Libo

The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

Han (漢) · Jiao Yanshou (焦延壽) · Volume 42 / 71

Charting guides: Da Yan Yarrow Stalk Divination, Liu Yao Divination Chart

恆:孟巳乙丑,哀呼尼父。明德訖終,亂虐滋起。

On that day of the fourth lunar month in the year of Yichou, people throughout the world mourned and lamented the death of Confucius. Duke Ai of Lu eulogized Confucius as "Ni Fu," as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan," volume 16 of Duke Ai's reign. The bright moral teachings thus came to an end, and chaos, cruelty, and tyranny began to flourish. This portends the decline of wise men and the deterioration of the world, indicating a great misfortune: it presages loss and the collapse of the situation.

遯:華燈百枝,消暗衰微。精光訖盡,奄如灰糜。

A splendid tree of lights with hundreds of branches gradually dims and fades; after the brilliance is exhausted, it suddenly appears like a heap of ashes. This signifies an omen of prosperity turning to decline and light fading out, which is a great misfortune: although things are currently prosperous and prominent, one must beware of a swift decline.

大壯:鷹飛雉退,兔伏不起。狐張狼鳴,野雞驚駭。

A hawk takes flight, causing the pheasant to retreat, the rabbit to crouch on the ground and not rise; the fox shows its teeth, the jackal howls, and the jungle fowl are frightened and scatter in alarm. This signifies the strong overpowering the weak and the weak being frightened, which is ominous: one's position is inferior, so it is advisable to hide one's form and avoid danger for self-preservation.

晉:斗身戰天,門有何患。室家俱在,不失其歡。

Stand up to heaven and struggle against it, with courage and bravery, where in the family could there be any calamity? Family members and wife and children are all in order, not losing joy and harmony. This indicates a situation of being fearless and strong, with the family dwelling in peace and security. Auspicious: although there may be disputes outside, there is no loss within.

明夷:東家殺牛,汙臰腥臊。神背西顧,命絕衰周。亳社災燒,宋人夷誅。

A family to the east slaughtered a cow for worship, and the stench and foulness of the blood rose to the sky. The deities turned their faces away and looked only westward, and thus the declining Zhou dynasty came to an end. The temple of Bao, established by the Yin dynasty, was burned to the ground, and the people of Song consequently suffered punishment. The disaster of Bao Temple is recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, year four of Duke Ai. This portends a situation where the rites of worship are not properly observed, and the gods are angry, leading to the downfall of the state, which is a great misfortune.

家人:陰陽辨舒,二姓相合。婚姻孔云,生我利福。

Yin and Yang are each in their proper place, leading to smooth and harmonious development; thus, two families come together in marriage. The matter of marriage is widely praised, giving rise to various benefits and blessings. This indicates a favorable omen of harmonious Yin and Yang and a great auspiciousness in marriage: marriage and partnerships are both suitable.

蹇:東入海口,循流北走。一高一下,五色無主。十日六夜,死於水涘。

Traveling east toward the harbor, following the current northward; the boat rose and fell unpredictably, with a confusing array of five colors before the eyes and a confused mind; after drifting for ten days and six nights, he finally died by the water's edge. This indicates a fate of traveling far across water and dying from getting lost, a great misfortune: one must absolutely avoid long journeys by water.

解:孤竹之墟,失婦無夫。傷於蒺藜,不見其妻。東郭棠姜,武子以亡。

On the ruins of the Guzhu state, women are widowed and men are without wives; they are pierced by thorns and can no longer see their spouses. Just as Cui Wuzi married Tang Jiang, the sister of Dongguo Yan, and ultimately suffered the collapse of his family due to this marriage. The account of Cui Zhu's marriage to Tang Jiang is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan · Xianggong Twenty-Fifth Year." This signifies a凶 portent related to sexual restraint: calamity arises from the matter of one's spouse, and therefore, marriage must be approached with great caution.

損:天門東墟,盡既為災。跡□喑聾,秦伯受殃。

The heavenly gate direction and the ruins to the east together become a place of calamity; traces are erased, mouths are silent, ears are deaf, and the king of Qin thus suffers misfortune. The original text here has missing characters, marked as 「□」 for uncertainty without conjecture. This refers to an omen of blocked ears and eyes, and misfortune befalling the superior. It is ominous; one should promote open communication and be cautious in guarding the nation's borders.

益:賴生光水,受福之祉。雖遭亂,潰獨不危殆。

Supported by this flourishing expanse of shimmering waters, receiving the blessings of protection; even in times of chaos and defeat, one's own safety is not compromised. This represents the image of being preserved amidst turmoil, which is auspicious: although the world is disturbed, relying on virtue and power can ensure safety.

夬:折舌閉目,不見稚叔。三足孤烏,遠其無失。

Bite off the tongue and close the eyes, no longer seeing the young younger brother; the solitary three-legged bird soars high and far away, avoiding danger and losing nothing. The three-legged bird is a divine bird of the sun, mentioned in the Huainanzi's "Spirit and Form Training." It signifies the omen of remaining unharmed by keeping silent and distant: not speaking, not seeing, fleeing far and flying high, thus ensuring safety.

姤:七人同室,兄弟合食。和樂相好,各得所欲。

Seven people live in the same room, siblings sit together having meals; harmonious and joyful, loving and caring for each other, everyone is content. This indicates a situation of family reunion and harmony, a great auspicious omen: suitable for partnership in business and for living with relatives.

萃:繼體守藩,縱慾廢賢。君臣淫佚,夏氏失身。側室之門,福祿來存。

The person who inherits the throne and governs the territory indulges in sensual desires and neglects virtuous talents; the king and his ministers indulge together in licentiousness, leading to the disgrace and humiliation of the woman Xie Ji of Chen. King Ling of Chen had improper relations with Kong Ning and Yi Xingfu, an incident recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan · Xuan Gong Ninth Year." However, the collateral branches and concubine families actually retain their blessings and favors. This is an omen indicating that the main line of succession has lost virtue while the collateral branches gain fortune: those in high positions should be cautious against indulgence and debauchery.

升:老狐屈尾,東西為鬼。病我長女,哭涕詘指。或西或東,大革易誘。

An old fox, with its tail tucked in, causes trouble by moving from place to place, acting like a ghost. It has made my eldest daughter sick, making her cry with tears streaming down her face and counting the days one by one. The demon moves from west to east, constantly changing, easily deceiving people. This indicates a sign of evil spirits causing disturbances, which is ominous. The household should be cautious of illness and should not easily believe in temptations when acting.

困:大樹之子,百條共母。當夏六月,枝葉茂盛。鸞鳳以庇,召伯避暑。穉穉卭甚,各得其所。

The branches of a big tree grow in hundreds, all emerging from the same trunk; by June, the branches and leaves are exceptionally lush. The mythical鸾 bird and 凤凰 find shade beneath the tree, and the official 召伯 also takes shelter there. The poem from the Book of Songs, "Zhaonan · Gantang," describes how 召伯 heard cases under the Gantang tree. Though the tree is young and tender, it grows vigorously, and all things find their proper place. This represents an image of widespread shelter and each thing in its proper position, indicating great auspiciousness.

井:井堙木刊,國多暴殘。秦王失所,壞我大壇。

A well was filled in and trees were cut down completely, and cruel and violent acts frequently occurred in the country; the Qin king thus lost his place to stand, and even our great altar was destroyed. The phrase "well filled and trees cut down" comes from the "Zuo Zhuan · Year One of Ai," referring to the destruction of the means of sustenance. It signifies the destruction of the fundamental resources and the fall of the state with the cessation of rituals, indicating a great misfortune.

革:駕黃買蒼,與利相迎。心獲所守,不累弟兄。

Riding a yellow horse out, buying back a fine green骢 horse, all the way encountering benefits; keeping one's principles in mind while gaining something, without involving siblings. This indicates a favorable omen for profit without future troubles; transactions can succeed, and family relationships remain unharmed.

鼎:倉盈庾億,宜稼黍稷。年豐歲熟,民得安息。

The granary is full, and the stored grain in the granaries is measured in billions. It is most suitable to plant millet and millet. The harvest is abundant, and all five grains are ripe, allowing the people to live in peace and rest. This indicates a prosperous year with sufficient food at home, which is a great auspicious sign. It is favorable for farming, storing grain, and living in peace.

震:人生馬淵,壽考且神。飛騰上天,舍宿軒轅。居常樂安。

A person born from a miraculous place like Ma Yuan possesses longevity and spiritual insight, capable of flying to heaven and dwelling in the mansion of Xuan Yuan star. Xuan Yuan is both the title of the Yellow Emperor and the name of a star, as mentioned in the "Records of the Grand Historian: Celestial Offices." This person enjoys peace and comfort in daily life without worries. This signifies receiving extraordinary energy, leading to great fortune, longevity, health, and well-being, which is extremely auspicious.

艮:思願所之,今乃逢時。洗我故憂,拜我歡來。

The place one has been thinking about and wishing to go to has now arrived at a favorable time; the old worries have been washed away, and joyful matters are coming to visit continuously. This indicates the fulfillment of long-expected wishes, which is very auspicious: things long desired can now be achieved.

漸:魁罡所當,初為敗殃。君子留連,困於水漿。求金東山,利在茂鄉。賈市有息,子載母行。

When the ominous star Kuigang is present in a direction, initially there will be inevitable decline and misfortune; the virtuous person will be hindered and unable to move, even worrying about food and drink. However, if one goes to the east mountain to seek wealth, profit will be found in a place where vegetation is abundant. Business and trade will yield interest, and the son will carry the mother along the way. This indicates a situation of initial difficulty followed by success: at first there will be obstacles, but by changing direction to the east, one will gain profit and return successfully.

歸妹:鉛刀攻玉,無不鑽鑿。龍體具舉,魯般為輔。三聖翼事,所求必喜。

Using a soft and dull lead knife to carve jade, which originally could not be cut at all, now cuts effortlessly without resistance; a dragon-shaped vessel is fully formed, and with the assistance of the master craftsman Gongshu Ban, the three sages support the endeavor, and whatever is sought is achieved. Gongshu Ban, also known as Gongbu Ban, was an ancient master craftsman. This signifies the image of obtaining capable assistants and even clumsy workers achieving success, indicating great auspiciousness.

豐:喜來如云,舉家歡忻。眾才君子,駕福盈門。

Joyful events come like clouds gathering in abundance, with the whole family filled with joy and excitement; many virtuous and talented gentlemen arrive by carriage bringing blessings, filling the courtyard. This indicates a scene of abundant blessings and a gathering of talented people, which is very auspicious.

旅:響像無形,骨體不成。微行衰索,消滅無名。

There is only echo and shadow without a real form; the bones and body cannot take shape. The traces are faint and the atmosphere is bleak and desolate, eventually fading away without leaving a name. This signifies something that is empty and not substantial, destined for destruction, which is a great凶 (misfortune). The plans have no foundation and cannot be established.

巽:積水不溫,北陸苦寒。露宿多風,君子傷心。

Accumulated water remains cold without warming, the northern land is bitterly cold; staying outdoors overnight is windy, causing the gentleman to feel sorrowful. This indicates a situation of severe cold and hardship, which is ominous: one should not travel north, as exposure to the elements easily leads to illness.

兌:黃馬綠車,駕之大都。贊達才能,使我無憂。(贊當作薦)

Riding a yellow horse with green and blue decorations, heading straight to the great city; someone recommends and promotes my abilities, allowing me to be free from worries henceforth. This indicates a favorable omen of being recommended by others and achieving success without anxiety, which is a great auspicious sign. It is an opportune time to seek fame and advancement. The marginal note says 'zan' should be 'jian,' meaning recommendation and promotion.

渙:從風放火,芝艾俱死。三害集聚,叔子中傷。

Following the wind to set fire to clear land, both the spiritual mushroom and the wormwood are burned to death, good and bad jade are destroyed together; three kinds of calamities gather in one place, causing the younger brother to suffer slander. This indicates a situation where good and bad are not distinguished, and innocent people are harmed along with the guilty. It is a great凶 (misfortune): the punishment of being implicated in others' crimes is inevitable, and one should avoid places of contention and trouble.

節:一身三手,無益於輔。兩足共節,不能克敏。

A person with three hands, the extra ones are of no help; two feet sharing one joint make walking slow. This signifies a form that is disordered and excessive without utility, indicating misfortune: although there are many hands, they are not useful, and matters will inevitably be delayed.

中孚:南向陋室,風雨併入。埃塵積溼,王母盲痺。偏枯心疾,亂我家次。

A house facing south with a broken roof allows wind and rain to enter together; dust has accumulated thickly and become damp, causing the mother at home to lose her eyesight, suffer from limb paralysis, and develop hemiplegia and heart disease, thus completely disrupting the family order. This indicates an omen of improper dwelling and illness among the elders, which is very ominous: it is advisable to repair the residence and be cautious of illnesses among the elderly.

小過:采薇出車,魚麗思初。上下促急,君子懷憂。

Singing the "Cai Wei" poem while driving out to war, and listening to the "Yu Li" music while recalling the past; all levels are pressing hard, and the gentleman's heart is full of sorrow. "Cai Wei," "Chu Che," and "Yu Li" are all poems from the "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya" dealing with military campaigns and feasts. They indicate a situation of being pressed by military service, which is ominous: official matters are pressing, one should respond calmly and not force matters.

既濟:先易後否,告我利市。騷蘇自苦,思再故止。(一作改正)

At first things go smoothly but later become blocked, and someone told me that this situation is favorable for trade. However, the outcome was busy and troublesome, causing self-inflicted suffering. After considering it repeatedly, I decided to stop. This indicates a situation where things start smoothly but then face obstacles: pursuing profit further will lead to being trapped, so it is advisable to stop in time. The marginal note mentions that the original text reads 'correcting'.

未濟:生宜地乳,上皇大喜。隆我祉福,貴壽無極。

It grows in a place where the land nourishes like rich milk, and the Heavenly Emperor rejoices greatly. He bestows abundant blessings, granting me wealth, honor, longevity, and boundless prosperity. This signifies receiving the nourishment of heaven and earth, with both fortune and longevity fully attained. It is a great auspicious omen.

Jian's Forest (Sixty-fourth Hexagram Jian Forest)

蹇:同濟共輿,中道別去。喪我元夫,獨與孤苦。

Originally we traveled together by boat and carriage, companions on the same path, but halfway we parted ways; I lost my good husband, leaving me alone in bitter solitude. This indicates a sign of separation in the middle of the journey, a great misfortune: companions scatter, indicating a calamity of losing one's spouse and companion.

乾:叔肸居冤,祁子自邑。乘遽解患,羊舌免脫。賴得生全。

A sheep's tongue (a metaphor for a person) named Xi was falsely accused and imprisoned. The elderly Qi Xi hurried from his fiefdom, arriving swiftly by official carriage to resolve the crisis. With his help, Shu Xiang was exonerated and escaped punishment, thereby preserving his life. This event is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan," Volume 21 of the Xiaogong period. This divination indicates a situation where someone is in distress and receives aid from a nobleman. It is a favorable omen: legal disputes can be resolved, and even in adversity, there is salvation.

坤:兔聚東郭,眾犬俱獵。圍缺不成,無所能獲。

Rabbits gathered outside the eastern city, and a pack of hunting dogs chased them together; however, the encircling formation had a gap that could not be closed, resulting in nothing being caught. This indicates a situation where many forces are not in harmony and efforts fail at the last moment, which is ominous. Matters should be planned carefully; even a slight oversight can lead to the loss of all previous efforts.

屯:作室山根,人以為安。一夕崩顛,敗我壺餐。

Building a house at the foot of a mountain, everyone thought it safe and secure; but unexpectedly, a mountain collapse occurred overnight, overturning even the contents of a jar. This indicates improper site selection and sudden hidden dangers, a great凶 (misfortune): within apparent safety lies a hidden crisis, one should examine the terrain and relocate.

蒙:疾風塵起,亂我崩始。強大並小,先否後喜。

A sudden strong wind arises, causing dust to rise and immediately disturbing me, leaving me in a state of disorder. The strong overpower the weak, and at first things are blocked, but later they turn into joy. This indicates a situation that starts with chaos and eventually becomes stable: initial setbacks are inevitable, but perseverance will ultimately lead to good results.

需:潔齋沐浴,思明居德。哀公怯弱,風氏復北。

Purify oneself, observe a ritual fast, bathe and change clothes, and focus one's mind on the pursuit of brightness while upholding virtue. However, Duke Lu Ai's nature is timid and weak, and the Chengfeng clan of the Feng surname has once again returned north. This indicates that although one cultivates virtue, the superior ruler is incapable. One can safeguard oneself and avoid mistakes by maintaining self-restraint, but relying on others to accomplish tasks will be difficult.

訟:土瘠瘦薄,培塿無柏,使我不樂。

The land is barren and thin, and even a single cypress tree cannot grow on the small hill. This makes me feel uneasy. "Péilǔ wú sōngbǎi" means that in a small place, great materials cannot grow, as mentioned in "Zuo Zhuan · Xianggong Twenty-Fourth Year." This signifies a situation where the land is poor and cannot produce great things, indicating misfortune: one's current environment is difficult for achievement, and it is advisable to seek better land.

師:褰衣涉河,澗流波多。賴遇舟子,濟脫無他。

He took off his clothes and waded across the river, but the stream was swift with heavy waves. Fortunately, he met a boatman who helped him cross safely without any further mishaps. This indicates a situation where one encounters danger but is rescued by someone else, which is auspicious. When facing difficulties, there will surely be someone to help, and one will ultimately be able to escape unharmed.

比:送我季女,瑩於蕩道。齊子旦夕,留連久處。

Sending my young daughter away for marriage, she walks proudly on a broad road; the woman from the state of Qi stays by her side day and night, reluctant to leave, remaining together for a long time. "Qi Zi" comes from the "Book of Songs · Qi Wind · Zai Qu", originally describing Wen Jiang. It signifies a good match and long-term companionship, which is auspicious.

小畜:三孫六子,安無所苦。中藏廢殆,亡我所使。

Three grandsons and six sons, the family is secure and free from hardship; however, the accumulated wealth in the middle has gradually declined and fallen into disrepair, leaving no servants even. This indicates a situation where the family has many people but the estate is in decline: the exterior appears peaceful, but the interior is empty. It is advisable to take action early to revive the situation.

履:揚風偃草,塵埃俱起。清濁溷散,忠直隱處。

A great wind blows, causing all grass and trees to bow down, and dust rises together; the clear and the turbid become mixed and indistinct, making it difficult to distinguish. The loyal and upright persons are forced to retreat and remain hidden. "The virtue of the gentleman is like wind; the virtue of the petty person is like grass" comes from the Analects of Confucius, but here the meaning is reversed. This indicates a state of a corrupt world where the virtuous retreat. It is an ominous sign: one should remain concealed and cautious, and should not force oneself to act.

泰:歷險登危,道遠勞疲。去家自歸,困涉大波。

Crossing dangerous obstacles and climbing perilous places, the journey is long and exhausting; leaving home and then returning on one's own, struggling through great waves. This indicates toil and fruitless to-and-fro travel, which is ominous: long journeys are unfavorable, and it is advisable to stay put and avoid movement.

否:六藝之門,仁義俱存。鎡基逢時,堯舜為君。傷寒執溫,下至黃泉。

Having entered the gate of the Six Arts, one possesses both benevolence and righteousness; even with a good farming tool like the hoe, it is not as good as waiting for the right season. Moreover, with a sage ruler like Yao or Shun above, it is even more so. "Though one has the hoe, it is better to wait for the right time" is from the "Gong Sun Chou Shang" chapter of the "Mencius." However, if one contracts a cold and still insists on warming and tonifying, it may lead to a worsening illness, even to the underworld. This indicates a situation where the timing is favorable but the care is inappropriate: although the external circumstances are auspicious, one must beware of errors in medical treatment and the use of medicine.

同人:被服文衣,遊觀酒池。上堂見觴,喜為吾兄。使我憂亡。

Dressed in splendid embroidered garments, he walks by the wine pool; entering the hall, he raises his cup to drink freely, joyfully meeting his elder brother, dispelling all worries. This signifies a scene of gathering and feasting, removing sorrows, and is auspicious: gathering with relatives can relieve sorrow.

大有:生時不利,天命災至。制於斧瘢,當夜勤苦。

The time of birth is not auspicious, and fate brings calamity; bound by wounds from tools, working hard all night long. This indicates a poor constitution and being constrained by hardship, which is ominous. It is advisable to be content with one's circumstances and not to pursue what is beyond one's means.

謙:天門開闢,牢戶寥廓。桎梏解脫,拘囚縱釋。

The heavenly gate is wide open, and the gate of imprisonment is suddenly clear; the handcuffs and leg irons are all removed, and all the prisoners are released. This indicates the removal of restraints and a reversal from bad to good fortune, which is very auspicious: legal disputes can be resolved, and difficulties will be overcome naturally.

豫:川淵難遊,水為我憂。多言少實,命鹿為駒。道德開基,君子逢時,利以中疑。

The river and the stream are deep and difficult to cross, and great water has become my distress. Those around me speak much but without truth, mistakenly calling a deer a horse foal, and turning a deer into a horse. They invert right and wrong. Fortunately, by establishing a foundation of virtue, the gentleman is in the right time, most suitable for mediating disputes in the center. This is about water-related troubles and verbal disputes, but by maintaining virtue, it is auspicious: not quarreling with others, keeping to the right path and waiting for the right time.

隨:鄉歲逢時,與生為期。枝葉盛茂,君子無憂。

Striving for a bountiful year and seizing favorable opportunities, aligning with the timing of growth; branches and leaves flourish abundantly, allowing the gentleman to be free from worries. This signifies a favorable time for growth and vigorous vitality, indicating great auspiciousness: all affairs will proceed smoothly, and family prosperity will increase day by day.

蠱:六鷁退飛,為衰毀祥。陳師合戰,左股夷傷。遂崩不起,霸功不成。

Six cranes flew backward through the state of Song due to the wind, which was an omen of decline and destruction; later, when Duke Xiang of Song led his army into battle against Chu, he was seriously wounded in his thigh and eventually became bedridden, thus losing the opportunity to achieve his hegemonic ambitions. The event of six cranes flying backward is recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, Volume 16, and the battle of Hong is mentioned in the Zuo Zhuan, Volume 22 of Duke Xiang. This indicates a portent of impending misfortune and certain failure in undertakings, representing a great misfortune: it is not advisable to engage in military conflict or strive for dominance.

臨:雷君出裝,隱隱西行。霖雨不止,流為河江。南國憂凶。

Thunder god is fully equipped for travel, making a rumbling sound rolling westward; continuous heavy rain falls without end, accumulating into rivers overflowing, causing the southern country to fall into calamity and danger. This indicates the image of water flooding and causing disaster, which is ominous: one should beware of flood dangers, and traveling south is unfavorable.

觀:牙孽生齒,陽倡於外。左手執鑰,公言錫爵。

New shoots sprout like newly born teeth, with yang energy on the outside leading the way; the left hand holds a bamboo flute and dances, and the Duke or Marquis immediately grants a cup of wine. "Left hand holding the bamboo flute" comes from the Book of Songs, Bei Feng, Jian Xi, depicting the appearance of a dance master. This signifies the initial movement of vitality and the beginning of receiving official favor, which is auspicious: seeking fame and official position is most appropriate at this time.

噬嗑:火起土門,不為我殘。跳脫東西,獨得生完。不利出鄰,病疾憂患。

A big fire broke out near the earth gate but did not harm me. I darted around and escaped the fire, preserving my life. However, it is not advisable to go out to visit neighbors, as there are diseases and troubles waiting there. This indicates a situation where one avoids disaster but should not go out. Staying at home is safe, but going out may lead to illness.

賁:舉事無成,不利出征。言不可用,眾不能平。

When taking action, nothing is accomplished, especially unfavorable for military campaigns; advice given is not adopted, and the people's hearts cannot be calmed. This indicates a situation where plans do not succeed and the people are not loyal, which is ominous. It is advisable to hold back from action, first stabilize the internal situation before considering external matters.

剝:老狼白驢,長尾大胡。前顛卻躓,進退遇祟。

An old wolf and a white donkey walked together; one dragged a long tail, and the other had a large fleshy beard beneath its chin. When moving forward, it would trip over the beard, and when retreating, it would be tripped up by the tail. Advancing and retreating both encountered obstacles. This refers to the phrase "Wang Ba Qi Hu, Zai Zhi Qi Wei" from the Book of Songs, Bin Feng, "Wang Ba." It symbolizes a situation of being trapped between difficulties, indicating a凶 (adverse) omen. It is advisable to remain still and wait for the right time.

復:日入道極,勞者休息。班馬還師,復我燕室。

The sun sets, marking the end of the day's journey, and the laborer is able to rest. The war horses return to the court, and I also return to my peaceful dwelling. This signifies the image of achieving success and withdrawing, returning home to safety. It is auspicious: travelers may return, and those who have labored may rest.

旡妄:山林麓藪,非人所處。鳥獸無禮,使我心苦。

Deep mountains and dense forests, as well as the grassy areas at the foot of mountains, are not places where humans can live comfortably; there birds and beasts roam freely without regard for propriety, causing me great worry. This indicates an inappropriateness in one's dwelling place and association with those who lack reason, which is ominous: one is not in the right place, and it is advisable to plan a move.

大畜:蓄利積福,日新其德。高氏飲食,憂不為患。

Accumulating benefits and gathering blessings, virtue becomes increasingly renewed each day; noble families enjoy abundant food and sustenance, and even minor worries cannot lead to calamity. "If it is renewed one day, renewed every day, and renewed again and again" comes from the "Great Learning," quoting the inscription on the ritual vessel of King Tang. This signifies the image of accumulating virtue to achieve abundance, which is highly auspicious.

頤:張羅百目,鳥不得北。縮頸掛翼,困於窘國。君子治德,獲譽受福。

He who spreads a net with a hundred eyes finds that even birds cannot fly north; crouching with his neck bent and wings caught, he is trapped in a distressed land. Only the gentleman who diligently cultivates virtue can gain reputation and receive blessings. This signifies a situation of being inpredicament but overcoming it through virtue: although the external circumstances are difficult, those who cultivate virtue will ultimately be fortunate.

The original text is in the public domain. The English is a machine-assisted translation of this library’s own Chinese paraphrase, checked against a fixed glossary so that technical terms match the definitions used elsewhere on this site. It is a reading aid and does not replace the original.