I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Three

Chun (Pro: Jwên - vowel so short as to be almost non-existent ) - Initial Difficulty

Difficulty presents itself at the very outset. But although there is turmoil, order and growth can arise out of confusion.

The symbol of this hexagram is a blade of grass emerging from the soil and pushing against an obstacle as it grows. Therefore, although the difficulty in regard to the question is real, the obstacle can be overcome and success attained.

The difficulties faced produce confusion and a flood of anxiety, but can lead to power and success. Persistence through the confusion leads to the reward, not in a new direction but in strengthening the old.

Do not be overly impatient in this issue, as this may hinder rather than help the progress toward resolution. Gradually bring order out of the tangle. Aim for a solution rather than a deepening of the difficulty.

Inner strength will emerge and certainty will be regained. Therefore trust the internal power of regaining balance and moving on toward the positive.

See it as something coming to birth that has initial hindrances which are only temporary. Remember that what is being dealt with is still in its early stages and vulnerable. So care for the situation until it strengthens. This may take some diplomacy or carefulness because of heightened feelings.

Key words: Initial difficulty overcome by patient perseverance.

The Moving Lines.

1. Although uncertainty has arisen at the very start of the endeavour, do not make rash judgements or moves. Press on to consolidate the position. Seek help with humility.

2. Running to and fro impatiently does not resolve this issue. Do not accept the first help that appears. Aim at something that satisfies all the needs. If the query is about relationship, patience is still indicated. But this will be well rewarded.

3. The impatience to attain our desire may make us press on to a situation in which we feel lost. Do not go forward any further under these impulses. This would lead to trouble. Best to stop the chase.

4. Action is called for. There has been a separation and now one must act to bring unity. Make the first move, even if it means some self denial. Accept help without pride. The right help can lead to success.

5. Completion cannot be easily brought about. People interpose and distort this great undertaking. Press forward only in small issues, being aware of peoples anxieties. With such careful progress, success can arise.

6. There may be tears shed over this issue, or blood sweat in the heat. A sense of failure and separation may bring the desire to give up. It is a period of change, not defeat. Attempt to find what is calm within you until there is change.

Hexagram Four

Mêng (Pro: Mêng - vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) - Immaturity

Exuberant growth springing from the depths. Slow yielding reality restrains the flow.

Inexperience may not lead to failure. One must learn from experience to successfully journey through the complexity of life. By observing and acknowledging ones mistakes then seeing how someone with experience deals with such problems, we can learn. Sincerity to learn can bring wisdom from people with experience. Impetuosity may at times succeed. But it may turn away someone we might learn from.

Stubbornness or rashness are qualities that can sometimes overcome difficulties that other people may not have the strength or courage to tackle. But they can also get in the way of learning, and of seeing other points of view.

Those things that impede expression regarding this query should be seen as means of bringing a more mature shape or direction. Nevertheless success may come simply because something new and strong is being done which at its beginning passes over the forms and restrictions of what is more established.

In this sense you can succeed if you are resolute.

The hexagram suggests something that is emerging or growing with a lot of strength. Such power flowing without direction always at some time reaches its peak, after which it declines. It is therefore wise to consider how to use its potential more resourcefully.

Key words: Inexperience needs to learn from and be counselled by experience.

The Moving Lines.

1. Some discipline is needed, even to the point of firm restrictions. This must not be taken to the extreme where it kills the spirit however. It is only necessary due to immaturity.

2. It is wise to be gentle with the young and inexperienced. In this way they can respond and grow to become capable of responsibility. Relationship with the opposite sex can now flower. Responsibility can be handled.

3. Avoid attempting to imitate the strength of a superior, or in accepting the idealistic admiration of another. Be cautious in all activities, but especially in choosing a marriage partner.

4. Having a fixed and immature attitude leads to misfortune. Avoid the problems besetting obstinacy and idealistic fantasies.

5. Being receptive and open hearted leads to good fortune. Learn with the curiosity and innocence of a child. Drop pre-conceptions. This brings connections with others.

6. The child or immature need direction and discipline, but this must be done with love or fairness. Nothing is to be gained by being too harsh.

Hexagram Five

Hsü (Pro: Shü - vowel as in the French ‘Tu’) - Purposeful Inaction

Uncertainty and change confront this issue. But this does not mean it leads to failure. Success is in sight with the right attitude.

Remaining purposeful without action, maintaining the support of others leads to brilliant success. It brings reward to resourcefully pass through the uncertainty and doubts confronting you.

Some issues cannot be resolved by confronting them or being active. They call for a period of allowing internal processes to mature, as the hen does while brooding on her eggs.

You sense peril though none is in sight.

Certainly there are dangers here. It is the danger akin to seeing great rain clouds. They might bring peaceful rain or treacherous floods. Such danger can be faced best by readiness to meet whatever arises.

Of greatest value is to be clear in your own mind, and from that clarity act confidently and calmly. This calmness encourages the confidence of others and wins allies. It enables quick and firm action to arise when it is necessary. Affirm whatever connections you have with inner calm. Let this be the factor influencing your decisions.

Like thunderclouds on the horizon bringing rain, you can avoid the downpour by sitting under cover with friends relaxing until the rain passes. Purposefully awaiting the outcome averts danger.

Key words: Calm confidence in meeting unknowable potential outcomes.

The Moving Lines.

1. Do not let threats or fears win control of your mind and heart, or lead you to attempt the unusual. Proceed as you ordinarily do. Take the reins yourself and guide calmly through.

2. Observe with care what events are taking place but do not interfere or become active. Some gossip may spread but do not get involved or be pulled off-centre by it. Remaining an observer leads to good fortune.

3. There is possibility of becoming bogged down, as in mud. Beware of this. It leads to losing the power to act quickly, leaving one vulnerable to those who might attack. With such care good fortune follows.

4. The attack is approaching, and already there may be wounds. Maintain a balanced stance amidst the difficulties, trying not to aggravate the situation, and you can win through.

5. In the lull, relax, eat and drink enjoying the company of friends. But remain observant of events and be ready to act when indication of the right time comes.

6. The expected difficulty has occurred. Three unexpected things arise, perhaps the arrival of uninvited people. Meet the situation with care, and this could help toward a successful solution.

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