Zhen's Forest (the 64th hexagram Zhen)

艮　虎豹熊羆，遊戲山谷。仁賢君子，得其所欲。（謙之中孚）

Tigers, leopards, bears, and wild boars roam freely in the mountains and valleys, each in its own territory; similarly, the benevolent and wise gentleman also finds his desires fulfilled. This forest signifies that each entity is in its proper place, and whatever is sought is obtained, which is auspicious. The concluding note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram "Modesty" and "Sincerity."

歸妹　海隅遼右，福祿所至。柔嘉蒙祉，尤夷何咎。

Far to the seaside and west of Liao Dong, these are places where blessings and honors reach; by upholding the virtues of gentleness and goodness, one receives blessings, even if residing in a barbarian land, there is no fault. This forest ruler gains blessings from afar and transforms customs through virtue, which is auspicious.

豐　華首之山，仙道所遊。利以居止，長無咎憂。（謙之井）

Huashou Mountain is a place where immortals come and go, suitable for dwelling and staying. It is long free from misfortune and worries. This forest indicates the selection of a clean and superior location, ensuring long-term good fortune. The note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the "Well" in the "Modesty" hexagram.

旅　甲乙戊庚，隨時轉行。不失常節，萌芽律屈。咸達生出，各順其類。（歸妹之□）

The heavenly stems Jia, Yi, Wu, and Geng, along with other day branches, move in sequence without deviating from their regular course and seasonal order. The sprouting of plants follows the rhythm of the pitch-pipes, emerging at the proper time, each according to its own kind. This forest exemplifies movement in accordance with the seasons, each thing finding its proper place, thus bringing auspiciousness. The name of the hexagram mentioned in the marginal note is incomplete, indicated by a square.

巽　跂躓未起，失利後市，不得鹿子。

He stood on tiptoe to move but tripped and fell, not yet rising; missed the market opportunity, arrived at the market too late, and failed to catch even a young deer. This situation indicates initiative taken without proper timing, with desired outcomes failing to materialize, unfavorable for endeavors.

兌　惟恃自負，不志於下。血從地出，誅罰失理。

He who is overly self-confident and arrogant, without caring to understand the feelings of those below, ends up with blood spilling from the ground, and punishment and execution lose their proper sense. This indicates that the ruler is proud and lazy, misuses punishment, leading to a great calamity and extreme misfortune.

渙　江河淮海，天之都市。商人受福，國家饒有。

The Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Huai River, and the sea are the great markets established by Heaven. Merchants benefit from them, and the country becomes prosperous because of them. This place has water and land trade, with goods flowing freely, sufficient for both public and private needs, which is a great blessing.

節　節情省欲，賦斂有度。家給人足，且貴且富。

Practice self-restraint in desires and reduce greed, collect taxes in moderation; thus every household becomes abundant and every person becomes wealthy, attaining both honor and riches. This ruler governs with frugality and balance in taking and giving, ensuring lasting wealth and prosperity, which is auspicious.

中孚　牝馬鳴呴，求呼其潦。雲雨大會，流成河海。

The mother horse neighs and calls, as if praying for the arrival of accumulated water; clouds and rain gather greatly, flowing together to form rivers and seas. This indicates that the master of the forest's request is fulfilled, and great nourishment comes. Success comes through gathering, which is auspicious.

小過　日月之塗，所行必到，無有患故。

Following the path of the sun and moon, wherever it goes it will surely arrive, without any mishaps or troubles. This forest indicates that one is proceeding along the right path, with clear goals, safe entry and exit, and it is auspicious.

既濟　乘風而舉，與飛鳥俱。一舉千里，見吾愛母。（明夷之鼎）

Riding the wind and flying, accompanying the flying birds with wings; one flight covers a thousand miles, finally meeting the mother I have longed for. This indicates that the subject is taking advantage of favorable conditions to travel far and quickly achieve their wishes, reuniting with family, which is auspicious. The note at the end indicates that this forest is associated with the hexagram "Brightening" and the hexagram "Ding."

未濟　陰配陽事，臥木反立。君子攸行，喪其官職。

A person of yin and flexibility interferes in matters of yang and strength, and a log that should lie horizontally stands upright, causing inversion above and below. At this time, a gentleman going out on a journey will lose his official position. This indicates disorder in the hierarchy, imbalance of yin and yang, and difficulties in official affairs, which is ominous.

歸妹　堅冰黃鳥，常悲哀鳴。不見甘粒，但歡藜荊。數驚鷙鳥，為我心憂。

At the time when the hard ice has not yet melted, the yellow bird lamented in the poem "Huangniao" from the Book of Songs, "The Qin Wind": there is no good grain to be seen, only bitter gourds and thorny bushes for shelter; it is repeatedly startled by fierce birds of prey, causing people to feel anxious and worried. This situation is one of cold food shortages, frequent humiliation, and constant fear and unease, which is ominous.

乾　荊木冬生，司寇緩刑。威權在下，國亂且傾。

The wood of Jing grows abnormally in winter, indicating a disruption in the natural order. The judicial official responsible for punishment relaxes the penalties. Authority falls into the hands of subordinates, leading to national chaos and eventual collapse. This omen signifies a loosening of the state's regulations and a transfer of power to lower ranks, resulting in national peril and misfortune.

坤　喘牛傷暑，弗能耕畝。草萊不闢，年歲無有。（丙吉問牛喘）

A cow is breathing heavily, indicating it has been harmed by the heat, and thus cannot work in the fields. The farmland, overgrown with weeds, cannot be cleared, resulting in no harvest throughout the year. When the Han chancellor Bing Ji encountered a cow breathing heavily and inquired about it, it was to observe the changes in the weather. This indicates that the owner of this forest is experiencing disharmony in the natural forces, failure in farming, and a poor harvest, which is ominous.

屯　魚欲負流，眾不同心，至德潛伏。

The fish wishes to swim upstream, but its companions have different intentions; the person of the highest virtue can only remain hidden. This omen indicates that the group lacks unity and that going against the current is difficult. The virtuous should remain patient and wait for the right time.

蒙　春耕有息，秋入利福。獻豜大豭，以樂成功。

In spring, farming involves both labor and rest, and in autumn, there is harvest and profit. The Book of Songs, the July of the Bin Wind, says that when hunting large animals, one should "present a boar to the lord," and people present large pigs to celebrate the success of the year. This person has spring labor and autumn harvest, working hard and reaping rewards, indicating a fortunate celebration.

需　生有聖德，上配太極。皇靈建中，授我以福。（家人之需）

He was born with the virtue of a sage, capable of matching the principle of the Taiji; the heavenly spirits established the principle of uprightness and bestowed blessings upon him. This forest embodies virtue in harmony with the heavenly will and receives blessings from above, which is extremely auspicious. The note indicates that this forest corresponds to the text of the Need hexagram in the Family section.

訟　右撫琴頭，左手援帶。凶訟不已，相與相戾。失利而歸。

With the right hand pressing on the qin's head and the left hand pulling at the sash, he was in a state of confusion and disorder; there is a dangerous lawsuit that continues without resolution, with mutual opposition between the parties, ultimately resulting in loss of money and returning home. This indicates that the person involved will have continuous disputes, mutual contradiction, loss of wealth, and a凶 outcome.

師　炙魚拈斗，陰倚碩鼠。舌不思味，譏發為祟。笮不得去。

A freshly cooked fish was just placed into the bowl, but in the dark corner there lay a big rat, mocked in the "Poetry · Wei Wind · Sheshu." The food was in the mouth but not tasted, and the criticism came swiftly, becoming a curse. Forced into a corner, unable to escape. This indicates the master of the forest is being secretly fed by small people, entangled in slander and accusations, unable to break free, which is ominous.

比　申酉說服，牛馬休息。君子以安，勞者得歡。

By the time the hours of Shen and You arrive, one removes clothing and rests, allowing oxen and horses to rest as well; thus, the gentleman finds comfort and the laborer experiences joy. This indicates that the forest master maintains a proper balance between labor and rest, ensuring harmony above and below, which is auspicious.

小畜　堯門尹爵，聖德增益。使民不疲，安無怵惕。

Under Yao's rule, rewards were given according to merit, and the sage's virtue grew daily. The people were employed without being overburdened, living in peace and security. This ruler administers justice properly, governs with simplicity, and the people are at ease. It is auspicious.

履　孤公寡婦，獨宿悲苦。目張耳鳴，莫與笑語。（訟之歸妹）

An old man who has lost his wife and a widow each live alone in sorrow; they lie awake with their eyes open, hearing noises in their ears, and no one nearby with whom to laugh or talk. This forest owner is lonely and without a partner, unable to sleep at night, suffering from great worry and misfortune. The note at the end indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram "Strife" and "Return Wife."

泰　外得好畜，相與嫁娶。仁賢集聚，諮詢厥事。傾奪我城，使家不寧。

Outside, good livestock were obtained, and two families formed a marriage; virtuous men gathered together to discuss this matter. Unluckily, later someone overturned and seized my city, causing the household to be disturbed. This forest owner first experienced joy but then suffered from infringement, with good fortune hiding danger, and one must beware of future troubles.

否　煎砂盛暑，鮮有不朽。去河千里，敗我利市。老手育馬，去之何悔。

In the midst of a severe summer, things left on the sand to bake in the sun rarely remain unspoiled; even a thousand miles away from a river, trade cannot be successfully conducted. However, experienced people who raise horses, even if they sell them, have nothing to regret. This person's time and place are both unsuitable for business, leading to losses, but sticking to their original profession can avoid regret.

同人　甲乙戊庚，隨時轉行。不失常節，萌芽律屈。咸達出生，各樂其類。（漸之旅）

The day branches Jia, Yi, Wu, and Geng follow the sequence of time without deviation; grass and trees sprout according to the laws of pitch and measure, emerging all at once when the time comes, each in its own category and each finding its own joy. This forest represents the harmonious movement with the seasons and the peaceful state of all things, which is auspicious. The note at the end indicates that this passage is the same as the text of the hexagram "Gradual" and "Travel."

大有　依宵夜遊，與君相遭。除解煩惑，使心不憂。

Going out during the night, you happen to meet the person; a conversation dispels worries and confusion, and the heart is no longer troubled. This indicates that the person in the forest meets someone secretly, resolves doubts, changes from worry to peace, which is auspicious.

謙　天有絕明，巧言為讒。覆白汙玉，顏叔哀音。

Heaven originally has clear insight into all things, but flatterers engage in slander. The poem "Xiao Ya · Qiaoyan" from the Book of Songs criticizes this very behavior. Slander can turn white into black and jade into filth, forcing Yan Shu to lament in sorrow. This case involves the master of the forest spreading false words and confusing right from wrong, with the upright suffering injustice, which is ominous.

豫　逐利三年，利走如神。展轉東西，如鳥避丸。

He has pursued wealth for three years, but the opportunity seems to vanish like a deity; he has moved from place to place, restless and uncertain, like a bird evading a stone. This indicates that the owner of the forest has not obtained wealth, has been toiling and traveling, and must beware of danger; it is an unfavorable omen.

隨　堤防壞決，河水泛溢。傷害稼穡，民流去室。君孤獨宿，沒溺我邑。

The embankments break, the river overflows and spreads widely, crops are flooded, and people are displaced; the king is alone and stays by himself, while the cities are submerged in great waters. This indicates a major disaster of water calamity, causing damage to both households and the state, which is extremely ominous.

蠱　陰陽隔塞，許嫁不答。旄丘新臺，悔往嘆息。（晉之無妄）

Yin and yang are completely disconnected and uncommunicative; although a marriage was promised, the other party does not respond. The poem "Mao Qu" from the "Book of Songs · Bei Feng" expresses resentment towards others, while "Xin Tai" criticizes Duke Xuan of Wei for taking another man's wife. When one marries an unsuitable partner, regret and lamentation follow. This forest indicates that the marriage is blocked, the match is not appropriate, and there is great regret. The final note shows that this forest is the same as the "Jin" hexagram's "Wu Wang" text.

臨　伯夷叔齊，貞廉之師。以德防患，憂禍不存。（泰之乾，革之否，比之剝）

Boyi and Shuqí renounced the throne and upheld their principles, serving as exemplars of steadfast integrity and purity. By cultivating virtue, they guarded against calamity, so worries and misfortunes naturally did not arise. This forest signifies a person who maintains integrity and humility, avoiding disaster through virtue, which is auspicious. The concluding note indicates that this forest is consistent with the passages from the "Tai" hexagram's "Qian," the "Ge" hexagram's "Pí," and the "Bi" hexagram's "Bo."

觀　陽為狂悖，拔劍自傷，為身生殃。（明夷之井）

When yang is excessive and leads to madness and rebellion, drawing the sword results in self-injury, bringing calamity upon oneself. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest is stubborn and reckless, causing self-harm, which is凶 (a凶 omen). The note also states that this forest is similar to the hexagram of Mingyi (Brightening) and Jing (Well) in the I Ching.

噬嗑　進士為官，不苦服田，獲壽保年。

By entering officialdom through proper means, one does not need to suffer the hardship of farming, and can also live a long and healthy life. This indicates that the person named Lin has escaped labor, gained official rank, enjoys security and longevity, which is auspicious.

賁　耕石不生，棄禮無名。縫衣失針，襦褲弗成。

Cultivating crops on a stone will not produce sprouts; abandoning propriety and rites will not secure status. If a needle is lost while sewing, neither a short jacket nor long trousers can be made. This indicates that the person in charge lacks proper methods and lacks support, and thus nothing will succeed, which is ominous.

剝　靈龜陸處，一旦失所。伊子復耕，桀亂無輔。

The spiritual tortoise leaves the water and is on land, losing its support; Yi Yin returns to the fields of You Shen to till the soil, while Xia Jie is confused and lacks good advisors. This indicates that the virtuous person has retreated, the ruler has no capable ministers, the state affairs are neglected, and it is ominous.

復　室當原口，漂溺為海。財產殫盡，衣食無有。

The house faces directly towards the water outlet. A great flood would wash it away, turning the area into a vast expanse of water. Property would be completely lost, and there would be no food or clothing. This indicates that the occupant's residence is near a dangerous area and suffers from water-related calamities, which is extremely凶 (dangerous).

旡妄　雞方啄粟，為狐所逐。走不得食，惶懼喘息。

A chicken just pecked at some millet when a fox chased it; it ran all the way without being able to eat, panicked and gasped for breath. The forest owner recently gained something but was immediately deprived of it, feeling anxious and uneasy, which is an omen of misfortune.

大畜　家在海隅，繞旋深流。豈敢憚行，無木以趨。

A person lives at the tip of the sea, surrounded on all sides by deep water; they are not afraid of going out, but actually lack boats or rafts to travel. The owner of this forest is trapped by the terrain, has the desire but no means, and cannot proceed.

頤　他山之錯，與璆為仇。來攻吾城，傷我肌膚。國家騷憂。（明夷之井）

The Book of Poetry, Small Odes, "The Cry of the Crane" says that stones from another mountain can polish jade. Now this grinding stone has become an enemy of the jade; enemies attack my city, injuring my body, causing the entire country to be in turmoil and fear. This person is suffering from external aggression, with tools harming me, the state is not at peace, and it is ominous. The final note indicates that this case is similar to the "Bright Sun" hexagram's "Well" line.

大過　弊鏡無光，不見文章。少女不嫁，棄於其公。

A broken mirror no longer shines brightly, unable to reflect patterns or brilliance; a young daughter cannot be married off and is abandoned by her father at home. This indicates a ruler who is dull and lacks culture, and an inopportune time for marriage, resulting in misfortune of being abandoned.

坎　大蛇巨魚，相輔殺之。君臣隔塞，郭公失廬。

A great snake and a huge fish are connected to each other, then killed by people working together. Between the sovereign and ministers there is obstruction and separation. The Tuo Gong mentioned in the Spring and Autumn Annals therefore lost his territory and dwelling. This forest has its upper and lower parts disconnected, with the strong and fierce ones bringing about their own downfall. The ruler loses his position, which is ominous.

離　絕世無嗣，福祿不存。精神渙散，離其躬身。

The family lineage has been cut off with no descendants, and blessings and honors will no longer remain; the spirit is scattered and wandering, having left the body. This omen indicates the family's ancestral worship will come to an end, the Origin God is dispersed, which is a great misfortune.

咸　文君之德，養人致福。年無胎夭，國富民寶。憂者之望，曾參盜息。

King Wen's general virtue as a ruler nurtures the people and brings blessings; there are no cases of miscarriage or premature death in the years, the country is prosperous and the people are regarded as treasures; those in distress see a turning point, even slander like that against Zeng Shen has ceased. This indicates that the ruler cultivates virtue to care for the people, rumors naturally subside, and both family and state are auspicious.

恆　合歡之國，喜為我福。東嶽南山，朝濟成恩。

In a harmonious and joyful state, joy is my blessing; paying homage to the Eastern Mountain and facing the Southern Mountain, offering morning and evening sacrifices to achieve blessings. This forest is where ruler and subjects harmonize, prayers are answered, and blessings are received.

遯　憂人之患，履悖易顏。為身禍殘，率身自守。與喜相抱，長子成考，封受福佑。

Worrying for others in times of hardship, if one's actions go against the right path, one's expression will change. When misfortune harms oneself, only by restraining oneself and adhering to one's proper role can one endure. If one can hold on, one can embrace joy, the eldest son will grow up and be granted a title and blessings. This forest ruler first faces danger then safety; if one can maintain self-restraint, one will ultimately gain blessings, which is auspicious.

大壯　太公避紂，七十隱處。卒逢聖文，為王室輔。（明夷之坤）

Qi Taigong avoided the tyranny of the Shang Zhou and lived in seclusion until he was seventy; finally he met the wise King Wen of Zhou and became a minister to the royal family. This forest represents someone who has long been in hiding, waiting for the right time, and finally meets a ruler in old age, experiencing hardship first and then great good fortune. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the 'Kun' section of the 'Mingyi' hexagram.

晉　江漢上流，政逆民憂。陰代其陽，雌為雄公。

It is situated in the upper reaches of the Jiang and Han rivers, with corrupt governance and suffering people; yin has taken the place of yang, and a hen has assumed the role of a rooster. This omen indicates a reversal of yin and yang, a woman usurping her husband's authority, disorder in government and hardship for the people, which is ominous.

明夷　縮縮亂絲，舉手為災。越畝逐兔，濡其衣褲。

The threads are tangled into a mess, and any attempt to untangle them only makes things worse; trying to chase a rabbit across the field causes clothes to get wet and dirty. This omen indicates confusion and disorder, with reckless actions leading to loss. The pursuit is fruitless, and it is ominous.

家人　臭彘腐木，與狼相輔。亡夫失子，憂及父母。

Rotten pork and decayed wood are accompanied by jackals; a woman who has lost her husband and son brings sorrow to her old parents. This omen indicates the family's decline, living among evil neighbors, and the calamity of death.

睽　刲羊不當，女執空筐。兔跛鹿踦，緣山墜墮。讒□亂作。

In The Zhou Changes, the section on Guimei, line Six at the Top says, "The gentleman cuts the sheep but there is no blood, the woman carries a basket but it is empty." The sheep is not properly slaughtered, and the woman holds an empty basket. A rabbit limps and a deer also has a limp, and while climbing the mountain they fall down. False words arise again. This indicates that the chief priest's ritual is not completed, the marriage is abandoned, and there is great misfortune due to slander and chaos. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by squares.

蹇　拔劍傷手，見敵不喜。良臣無佐，困憂為咎。

When drawing the sword, he first cut his own hand, and upon seeing the enemy, he felt fear. A loyal and virtuous minister fails to receive support, and thus becomes trapped in hardship and blame. This oracle indicates that the leader is injured before battle, isolated without support, faces difficulties in handling affairs, and is ominous.

解　三羖五羊，相隨俱行。迷入空澤，循入直北。經涉六駁，為聽傷敗。

Three black male sheep and five sheep traveled together and got lost, entering an open marsh and moving northward. Along the way, they passed through the area mentioned in the "Book of Songs · Qin Wind · Morning Wind" where six fierce beasts are said to lurk. They suffered misfortune and perished due to a mistaken belief in false words. The forest's master was lost, confused, and easily deceived, leading to great misfortune for travelers.

損　爭雞失羊，亡其金囊。利得不長，陳蔡之患。賴楚以安。（恆之夬）

For fighting over a chicken, he lost a sheep and his money bag; the profit gained is not lasting. It is like Confucius being trapped in Chen and Cai with no food, but eventually he was saved when King Zhao of Chu sent troops to rescue him. This person lost much due to a small matter, encountered difficulties along the way, but finally received help from a nobleman and ended up safe. The final note indicates that this situation is the same as the text of the hexagram "Gua" in the hexagram "Heng."

益　三灑負衡，南取芷香。秋蘭芬馥，盈滿神匱。利我仲季。

He made repeated efforts to clean, shouldered a crossbar and went south to gather the fragrant white angelica; the autumn orchis was fragrant and filled the divine chamber for offerings; this blessing benefited my second and youngest sons. The forest owner went far to gather herbs, filled the house with fragrance, and brought benefit to his sons, which is auspicious.

夬　孟春己丑，哀呼仲父。明德訖終，亂虐滋起。

On the day of Jichou in the first lunar month, Duke Huan of Qi was gravely ill, crying out for his elder minister, Guan Zhong. With the virtuous minister's death, the moral excellence of the sage came to an end, and disorder and tyranny soon followed. With the loss of a wise minister and the interruption of great achievements, chaos arose, and this is ominous.

姤　履不容足，南山多葉。家有芝蘭，乃無病疾。（葉又作草）

The situation is cramped, leaving no room even for the feet, but fortunately the southern mountain has abundant grass and trees. There are fragrant herbs like orchids at home, so there is no illness. Though the situation is narrow, the person has sufficient sustenance. The home is fragrant and clean, the body is healthy, which is auspicious. The final note mentions 'leaf' which also refers to 'grass'.

萃　三足無頭，弗知所之。心在精傷，莫使為明。不見日光。

Three legs but no head, not knowing where to go; the spirit is injured, no one can clarify his situation, and he sees no daylight all day. This forest signifies the loss of its leader, being at a loss for direction, in a state of confusion and darkness, which is凶 (auspicious).

升　戴堯扶禹，喬松彭祖。西過王母，道路夷易。無敢難者。（師之離）

This forest is guarded by sage kings such as Yao and Yu, and accompanied by immortal beings like Prince Qiao, Chi Song Zi, and Peng Zu. Traveling westward through the region of the Western Queen Mother, the path is smooth and unimpeded, with no one daring to obstruct. This forest is protected by sages and virtuous persons, with a clear and unobstructed path, leading to longevity and abundant blessings, which is a great auspicious omen. The note at the end indicates that this forest corresponds to the section on 'Li' (Fire) from the 'Book of Changes' (I Ching) hexagram 'Shi' (Army).

困　式微式微，憂禍相半。隔以巖山，室家分散。

The poem "Shi Jing · Bei Feng · Shimei" laments "Shimi shimi, hu bu gui," expressing sorrow and misfortune equally; in the middle there are perilous mountains, and the family is scattered. This forest represents people wandering away, blocked from returning, with family members separated, indicating misfortune.