Libo

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

Han (漢) · Jiao Yanshou (焦延壽) · Volume 50 / 71

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

姤:種一得十,日益有息。仁政獲民,四國親睦。

Planting one seed to reap ten, growing day by day with increasing returns; practicing benevolent governance to gain the people's hearts, with neighboring states drawing close in harmony. This is an omen of growth and widespread benefit, enabling agriculture, business, and acts of kindness to yield double rewards.

升:安子富有,東國不殃。齊鄭和親,顯比以喜。

The family of An is prosperous, and the eastern country does not suffer calamity; the states of Qi and Zheng form a marriage alliance, clearly showing that mutual affection brings shared joy. This is an omen of harmonious relations between states, where those who foster friendship and form alliances will all enjoy peace and prosperity.

困:九里十山,道仰峻難。牛馬不前,復反來還。

On a nine-li road there are ten mountains, the path is steep and difficult to climb, making it extremely hard to proceed. Oxen and horses refuse to move forward and turn back instead. This signifies an obstruction in the path, with a perilous and difficult journey ahead. It is advisable to retreat and wait for a smooth path.

井:鳩杖扶老,衣食百口。曾孫壽考,凶惡不起。

An elderly person is supported by a staff given during the Han dynasty, symbolizing longevity, and their family has enough food and clothing to support hundreds of people. The descendants in the third generation also live long lives, and no evil deeds arise. This is an omen of a flourishing family and longevity, indicating that respect for elders and filial piety bring continuous blessings without calamity.

革:霧露雪霜,日暗不明。陰孽為疾,年穀大傷。

Mist, dew, snow and frost assail each other, causing the sun to be dim and without light; yin evil qi gives rise to diseases, and the year's crops suffer great damage. This is an omen of yin darkness harming life, with a poor harvest and many people falling ill. It is advisable to take precautions in advance.

鼎:迷行數卻,不知西東。陰疆暴逆,道理不通。(疆一作強)

Lost and wandering, repeatedly retreating, unable to distinguish east from west or north from south; the strong and fierce yin energy causes matters and paths to be unsmooth. This is an omen of confusion and loss of direction, where unclear orientation leads to mistakes in every step. It is advisable to stop and clarify the situation before proceeding again. The old text may have the character 'jiang' written as 'qiang'.

震:登高上山,見王自言。信理我冤,得職蒙恩。

Climbing high to the mountain, seeing the king personally stating; indeed clarifying my injustice, obtaining a position and receiving grace. This is the image of clearing an injustice and obtaining justice. Those who appeal, seek help, or seek justice may hope for exoneration and rewards.

艮:三世為德,天祚以國。封建少昊,魯侯之福。

In the three dynasties, those who accumulated virtue and did good deeds received land from heaven; just as the state of Lu was established in the territory of the Xiaohao, which was the blessing enjoyed by the Lu Duke. This is the image of accumulating virtue leading to being granted a fiefdom. A family that accumulates goodness will surely have abundant blessings, and they can look forward to continuing their lineage in prosperity.

漸:喬木無息,漢女難得。禱神請佩,反手離汝。

The poem "Han Guang" from the "Book of Songs," "Zhou Nan," laments "To the south there are tall trees, but no place to rest." Beneath the lofty trees, there is nowhere to pause, and the maiden by the Han River remains unattainable. One prays to the gods, begs her to give her bracelet, but she turns away instantly. This image represents something desired yet unattainable; the cherished thing ultimately becomes an illusion, and forceful pursuit brings no benefit.

歸妹:東鄰西家,來即我謀。中告吉誠,使君安寧。

The people from the east and west have come to consult with me; those who relay messages are truthful and auspicious, ensuring the lord's peace and security. This is an omen of gaining the support of many, and those who widely accept sincere advice can ensure safety.

豐:褰衣出戶,心欲奔走。王孫毋驚,使我長生。

He raised his robe and stepped out of the gate, his heart full of the desire to flee. Fortunately, the nobleman advised him not to panic, thus enabling him to remain safe for a long time. This is an omen of being startled yet ultimately secure. Those who can remain calm in times of sudden change may avoid misfortune.

旅:三日不飲,遠水無酒。晝夜焦喉,使我為咎。

After three days without water, far from the source and no alcohol is available; day and night my throat is parched and thirsty, finally leading me to invite misfortune. This is the omen of thirst and lack of support, with resources cut off and nowhere to obtain supplies, leading to inevitable calamity after prolonged hardship.

巽:眾口銷金,愆言不驗。腐臭敗兔,入市不售。

The "many mouths can melt metal" mentioned in Guoyu · Zhou Yu suggests that although rumors may be widespread, they cannot ultimately come true. Spoiled and rotten rabbit meat, when brought to the market, will not be bought by anyone. This is an image showing that although false rumors may be rampant, false things cannot circulate. Although slanderous words may be frightening, by maintaining truth and clarity, there will be no harm.

兌:嫗冠應門,與伯爭言。東家失狗,意在不存。爭亂無怠,絕無所歡。

An old woman came out wearing a hat and argued with the master of the house; meanwhile, the neighbor to the east had lost his dog, but her mind was not on that matter at all. The quarrel continued without end, bringing no joy. This is the image of continuous verbal disputes, family discord, and all affairs being troubled without any gain.

渙:祚加明德,與我周國。公劉文母,福流子孫。

Blessings and prosperity fall upon those who possess clear virtue, bestowing upon the state of Zhou. With ancestors like Gong Liu and a mother like Tai Si, the blessing extends to descendants and children. This is the image of inheriting great virtue, and those with profound ancestral virtue will surely flourish in their descendants.

節:針頭刺手,百病瘳愈。抑按捫灸,死人復起。

Pricking the acupuncture points on the hand with a needle, various diseases are cured; adding massage, manipulation, and moxibustion, even those on the verge of death can rise again. This is the sign of a good physician reviving the hopeless. When questioning about illness, one can receive appropriate treatment, and danger can turn into safety.

中孚:元龜象齒,大賂為寶。稽疑當否,衰微復起。

Large turtle shells and ivory are heavy gifts and precious treasures; by consulting the oracle as described in the "Shangshu · Hongfan" under the method of "kiji" to determine the correctness of a course of action, a declining situation may be revived. This is an omen indicating that doubts can be resolved with assistance. When in doubt, consulting the oracle can restore a deteriorated situation.

小過:故室舊廬,消散無餘。不如新創,可以樂居。

Old houses and dilapidated buildings have completely vanished; it is better to build new ones in order to live comfortably. This is an omen of discarding the old for the new. Holding on to what is broken and incomplete is not as good as making new plans. Moving and making changes will bring good fortune.

既濟:老狐多態,行為蠱恠。為魅為妖,驚我王母。終無咎悔。

An old fox is cunning and changeable, acting strangely and misleading people; it pretends to be supernatural, transforms into a demon or spirit, and frightened my Queen Mother. However, it ultimately has no real fault or regret. This is an omen of a false supernatural disturbance. Although it appears strange and alarming, there is no real harm, so one may rest in peace.

未濟:愛子多材,起跡空虛。避害如神,水不能濡。

The beloved son is very capable, having started from nothing and risen from emptiness. He avoids calamities as if aided by a deity, not even getting his clothes wet. This is an omen of high ability avoiding misfortune. Those who are talented and know the right moment can preserve themselves from danger and eventually achieve success.

The Forest of Ascension (the Sixty-fourth Hexagram, Ascending)

升:禹鑿龍門,通利水源。東注滄海,人民得安。

Dashi excavated the龙门 to open up the water passage, allowing the water to flow smoothly. The Yellow River flowed eastward into the vast sea, enabling the people to live in peace and security. This is an example of successful疏导, where those who can remove blockages and promote smooth flow achieve great accomplishments, benefiting all people.

乾:白鹿鳴呦,呼其老少。喜彼茂草,樂我君子。

A white deer calls out joyfully, summoning its young and old companions; it delights in the lush green grass and also rejoices in the presence of this noble gentleman, as described in the "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Lu Ming." This represents the image of like calling to like, indicating that gatherings, banquets, and recruiting talents are auspicious.

坤:百里南行,雖微復明。去虞適秦,為穆國卿。

Bili Xi traveled south to Qin, although he once fell into poverty and then regained prominence again. He left the state of Yu to seek refuge in the state of Qin, becoming a high-ranking official in the court of Duke Mu of Qin. This is an omen of moving from darkness to brightness, indicating that a person with talent can expect great use by changing his allegiance.

屯:王孫宜家,張名益有。龍子善行,西得大壽。

Wangsun is suitable for establishing a family and building a house, promoting his reputation and increasing wealth day by day; the dragon son is good at traveling far, going west to attain a long life. This is an omen of establishing a career and gaining fame, with benefits in family establishment, long-distance travel, and seeking reputation.

蒙:畫龍頭頸,文章不成。甘言善語,譎辭無名。

Only the head and neck of the dragon were drawn, and the entire pattern could not be completed; sweet words may sound appealing, but deceitful speech cannot bring about a good reputation. This is an omen of having a beginning but no end, and of empty words without substance. Those who focus on empty talk rather than practical action will find it difficult to achieve success.

需:商子無良,相怨一方。引斗交爭,咎以自當。

A merchant who lacks good intentions causes resentment between parties, leading to disputes and mutual competition. Misfortune and blame will fall upon themselves. This is an omen of self-inflicted conflict, where those who provoke quarrels and act aggressively will face the consequences. It is advisable to be harmonious, gentle, and yield.

訟:衰老困極,無齒不食。痔病痏瘵,就陰為室。

The person is extremely old and weak, with completely fallen out teeth and unable to eat; they also suffer from hemorrhoids, sores, and consumption, and can only take shelter in the阴 place. This is an omen of old age and illness combining, and it is unfavorable to inquire about illness or longevity. One should rest quietly and avoid exertion.

師:鴛生會稽,稍巨能飛。翱翔桂林,為眾鳥雄。

The swan bird is born in Kuaiji, and as it grows larger, it becomes able to fly. It soars above Guilin, becoming the outstanding among all birds. This is the image of gradual growth into excellence. Though born in humble circumstances, it ultimately rises above the rest. One should cultivate step by step.

比:安平不傾,載福長生,君子以寧。

Steadfast and upright without falling, bearing blessings and sustaining them for a long time, the gentleman thus finds peace. This is the image of maintaining balance and uprightness. It signifies safety and security in family life, in one's position, and in preserving one's endeavors.

小畜:牛驥同槽,郭氏以亡。國破為墟,君奔走逃。

A plow ox and a fine horse share the same feeding trough, distinguishing neither the virtuous from the unworthy. As a result, the state of Guo perished. The territory was ruined and became a wasteland, and the king had to flee and take refuge. This is the omen of mixing the virtuous and the unworthy. If a ruler fails to discern talent, the foundation of the state will collapse.

履:日中明德,兩國盛興。仁聖會遇,君受其福。臣多榮祿。

The sun is directly overhead and virtue is clearly evident, with both countries flourishing together; the meeting of benevolent and wise individuals brings blessings to the ruler, and officials also gain honor and salary. This is an omen of a wise ruler encountering virtuous ministers, with both ruler and subjects prospering. Seeking officialdom and renown is auspicious.

泰:公劉之居,太王所業。可以長生,拜受福爵。

The place where Gong Liu settled, the Bin region, and the foundation of the Qishan base established by the ancient king Tai Wang Gong Dan Fu; here one can dwell long and receive blessings and titles. This signifies the auspiciousness of inheriting ancestral achievements and enjoying peace. It is favorable for residence, establishing a career, and succession.

否:時凋歲寂,君子疾病。宋女無辜,鄭受其殃。

At a time of decline and hardship, the years are bleak, and the gentleman falls ill; a woman from the Song state has no wrongdoing, yet the State of Zheng suffers misfortune because of it. This is an omen of being afflicted during a time of decline, innocent yet subjected to collective punishment. Asking about illness or affairs is unfavorable.

同人:濟河踰厄,脫母怵惕。四序為衛,使惠不廢。

Crossing a great river and overcoming dangers, thus rescuing the mother from fear; the order of the four seasons guards and protects, ensuring the favor is not cut off. This is the image of braving danger and emerging unharmed. Those who rescue and protect their loved ones will ultimately be favored and protected, with continuous blessings.

大有:缺破不完,殘際側偏。公孫幽遏,跛倚後門。

The object is broken and incomplete, with its edges damaged and crooked; the Gongsun clan is imprisoned and obstructed, able only to limp against the back gate. This is an omen of deficiency and lack of strength, being in a position of disadvantage where one cannot fully extend. It is advisable to maintain one's proper role and avoid contention.

謙:延頸遠望,昧為目病。不見叔姬,使伯心憂。

He stretched his neck to look far away, his eyes blurred from straining, yet still he could not see the figure of Shu Ji. Master Bo was filled with sorrow. This is the image of looking but not seeing. The person awaited does not come, and inquiries about travelers or messages indicate delays.

豫:上無飛鳥,下無走獸。擾亂未清,民勞於事。

Heaven has no flying birds, and the earth has no moving beasts; disorder has not yet been pacified, and the people toil for official duties. This is an omen of unsettled chaos, with the world in turmoil and the people's strength exhausted. It is not suitable to undertake great undertakings.

隨:久陰霖雨,塗行泥潦。民人休止,市空無有。

A long period of heavy mist and continuous rain has made the roads muddy and waterlogged. The people have stopped their work, and the market is empty with no goods. This is an omen of rain preventing business, causing both travel and trade to come to a standstill. It is advisable to wait until the weather clears before taking action.

蠱:盲者目張,跛倚起行。瞻望日月,與主相迎。

The eyes of the blind man are once again opened, and the lame man can rise and walk with support; looking up to behold the brightness of the sun and moon, he proceeds to meet his superior. This is the image of restored disability, indicating that those long confined may hope for recovery of sight and the ability to walk. They will meet with a superior and gain favorable circumstances.

臨:據斗運樞,順天無憂。與樂並居,萬代歡慶。

By following the Big Dipper and the turning mechanism, aligning with the heavenly way brings no worries; sharing in joy leads to happiness for generations. This is the image of harmonizing with heaven and attaining peace. Those who act in accordance with the proper time will long enjoy blessings.

觀:稼穡不偏,重適不傾。巧言賊忠,傷我申生。

Plowing and reaping are both essential, and bearing burdens properly will prevent collapse; yet cunning words and slander have harmed the loyal, killing Prince Shen Sheng of Jin. This is the image of loyalty being slandered, even if one acts with moderation, one must still beware of slander causing harm.

噬嗑:金城鐵郭,上下同力。政平民歡,寇不敢賊。

The city walls are like gold, the outer walls like iron, with unity and concerted effort above and below; government orders are fair, the people are happy, and bandits dare not come to invade. This is an omen of secure defense and peace. Internal harmony prevents external aggression; both defense and governance are auspicious.

賁:日鏡不明,冬災大傷。盜花失實,十年消亡。

The sun appears like a mirror but is dim and unclear, with great damage caused by winter disasters; flowers are stolen and fruits are lost, leading to complete exhaustion within ten years. This signifies a long-term depletion, and things that are showy but lack substance will ultimately fail. It is advisable to focus on fundamentals and strengthen the real.

剝:鰥寡孤獨,命祿苦薄。入室無妻,武子悲哀。

A widower, a widow, an orphan, and an elderly person living alone all have a difficult fate and limited fortune; entering a house without a wife to accompany them, Wu Zi therefore felt sorrow. This is an omen of being lonely and without support. Asking about marriage or family matters is unfavorable.

復:飲酒醉飽,跳起爭鬥。伯傷叔僵,東家治喪。

After drinking wine until he was completely drunk and full, he got up and started fighting. The elder brother was injured, the younger brother fell down senseless, and the eastern neighbor then held a funeral. This is an omen of calamity arising from drunkenness. Excessive revelry inevitably leads to misfortune; one should restrain oneself and maintain self-control.

旡妄:介召微子,使君不殆。二國合歡,燕齊以安。

Acting as an intermediary to recommend a virtuous person like Wei Zi, thus preventing the ruler from falling into peril; the two countries forming a friendly alliance, resulting in stability for Yan and Qi. This is an omen of recommending virtuous individuals and fostering friendly relations between states. With the right person mediating in the middle, danger can be transformed into security.

大畜:牽頸繫尾,詘折幾死。雕世無仁,不知所比。

The neck is held fast and the tail is tied tightly, causing severe distress and almost leading to death. The world is shallow and lacks virtue, leaving one unsure of whom to rely upon. This is an omen of being trapped and without support, with the times being degenerate and oneself subjected to restraint. One should remain patient and wait for the right moment.

頤:東龍究毒,不知所觸。南北困窮,王子危急。

The eastern dragon has expelled all its poison, yet it does not know what it has offended. Both the north and south ends are trapped in hardship, and the prince is in a critical situation. This is an omen of being surrounded on all sides, with misfortune coming from an unknown source. One should only be cautious and protect oneself.

大過:疾貧王孫,北極無輝。祿命苦薄,兩守孤門。

King Sun suffers from poverty and illness, like the North Star losing its brightness; his fortune and destiny are both meager, with two people sharing a single lonely gate. This signifies a situation of high status but loss of power, with difficulties in continuing prosperity and fortune. It is advisable to remain content with poverty and maintain self-restraint.

坎:公孫駕驪,載遊東齊。延陵故產,遺季紵衣。

Gongsun rode a black steed, carrying people eastward to the state of Qi; Yanling Jizi presented the local products of his homeland, such as cloth made from hemp, to Zi Chang. This is the event recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" where Wu Jizha presented gifts to Zi Chang. This represents the image of traveling and exchanging gifts, where those who travel far and make friends use propriety to connect, thus gaining deep friendship.

離:王良善御,伯樂知馬。文王東獵,獲嘉賢士。開福佑周,發且興起。

King Wen of the Zhou dynasty encountered a virtuous man named Lü Shang while hunting eastward, thereby initiating good fortune and protecting the Zhou dynasty, leading to the flourishing of his endeavors. This is an omen of gaining a virtuous minister to revitalize the state, indicating great auspiciousness for seeking talent, visiting scholars, and traveling.

咸:日月不居,重耳趨舍。遊燕入秦,晉國是霸。

The sun and moon do not stay, and Duke Chong'er wandered through various places; first he visited Yan, then entered Qin, eventually making Jin dominant among the feudal states. This is the image of hardship followed by rise, and those who endure long difficulties will ultimately achieve great success.

恆:假文翰翼,隨風背北。至虞夏國,與舜相得。年歲大樂,邑無盜賊。

With beautiful wings, flying against the wind towards the north; arriving at the lands of Yu and Xia, harmonizing with Yu the Great; enjoying great joy in the years, with no thieves in the cities. This is an omen of encountering a wise ruler and achieving success, those who migrate and seek refuge find peace and comfort, and the country is in peace and prosperity.

遯:南行北走,延頸望食。舉口失利,累我子孫。

Now it goes south, now it goes north, stretching its neck in hope of food; once it opens its mouth, it loses its benefit, and even involves my children. This is the image of toiling without gain. Those who speak without thinking and act recklessly not only labor in vain, but also bring harm to future generations.

大壯:開市作喜,建造利事。平準貨寶,海內殷富。

Establishing a market becomes a joyful event, and initiating construction is favorable for business endeavors. Using the Pingzhun method from the Han dynasty to regulate the prices of goods and treasures, the country thus becomes prosperous and affluent. This signifies a favorable omen for commercial prosperity, with openings, construction, and trade all being auspicious.

晉:三犬俱走,斗於谷口。白者不勝,死於坂下。

Three dogs ran together and fought at the mouth of the valley; the white one failed to win and died beneath the hill. This is an omen of injury caused by conflict. Those with weak strength should avoid fighting with others and instead retreat and avoid contention.

明夷:驕滷火形,造惡作凶。無所能成,還自滅身。

Proud and rude, with a temper like fire, causing evil deeds and stirring up chaos; in the end, nothing is achieved, and only self-destruction occurs. This is the image of displaying violence leading to one's own downfall. Those who rely on force and commit evil will ultimately bring about their own destruction.

家人:拜跪讚辭,無益於尤。大夫頑嚚,使我心憂。

He knelt and prayed, speaking only flattery, yet it did no good for the existing faults. The physician was stubborn and foolish, causing me great worry. This is an omen of being unable to seek help, and when encountering stubborn people, arguments are useless. It is advisable to seek another course of action.

睽:辰次降婁,王嘉巡狩。廣佑施惠,萬國咸喜。子孫榮品,長安不殆。

The planet of years has reached the position of Jiulu, and the king joyfully tours the land; widely bestowing blessings and kindness, all the states rejoice; children and descendants achieve honor and status, enjoying long peace and security without danger. This is an omen of widespread benevolence, indicating great auspiciousness for touring the land, bestowing favors, and continuing the lineage.

蹇:牽瑜上樓,與福俱遊。勞躬治國,安樂無憂。

Carrying a precious jade up to a high tower, enjoying the scenery with good fortune; personally managing state affairs diligently, enjoying peace and freedom from worries. This is the image of holding treasure and residing in high place, where those who work diligently in their duties find security and blessings follow.

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.