth line’s position, high in the hexagram, allows it to act in alignment with the first line, following the right path. It can provide light and benevolence to the people below, just as a government collects taxes from the people but also uses those taxes for the people’s welfare. This “upside-down nourishment” is in accordance with the proper way and therefore auspicious.
Caution for Those Who Draw This Line:
- The tiger’s keen eyes bring fortune, and peace follows after the storm.
- The future holds calm after a rough start, and turbulent waves will eventually smooth.
- Prevent any sudden downfall; all will be well if you remain steady.
- Success will come naturally, but after difficulty, ease follows.
Transformation of the Fourth Line:
Liù Sì (六四) transforms into Hexagram 21: Huǒ Léi Shì Kè (火雷噬嗑):
This hexagram is formed by the stacking of Zhèn (震) below and Lí (离) above. Lí is a fire (representing brightness), and Zhèn is thunder (representing motion). The combination of fire and thunder speaks to a forceful interaction, symbolizing the need to break through hard obstacles, combining both benevolence and power, with strictness and gentleness in balance. Shì Kè refers to the action of biting and chewing, emphasizing persistence in achieving one’s goals.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Yí Hexagram
Text of the Line:
Liù Wǔ (六五): “Fú jīng, jū zhēn jí, bù kě shè dà chuān.”
Translation: “Disturbing the teachings, perseverance leads to auspiciousness; it is not suitable to cross a great river.”
Life Insight:
This line offers a good piece of advice for leaders who lack strength or talent: follow the guidance of those above you. In this line, the fifth position is an inferior yin line in the position of the ruler (yang), and without proper alignment, it struggles to nourish the people. For a leader, this means you may not be able to provide for your employees or the people you lead effectively. If you draw this line, it is important to assess your abilities accurately and, if your own talents are limited, rely on the expertise of others. Stay grounded and avoid overexpanding or venturing into unfamiliar territory, as that could lead to disaster.
Caution for Those Who Draw This Line:
- Haste leads to worry, and rash plans cause failure.
- The great river is too dangerous to cross; wait for the right time.
- Move cautiously and take things one step at a time.
- The one who follows the proper path will achieve success in the end.
Transformation of the Fifth Line:
Liù Wǔ (六五) transforms into Hexagram 42: Fēng Léi Yì (风雷益):
This hexagram is formed by stacking Zhèn (震) below and Xùn (巽) above. Xùn is the wind, and Zhèn is the thunder. Wind and thunder complement each other, growing in strength together. This hexagram emphasizes mutual assistance and the positive results of cooperation and support, symbolizing a time of benefit that comes from harmonious efforts and steady progress. Unlike the Sǔn (损) Hexagram, which represents a process of reduction, Yì encourages the idea of giving and receiving support to help each other grow.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Yí Hexagram
Text of the Line:
Shàng Jiǔ (上九): “Yóu yí; lì jí, lì shè dà chuān.”
Translation: “Through nourishment, there is danger but also auspiciousness; it is beneficial to cross the great river.”
Life Insight:
This line refers to a person who plays a crucial role in the well-being of the people, like a pillar in a society. They bear the weight of their responsibilities and must be cautious of danger. Only with careful consideration can they overcome challenges and bring about positive results, just like crossing a great river safely. For those who draw this line, while they may not be the boss in an organization, they are crucial to its success. They must stay vigilant and work diligently to ensure their prosperity and the well-being of others. Moreover, through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper care, they can recover from illness and return to a state of good fortune, making it an opportune time for travel or new endeavors.
Caution for Those Who Draw This Line:
- The large boat sails smoothly, fishing off the shore, but must heed the wind’s force.
- The path is long, with water and mountains ahead; only with the wind’s assistance will it be easier.
- Crossing the southwest is perilous; gains and losses will come with difficulty.
Transformation of the Sixth Line:
Shàng Jiǔ (上九) transforms into Hexagram 24: Dì Léi Fù (地雷复):
This hexagram is formed by stacking Kūn (坤) below and Zhèn (震) above. Zhèn represents thunder, symbolizing motion and action, while Kūn represents the earth, which signifies receptivity and stability. This combination indicates that movement should follow the natural order, advancing at the right pace, as both internal (yang) and external (yin) energies work in harmony. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of things and the idea that everything progresses according to the law of nature.