The Forest of the噬嗑 (Sixty-fourth Hexagram of噬嗑)

復：羔羊皮革，君子朝服。輔政天德，以合萬國。

A robe made from sheepskin is the ceremonial attire for a gentleman to present himself before the court; wearing it to assist in governance and align with Heavenly Virtue, he brings harmony to all states. The poem from the Book of Songs, Zhao Nan, "Gao Yang" praises the frugality and integrity of those in official positions. This person holds office with uprightness, uses virtue to aid governance, and harmonizes the four directions, which is highly auspicious.

旡妄：振鐘鼓樂，將軍受福。安帖之家，虎狼為憂。履危不殆，師行何咎。

Strike the bells and drums and play military music, thus the general receives blessings; those who behave uprightly may regard tigers and wolves as a worry. To tread on dangerous ground without peril, what is wrong with marching out with troops? This oracle indicates that the military campaign will be successful and bring blessings, even when facing danger there will be no misfortune, but those at home should beware of external threats.

大畜：嫡庶不明，孽亂生殃，陳失其邦。

The distinction between the legitimate son and the illegitimate sons is unclear, leading to disputes over the throne and causing chaos, which resulted in the loss of the state of Chen. During the Spring and Autumn period, the state of Chen repeatedly declined due to conflicts among its noble families over succession. This forest indicates improper distinctions in titles, disputes over succession within the family, ultimately leading to the ruin of the family and the loss of the state, which is a great misfortune.

頤：鳥驚孤鴻，亂國不寧。上弱下強，為陰所行。

A flock of birds startled a lone wild goose, causing disorder in the troubled state; those in authority are weak, while those below are strong, and everything is controlled by theyin softness side. This forest symbolizes a situation where the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, with the established order reversed, leading to national unrest and misfortune.

大過：被繡夜行，不見文章。安坐於堂，乃無咎殃。長子帥師，得其正常。

Wearing embroidered robes while traveling at night, no one can see the patterns on the clothes; sitting calmly in the hall, there will be no calamity. Assigning the eldest son to lead the army is in accordance with the proper way. The phrase "the eldest son leads the army" comes from The Zhou Changes (I Ching), hexagram 5, line 6. This suggests that the person in question displays excessive ornamentation in secret, which is in vain. It is better to remain quiet and stay in one's proper position, choosing the capable and entrusting them with responsibility, thus attaining the correct path.

坎：六月采芑，征伐無道。張仲方叔，克勝飲酒。

In June, the army set out to campaign, aiming to attack a country that had become lawless. Generals such as Zhang Zhong and Fang Shu returned victorious and held a banquet to celebrate their success. The Book of Songs, in the section of Xiao Ya, contains two poems, "June" and "Cai Yi," which recount the northern campaigns of Fang Shu and Zhang Zhong. This indicates that the leader of the army has a just cause, has chosen capable generals, and will achieve victory, which is a great auspicious omen.

咸：昧暮乘車，東至伯家。踰梁越河，濟脫無他。

On a dark evening, he set out by carriage to visit Bo's house, heading east. He crossed bridges and rivers, and safely escaped without any other mishaps. Although the master of the forest had to travel far at night and encountered dangers, he was ultimately able to cross them safely, which is a case of being startled but not in danger.

恆：東風解凍，和氣兆升，年歲豐登。

East wind blows and ice and snow melt, warm air begins to rise, and the harvest of the year will certainly be abundant. The East wind thawing ice is the seasonal phenomenon recorded in the "Book of Rites · Monthly Orders" for the beginning of spring. This indicates the arrival of warm seasons, the removal of obstructions, and the thawing of ice. Agricultural and human affairs all become smooth and prosperous, which is auspicious.

遯：三狸搏鼠，遮遏前後。死於圜域，不得脫走。

Three wild cats work together to attack the rat, blocking it from front and back; the rat dies in the enclosed circle, unable to escape. This indicates that the ruler of the forest is surrounded on all sides, controlled from all directions, with no way out, which is ominous.

大壯：綏德孔明，履祿久長。貴且有光，疾病憂傷。

The virtue of governing the people is very clear, and the length of their official position is long; their status is prominent and shining, but they have a illness to worry about. This person has both virtue and proper position, with enduring wealth and honor, yet they must beware of illness, which brings good fortune mixed with worry.

晉：三虎搏狼，力不相當。如摧腐枯，一擊破亡。

Three tigers attack a single wolf, with a great disparity in strength between the two sides; it is like breaking a rotten and withered tree, which can be crushed all at once. This situation represents a dominant force overwhelming a weaker one, a strong force attacking a weak one. It is easy to defeat the enemy, and both in military campaigns and disputes, victory is achieved. This is a favorable omen.

明夷：使伯采桑，狠不肯行。與叔爭訟，更相毀傷。

Sent a man from the Bo family to gather mulberry leaves, but he stubbornly refused to go. He also had a lawsuit with the Shu family, mutually insulting and harming each other. This indicates that the brothers are not harmonious, the orders are not obeyed, disputes lead to mutual loss, which is ominous.

家人：抱空握虛，鴞驚我雛，利去不來。

He holds emptiness in his arms and grasps nothing real; the owl frightens his young bird. Benefits vanish without return. The owl was considered an omen of ill fortune by ancient people. The owner of this forest gains nothing substantial, the household is startled, wealth is lost, and it is a凶 omen.

睽：李花再實，鴻卵降集。仁哲以興，隆國不賊。

The peach tree bloomed again and bore fruit for the second time, and the eggs of the wild geese gathered together; thus, virtuous and wise people arose, and flourishing states were free from bandits. When grasses and trees bear fruit again and strange creatures gather, the Han people regard this as a sign of heavenly mandate. This forest signifies the repeated appearance of auspicious signs, the rise of virtuous men, national prosperity without worries, and great good fortune.

蹇：東山皋落，勇悍不服。金瑛玩好，衣為身賊。絲麻不作。

The eastern mountain's Gao Luo clan is fierce and strong, unwilling to submit; beautiful jade and treasures are only for display, fine clothes become harmful, and silk and hemp cannot be woven. Gao Luo is a branch of the Red Dí people. Duke Jin Xian Gong once ordered his eldest son Shen Sheng to attack them. This forest indicates external enemies being rebellious, indulgence in luxuries leading to loss of ambition, and the abandonment of women's crafts, which is ominous.

解：飛蚊汙身，為邪所率。青蠅分白，真孝放逐。

Flying mosquitoes bite and soil the body, and people are led astray by wicked ministers; green flies can confuse black and white, and true filial sons are instead exiled. The poem "Qingying" from the Book of Songs's Xiao Ya uses green flies as a metaphor for slanderers. This indicates that the ruler is subject to slanderous words and chaos in governance, and loyal filial sons are discarded, which is a great misfortune.

損：南山大木，丈身六目。制命出文，東里宣敷。尊主安居，鄭國無患。

A large tree on the southern mountain has a body of one chi in height with six nodes; in the state of Zheng, government orders were first drafted in words and then refined and announced by Zi Chang, who lived in Dongli. The Analects of Confucius, in the chapter Xian Wen, records that Zheng's state affairs were handled by Zi Chang, "who refined them." This forest symbolizes a virtuous minister who holds the pen, ensuring proper governance, leading to the king's peace and the state's stability, which is auspicious.

益：泉起崑崙，西出玉門。流為九河，無有憂患。

The spring originates from Kunlun Mountain, flows westward out of the Jade Gate Pass, and splits into nine major rivers, each proceeding without obstacles. Ancients believed the source of the Yellow River was in Kunlun. This forest symbolizes a long and enduring source, with branches flowing smoothly and unimpeded, indicating smooth actions and good fortune.

夬：命短不長，中年夭傷。思及哭堂，哀其子亡。

The person's life is short and not long-lasting, and they will suffer an early death in middle age. Thinking about mourning at the funeral hall, they will grieve for their son's death. This indicates a short lifespan, the sorrow of losing a son, and a decrease in the number of people, which is a great misfortune.

姤：君臣不和，上下失宜，宗子哀歌。

The ruler and the subject are not in harmony, the proper distinctions between superiors and inferiors have been lost, and the eldest son of the clan can only grieve and sing sorrowfully. This omen indicates discord among the ranks and disorder within the family, with the person in charge feeling anxious and distressed, which is ominous.

萃：苛政日作，螟食華葉。割下啖上，民被其賊。秋無所得。

Harsh government policies are constantly being implemented, like the locusts devouring flowers and leaves; cutting off the people's resources to supply the authorities, the common people suffer greatly, and by autumn there is nothing to harvest. This omen indicates that the ruler imposes heavy levies, taking from the people to serve the upper ranks, leading to people's hardship and poor harvests, which is ominous.

升：南行載鎧，登履九魁。車傷牛罷，日暮嗟諮。

The army marched southward carrying armor, climbing continuously over nine high ridges; the chariot broke down and the oxen became exhausted, with dusk approaching and only sighs and lamentations remaining. The owner of this forest is burdened with a long journey, his strength depleted and his path exhausted, and the matter ends at dusk with nothing achieved, indicating a凶 (misfortune).

困：春東夏南，隨陽有功，與利相逢。

In spring move eastward, in summer move southward, and act in accordance with the direction of the yang energy. This will lead to achievements and encounters with benefits. The person represented by this forest follows the seasonal directions, receives assistance from heaven's timing, and gains success in endeavors, which is auspicious.

井：頭尾顛倒，不知緒處，君失其國。

The head and tail are reversed, making it impossible to discern the beginning or end; the ruler thus loses the state. This indicates that the master is inverted in his approach, with disorder in the principles and regulations. The person in authority has lost control, resulting in misfortune.

革：言無要約，不成券契。殷叔季姬，公孫爭之。強入委命，不悅子南。

There is no definite agreement, so a contract cannot be established; the marriage between Yin family's Shu and Ji姬 was contested by Gongsun, who forced his way in and committed his life to it, but in the end he did not like that Zinan. This statement refers to the old case recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" about Xu Wufan's sister in the State of Zheng choosing a husband, with Zinan and Zisan competing for her. This case involves unclear agreements and a disputed marriage, with a forced union that is unwilling, which is ominous.

鼎：缺陷不成，胎卵不生，不見其形。

If there is damage or deficiency, it cannot become a complete vessel. The embryo cannot develop, the egg cannot hatch, and even the form cannot be seen. This indicates a fundamental defect and failure in development, leading to no results and a凶 outcome.

震：見蛇交臥，惜蜒畏惡，心乃無悔。

Seeing a snake coiled and entwined, although one may dislike the sinuous creature and feel fear, as long as one knows to avoid it, there will be no regret in the heart. This forest encounter presents a frightening omen; if one shows reverence and avoids it, misfortune will not be incurred.

艮：河水孔穴，壞敗我室。水深無涯，魚鱉傾倒。

The river embankment has developed a hole, and the flood has destroyed my house; the water is so deep that its edge cannot be seen, and even fish and turtles have been overturned. This indicates that the forest is subject to breaches in the embankments and the collapse of the house, which is a凶 omen of water disaster.

漸：五嶽四瀆，地得以安。高而不危，驚懼避患。

There are the Five Mountains and Four Rivers guarding the land, thus the earth remains stable. Being in a high position without danger comes from constant vigilance and fear, which can avert calamities. This forest has a solid foundation, but it should always remain cautious. Thus, even in a high position there is no danger, which is auspicious.

歸妹：南至之日，陽消不息。北風冽寒，萬物藏伏。

On the day of the southern solstice, yang energy begins to rise while yin cold continues to prevail; the northern wind cuts like bone and the cold is severe, with all things hidden and dormant. The southern solstice is the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its southernmost point. At this time, the cold energy is dominant and the vital energy of all things is deeply concealed. Therefore, all affairs should be closed and preserved, and it is not advisable to take action.

豐：五利四福，俱田高邑。黍稷盛茂，多獲高稻。

Five kinds of benefits and four kinds of good fortune gather in the fields of the highland town; millet and millet grow luxuriantly, and a great harvest of good rice is obtained. The owner of this forest has abundant land and ripe grains, with wealth and good fortune arriving together, which is very auspicious.

旅：公孫駕車，載遊東齊。延陵子產，遺我紵衣。疾病哀悲。

Gongsun drove a carriage and took me eastward to the state of Qi; Yulan Jizi and Zheng Guo's Zichan, such virtuous men, presented me with fine hemp clothes. The Zuo Zhuan records that Jizha and Zichan met and became close friends at first sight, exchanging white silk bands and hemp garments. This forest's master, traveling far away, met a true friend who gave him generous gifts, but he himself was ill, so his joy was mixed with sorrow.

巽：蛟虯當道，民困愁苦。望羊置群，長子在門。

A dragon-like creature and serpents block the path, causing the people to be in hardship and distress. Looking far ahead, they can only abandon their flock, while the eldest son remains at the gate. This indicates that the owner of the forest faces dangerous obstacles and has difficulties in making a living. Fortunately, the eldest son is still able to guard the entrance, showing that despite the danger, there is some protection.

兌：金玉滿堂，忠直乘危。三老凍餓，鬼奪我室。求魚河海，網舉必得。

Gold and jade fill the hall, yet loyal and upright men are in peril; three elders suffer from cold and hunger, and ghosts have taken my dwelling. But when seeking fish in rivers and seas, the net will surely bring a catch. This indicates that the owner has wealth but people are unsettled, the household is haunted, and only profit from fishing and hunting can be obtained, with both good and bad fortune mixed.

渙：日入明匿，陽精隱伏。小人心勞，求事不得。

The sun sets, light disappears, and the essence of yang retreats; petty people labor in vain, and their endeavors fail. This indicates a period of obscured fortune and yang not supporting, with endeavors failing, which is ominous.

節：頻逢招飲，失利後福。不如子息，舊器故杵。申請必得，乃無大悔。

Frequent invitations to banquets, temporary setbacks followed by future blessings; these are all less valuable than having children or possessing old household tools. If one insists on making requests repeatedly, eventually something will be gained, and there will be no great regret. This suggests that indulging in superficial social engagements is unhelpful; one should instead remain steadfast in practical matters and persist in requests, ultimately achieving success without regret.

中孚：南有嘉魚，驚黃取遊。魴鱮詡詡，利來無憂。

To the south there are plump fish, which start to move when startled; the鲂 fish and the鲢 fish swim together in contentment, enjoying their benefits without worry. The poem "South Has Fine Fish" from the Book of Songs's Xiao Ya describes the joy of the virtuous man with wine and the pleasure of guests feasting together. This indicates that the forest owner profits abundantly, the host and guest enjoy each other's company, gains wealth without worry, and it is auspicious.

小過：黃裳建元，文德在身。祿佑洋溢，封為齊君。

Dressed in yellow robes, he established the first year of his reign, embodying literary virtue; blessings and honors overflow, and he was enfeoffed as the ruler of the state of Qi. The phrase "Yellow Robes Bring Good Fortune" comes from the sixth line of the fifth hexagram in The Zhou Changes, symbolizing the image of being centered and upright. This person possesses virtue commensurate with his position, receiving a noble title, which is a great auspicious omen.

既濟：口不從心，欲東反西。與意乖戾，動舉失便。

He speaks with one mouth but thinks with another, intending to go east yet walking west. All things go against his intention, every action is inappropriate. This indicates that the person is inconsistent in words and deeds, things go contrary to his wishes, and actions are often inappropriate, which is not auspicious.

未濟：虎狼之鄉，日爭凶訟。叨爾為長，不能定證。

The person is in a dangerous neighborhood full of fierce conflicts, constantly involved in violent lawsuits. Although holding a position of elder, they cannot resolve cases or determine evidence. This indicates a perilous situation with ongoing disputes, and the person in charge is unable to make a decisive judgment, which is ominous.