Yi

Hexagram 31 · Legge 1899

Hsien

Judgment

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Image

(The trigram representing) a mountain and above it that for (the waters of) a marsh form Hsien. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his mind free from pre-occupation, and open to receive (the influences of) others.

Lines

Line 1

The first line, divided, shows one moving his great toes.

Line 2

The second line, divided, shows one moving the calves of his leg. There will be evil. If he abide (quiet in his place), there will be good fortune.

Line 3

The third line, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret.

Line 4

The fourth line, undivided, shows that firm correctness which will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose.

Line 5

The fifth line, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance.

Line 6

The sixth line, divided, shows one moving his jaws and tongue.

Source: James Legge, The Sacred Books of China: The Texts of Confucianism, Part II: The Yi King, second edition, Clarendon Press, 1899 · legge_1899:volume_1:google_books:page123

Public-domain source text for classical-text study and reflection. It does not provide personal outcome claims.

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