Zhen's Forest (the 64th hexagram Zhen)

巽　五穀不熟，民苦困急。駕之南國，嘉樂有得。

The five grains are insufficient and not ripe, causing hardship and distress among the people. By driving the carriage to the southern country, they instead gain abundance and joy. This indicates that the owner of the forest faces difficulties in his homeland but gains blessings through migration, and traveling south is advantageous.

兌　黃裳建元，病得在身。福佑洋溢，封為齊君。賈市無門，富貴多餐。

In The Zhou Changes, the sixth line of the fifth hexagram, "Yellow Robes Bring Great Good Fortune," is recorded. The Zuo Zhuan mentions that a man named Nan Kuan of Lu once divined and obtained this line. However, if one's virtue does not match their position, misfortune will arise from within. If one's virtue is commensurate with their position, then blessings will abound, and they may be granted the title of a national ruler. Even without engaging in commerce, they will naturally enjoy wealth and honor. This line indicates good fortune, but it requires that virtue matches the position. By maintaining righteousness, great good fortune will result; but if one seeks wrongly, illness will follow.

渙　齊東郭廬，嬪於洛都。駿良美好，利得萬倍。

The daughter of the eastern family of the state of Qi married into the capital of Luoyang; her husband's chariots and horses were fine and strong, and his appearance was handsome and noble. She gained profits many times over. This indicates that the owner of the forest married far away and obtained wealth and status, with a great fortune. It is very auspicious.

節　安床厚褥，不得失宿。棄我嘉宴，困於南國。投杼之憂，不成禍災。

Secure the bed and cover it with thick mats, so as not to sleep outdoors; although the host provided a sumptuous banquet, one was temporarily confined to the south and startled by the slanderous tale of the mother casting away the loom, yet fortunately no disaster resulted. This person's dwelling is secure, the slander did not take effect, and the alarm caused no harm.

中孚　內崩身傷，中亂無恆。雖有美粟，不得其食。

Internal collapse, injury to the body, confusion in the center with no regularity; even though there is good grain in the storehouse, it cannot be eaten. This oracle indicates illness within, unstable mind, though there is wealth, it cannot be enjoyed, it is凶.

小過　出門逢患，與禍為怨。更有拏刺，傷我指端。

As soon as one steps out, they encounter difficulties and form a grudge with misfortune; they are also involved in something that causes injury, specifically to the fingertips. This indicates that the person going out will invite calamity, get entangled in disputes and suffer injuries. Although the injury is not severe, it is still advisable to avoid traveling.

既濟　出入節持，南北無憂。行者即至，在外歸來。

All movements, whether going out or coming in, advancing or retreating, are regulated and maintained; traveling south or north brings no worries. Those who are traveling will soon arrive, and those who are away will return. This forest signifies that if one remains loyal and steadfast, the path is clear and suitable for both movement and stillness. Distant people will return, which is auspicious.

未濟　公孫駕車，載遊東齊。延陵說產，遺季紵衣。

The master of this forest is traveling and meets a kindred spirit; he exchanges gifts with them on his journey, and thus gains valuable connections, which is auspicious.

漸　別離分散，長子從軍。稚叔就賊，寡老獨安。莫為種瓜。

A family has been separated, the eldest son has been conscripted for military service far away, and the young younger brother has been captured by bandits; only the widow and old man remain at home, with no one left to cultivate the melon patch. This indicates that the owner of this forest has lost his family members, lost all laborers, and the fields are left fallow, which is ominous.

乾　旦種穀豆，暮成藿羹。心之所願，志快意愜。

In the morning, grain and beans were sown, and by evening they had been cooked into a bean leaf soup; what was desired became reality, the spirit was at ease, and desires were fulfilled. This omen indicates swift results and immediate fulfillment of wishes, which is auspicious.

坤　牡飛門啟，憂患大解，不為身禍。

The door latch flies off and the main door opens by itself. Accumulated worries are removed at once, no longer becoming a harm to oneself. This indicates that the situation is obstructed but now opens up, difficulties are resolved, turning danger into safety, which is auspicious.

屯　東山西山，各自止安。雖相登望，竟未同堂。（姤之坤）

The eastern mountain and the western mountain each occupy their own place; although they can see each other from a distance, they cannot be in the same hall. This forest indicates that the two parties have feelings for each other but are not compatible in fate, they can be seen but not approached, and their union cannot be realized. The note at the end shows that this forest is the same as the text of the "Kun" hexagram in the "Gou" hexagram.

蒙　眾鳥所翔，中有大怪。九身無頭，魂驚魄去。不可以居。（震之蒙）

A great monster appeared where many birds circled: it had nine bodies but no head, causing those who saw it to lose their souls. This place should never be inhabited. This forest is the dwelling place of a demon, causing fear and loss of control; one should flee quickly, as it is ominous. The note at the end indicates that this forest corresponds to the text of "Meng" in the trigram "Zhen."

需　交侵如亂，民無聊賴。追我濟西，狄人便殫。

External enemies attacked each other, causing chaos and leaving the people without support; the pursuit reached west of the Ji River, and the Di people were finally completely defeated. This forest chief first suffered invasion but later was able to overcome the enemy, achieving peace after bitter fighting.

訟　麟鳳所翔，國無咎殃。賈市十倍，復歸惠鄉。

Where qilin and phoenix soar, the country is free from calamity; merchants travel and gain tenfold profits, returning to their benevolent hometowns. This forest signifies auspiciousness within the territory, great profit in business, and good fortune in all journeys.

師　鑿井求玉，非卞氏宅。身困名辱，勞無所得。

Digging a well to seek a beautiful jade, but that is not the place where Bi He found the unpolished jade; the body becomes exhausted, the reputation is disgraced, and all efforts are in vain. This person is seeking in the wrong way, and there is no treasure to be found. Hard work brings no reward, which is ominous.

比　文山鴻豹，肥腯多脂。王孫獲願，載福巍巍。

In the mountain forest, both geese and leopards are fat and well-fed. The prince went hunting and fulfilled his wish, returning home with a full load. He received great blessings, abundant and prosperous. The forest's owner hunted abundantly, achieving his desires, with great fortune and a grand auspicious outcome.

小畜　周成之隆，刑措除凶。太宰費佑，君子作仁。

During the time of King Cheng of Zhou, the state was prosperous, punishments were suspended and chaos naturally disappeared, and this period is known as the "Chengkang era," during which punishments were not used for over forty years. The Grand Minister made great efforts to assist the ruler, and all virtuous people practiced benevolence. This indicates that the current ruler governs with clear laws and reduces punishments, achieving harmony and benevolence between superiors and inferiors, which is a sign of peace and great auspiciousness.

履　珪璧琮璋，執贄見王。百里甯戚，應聘齊秦。（需之井，否之訟）

Carrying jade objects such as the gui, bi, cong, and zhang as gifts to pay homage to the king; Bai LiXi was appointed by the State of Qin, and Ning Qi was employed by Duke Huan of Qi, both rising from humble origins to become ministers. This indicates that the master of this forest is a virtuous person who is hired and presents offerings to the sovereign, having a clear path to advancement, which is auspicious. The note at the end shows that this forest shares the same meaning as the 'Need' and 'Well' sections of the 'Need' hexagram, and the 'Not' and 'Dispute' sections of the 'Not' hexagram.

泰　穿空漏敝，破壞殘缺。陶弗能治，瓦甓不鑿。

The vessel has a hole, is broken and in disrepair; the potter cannot mend it, and bricks and tiles cannot be shaped. This indicates that the master of the vessel has already lost control of the objects, and there is no way to repair them. Affairs planned will not succeed, and this is ominous.

否　鴻飛循陸，公出不復，伯氏客宿。（損之蹇）

The Zhou Changes (I Ching) says, "Wild geese fly over the land," meaning the wild geese fly along the land and do not return. The lord is traveling and will not return, and the elder brother can only stay in a foreign place and take shelter. This man is traveling and will not return, staying away from home, causing his family to be disappointed, which is ominous. The final note indicates that this case is the same as the text from the hexagram of Loss and the hexagram of Obstruction.

同人　蝦蟆群聚，從天請雨。雲雷連集，應時輒下。得其所願。（大過之升）

A group of frogs gather and call out, as if praying to Heaven for rain; clouds and thunder gather together, and rain falls at the right time, fulfilling the people's wishes. This forest signifies that prayers are answered and drought is relieved by timely rain, desires are fulfilled, and it is auspicious. The note at the end indicates that this forest is the same as the section on 'Rise' in the 'Great Exceeding' hexagram.

大有　先弱無子，不能自理。為民雖憂，終不離咎。管子治國，侯伯賓服。乘輿八百，尊我恆德。

At first, he was weak and had no heirs, unable even to manage his own affairs; although he worried about the people, he still could not avoid blame. Later, when Guan Zhong took charge of state affairs, the feudal lords and regional leaders all submitted to him, with an army of eight hundred chariots. Everyone revered this enduring virtue. This describes a ruler who began in hardship but eventually rose to power, achieving hegemony through the assistance of a capable minister, starting with difficulty and ending in good fortune.

謙　搖梅折枝，與母別離，絕不相知。

Shaking the plum tree and breaking its branches, like children separating from their mother, from then on there is no news, and they do not know each other's whereabouts. This omen indicates separation of family members, difficult to reunite, which is ominous.

豫　盛中不絕，衰老復拙。盈滿減虧，瘯□腯肥。鄭昭失國，重耳興起。（一雲去必衰，羸去卻肥。鄭昭失國，重耳得時。）

When things are in their prime, they continue continuously; but after aging, they become clumsy and incapable. When something is full, it must eventually decline, just as livestock change from being thin and suffering from a disease called "cunli" to becoming fat and healthy. One decreases while the other increases. For instance, Zheng Zhuang Gong lost his state, while Prince Chong'er of Jin rose to power, exactly illustrating this alternation. This forest experiences the succession of prosperity and decline; when one loses, the other gains. Those in prosperity should beware of decline. There is an additional variant text appended at the end.

隨　聞虎入邑，心欲□匿。走據陽德，不見霍叔。絕無憂慝。

Heard that a tiger has entered the city, the mind is only thinking of finding a place to hide; while running about, he takes shelter in a sunny and virtuous place, and has not encountered a person like Hou Shu, finally free from worries and evil spirits. This indicates that the forest owner has found a safe place to avoid danger, and evil people have not met, there was alarm but no real danger. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by squares.

蠱　隨時逐便，不失利門。多獲得福，富於封君。

Adapting to the times and seizing opportunities for profit, one does not miss any path to gain wealth; the rewards are abundant and blessings are received, wealth surpassing that of a noble granted a fiefdom. This is favorable for those who understand the right moment and are skilled in trade, accumulating riches and becoming prosperous. It is a great auspicious omen.

臨　禹作神鼎，伯益衒指。斧斤既折，憧立獨倚。賣市不售，枯槁為福。

Great Yu cast a divine tripod, and Bo Yi pointed out and showed the way beside him; but the axes and hammers all broke, and the craftsmen could only stand helplessly alone. When the goods were brought to the market, they couldn't be sold, and instead, living a simple and frugal life became a blessing. This indicates that the owner has wasted resources, exhausted labor, and faced difficulties in selling goods. Only by being content with a simple life can one avoid misfortune.

觀　春鴻飛東，以馬貨金。利得十倍，重載歸鄉。

In spring, geese fly east, and merchants take advantage of the season to exchange horses for money. They gain tenfold profits and return home fully loaded. This indicates that the owner of the forest operates in harmony with the seasons, achieving great success in trade, with profits from both directions, which is auspicious.

噬嗑　金齒鐵牙，壽考宜家。年歲有餘，貪利者得。雖憂無咎。

The teeth are as hard as metal and iron, indicating a sign of longevity and a harmonious family; the harvest is abundant, and even those who seek profit will find gain; although there may be some worries, there will ultimately be no mistakes. This person has a strong constitution, a peaceful home, sufficient resources, and minor worries that are harmless.

賁　膏澤沐浴，洗去汙辱。振除災咎，更與壽福。（浴一作德）

Receiving grace is like bathing, washing away disgrace from the body; calamities and misfortunes are all removed, and in their place comes longevity and blessings. This forest is one that receives grace, cleanses disgrace, transforms calamity into blessings, which is very auspicious. The note at the end states that the character '浴' (bathing) in some editions is written as '德' (virtue).

剝　履階登墀，高升峻巍。福祿洋溢，依天之威。

Climbing step by step onto the palace terrace, ascending to a lofty and exalted position; blessings and official rank are abundant, all relying on the divine protection of Heaven. This indicates that the person in question will experience promotion and distinction, with ample official status and prosperity, which is a great auspicious omen.

復　坤厚地德，庶物蕃息。平康正直，以綏大福。

The earth is vast and benevolent, bearing all things and nurturing them to flourish. The Book of Documents, Hongfan, says, "When the world is peaceful and upright, following the path of righteousness brings great blessings." This person has a solid foundation, has nurtured and cultivated well, adheres to righteousness and thus gains blessings, which is very auspicious.

旡妄　絕域異路，多所畏惡。使我驚惶，思吾故處。

One is in a very distant foreign land, traveling along unfamiliar paths, everywhere causing fear and repulsion; the heart is frightened and uneasy, longing only for one's old home. This oracle indicates anxiety about long journeys and danger in foreign lands, suggesting it is advisable to think of returning home.

大畜　襁褓孩幼，冠帶成家。出門如賓，父母何憂。（遯之恆）

A child in swaddling clothes grows up, puts on the cap and sash, and establishes a family and career. When going out and dealing with others, he treats them with respect as if they were guests. What then can the parents worry about? This indicates that the son will become capable, the family discipline is strict, and the parents can be at ease, which is auspicious. The note at the end shows that this entry is the same as the text from the hexagram Dùn (Retreating) and Héng (Perseverance).

頤　一尋百節，綢繆相結。其指詰屈，不能解脫。

An eight-foot long rope was tied with hundreds of knots, twisted and entangled together; the threads were winding and complicated, and could not be untangled. This indicates the master of the forest is involved in entanglements and disputes that are hard to resolve, showing a sign of being trapped in a long-standingpredicament.

大過　鷹鸇獵食，雉兔困極。□走見尾，為人所賊。

Eagles and hawks fly out to hunt; wild chickens and rabbits are chased to the point of desperation. In their frantic escape, they reveal their tails and are finally captured. The owner of this forest is forced by the strong, has not hidden himself properly, and suffers a severe calamity. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by □.

坎　危坐至暮，請求不得。膏澤不降，政戾民忒。

Sitting upright until dusk, the requested matter still does not receive approval; rain and dew do not descend, the government is disorderly and the people are in turmoil. This indicates that the ruler lacks communication with the people, his grace does not reach below, and endeavors will not succeed, which is ominous.

離　剛柔相呼，二姓為家。霜降既同，惠我以仁。

Strength and softness harmonize with each other, uniting two families into one; at the time of frost descent, the marriage ceremony is carried out as scheduled, with both parties treating each other with benevolence and kindness. Ancient rites prescribed that women should be given in marriage at the time of frost descent, which is precisely the appropriate time for a wedding. This indicates that the family is in harmony, with the union of yin and yang properly matched, the marriage occurring at an auspicious time, and the household in peace and harmony, which is favorable.

咸　慈母念子，饗賜德士。蠻夷來服，國人歡喜。

A kind mother misses her son, sets food and rewards virtuous people; even distant barbarian states come to submit. All the people are joyful. This ruler shows kindness and care to his subjects, and distant people are influenced by his virtue. The whole country celebrates together, which is auspicious.

恆　良夫孔姬，負悝登臺。欒季不扶，衛輒走逃。

The *Zuo Zhuan* records that in the fifteenth year of Duke Ai's reign, the state of Wei saw a plot by Kong Ji, a noblewoman of the Kong clan, and her minister Hún Liángfū to seize Kong Kui and take him to the platform to force a coalition. However, the younger branch of the Luan clan refused to support them, and Duke Zhu of Wei was forced to flee. This situation represents internal disorder beginning within the family, with the ruler and ministers confronting each other, the sovereign fleeing, which is a great calamity.

遯　子長忠直，季氏為賊。禍及無嗣，司馬失福。

A man who is both mature and loyal has been wrongfully accused; the Ji family has become rebels. Misfortune has led to the extinction of the family line, and the military commander司马 has lost his blessings. This indicates that the loyal person has been falsely accused, the powerful families have caused chaos, the family has declined, and it is ominous.

大壯　節慶之德，不涉亂國。雖昧無光，民受大福。

A person who maintains integrity and virtue avoids involvement in chaotic states. Although they may appear obscure and unrecognized for a time, the people benefit greatly. This person avoids turmoil and upholds righteousness, remaining humble and cultivating their abilities, thus benefiting others, which is auspicious.

晉　驅羊南行，與福相逢。狼驚我馬，虎盜我子。悲恨自咎。

He drove his flock southward, originally meeting good fortune. But suddenly a wild wolf startled his horse, and a tiger carried off his little lamb, leaving only sorrow, regret, and self-reproach. This forest owner first gained then lost, experienced joy turning to sorrow, and encountered danger on the way, which is凶.

明夷　尼父孔丘，善釣鯉魚。羅網一舉，獲利萬頭。富我家居。

Confucius, the sage, was skilled in fishing and once caught a carp, and his son was named Li after that. Once he cast a net and caught tens of thousands of fish, which made his family wealthy. The owner of this forest is skilled in this technique, and with one effort he obtained a great harvest, enriching his family's business, which is auspicious.

家人　本根不用，華葉落去，更為孤嫗。

The fundamental principles are entirely abandoned, causing flowers and leaves to fall off one by one; in the end, only an old widow remains. This indicates that the household has forsaken its roots, neglected cultivation, leading to the decline of the family, solitude, and hardship, which is ominous.

睽　設罟捕魚，反得居諸。負困竭忠，伍氏夷誅。

He who sets a net to catch fish catches something else; Wu Zisuxu, bearing hardship and giving his utmost loyalty, ultimately meets his demise. This indicates that the person in question's desires are unfulfilled, and he suffers misfortune for his loyalty. Loyalty is met with rejection, which is a great凶 (misfortune).

蹇　敏捷亟疾，如猿集木。彤弓雖調，終不能獲。

The body is agile and quick, like a monkey leaping among trees. Even if a well-crafted red bow is adjusted to be comfortable, it will still not hit the target. This indicates that the opponent is elusive and difficult to control, possessing sharp weapons but unable to use them effectively, making it impossible to gain an advantage.

解　冠帶南行，與福相期。邀於嘉國，拜位逢時。

Straighten your clothes and tie your sash, then go southward, and you will meet with good fortune as scheduled; in a prosperous state, you will be honored and invited, and receiving an official position will be timely. This indicates that the person should go south and meet with favorable circumstances, receiving a title at an appropriate time, which is auspicious.

損　年豐歲熟，政仁民樂，祿入獲福。

The year is bountiful with abundant harvests, and all five grains are ripe. The government's policies are benevolent, and the people are content and happy. Officials' salaries enter the household, bringing good fortune. This indicates that the master of the forest has harmony between superiors and subordinates, and both wealth and official favor arrive, which is a great auspicious omen.

益　築闕石巔，立基水源。疾病不安，老孤無鄰。

He built the pavilions on the tops of rugged rocks and established the foundation at the source of a spring, which was damp and unstable; thus suffering from illness and unable to find peace, old age came with loneliness and no neighbors nearby. This forest's owner chose an unsuitable location and has an unstable foundation, leading to frequent illness and solitude, which is ominous.

夬　逐狐東山，水遏我前。深不可涉，失利後還。（蒙之蠱，姤之巽，艮之臨）

Going east to chase a fox, a great body of water blocks the way ahead; the water is too deep to cross on foot, so one loses the opportunity and has to retreat. This indicates that the forest owner faces obstacles in their career and fails to catch what they pursue. It is advisable to retreat and wait for the right time. The note at the end shows that this passage is the same as the one in the sections of "Meng" to "Gu," "Gou" to "Xun," and "Gen" to "Lin."

姤　麟子鳳雛，生長嘉國。和氣所居，康樂溫仁。邦多聖人。

The offspring of the qilin and the young of the phoenix grow in a prosperous country; it is a place where harmonious energy gathers, filled with peace, joy, warmth, and benevolence, and the country is rich in sages and virtuous people. This forest signifies a time of great prosperity, with many talented individuals emerging, and the country and family celebrating together, which is extremely auspicious.

萃　西行求玉，莫得卞璞。反得凶惡，使我驚惑。

Going west to seek beautiful jade, yet not obtaining a piece like Bi He's unpolished jade; instead encountering evil things, causing me both fear and confusion. This indicates the person in the forest has sought far but gained nothing, instead inviting misfortune, and travel is unfavorable.

升　心狂志悖，聽視聾盲。正命無常，下民多孽。

His mind is chaotic and his aspirations perverse, his ears and eyes like those of the deaf and blind. The government's decrees and laws are ever-changing, and the people below suffer great calamities. This omen indicates a ruler who is foolish above and disorder below, his actions without foundation, causing the people to suffer, which is ominous.

困　南國少子，才略美好。求我長女，賤薄不與。反得醜惡，後乃大悔。（噬嗑之夬）

In the southern country, there was a young man who was outstanding in talent and strategy, and he came to marry my eldest daughter. However, because he was from a poor family, they refused him. As a result, the daughter married a man who was ugly and evil. Later, they regretted this decision deeply. This case shows that the person in question chose a son-in-law improperly, selecting based on appearance alone, leading to regret and misfortune. The end note indicates that this case is the same as the text of the hexagram "Gua" in the "Shihe" (噬嗑).

井　透迤高源，家伯妄施，亂其在官。

The water source is high and winding, originally should be guided in an orderly manner, but the family elder acted recklessly. The "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · October's Meeting" criticizes "Jia Bo as the chief official" for exercising undue power, eventually causing chaos in official affairs. This case involves the person in charge acting improperly and disorder in the government's orders, leading to unclear official matters and a凶 (unfavorable outcome).

革　謝恩拜德，東歸吾國，歡樂有福。

Expressing gratitude for the received favor, he returned eastward to his own state, joyful and blessed along the way. The master of this forest receives grace and returns, with host and guest both delighted, and all movements are auspicious.

鼎　雞鳴同舉，思配無家。執佩持鳧，莫使致之。

At the time of the rooster's crow, they all rose together, intending to marry but without a suitable home to return to; holding jade ornaments and carrying a wild duck as gifts, yet no one was there to deliver the message. The master of this forest has intent but no matchmaker, the marriage does not proceed, and what is sought cannot be conveyed.

震　凶重憂慮，身受誅罪，神不能解。

Dangerous and perilous, with constant worries, the person will suffer punishment, and even the gods cannot save them. The master of this forest has already incurred guilt, and prayers and offerings are ineffective. This is a great misfortune.