Libo

Zhen's Forest (the 64th hexagram Zhen)

Han (漢) · Jiao Yanshou (焦延壽) · Volume 61 / 71

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

姤 三鳥飛來,自到逢時。俱行先至,多得大利。(同人之夬)

Three birds fly together and arrive at a good opportunity by chance; they arrive ahead of others and thus gain much profit. This indicates that the owner of the forest has a fortunate timing and that those who act swiftly will succeed. It is favorable for seeking wealth. The note at the end indicates that this forest is similar to the hexagram 'Following' and the hexagram 'Breaking Up'.

萃 鹿食山草,不思邑里,雖久無咎。

A deer is eating grass on a mountain, content and not wishing to return to the village; thus, even if it stays for a long time, there will be no mistakes. This forest is peaceful and undisturbed, far from worldly troubles, and dwelling there for a long time brings no calamity, which is auspicious.

升 羊腸九縈,相催併前。止須王孫,乃能上天。(損之夬,履之師,蠱之剝,臨之巽)

The path winds through many twists and turns, with people urging each other forward in unison. They await the arrival of the nobleman before they can ascend to success. This forest signifies a difficult and winding path that requires the assistance of a nobleman; with people's help, it brings great fortune. The note at the end indicates that this forest is similar to the texts of the hexagrams "Loss" to "Judgment," "Following" to "Army," "Restlessness" to "Breaking," and "Approach" to "Wind."

困 管仲遇桓,得其願歡。膠日殺糾,振冠無憂。笑戲不莊,空言妄行。(明夷之旅)

Guan Zhong met Duke Huan of Qi, and they became a harmonious master and minister, each achieving their aspirations. After Duke Huan executed Prince Jiu, Guan Zhong was able to remove his hat and take office, thus having no further worries. However, those who are frivolous and lack solemnity, and who speak without thought and act recklessly, will never reach such a state. This forest (line) is auspicious when encountering a superior and achieving success, but if one is frivolous and speaks carelessly, it leads to failure. The note at the end indicates that this line is the same as the 'Travel' section of the 'Bright Sun' hexagram.

井 桀蹠並處,民困愁苦。旅行遲遲,留連齊魯。(復之離)

In an era when tyrants like Xia Jie and Dao Zhi existed together, the common people were in distress and suffering; travelers moved slowly and were stuck in the area of Qi and Lu. This situation indicates a chaotic situation, obstructed travel, and sorrow for a traveler, which is ominous. The note at the end indicates that this forest is similar to the hexagram "Fu" (Return) and the hexagram "Li" (Fire).

革 魂孤無室,銜損不食。盜張氏饋,見敵失肉。

The spirit is lonely with no place to return, suffering injuries and unable to eat; it steals food from the Zhang family, but upon encountering an enemy, discards the meat it was about to eat. This indicates that the owner of the forest is lonely, neglected, and loses what it has gained. Taking risks brings no benefit and is ominous.

鼎 讒言亂國,覆是為非。伯奇乖離,恭子憂哀。(巽之觀)

False words disturb the state, turning truth into falsehood. Yin Jifū believed his stepwife's words and drove away the virtuous son Boqi. King Jin Xian Gong believed the slander of Li Ji and the crown prince Shen Sheng became sorrowful and died. This forest indicates slanderous mouths running rampant, father and son suspecting each other, the virtuous being abandoned, which is a great misfortune. The final note shows that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram "Xun" and "Guan."

震 衛侯東遊,惑於少姬。亡我考妣,久迷不來。(乾之升,旅之師)

The Duke of Wei went east for a tour and became infatuated with a young woman of the Ji surname; he abandoned his parents and became deeply engrossed, unwilling to return. This person is indulging in lust and neglecting to return, abandoning his parents, neglecting family affairs, which is ominous. The final note indicates that this case is similar to the text of the hexagram "Qian" with "Sheng" and "Lv" with "Shi."

艮 雞鳴同興,思配無家。執佩持鳧,莫使致之。(漸之鼎)

At the time the rooster crows, they all rise together, wishing to marry but without a match; holding jade ornaments and carrying a wild duck as a bride price, yet no one is there to convey their message. The master of this forest has intention but no matchmaker, and the marriage cannot be realized, their wishes unfulfilled. The final note indicates that this forest corresponds to the hexagram "Gradual" transforming into the hexagram "Ding."

漸 義不勝情,以欲自縈。覬利危躬,催角折頸。(坤之豐,復之坤,小過之升)

Righteous principles are overwhelmed by personal desires, and one is ensnared by lust; seeking small gains leads to danger for one's life and property, ultimately resulting in the breaking of the horn and the breaking of the neck. This forest ruler indulges in excess and pursues profit, thereby inviting self-destruction, which is extremely ominous. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of 《Kun》 in 《Feng》, 《Fu》 in 《Kun》, and 《Xiao Guo》 in 《Sheng》.

歸妹 臣尊主卑,權力日衰。侵奪無光,三家逐公。(升之巽)

The ministers are respectful and powerful while the sovereign is weak and declining in authority; the royal power is gradually diminishing, being encroached upon and the sovereign's authority is completely lost, eventually leading to the expulsion of the king, as in the case of the three families of Lu. This forest indicates a situation where the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, power is shifting downward, and the king loses his position, which is ominous. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the 'Gentle Ascending' hexagram's 'Wind' line.

旅 叔仲善賈,與喜為市。不憂危殆,利得十倍。

Uncle Zhong is good at business and makes satisfactory deals; there is no need to worry about danger, and profits are tenfold. This forest owner is skilled in business methods, with smooth sources of wealth, and business operations are highly auspicious.

巽 六蛇奔走,俱入茂草。驚於長路,畏懼啄口。(井之兌,中孚之家人)

Six serpents hurriedly ran and all darted into the thick grass; they were startled on the long road and feared being pecked by birds. The owner of this forest is startled and seeks to avoid misfortune, taking refuge in the undergrowth; it is suitable to be patient and restrained rather than to emerge. The final note indicates that this forest is similar to the text of the Well hexagram's Dui and the Middle Trust hexagram's Family.

兌 水壞我裡,東流為海。鳧□讙囂,不可安居。(旅之歸妹)

A great flood destroyed my hometown, overflowing eastward and merging into the sea; wild geese and similar birds made noisy disturbances on the water, making it impossible for people to live in peace. This indicates that the forest is associated with water disasters that destroy homes and make it impossible to remain in one's native land, which is ominous. The original text has missing characters, indicated by □; the end note shows that this forest is related to the text of the hexagram "Travel" and "Return Wife."

渙 飛不遠去,卑廝內侍,祿食未富。(渙之大畜)

He cannot fly very far and can only serve as a low-ranking attendant, with meager salary and food. This man's talent and status are limited, and his advancement is not far, only enough for a modest livelihood. The note at the end indicates that this text is the same as the passage from the hexagram "Great Accumulation" in the hexagram "Dispersal."

節 陰變為陽,女化為男。治道大通,君臣相承。(屯之離,未濟之夬,渙之旅)

Yin transforms into Yang, female changes into male; the way of governing the country becomes greatly smooth, with the ruler and ministers supporting each other. This forest indicates a major turn for the better in the situation, with harmony between superiors and inferiors, and the government functioning smoothly with people in harmony, which is auspicious. The final note indicates that this forest is similar in meaning to the section on Li in Zun, the section on Guai in Wei Ji, and the section on Lu in Hun.

中孚 踐履危難,脫厄去患。入福喜門,見誨大君。(震之家人,兌之乾)

Crossing over danger and hardship, escaping misfortune and removing calamity; entering the gate of blessings and joy, meeting the great sovereign and receiving his teachings. This forest indicates escaping danger, meeting a superior and receiving guidance, with difficulty first and then good fortune. The concluding note shows that this forest is the same as the text of 《Zhen》 (Thunder) and 《Jiaoren》 (Family) and 《Dui》 (Lake) and 《Qian》 (Heaven).

小過 網密綱縮,動益蹙急,困不得息。

The net has fine mesh and tight ropes; the more one struggles, the more urgent the situation becomes, trapped with no breath. This forest symbolizes heavy constraints and frequent missteps, the more one moves, the more trapped one becomes, which is ominous.

既濟 負牛上山,力劣行難。烈風雨雪,遮遏我前。中道復還,憂者得歡。(同人之無妄,訟之剝,旅之睽)

Carrying a cow up the mountain, the strength is insufficient and the journey is difficult; encountering fierce wind, rain, snow blocking the way ahead; halfway back, the worried person turns back and becomes joyful. This indicates that the situation is heavy and difficult to proceed, but returning leads to safety, and retreating brings good fortune. The note at the end shows that this line is similar to the lines of "Tong Ren" (Union) corresponding to "Wu Wang" (No Misfortune), "Song" (Contention) corresponding to "Bo" (Breaking), and "Lv" (Travel) corresponding to "Kui" (Strife).

未濟 喁喁嘉草,思降甘雨。景風升上,霑洽時澍,生我禾稼。

The grass and trees of Jia Mei are opening their mouths upward, hoping for the descent of sweet rain; the warm spring breeze rises, and timely rain moistens the earth, nourishing my crops. This indicates that the forest has long suffered from drought and now receives rain, fulfilling its desired outcome, the agricultural affairs will be successful, it is auspicious.

The Traveler's Forest (The Sixty-fourth Hexagram, Forest)

旅 羅網四張,鳥無所翔。征伐困極,飢渴不食。(革之泰,兌之小過)

Four sides are spread with nets, birds have nowhere to fly; the army is besieged to the extreme, hungry and thirsty with no food to eat. This forest indicates being trapped on all four sides, unable to advance or retreat, a great misfortune for military campaigns and long journeys. The note adds that this forest is similar to the text of the "Gai" hexagram's "Tai," and the "Dui" hexagram's "Xiao Guo."

乾 寄生無根,如過浮雲。立本不固,斯須落去。更為枯樹。(小畜之蠱)

A branch that grows parasitically has no own roots, like floating clouds passing through the sky; its foundation is not firm, and it falls away in a moment, becoming a withered tree. This forest signifies dependence without roots, an unsteady foundation, and a situation that turns to nothing in an instant, which is ominous. The note indicates that this forest is similar to the "Small Accumulation" hexagram's "Gǔ" text.

坤 人無定法,綬降牛出。蛇雄走趨,陽不制陰。宜其家困。

Human affairs lack established order, with the seal descending and the ox going out; the male snake runs everywhere, and yang cannot subdue yin. This family will naturally fall into hardship. This indicates that the household has lost its order, yin and yang are reversed, the family is in poverty, and it is ominous.

屯 眾鳥所翔,中有大怪。九身無頭,魂驚魄去。不可以居。(漸之蒙)

In a place where flocks of birds circle, a great monster appears with nine bodies but no head; those who see it lose their souls and spirits. This place is not suitable for habitation. This forest indicates an omen of supernatural beings, causing fear and unease; it is advisable to move away, as it is ominous. The note at the end indicates that this forest corresponds to the text of the hexagram "Gradual" and "Childhood."

蒙 封涿溝瀆,灌潰國邑。人宿口中,民多病疾。

Blocking the water channels and allowing water to flood and destroy the city; people are like staying in the mouth of the water, causing many diseases among the people. This indicates that the water management system is neglected, leading to dampness causing harm and the spread of epidemics, which is ominous.

需 奮趐鼓翼,翱翔外國。消遙徙倚,來歸溫室。(損之觀)

The bird spreads its wings and flies high, soaring to distant lands; after calmly wandering and touring at ease, it returns to the warm house. This indicates the master of the forest traveling far and returning successfully, with auspicious outcomes for both going out and coming back. The final note shows that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram "Loss" and "Observation."

訟 秋蠶不成,冬種不生。設王逆理,棄其寵名。

In autumn, silkworms fail to spin cocoons, and in winter, seeds fail to sprout; when rulers act against the natural order, they lose the honor and position they have received. This indicates a ruler who acts against the proper time and reason, with no success in his endeavors, leading to a calamity of losing his position.

師 衛侯東遊,惑於少姬。亡我考妣,久迷不來。(乾之升,豐之震)

The Duke of Wei went east for a tour and was entranced by a young woman of the Ji surname. He abandoned his parents and remained immersed for a long time without returning. This indicates that the person in question is indulging in lust and neglecting to return, causing the care of parents to be neglected and family affairs to be in disorder, resulting in misfortune. The final note indicates that this case is similar to the text of the hexagram "Qian" with "Sheng" and the hexagram "Feng" with "Zhen."

比 鳥會雀合,與惡相得。鴟鴞相酬,為心所賊。

Flying birds and sparrows gather together, yet they associate with evil creatures; the evil birds mentioned in the "Poetry · Bin Feng · Chi Xiao" sing in harmony with each other, eventually harmed by their own wicked thoughts. This indicates that the person in question associates with wicked people, aiding evil, and thus suffers misfortune. It is凶 (a凶 sign).

小畜 雞鳴無距,與雀格鬥。趐折目盲,為仇所傷。

A rooster crows but lacks its comb and claws, yet it still fights with birds. In the end, its wings are broken, its eyes are blinded, and it is wounded by its enemy. This omen indicates that the person in question overestimates their own strength, attacks with their weaknesses, and ends up harmed instead, which is ominous.

履 木生內蠹,上下相賊。禍亂我國。

There are worms inside the trees, harming each other above and below; chaos arises and disturbs my country. This forest indicates calamity originating from within, internal depletion leading to self-destruction, the country not at peace, and misfortune.

泰 延陵適魯,觀樂太史。車鄰白顛,知秦興起。卒兼其國,一統為主。(坎之剝,大畜之離)

The *Zuo Zhuan* records in the twenty-ninth year of Duke Xiang that the State of Wu sent the nobleman Zilin Jizi to visit Lu and requested to observe the Zhou music. Upon hearing the melody of "There are chariots neighing, horses with white manes" from the *Qin Feng* section, he predicted that the State of Qin would rise to power. Later, Qin indeed conquered the six states and unified the empire. This demonstrates Zilin's ability to discern subtle signs and foresee the trend of the times, indicating that what was once weak would become strong. The note at the end indicates that this interpretation aligns with the *Kan* hexagram's *Bo* and the *Da Xu* hexagram's *Li*.

否 輔相之好,無有休息。時行雲集,所在遇福。

Assistant ministers work together in harmony, diligently and without rest in their duties; they act in accordance with the right time, like clouds gathering, and wherever they go, they encounter blessings. This indicates that the master of the forest has unity above and below, and whenever they act, they meet auspiciousness, gaining blessings everywhere, which is a great auspicious omen.

同人 床傾簀折,屋漏垣缺,季姬不愜。

The bed frame is tilted, the bamboo mat is broken, the roof leaks, and the walls are in disrepair. Seasonal Lady Ji is very dissatisfied with her living conditions. This indicates that the household is in a state of disrepair, the family is uneasy, and their situation is difficult, which is an inauspicious omen.

大有 東入海口,循流北走。一高一下,五邑失主。七夜六日,死於水浦。(睽之蹇)

Going east into the coastal area, following the current northward, the waves rose and fell, and five cities lost their rulers; drifting for seven nights and six days, he finally died by the water. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest encountered a shipwreck, was carried by the waves without a master, and faced a fatal drowning. The final note shows that this forest is associated with the hexagram "Kui" and the text of "Jian."

謙 群虎入邑,求索肉食。大人守禦,君失其國。

A group of tigers rushed into the city, searching everywhere for food; although there were strong people guarding and resisting, the king still lost his country. This is a sign of a powerful foreign ruler invading, with weak defenses leading to the country's downfall.

豫 四亂不安,東西為患。退身山足,無出邦域。乃得完全,賴其生福。(大有之睽)

The four directions are in turmoil and unrest, with calamity arising both east and west; retreating and hiding in the foot of the mountain, without leaving the borders of one's country, one is able to survive. By relying on this caution, good fortune arises. This forest indicates that in times of chaos, one should retreat and conceal oneself. By maintaining stillness and self-preservation, auspiciousness is achieved. The note indicates that this forest is similar to the text of the Great Possession (Dà Yǒu) in the睽 (Kuí) hexagram.

隨 叔□抱冤,祈子自邑。乘遽解患,羊舌以免。賴其生全。(蹇之乾)

The *Zuo Zhuan* records that in the 21st year of Duke Xiang's reign, Shu Xiang of the Jin state was falsely accused and imprisoned. Qi Xi hurriedly came from his fiefdom, traveled by official carriage, and personally appealed to the minister in charge to plead Shu Xiang's case. The crisis was resolved, and the Yange clan thus avoided disaster and remained unharmed. This case indicates that the person involved is falsely accused but will be rescued, with a nobleman coming to his aid in time of hardship, leading to a change from bad to good fortune. The original text has missing characters, indicated by boxes; the note at the end shows that this case is similar to the *Jian* hexagram and the *Qian* line from the *Dun* hexagram.

蠱 延頸望酒,不入我口。深目自若,利得無有。(訟之益,履之萃)

He stretched his neck to look at the cup of wine, yet could not bring it to his mouth; he stared desperately, trying to appear calm, but in the end gained nothing. This forest lord is something to be looked at but not reached, and the desired outcome is lost. The final note indicates that this forest is similar to the "Benefit" section of the "Contention" chapter and the "Cessation" section of the "Following" chapter.

臨 仁政之德,恭一日息。成都就邑,日受厥福。(巽之屯)

The virtue of implementing benevolent governance accumulates day by day, with diligence and reverence never ceasing. Villages become towns, and settlements grow prosperous, receiving its blessings every day. This forest signifies the accumulation of virtue through just governance, with people gathering and enjoying peace and blessings, which is auspicious. The note at the end indicates that this forest corresponds to the text of the hexagram "Zun" (Wind) and "Zun" (Difficulty at the Beginning).

觀 牽頭繫尾,屈折幾死。雕世無仁,不知所歸。(升之大畜)

The head is tied and the tail is bound, bent almost to the point of death; the world is in decline and no one practices benevolence, not knowing where to seek refuge. This forest's ruler is controlled by others, with no support in the world, having no way out, which is凶 (a凶 omen). The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram 升 (Ascending) and 大畜 (Great Accumulation).

噬嗑 教羊逐兔,使魚捕鼠。任非其人,費日無功。(需之噬嗑)

Teaching a sheep to chase a rabbit and ordering a fish to catch a mouse; using people without their proper talents leads to a waste of time and no results. This indicates that Lin is not the right person, the appointment is inappropriate, and the effort will be in vain, which is ominous. The note at the end shows that this passage is the same as the text from the hexagram Need (Wait) and the hexagram噬嗑 (Breaking Up).

賁 生角有尾,張孽制家。排揚逐狐,張氏易公。憂禍重凶。

It gave birth to horns and grew a tail, with the demon spreading its influence and seizing control of the household. Although efforts were made to expel this fox spirit, the Zhang family eventually took over the old master's position. The master of this forest is now a demon, with the host and guest roles reversed, leading to many troubles and a great calamity.

剝 去安就危,墜陷井池,破我玉螭。

He gave up security and sought danger, falling into a well or pond, breaking my jade dragon. The owner of this forest deliberately abandoned safety, acted recklessly and suffered loss, destroying precious objects, which is凶.

復 茹芝餌黃,塗飲玉英。與神通流,長無憂凶。(既濟之蹇)

Taking spiritual herbs like lingzhi and huangjing, and drinking essence of jade liquid, one thus connects with the vital energy of the divine beings, remaining free from worries and dangers for a long time. This forest is ruled by one who cultivates virtue and maintains physical and mental well-being, ensuring peace and no misfortune, which is auspicious. The note indicates that this forest corresponds to the text of 'Jian' in the 'Ji Ji' hexagram.

旡妄 體重飛難,未能越關。不離室垣。(震之鼎)

The body is heavy and unable to take flight, unable to cross the pass, confined only within the walls. This forest's strength is insufficient, travel is obstructed, but remaining in defense brings no blame. The note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram Zhen combined with Ding.

大畜 巢成樹折,傷我彝器。伯踒叔跌,凶羊乃追。

The nest is just built, but the tree breaks; even the ritual vessels in the ancestral temple are damaged. The eldest brother twists his ankle, the third brother falls, and the danger is like a fierce sheep pursuing relentlessly. This omen indicates that the forest owner will achieve success but then suffer destruction, misfortunes will follow one after another, and all family members will be injured, which is ominous.

頤 六人俱行,各遺其囊。黃鵠失曉,無以為明。(曉又作珠)

Six people traveled together and each lost their belongings; like the yellow cranes missing the dawn, there is no light to rely upon. The forest owner loses wealth while traveling in company, misses the right opportunity, and has no clear path ahead, which is ominous. The final note mentions 'dawn' which is also written as 'pearl'.

大過 播枝遷岐,與母分離,絕不相知。(大有之坤)

The branches were transplanted to the other side of the fork, thus separating from the mother plant, and communication between them ceased. This indicates a situation where the owner of the forest is migrating far away, separated from his mother and child, with no news or communication, which is ominous. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the "Great Possession" hexagram combined with the "Earth" trigram.

坎 迎福開戶,喜隨我後。曹伯愷悌,為宋國主。

Opening the door to welcome good fortune, joy follows me. Cao Bo is amiable and easygoing, thus he is able to govern the State of Song. This forest signifies opening the door to receive blessings, attaining position through harmony and joy, which is auspicious.

離 既痴且狂,兩目又盲。箕踞坐喑,名為無用。

A person is both dull-witted and mad, with both eyes blind; sitting with legs spread apart and unable to speak, regarded as a useless person. This man's mind is confused, his abilities discarded, of no use at all, which is ominous.

咸 金梁鐵柱,十年牢固。完全不腐,聖人安處。

The golden beams and iron pillars remain firmly intact for ten years; they are undamaged and unspoiled, allowing the sage to reside safely within. This indicates that the owner of this forest has a solid foundation, with enduring buildings and a secure home, which is auspicious.

恆 裹糗荷糧,與蹠相逢。欲飛不得,為網所獲。

He prepared dry food, carried his luggage, and set out on the road, only to encounter robbers like Zhizhi. He could not escape or fly away, and eventually fell into a trap and was captured. This omen indicates that the traveler meets robbers, losing both property and life, which is extremely凶.

遯 彭生為妖,暴龍作災。盜堯衣裳,聚蹠荷兵。青禽照夜,三旦夷亡。(鼎之遯,比之蒙)

The nobleman Pengsheng of the state of Qi was wrongfully killed and transformed into a malevolent spirit, causing a dragon to bring calamity. Bandits stole the robe of Yao and impersonated a sage, while the followers of Chi gathered in force with weapons. Strange birds shone brightly at night, and within three days there would be a great disaster. This forest is haunted by the wrongful spirit of its master, leading to rebellion and disorder, indicating a swift downfall and great misfortune. The final note indicates that this forest corresponds to the text of the "Ding" hexagram's "Dun" and the "Bi" hexagram's "Meng."

大壯 褐夫老婦,不能生子,鰥寡居處。

A poor man wearing coarse cloth and an elderly woman who can no longer have children are left to live alone, childless. This indicates that the forest owner is aging, has no descendants, and lives alone. Asking about descendants is unfavorable.

晉 鷦鷯竊脂,巢於小枝。搖動不安,為風所吹。內寒飄搖,常憂殆危。

The small birds like the jiao liao and qie zhi build their nests on thin branches. The Zhuangzi says that the jiao liao nests in the forest but only needs a single branch; if the branch is thin, the nest sways and is unstable. When the wind blows, the nest becomes cold and shaky, and the bird is constantly anxious and fearful of falling. This indicates that the ruler's reliance is not firm, his dwelling is unstable, and he often harbors danger and fear, which is ominous.

明夷 素車木輿,不任負重。王子出征,憂疑為咎。

A plain wooden cart without adornment cannot bear heavy loads; the prince led his troops to war, but was doubtful and indecisive in his heart, thus becoming a fault. This forest indicates that the commander is incapable, the general is hesitant, and the military campaign is unfavorable, resulting in misfortune.

家人 土陷四維,安平不危。利以居止,保其玉女。

The earth is compacted at the four corners, providing a stable and level foundation that does not tilt or collapse; it is suitable to reside here, preserving the daughter of the family like jade. This indicates that the house has a solid foundation, the household is peaceful and secure, and the children are protected, which is auspicious.

睽 負牛上山,力劣行難。烈風雨雪,遮遏我前。中道復還。(訟之剝)

He carries a cow up the mountain but lacks sufficient strength and finds it difficult to proceed. He also encounters fierce winds, rain, and snow blocking his path, so he is forced to return halfway. This indicates that the person in question has great responsibility but limited strength, and faces many external obstacles. It is advisable to know when to return. The note at the end shows that this case is similar to the "Judgment" hexagram's "Breaking Up" section.

蹇 金城鐵郭,上下同力。政平民親,寇不敢賊。

A city made of gold and a fortress of iron, with all people united and working together; the government is just and the people are loyal, so enemies dare not invade. This indicates that the ruler has internal stability and external security, with the people's hearts united like a city wall, ensuring peace within the territory, which is a great auspicious omen.

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.