I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Fifteen

Ch’ien (Pro: Chee-en) - Modesty

The ability to act in a role without limelight leads to success.

Many things occur in our life out of sight through the actions of others. Much can now be received from this hidden store by being receptive.

Modest but persistent action has accumulated this mountain of abundance. Receive it and place it where there is need.

Past events have built a reservoir which is full. Now there is a pouring out and a receiving. A balancing comes from this release. What was lowly is built up. What was high becomes reduced.

By not overemphasising your value, credit for your real worth has built up. This honesty now leads to success. Be receptive to this and nurture what springs from it.

Recognise that the strength here is in not overindulging, and in having the power to act as a balancer in situations that have become one sided. This is a form of creativity, not through control, but by understanding the nature of things and leading them to a mutual satisfaction or destination.

Key words: The high are made low and the low raised. Not pressing for personal advantage has produced great reward.

The Moving Lines

1.Simple clarity makes even difficult tasks straightforward. Any journey or venture undertaken at this time is fortunate. Remain receptive.

2.When one does not seek for personal ends alone, ones actions and words create a lasting influence. The view of life beyond personal gain removes interference.

3.Things will come to fruition now from any hard work that has been done in regard to this enquiry. Others will follow your direction with little dissent.

4.Not having pushed yourself forward and working without being the centre of attention has led to success.

5.Being mild does not mean being weak. Attack what is disruptive, now is the time to do so. Do it without personal attempts to gain. Great good fortune.

6.Remaining aware of your true value, and how it rests upon the goodwill of others, now is the time to move against that which is disruptive. Bring things to order through an organised push.

Hexagram Sixteen

Yü (Pro: Yü; vowel as in the French ‘Tü’) - Response

Calm confidence arises from action in harmony with the needs of the people and the laws of nature.

What you want then comes about, for it is in accord with the ways of life. With this harmony move forward firmly.

If untroubled certainty has departed, do not move on this issue. But if untroubled certainty exists, move forward with strength.

Out of this arises the enthusiasm in others which promotes powerful and successful action. Strength and integrity are responded to with support.

Within the query lies enormous potential, as yet untapped, like a flower open but not yet fertilised. But the power to fertilise and bring to fruition is present if used in accord with the needs of the time and the people involved.

Recognise however that it takes positive and confident effort to meet and stimulate the receptive fertility of the situation. It will not happen by itself.

The image of the hexagram suggests a disorganised throng of people brought to order and satisfying action by an esteemed leader.

Key words: Receptivity galvanised into enthusiastic response by positive and esteemed leadership.

The Moving Lines

1. Boasting about ones connections hides a weakness which others will see and avoid. Learn to find your own centre of strength.

2. Be like a rock against which the waters of change move around. Not lost in the illusions of power or failure, fashions or rumours, you respond to what is essential.

3.Waiting too long for a sign from revered authority loses the possibility of success. Act before all chance has gone. Even now may be too late. Do not miss the quiet tap on the door. Opportunity might knock only once.

4. By confidence and enthusiasm a response is called from others. Their co-operation will follow as others are gathered and strength grows.

5. Pressures keep you from enjoying the enthusiasms of others. But the pressures are a means of preventing excess. The problem becomes the medicine.

6. One can be foolishly enthusiastic and confident. Take care this is not the case here. Even if it is, hope that such foolishness cannot last for long.

Hexagram Seventeen

Sui (Pro: Sway) - Following

Following the movement of events like a good dancer leads to abundant reward.

Yield to the direction of the situation. Like the dancer, move when there is movement, be still when there is need to pause. Thus pursue the signs showing what the times require, while remaining in harmony within yourself.

Do not follow what is inferior in this situation, but try to be aware of what is the leading trend. Be patient until you can clearly see signs of where events are leading, and move in that direction.

This involves a period where a powerful new condition is emerging and it is wise to observe and understand it. If this can be done very great reward will follow, especially if your personal direction embodies what is pressing into the world scene. If this is done, then you are in the position of leadership being followed by others recognising your harmony with the needs of the times.

Such leadership is possible, but only if you have first learnt to be a good follower.

Because the scene is set, all it needs is a catalyst to start the process moving. Done correctly this requires little effort. Something new is emerging from influences in the past. Help it to be born.

Key words: Learning to follow helps to become a leader and find integration with others and the times.

The Moving Lines

1. The new order emerging calls for changes to be made which lead to greater contact with those outside ones usual circle and influence. Success is then certain.

2. Following childish impulses you can lose the way you would have taken as an adult. The superior is rejected and one becomes a follower of the lower order or outdated needs.

3. Giving up childishness you follow the mature direction. This assures success. It is time to move into the new world of enlarged responsibility and power. The past dies.

4. Be sure you are not being influenced by ulterior or inferior motives. Being followed by those seeking only personal gain is not useful. Stop and return to your own integrity. No harm can then enter this enquiry.

5. Having confidence in the people or convictions we allow to lead us assures good fortune. This brings strength of purpose and unity. The way ahead is full of blessings.

6. A turning point comes from being truly understood and respected. Emerge now from the retreat. You have much support from those who follow.

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