Libo

The hexagram of Loss (Hexagram 64) is called "Forest of Loss."

Han (漢) · Jiao Yanshou (焦延壽) · Volume 49 / 71

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

革:蘇秦發言,韓魏無患。張子馳說,燕齊以安。

Su Qin advocated the strategy of forming an alliance against the western states, thereby sparing Han and Wei from calamity; Zhang Yi traveled extensively to make diplomatic arguments, allowing Yan and Qi to remain secure. This is an omen of resolving conflicts through eloquence. Those skilled in persuasive speech can turn danger into safety, and it is advisable to prioritize negotiation as the primary strategy.

鼎:武庫軍府,甲兵所聚。非裡邑居,不可舍止。(師之蹇)

The military arsenal and the war office are places where armor and weapons are gathered; they are not residential areas, so one should not stay there. This indicates an inauspicious choice of location. One should avoid dangerous places for dwelling and resting in order to avoid calamity. This passage is the same as the one titled "The Army's Obstruction."

震:三桃三口,莫適所與。為孺子牛,西氏生咎。

Three peaches facing three mouths, none can decide which one to give; willing to bow down and serve as the "ox for the young master" mentioned in the "Zuo Zhuan," the Xi family thus incurs misfortune. This is an omen of unequal distribution and calamity brought by humbling oneself. Those who cannot maintain fairness among others will inevitably cause disputes.

艮:西山東山,各自止安。雖相登望,竟不同堂。

Mountains to the west and mountains to the east each occupy their own place; though they can see each other from a distance, they cannot sit together in the same hall. This is an omen of being far apart and unable to gather. Although feelings may be connected, their physical separation makes it difficult for them to meet.

漸:不改柯葉,和氣沖適。君子所在,安無怵惕。

The branches and leaves remain unchanged, with harmonious energy filling and flowing smoothly; the gentleman's dwelling is secure and free from fear. This is an omen of maintaining the usual state and achieving peace, without reckless changes leading to both body and mind being tranquil, and both home and official duties being auspicious.

歸妹:將戌繫亥,陽藏不起。君子散亂,大上危殆。

The time sequence has reached the Xu position and is connected to the Hai position, with the yang energy concealed and not active; the noble person is scattered and confused, and those in high positions fall into danger. This indicates a situation where yang energy is blocked and the upper and lower positions are out of alignment. When asking about state affairs or future prospects, it foretells decline and peril.

豐:天官列宿,五神舍室。宮闕完堅,君安其居。

The celestial officials and constellations are arranged in order, with the spirits of the five directions each occupying their proper places. The palaces and city walls are solid and secure, and the sovereign resides within them. This signifies an orderly hierarchy and stable abode, indicating good fortune for construction, relocation, and maintaining one's position.

旅:左手把水,如光與鬼,不可得徙。

Using the left hand to hold water, the water appears like light and shadow, like ghosts and spirits, unable to be moved at all. This is an omen of futile effort and no proof, where what is grasped is entirely illusory, and there is no way to proceed with plans.

巽:逐狐東山,水遏我前。深不可涉,失利後便。

Going to the East Mountain to chase foxes, great water blocks my way; the water is too deep to cross, thus missing the opportunity and falling behind others. This indicates an obstruction on the way, the pursued benefit being cut off, and it is advisable to seek another path.

兌:水瀆魚室,來灌吾邑。沖破我家,與狗俱遊。

The fish in the ditches have flooded, overflowing into my city; they have destroyed my house, and people and dogs are floating together in the water. This is an omen of a flood destroying the household. Those living in low-lying areas should especially beware of flooding. The main house is in great danger.

渙:山險難登,澗中多石。車馳轊繫,重載傷軸。擔負善躓,跌踒右足。(繫一作擊)

The mountain is steep and difficult to climb, with scattered rocks in the mountain stream; the carriage rushes forward but its front wheel is caught, and the heavy load breaks the axle; the person carrying a load stumbles repeatedly, injuring his right foot. This is an omen of carrying excessive burdens and facing dangers, where overburdening will inevitably lead to damage. It is advisable to reduce the load and proceed slowly. The old text may have the character '系' written as '击'.

節:槽空無實,豚彘不食。庶民屈竭,離其居室。

The feeding trough is empty with no grain, not even the pigs have anything to eat; the people are exhausted and have no resources left, so they have to leave their homes to seek food. This is an omen of empty granaries and people displaced, indicating bad fortune when asking about the harvest or family finances.

中孚:執熱爛手,大為災咎。公孫無賴,敗我王室。

Holding a hot object and burning one's palm, leading to great misfortune; the scoundrels of the public surname generation have ruined my royal house. This is an omen of recklessly disturbing the source of calamity and the royal family suffering harm. In all matters, one should not lightly engage in conflict, especially one should keep away from petty people.

小過:三虎上山,更相噬囓。心志不親,如仇如怨。

Three tigers ascend the mountain together, tearing and biting each other; their hearts are not aligned, and they are like enemies and rivals. This is an omen of strong forces competing with each other. Being in the same place but with different intentions, working together will inevitably lead to discord.

既濟:西家嫁女,借鄰送女。嘉我淑姬,賓主俱喜。

A neighbor's family is marrying off their daughter, relying on the help of neighbors to escort her. Everyone praises my virtuous woman of the Ji surname, and both guests and hosts are happy. This indicates receiving assistance from many, with a harmonious marriage, and both marriage and social connections are auspicious.

未濟:克身潔己,逢禹巡狩。錫我元圭,拜受福祉。

To restrain oneself and maintain purity, coinciding with the great Yu touring the land; granting me a jade scepter as a token, expressing gratitude for this blessing, this is the meaning of "Yu gave the black jade" from the Book of Documents, Shangshu · Yugong. This signifies the image of cultivating oneself and encountering a wise sovereign. Those who uphold purity and self-restraint will surely receive commendation and generous rewards.

Cui Hexagram (Hexagram 64, Cui Forest)

萃:蒙慶受福,有所獲得。不利出城,疾人困極。

One receives congratulations and gains blessings, indeed achieving some benefit; however, it is not advisable to travel far from the city, as those who are ill will reach a state of extreme distress. This is an omen of gain through staying put and disadvantage in travel, so one should remain quiet and accept the blessings, avoiding long journeys and inquiries about illness.

乾:碩鼠四足,飛不上屋。顏氏淵德,未有爵祿。

The poem from the Book of Songs, Wei Wind, criticizes large rats that have four legs but cannot fly onto the roof. Similarly, Yan Yuan, who had profound virtue, had not yet received a title or salary. This is an image of virtue but low rank. Although one's ability is excellent, the right opportunity has not come yet. One should remain content with poverty and adhere to the right path in waiting.

坤:新受大喜,福優重職,樂且日富。

Recently having received a great joy, blessings have been abundant and the position has been further elevated, filled with happiness and growing wealth day by day. This is an omen of joy combined with promotion, highly auspicious for those seeking employment and receivingofficial stipend, and indicating the gradual prosperity of the family.

屯:克身潔己,逢禹巡狩。錫我元圭,拜受福祉。

Self-restraint and maintaining purity, just as when Great Yu toured the land; he bestowed upon me the great jade as a token of trust, and I expressed gratitude for this blessing. This is the omen of cultivating oneself and encountering the right time. Those who uphold integrity will surely receive grace and renown.

蒙:置筐失筥,輪破無輔。家伯為政,病我下土。

He set down the square basket and dropped the round basket, the wheel was broken and there was no wooden support to hold it in place; this is the image of officials like Jia Bo mentioned in the "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Shiyue Zhi Jiao" who held power and oppressed the people below. This represents broken tools and harmful government policies, where things lose their support and the common people suffer as a result.

需:機言不發,頑不能達。齊魯為仇,亡我葵丘。

The key points are not spoken out, being foolish and unable to understand; the states of Qi and Lu have become enemies, causing me to lose the territory of Kuiqiu. This is an omen of blocked speech and lost land leading to resentment. When one should speak but does not, calamity is sure to follow.

訟:亡錐失斧,公輸無輔。抱其彝器,適君子處。(一本蒙下二句在訟之下,訟下二句在蒙之下)

Lost a awl and lost an axe, even the skilled craftsman Gongshuban would have no helper; one can only carry the ritual vessels for worship and seek refuge with the gentleman. This is an omen of losing one's essential tools and seeking protection from others, and when there is no support, one should rely on a virtuous person. Another version moves the last two lines of the 'Meng' section here and assigns these last two lines to the 'Meng' section instead.

師:家在海隅,橈短深流。伯氏難行,無木以超。

A person living at the edge of the sea, with a short oar and deep water; Brother Bo cannot proceed, and there is no timber to build a bridge. This is the image of insufficient strength bearing a heavy burden. With inadequate means, one cannot even take a step forward. It is advisable to first prepare the necessary tools.

比:德施流行,利之四鄉。雨師灑道,風伯逐殃。巡狩封禪,以告成功。

Heavenly virtue is widely spread, benefiting all surrounding towns and villages; the rain god waters the roads to purify them, and the wind god drives away calamities. The emperor travels throughout the land, ascends mountains for the ritual of mountain and altar sacrifice, thus informing heaven and earth of his achievements. This is an omen of widespread virtue and great accomplishments receiving celebration. Initiating major affairs and holding grand ceremonies are all auspicious.

小畜:筐傾筥覆,畏我公置。簡伯無禮,太師正食。

The square basket is overturned, and the round basket is turned upside down; fear arises that the lord will inquire and take action. Jian Bo acts improperly, and the Grand Tutor reduces his food allowance as a punishment. This is an omen of losing one's post and facing blame. Those who act carelessly will surely be reported, so one should be careful to stay within one's proper role.

履:泥滓汙辱,棄捐溝瀆。為眾所笑,終不顯祿。

Covered in filth and suffering disgrace, cast away into a ditch; ridiculed by all, ultimately unable to attain honor and status. This signifies being trapped in a state of degradation. Those seeking fame and advancement find it difficult to rise, and should first focus on self-purification and self-reliance.

泰:獮猴兔走,腥臊少肉。漏卮盛酒,利無所有。

The monkeys and rabbits scatter and run away, emitting a foul smell with little meat to eat; using a wine vessel with a hole to hold wine, no benefit can be retained. This is an omen of futile effort, with meager gains that continuously leak away, and seeking wealth will ultimately result in nothing.

否:鹿畏人藏,俱入深谷。命短不長,為虎所得。死於牙腹。

A group of deer fear humans and hide, all fleeing into a deep valley; yet due to their short lifespan, they are caught by tigers and die in the tiger's mouth. This is an omen of avoiding disaster but falling into greater danger, and those who are not careful in choosing their path will not escape misfortune. One should be cautious in choosing the right path.

同人:南山芝蘭,君子所有。東家淑女,生我王室。

The spiritual mushroom and fragrant orchid on the southern mountain are possessed by the gentleman; the virtuous woman from the eastern neighbor has given birth to offspring for my royal family. This is an omen of acquiring a virtuous person and offspring. It is auspicious for seeking a name, seeking a spouse, and seeking children.

大有:左指右揮,邪望侈靡。執節無良,靈君以亡。

The left hand points and the right hand waves, with eyes looking crooked and extravagant desires; those who uphold virtue are not appointed, and kings like Wei Linggong thus perish. This is an omen of arrogance and extravagance in governance, where the appointment of officials is improper and actions are exaggerated, ultimately leading to downfall.

謙:爵秩不明,為臣所傷。眾陰群聚,共奪日光。

The ranks and titles are in disorder and unclear, with the sovereign being harmed by his ministers; numerous dark forces gather together, obscuring the light of the sun. This indicates a lack of established distinctions and petty ministers obstructing the sovereign. The ruler loses his authority, and it is advisable to rectify the order and discipline as soon as possible.

豫:穿鼻繫株,為虎所拘。王母祝禱,禍不成災。突然自來。

The nose is pierced, and a rope is tied to a wooden post, as if caught by a tiger; fortunately, the Queen Mother of the West prayed on one's behalf, preventing misfortune from turning into calamity, and good fortune suddenly came about. This is the image of being restrained but eventually released. Inpredicament there is divine assistance, and misfortune can turn into good fortune.

隨:貧鬼守門,日破我盆。毀鼠傷綬,空虛無子。

The ghost of poverty is guarding the gate, breaking my bowls and jars every day; rats have damaged the seals, and the household is empty with no descendants. This indicates a sign of losing wealth and losing descendants. The family home is unsettled, official seals are damaged, and when asking about wealth or descendants, it foretells misfortune.

蠱:襄王束帶,鄭人是賴。莊公卿士,王母憂喜。

King Zhou Xiangwang tied his robe and fled to seek refuge, relying entirely on the protection of the people of Zheng; as the Duke of Zheng was a high official of the royal court, the king's mother felt both sorrow and joy. This is an omen of danger met with assistance, indicating that those in distress may hope to receive help from neighboring states, with a mixture of worry and hope.

臨:昭君守國,諸夏蒙德。異類既同,崇我王室。

A virtuous sovereign guards the state, and all the states of the Central Plains benefit from his grace; the barbarian tribes also become assimilated and jointly honor my royal house. This is the image of virtue winning over distant people, gently embracing and transforming the different, leading to the return of all directions.

觀:冬藪朽腐,當風於道。蒙被塵埃,左右勞苦。

In the winter, the grassy marshes are decayed and ruined, and there is a crosswind blocking the path. It is covered with dust, and those on either side are exhausted from the effort. This is an omen of decay and obstruction, with discarded things causing unnecessary trouble. It is advisable to clear them away as soon as possible.

噬嗑:六爻既立,神明所告。文定吉祥,康叔受福。

The six lines of the divination have been established, which is exactly what the divine beings have revealed. The divination concerning the rites of presenting gifts in marriage shows auspiciousness, and Kang叔 thus receives blessings. This is an omen of a favorable divination, with the rites of presenting gifts, worship, and praying for fortune all proceeding smoothly.

賁:泣涕長訣,我心不悅。遠送衛野,歸寧無咎。

Crying and weeping, parting for a long time, I do not feel happy in my heart; I have always sent her far to the outskirts of the state of Wei, and she has returned to her maternal home, which is without fault, conforming to the sentiment of a woman from Wei longing to return home as described in the Book of Songs, the section from Bei Feng, "Spring Water." This is an omen of parting and returning home. Although there is sorrow, it does not lead to calamity.

剝:三宿無主,南行勞苦。東里失利,喪其珍寶。(本卦遯同)

For three consecutive nights, there was no one to receive the traveler, and walking south was very exhausting; in the eastern alley, there was a loss of fortune and the traveler lost valuable belongings. This indicates a situation of losing support on the journey and financial loss. Being away from home with no place to return, seeking wealth leads to loss. The primary hexagram "Dun" (Retreat) corresponds to this text.

復:大斧砍木,讒佞敗國。東關良工,禍及三子。晉人亂邑,懷公出走。

A great axe felling trees,佞 people corrupt the state; the cunning man Bizi of the eastern gate caused calamity to the three sons of Duke Jin Xian Gong; the people of Jin disturbed the capital, and Duke Huai Gong had no choice but to flee. This is the image of slander causing chaos in the state. Trusting petty men leads to strife among relatives and loss of the throne.

旡妄:乘風上天,為時服軒。周旋萬里,無有患難。

Riding the wind to ascend into the sky, timely taking a splendid carriage; traveling back and forth across ten thousand miles, without any difficulties. This is the image of timely success and promotion, with journeys, transfers, and taking office all proceeding smoothly and safely.

大畜:大樹百根,比與山連。文君作義,受福萬年。

A large tree has hundreds of roots that are densely connected and linked to the mountain's structure; a ruler like King Wen promoted righteousness and received blessings for ten thousand years. This represents the image of deep roots and abundant virtue, where those with a solid foundation enjoy enduring prosperity.

頤:陽伏在下,陰制佑福。生不逢時,潛龍隱處。

Yang energy is hidden below and suppressed by Yin energy, limiting its blessings; born at an inauspicious time, it can only remain hidden like a dragon in hibernation. This indicates a situation where the right time has not yet arrived. One should remain humble and wait patiently for the right moment. Acting recklessly will lead to setbacks.

大過:亂頭多憂,搔蝨生愁。膳夫仲年,使我無聊。

His hair is disheveled and he is deeply troubled, scratching lice only adds to his annoyance. A person like Zhong Nian in charge of affairs leaves him without support and feeling listless. This is an omen of being burdened by trivial worries, with continuous minor disturbances. Entrusting matters to the wrong person leads to failure in everything.

坎:江河淮海,天之都市。商人受福,國家富有。

The Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Huai River, and the sea are the great markets established by Heaven. Merchants benefit here, and the state becomes prosperous. This is an omen of facilitating commerce and accumulating wealth. Those engaged in trade gain profit, and both public and private resources become abundant.

離:泰山幽谷,鳳凰遊宿。禮義有序,可以求福。

In the deep and secluded valleys of Mount Tai, the phoenix roams and resides; rites and righteousness are orderly and proper, thus one can pray for blessings. This is an omen of auspiciousness, and those who follow rites and maintain order will receive blessings, as prayers are answered.

咸:水山暴怒,壞梁折柱。稽難行旅,留連愁苦。

Floods and mountain collapses erupt suddenly, damaging beams and breaking columns; travelers are obstructed and meet misfortune, being stranded in foreign lands and suffering deep sorrow. This is an omen of natural disasters blocking the way, indicating danger on journeys. It is advisable to suspend travel to avoid the calamity.

恆:阿衡服箱,太乙載行。延時歷舍,所之吉昌。

With the official title of Aheng, Yi Yin drove the carriage, and the celestial deity Taiyi also traveled with him. They extended their journey, passing through the mansions of the stars, and wherever they went, prosperity and auspiciousness followed. This is an omen of obtaining a virtuous minister and receiving divine assistance, indicating that all endeavors, especially long journeys and plans, will be favorable and successful.

遯:三宿無主,南行勞苦。東里失利,喪其珍寶。(本卦剝同)

For three consecutive nights, there was no one to receive or attend to him, and walking southward was extremely exhausting. In the eastern alley, he lost his money and also lost his personal treasures. This indicates a situation of being a traveler without support and suffering losses. When going out, there is no place to take shelter, and seeking wealth leads to loss. The primary hexagram "Bao" (Breaking Up) corresponds to this text.

大壯:生無父母,出門不喜。買椒失粟,亡我大利。

Born without parents to rely on, going out into the world brings no satisfaction; buying Sichuan pepper but losing millet, I suffer a great loss of profit. This is the image of loneliness and miscalculation, with neither close relatives to help nor proper planning, resulting in losing much due to a small mistake.

晉:安坐玉堂,聽樂行觴。飲福萬鍾,日受無疆。

Sitting comfortably in the splendid Jade Hall, listening to music and passing cups of wine; drinking the sacrificial wine in abundance, receiving endless blessings every day. This is the image of enjoying honor and salary in peace and security. Officials who hold office and receive salaries will have great and enduring blessings.

明夷:登危入厄,四時變易。春霜夏雪,物皆凋落。

Climbing to dangerous places and falling into misfortune, the four seasons become chaotic and abnormal; frost falls in spring, snow comes in summer, and all things wither and decay. This is an omen of reversed order, harming vitality, and all endeavors become unsuitable for the time.

家人:衣空履穿,無以禦寒。細小貧窶,不能自好。

The family is in a state of poverty, with thin clothing and worn-out shoes, unable to withstand the cold. The household is in severe financial difficulty, unable even to take care of oneself. This indicates a situation of financial hardship, where food and clothing are insufficient. One should first focus on securing warmth and sustenance before considering other matters.

睽:目不可合,憂來搔足。怵惕恐懼,去其邦域。

Unable to close his eyes and fall asleep, he is troubled by sorrow and only scratches his feet; his heart is filled with caution and fear, so he has no choice but to leave his homeland. This indicates the omen of worry and flight. Inner unrest compels him to flee, and the question of where to dwell becomes unsettled.

蹇:齎貝贖狸,不聽我辭。繫於虎鬚,牽不得來。

Taking shells to redeem a cat, but the other party does not listen to my arguments; a rope tied to a tiger's whiskers cannot be pulled any further. This is an omen of being unable to redeem what is sought. The desired object is tied up in a dangerous place, and attempting to take it by force will lead to peril.

解:伯夷叔齊,貞廉之師。以德防患,憂禍不存。芳聲後時。

Bo Yi and Shu Qi were exemplary in their steadfast integrity and purity. They used virtue to guard against calamity, ensuring no worries or misfortunes remained, and their good name spread through the ages. This is the image of upholding principles to avoid disaster. Those who maintain integrity and self-discipline will have no troubles in their time and will enjoy enduring reputation.

損:張王子季,爭財相制。商君頑嚚,不知所由。

The Zhang family, the Wang family, and the sons and younger brothers are quarreling over property, hindering each other. Merchants are stubborn and foolish, unable to understand the origins of matters. This indicates a situation where disputes over property cause discord. Dividing property and settling profits will inevitably lead to lawsuits. It is advisable to settle matters of inheritance and rights as soon as possible.

益:長城既立,四夷賓服。交和結好,昭君是福。

The Great Wall has been completed, and the four surrounding barbarian tribes have come to submit; they have formed friendly relations and entered into marriage alliances, as exemplified by Zhaojun's departure to the frontier. This signifies an omen of strengthening the borders through marriage alliances. Peaceful negotiations and alliances can lead to long-term stability and peace.

夬:千歡萬悅,舉事為決。獲受嘉慶,動作有福。

A thousand kinds of joy and myriad forms of delight, one acts decisively and resolutely in doing things; one receives beautiful congratulations, and every movement carries blessings. This is the image of joyous determination in action, and whatever one undertakes will be fulfilled according to one's wishes and bring blessings.

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.