Libo

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

Han (漢) · Jiao Yanshou (焦延壽) · Volume 53 / 71

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

恆:方喙宣口,聖智仁厚。解釋倒懸,歷國安泰。

Square and upright speech, fluent and expressive words, indicate a person who is wise, enlightened, and benevolent. He can resolve inverted difficulties and bring peace to all the states he has passed through. This is the image of a virtuous person rescuing from hardship. When encountering a wise and benevolent person, dangerous situations can be resolved.

遯:踟躕南北,誤入喪國。社季利兵,傷我心腹。

Doubtful and hesitating between north and south, I mistakenly entered a country on the verge of collapse; the younger generation of the society sharpened their weapons, injuring my close relative. This is an omen of entering a dangerous situation through hesitation. If I hesitate to advance or retreat, I will fall into a disastrous place. I must especially beware of betrayal by those in close attendance.

大壯:公孫之政,惠而不煩。喬子相國,終身無患。

The Gongsun clan implemented governance that benefited the people without causing them trouble; Qiao Zi served as prime minister without ever encountering calamity. This is an omen of peaceful governance leading to security. Those who govern with leniency and benevolence will find themselves secure and in stable positions.

晉:弧矢大張,道絕不通。小人寇賊,君子塞壅。

Bows and arrows are drawn, swords are drawn and bows are strung, roads are cut off and communication is blocked; small people have become bandits, while the virtuous are blocked and cannot be used. This is the image of military chaos blocking the wise. In times of turmoil, the upright are obstructed; one should hide and endure, avoiding difficulties.

明夷:藏戟之室,封豕受福。充澤肥腯,子孫蕃息。

The storehouse for weapons and spears instead brings fortune to the large pig; with abundant water and grass, the pig becomes fat and strong, and its offspring multiply. This is the image of gaining sustenance amidst misfortune, though in a dangerous situation, it leads to flourishing and numerous family members.

家人:八子同巢,心勞相思,雉苦無憂。

Eight young birds share one nest, the mother bird exerts great effort and feels longing for her young; wild pheasants though toiling, do not suffer great distress. This is an omen of tireless nurturing, indicating that although the household is busy, there will be no major worries, and the children will eventually fulfill their roles.

睽:循理舉手,典求相予。六休相磨,終無殃咎。

Acting in accordance with reason and proceeding step by step, seeking through established principles and exchanging with others; the harmonious energies of the six directions interact and refine each other, ultimately never resulting in calamity or fault. This is the image of following reason without blame, meaning that as long as one acts according to proper rules and regulations, peace and safety will be attained.

蹇:公子王孫,把彈攝丸。發輒有獲,室家饒足。

The sons of the noble and the young masters, holding slings and carrying stones, achieve immediate success in their hunts, leading to abundance in their households. This is an omen of assured success, where seeking, hunting, and business endeavors all proceed smoothly and abundantly.

解:井渚有悔,渴蜺為怪。不亟徙鄉,家受其殃。

A portent of regret and misfortune appears by the well, with a rainbow bending its head to drink water, forming an ominous sign. If one does not quickly move to another place, the household will suffer calamity. This is a sign indicating a need for urgent relocation. Those who ignore the omen will surely face harm. One should leave as soon as possible.

損:鄭澮有聲,國亂失傾。弘明早見,止樂不能。

The浍 water in the State of Zheng emitted an unusual sound, indicating national disorder and eventual loss of control. Although there were wise and perceptive individuals who understood the situation early, they were unable to prevent the indulgence and revelry. This is an omen of knowing the problem but being unable to save the situation, showing that the decline and chaos have already taken root, and even a lone清醒 person cannot reverse the fate.

益:穿室鑿牆,不直生訟。褰衣涉河,雖勢無功。

Breaking through houses and凿ing through walls, with unjust reasons leading to disputes; lifting up clothes to cross a river, though there is strength, yet returning without achievement. This is the image of forcing things without reason, those who do not follow the right path will surely fail and their actions will be in vain.

夬:胎卵胞乳,長大成就。君子萬年,動有利得。

All creatures born from eggs or from the womb are nurtured within their bodies, gradually growing and becoming mature. The noble man enjoys happiness for a thousand years, and every action brings him benefit. This is the image of nurturing and achieving success, indicating that cultivation, management, and undertaking affairs will bring tangible benefits.

姤:五心乖離,各引是非。莫適為主,道路塞壅。

Five people have divergent thoughts, each pulling in different directions and creating disputes. None can take the lead, so the path becomes blocked. This is an omen of no clear leadership among the crowd. With many people but no united hearts, everything becomes obstructed. It is advisable to first establish a leader and follower.

萃:百柱載梁,千歲不僵。大願輔福,文武以昌。

Hundreds of pillars support the main beam, never collapsing even after a thousand years; a great aspiration is supported by good fortune, leading to prosperity in both cultural governance and military strength. This signifies a solid foundation, with collective efforts ensuring a lasting legacy, which is highly auspicious.

升:營城洛邑,周公所作。世連三十,年曆七百。福佑豐實,堅固不落。(連一作運七一作八)

Building Luoyi city was undertaken by the Duke of Zhou; the state's lineage has continued for thirty generations, spanning seven hundred years; its blessings are abundant and its foundation solid and enduring. This signifies a long-lasting state, and the founder may expect his lineage to continue for generations. The old text has the character 'lian' which may also be written as 'yun', and 'seven' may also be written as 'eight'.

困:從叔旅行,食於東昌。嘉伯悅喜,與我芝香。

Following my uncle on a long journey, I had a meal in Dongchang; Jiamei's elder brother welcomed me with joy and gave me fragrant lingzhi. This is an omen of encountering friends on the journey, indicating that during the long trip I will receive hospitality and gifts, which is auspicious.

革:失耳聾蔽,不曉聲味。委以鼎俎,方始亂憒。

He who has lost his hearing and is deaf and blocked, unable to distinguish sounds and flavors, yet is entrusted with the task of cooking with the tripod and ladle, would immediately create chaos. This is an omen of improper appointment of people. Entrusting the wrong person will surely lead to failure.

鼎:訾娵開門,鶴鳴彈冠。文章進用,舞韶和鸞。三仁翼政,國無災殃。

A beautiful woman named Ziju opens the door, while cranes cry in the sky and those who share the same path remove dust from their hats in preparation for official service. A man of literary talent is appointed, dancing the Shao music and harmonizing with the sound of the bell. There are also three virtuous men like Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan mentioned in the Analects, assisting the government. The country has no calamities. This is the image of many virtuous people advancing together. Seeking official positions and recommendations are all very auspicious.

震:游魂六子,百木所起。三男從父,三女從母。至己而足,各得其所。

The hexagram of the wandering soul produces six children, like various trees originating from this point; three male trigrams follow the father trigram, and three female trigrams follow the mother trigram; when reaching the self, it is complete and each attains its proper position. This represents the image of each occupying its proper place, with respect and hierarchy in order, leading to the family being well-ordered.

艮:南山藍蔵,使君媚好。皇女長婦,多孫眾子。

On the southern mountain, the蓼 blue plants are lush and flourishing, indicating that the master's lord is beautiful and lovable. The royal daughter has become the wife of the eldest son, with many grandchildren and a prosperous lineage. This is an omen of a prosperous marriage with many offspring. Both marriage and seeking offspring are auspicious.

漸:黃虹之野,賢君所在。榮段為相,國無災殃。

The appearance of a yellow rainbow over the plains indicates the presence of a wise ruler. The Rong and Duan families serve as state ministers, and the country experiences no calamities. This is a sign of auspiciousness and the presence of virtuous ministers. A wise ruler and virtuous minister work in harmony, leading to peace and prosperity within the realm.

歸妹:穿鑿道路,為君除舍。開闢福門,喜在我鄰。

Digging and opening a path to connect the way, serving the king by cleaning the pavilions and halls; opening a passage leading to good fortune, happiness is near my neighbor. This is the image of welcoming good fortune through opening a path. It is auspicious for construction, welcoming guests, and receiving visitors.

豐:商風數起,天下昏晦。旱魃為虐,七凡兵作。

Autumn winds frequently rise, causing the sky to appear dark and gloomy; as lamented in the "Book of Songs · Da Ya · Yunhan," the drought demon wreaks havoc, and warfare breaks out everywhere. This indicates a sign of drought and warfare, leading to ruined harvests and widespread conflict. It is advisable to avoid turmoil and stockpile grain.

旅:自衛反魯,時不我與。冰炭異室,仁道閉塞。

Confucius returned to Lu from the state of Wei, but his fortune did not support him; ice and charcoal placed in separate rooms, the way of benevolence was blocked. This is an omen of the Dao not being able to be practiced. Though possessing great talent, he was born at an inauspicious time. It is advisable to retreat and cultivate oneself in order to wait for the right opportunity.

巽:春陽生草,夏長條枝。萬物蕃滋,充實益有。

In spring, the yang energy promotes the growth of wild grass, and in summer, branches and twigs proliferate. All things flourish and grow, becoming increasingly full and abundant. This represents the image of natural growth in harmony with the seasons, and those who engage in business gradually become prosperous.

兌:大蛇奔走,奔入茂草。驚於長往,畏懼喙口。

A large snake hurriedly ran away and darted into thick grass; after being startled, it did not return, because it feared people's sharp words. This is an omen of being startled and taking refuge. Those who are slandered or in danger should hide and remain concealed, and should not force themselves to appear.

渙:明月照夜,使暗為晝。國有仁賢,君尊於故。

The bright moon illuminates the night sky, making darkness appear like daylight; within the country there are virtuous and capable ministers, and the ruler esteems them more than before. This is an omen of gaining brilliance through the virtue of the virtuous, with the authority of the virtuous growing day by day.

節:避地東走,反入虎口。制於爪牙,骨於灰土。

To flee east to avoid danger, one ends up entering the mouth of a tiger; subdued by the claws, the bones turn to dust. This is an omen of escaping disaster but entering peril, those who fail to choose the right path end up throwing themselves into death. One should be cautious in choosing the direction to go.

中孚:傾迭不行,弱走善僵。孟縶無良,失其寵光。

The person is stumbling and falling, unable to move forward; their legs are weak, and they collapse as soon as they try to walk. The ruler of Wei, Gong Meng Zhi, is unable to take care of himself and has lost his former favor and glory. This is an omen of weak legs and loss of favor, indicating that those with physical defects or declining vitality will not be able to maintain their position.

小過:十年俱見,黃頭為首。歲尾民安,國樂無咎。

Within a span of ten years, one can see a leader with a yellow head; by the end of the year, the people are at peace, the country is joyful without faults. This is a sign of long-term stability and peace, with virtuous individuals holding their positions for a long time, and the realm enjoying contentment.

既濟:望風入門,來到我鄰,鋪吾養均。

Heard of my reputation and coming to visit, they have arrived at my nearby residence; they spread out their offerings and treat all equally. This is the image of people coming to attach themselves to me due to my fame. When my reputation spreads far and wide, guests will come in great numbers. It is appropriate to treat them all with fairness.

未濟:登高連返,視失彌遠。虎口不張,害賊消亡。

Climbing to a high place and then turning back continuously, looking further leads to greater confusion; fortunately, the tiger's mouth is not open, indicating that the harmful bandits have dispersed and perished. This is an omen of danger that does not erupt, although there is hidden worry, it will ultimately be resolved, so one can rest assured.

Revolution in the Forest (Sixty-fourth Hexagram: Revolution)

革:馬眼長股,宜行善市。皆蒙福佑,獲金三倍。

The horse has bright eyes and long legs, suitable for traveling and good at trade; everyone receives blessings and gains three times the money. This is a favorable omen for merchants, indicating substantial profits for those engaged in travel and trade.

乾:高原峻山,址大少泉。草木林麓,喜得所蓄。

A vast plain and steep mountains, with a broad foundation but scarce springs; grass and trees form dense forests, and the foot of the mountain is lush and verdant. Joyfully, they have obtained what they have accumulated. This is the image of thick earth with accumulated resources. Although resources are unevenly distributed, in the end, there will be gains.

坤:一門二關,結弭不便。峻道異路,日暮不到。

A single gate has two layers of barriers, making it inconvenient to tie or untie; the mountain path is steep and full of branches, and even by night one cannot reach. This signifies a situation of multiple obstructions. Matters have many complexities, leading to delays and difficulty in completion. It is advisable to plan ahead as early as possible.

屯:憂患解除,喜至慶來。坐立歡門,與樂為鄰。

Worries and misfortunes have been removed, happiness arrives and celebrations follow; whether sitting or standing, one is within the gate of joy, becoming a neighbor to happiness. This is the image of dispelling sorrow and welcoming joy, transforming long-term difficulties into good fortune, with all matters proceeding smoothly.

蒙:疏類異路,心不相慕。牝牛牡豭,鰥無室家。

The two are of different kinds, separated by different paths, and do not share mutual affection. A cow mating with a boar can never form a proper pair, resulting in a state of being unmarried and without a family. This is an omen of mismatch, where forced unions do not succeed, and marriage is not harmonious.

需:太王為父,王季孝友。文武聖明,仁政興起。旦隆四國,載福綏厚。

Too Wang Gu Gong Dan Fu became a father, Wang Ji was filial and kind; Wen Wang and Wu Wang were wise and enlightened, and benevolent governance thus arose; Duke Zhou Dan made the four directions flourish, bearing blessings and comforting deeply. This is the image of successive generations of virtue, families continuing their traditions and receiving enduring blessings, which is a great auspicious sign.

訟:臨河求鯉,燕婉笑弭。屏氣攝息,不得鯉子。

Arriving by the river to seek carp, one remains calm and content, smiling and waiting patiently. Holding one's breath and restraining one's energy, one waits quietly, yet ultimately fails to catch the carp. This is the image of empty waiting, where although one has given one's best effort, the desired outcome does not come to pass.

師:買利求福,莫如南國。仁德所在,金玉為寶。

To seek profit and gain blessings, there is no place more suitable than the southern country; it is precisely where benevolence resides, and gold and jade naturally become treasures. This indicates a favorable omen for traveling south to gain benefits, and those who conduct business in the land of kindness and virtue will surely achieve great rewards.

比:白虎赤憤,門觀王庭。宮闕被甲,大小出征。天下煩憒,育不能嬰。

The White Tiger star appears, red energy spreads fiercely, and the signs of war directly threaten the palace and the royal court; within the palace, everyone is armed, and officials of all ranks march out to fight together; the whole country is troubled and confused, and even mothers cannot care for their newborn children. This is a sign of warfare everywhere, and it is extremely ominous for matters concerning the state and childbirth.

小畜:子車針虎,善人危殆。黃鳥悲鳴,傷國無輔。

The three virtuous ministers, Zicheshi's Zhentu and others, were forced to commit suicide for the burial of Duke Mugu of Qin, causing the virtuous to fall into peril; the poem "Huangniao" from the Book of Songs laments this, grieving the loss of the country's advisors. This is an omen of harming the virtuous, and without the protection of good people, the state has no support.

履:兩目失明,入暮無光。脛足跛步,不可以行。頓於丘傍。

Both eyes are blind, and by evening it is completely dark with no light; the calves and feet are crippled, making walking impossible. One can only rest helplessly by the side of a hill. This is the image of blindness and crippled legs, with no means of movement. Traveling and seeking to accomplish matters are all obstructed and difficult to proceed.

泰:羅網四張,鳥無所翔。征伐困極,飢窮不食。(窮一作寒)

The net is spread on all four sides, and the birds have nowhere to fly; warfare and campaigns have led to extremepredicament, with hunger and poverty and no food to eat. This is an omen of being surrounded on all sides, with heavy military service leaving the people with no way to survive. It is advisable to seek safety and avoid danger. The old text may have the character '穷' written as '寒'.

否:伯夷叔齊,貞廉之師。以德防患,憂禍不存。(歸妹之臨,泰之乾,比之剝)

Bo Yi and Shu Qi were exemplary in their integrity and purity; they used virtue to guard against calamity, and neither worry nor misfortune remained. This is the image of preserving integrity to avoid disaster; those who hold to righteousness will be free from all troubles. This passage is similar to the entries 'Returning to the Maiden' turning into 'Approaching', 'Prosperity' turning into 'Heaven', and 'Comparison' turning into 'Splitting'.

同人:疾貧望幸,使伯行販。開牢擇羊,多得大牂。

Suffering from poverty and illness, hoping for a change of fortune, he sent Bo Shi to trade goods. When opening the sheep pen to select, there were indeed many fat ewes called 'zang'. This is a sign of turning from extreme poverty to abundance. Engaging in business and selecting goods will surely bring substantial profits.

大有:南山之楊,其葉將將。嘉樂君子,為國寵光。

The white poplar on the southern mountain has lush leaves that make a resounding sound; the joyful and virtuous gentleman becomes the glory and honor of the state. This signifies the image of a virtuous person achieving prominence. When a gentleman holds office, the state gains greater glory; those seeking fame will have good fortune.

謙:東壁餘光,數暗不明。主母嫉妒,亂我事業。

The East Wall Star is dim and flickering, often obscured and not bright; it indicates the mother's jealousy, which is disrupting my career. This is an omen of internal jealousy causing failure, with a decline in literary fortune and internal strife, leading to many obstacles in planning matters.

豫:迷行晨夜,道多湛露。沾濡襦褲,重不可步。

Walking around lost in the morning and evening, the path is full of thick dew described in the "Zhan Lu" poem from the "Shi Jing · Xiao Ya"; the short clothes and trousers are all soaked, heavy and making it hard to move. This is an omen of dampness and stagnation, with burdens weighing down the body, making movement difficult. It is advisable to wait until dry before moving.

隨:目足動,嘉喜有頃,舉家蒙寵。

The eyes and feet move together, indicating that a good and joyful event will arrive suddenly, bringing blessings to the whole family. This is an omen of joy coming through movement, with favorable opportunities arriving abruptly, benefiting all members of the household.

蠱:鷹鷂欲食,雉兔困急。延頸見尾,為我所賊。

Eagles and hawks are seeking food, while wild pheasants and rabbits are cornered with no way out; they stretch their necks and show their tails, only to be caught and harmed by me. This is an image of things being forced to reveal their true forms. The hunter succeeds while the pursued suffers. If the question is about obtaining something, it is auspicious; if it is about oneself, it is inauspicious.

臨:鼻移在項,枯葉傷生。下枯上榮,家擾不寧。失其金城。

The nose has moved to the neck, with withered leaves obstructing vitality; below is withered while above is flourishing, causing turmoil within the household, and even a strong city cannot be defended. This is an image of inverted positions, with the fundamental and the superficial reversed, leading to danger for both family and state.

觀:飛不遠去,汝為內傷。祿養未富,終無災咎。君善安止。

You cannot fly very far, for there is an injury within; your salary is not enough for wealth, but you will not suffer calamity or mistakes; the gentleman is good at resting calmly. This is the image of weak strength and adhering to one's proper role, though not prominent, it ensures safety.

噬嗑:倒基敗筥,重舌作凶。被髮長夜,迷亂相誤。深亡吉居。

The foundation is overturned, the bamboo basket is broken, and those who stir up disputes cause chaos; with disheveled hair walking through the long night, confusion arises and people hinder each other, losing the auspicious dwelling deeply. This is the image of slander and disorder leading to loss of place, with the family foundation shaken and words bringing misfortune. One should be cautious with speech and guard the home.

賁:亥午相錯,敗亂緒業。民不得作。

The Earthly Branches Hai and Wu clash and conflict with each other, disrupting and ruining the legacy of our ancestors; the people cannot settle down to work. This is an omen of conflicting time positions, leading to confusion and the suspension of endeavors. It is advisable to choose an auspicious time before taking action.

剝:野麋畏人,俱入山谷。命短不長,為虎所得。死於牙腹。

Wild deer fear people and flee, all rushing into the valley; yet unable to escape their short fate, they are caught by tigers and die in the tiger's mouth. This is an omen of avoiding harm but entering danger. Those who act hastily without proper consideration will inevitably suffer misfortune. One should carefully examine the situation before taking action.

復:秋冬探巢,不得鵲雛。御指北去,愧我少姬。

In the autumn and winter seasons, going to search for a magpie's nest but finding no young ones; driving towards the north, feeling ashamed towards my young woman of the Ji surname. This is an omen of empty effort and broken promises, seeking in vain and failing to keep one's word, indicating deep regret and distress.

旡妄:雙鳧俱飛,欲歸稻池。經涉雚澤,為矢所射。傷我胸臆。(屯履咸同)

A pair of wild geese fly together, intending to return to a pond with abundant rice plants; on the way, they pass through a marshy area and are shot by an arrow, wounding my chest. This image signifies a danger encountered on the return journey, with hidden threats along the way, requiring vigilance against both open and concealed attacks. This passage is consistent with the texts associated with the hexagrams 'Zun', 'Lv', and 'Xian'.

大畜:天門開闢,宇戶寥廓。桎梏解脫,拘囚縱釋。(小畜之泰,蹇之謙)

The heavenly gate is wide open, and the house and its doors are spacious and bright. Hand and foot chains are removed and fall off, and those who were imprisoned are released. This is an omen of removing misfortune and escaping from trouble. Legal disputes and entanglements can be resolved. This is a great auspicious sign. This entry is the same as the entries titled 「Small Accumulation leading to Greatness」 and 「Obstruction leading to Humility」.

頤:尼父孔丘,善釣鯉魚。羅網一舉,得獲萬頭。富我家居。

Confucius, the great sage, was skilled in fishing for carp; when he cast his net, he caught tens of thousands. This symbolizes a prosperous harvest, indicating great success for those engaged in gathering, business, or teaching students.

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.