Forty-first Hexagram: The Hexagram of Loss

彖曰：損，損下益上，其道上行。損而有孚，元吉，無咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。二簋應有時，損剛益柔有時，損益盈虛，與時偕行。象曰：山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒慾。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Loss: "Loss" means reducing the lower trigram and increasing the upper trigram, reducing below and benefiting above, and its path moves upward. When reduction is done with sincerity, it is greatly auspicious, without error, and favorable for maintaining correctness, also beneficial for going forward. What should be offered? Two thin bowls of food are sufficient for worshiping the spirits — sincerity is enough, and the offering does not need to be rich. However, using two thin bowls as an offering depends on the time; reducing yang and increasing yin also depends on the time. Loss and gain, fullness and emptiness, must all change with the situation, and one must not be fixed in one way. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Gen (mountain) and the lower trigram Dui (lake) to illustrate the image: there is a lake below a mountain, the lake loses and the mountain gains, which is the image of loss. The gentleman takes this as a model, restraining his anger and blocking his greed — these two are the things most in need of reduction.

彖曰：益，損上益下，民說無疆，自上下下，其道大光。利有攸往，中正有慶。利涉大川，木道乃行。益動而巽，日進無疆。天施地生，其益無方。凡益之道，與時偕行。象曰：風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Gain: "Gain" refers to reducing the upper trigram and adding to the lower trigram. Those in superior positions reduce themselves to benefit those below, and the joy of the people has no limit. When those in superior positions are willing to humble themselves and go down to the people, this path becomes boundless. The Hexagram Statement says it is advantageous to go forward because both the Nine in the Fifth and the Six in the Second are upright and correspond, ensuring blessings. "Advantageous to cross a great river" is because the upper trigram is Xun (Wood), and wood can make a boat, thus enabling the crossing of dangerous waters. The lower trigram is Zhen (Movement) and the upper trigram is Xun (Smoothness), so movement can be smooth, leading to continuous progress without end. Heaven showers rain and dew, and Earth nurtures all things; this kind of gain spreads to all directions without a fixed place. All paths of gain should be carried out according to the situation. The Great Image takes the trigram Xun (Wind) as the upper trigram and Zhen (Thunder) as the lower trigram, saying that wind and thunder interact, increasing each other's power, which is the image of gain. The gentleman takes this as a model, immediately following good deeds and immediately correcting mistakes—this is the fastest way to gain for oneself.

彖曰：夬，決也，剛決柔也。健而說，決而和，揚于王庭，柔乘五剛也。孚號有厲，其危乃光也。告自邑，不利即戎，所尚乃窮也。利有攸往，剛長乃終也。象曰：澤上於天，夬。君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram 49, Guai: "Guai" means to decide, to eliminate. The entire hexagram has five yang lines below and one yin line above, symbolizing the gathering of all yang to eliminate a single yin. The lower trigram is Qian, representing firmness and strength, and the upper trigram is Dui, representing harmony and joy. Thus, the hexagram embodies decisive action without losing harmony. The hexagram statement says, "To proclaim in the royal court"—to openly expose the wrongdoing of the small person in the court, because the sixth line, which is yin, is positioned above the five yang lines, and its evil deeds are clearly evident. "To call with sincerity and with danger" means to call out with sincerity and always remain cautious, for recognizing danger enhances virtue and talent. "To inform the city, not to engage in war" means to first govern one's own territory, and it is not advisable to resort to military force, because excessive reliance on force leads to a dead end. "It is advantageous to go somewhere" means that the growth of yang reaches its peak and will ultimately succeed. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Dui, representing a marsh, and the lower trigram Qian, representing heaven, to illustrate the image of water from the marsh rising to the heavens, which must eventually descend, which is the image of Guai. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, distributing benefits and favors to the people, while regarding self-interest and clinging to power as great dangers.

彖曰：姤，遇也，柔遇剛也。勿用取女，不可與長也。天地相遇，品物咸章也。剛遇中正，天下大行也。姤之時義大矣哉！象曰：天下有風，姤。后以施命誥四方。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram 51, Gou: "Gou" means meeting. The entire hexagram shows one yin emerging from among five yangs, indicating that a yin and soft force meets a yang and strong force. The Hexagram Statement says not to marry such a woman, for she comes without invitation, her influence will grow, and she cannot be kept for long. But from another perspective, the meeting of the heavenly and earthly energies allows all things to be revealed; the Nine in the Fifth, a yang line in the center and correct position, meets people, thus enabling moral teaching to spread throughout the world. Thus, the principle of meeting contained in the Hexagram Gou is truly vast. The Great Image takes the image of Heaven above and Wind below, saying: Wind over the heavens, the wind spreads throughout the world and nothing is left unmet, which is the image of Gou. The sovereign, as a gentleman among the virtuous, takes this as a model, issuing commands and proclaiming them to all directions, so that government and education meet everywhere, reaching all places.

彖曰：萃，聚也；順以說，剛中而應，故聚也。王假有廟，致孝享也。利見大人亨，聚以正也。用大牲吉，利有攸往，順天命也。觀其所聚，而天地萬物之情可見矣。象曰：澤上於地，萃。君子以除戎器，戒不虞。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Accumulation: "Cui" means gathering. The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), representing order, and the upper trigram is Dui (Lake), representing joy. Following the order and harmonizing with joy, the nine in the fifth position, a yang line in the center, corresponds with the six in the second position, so the hearts of the people gather together. The Hexagram Statement says, "The king comes to the temple," meaning the king personally visits the ancestral temple, fulfilling filial piety and performing sacrifices, gathering people first requires gathering spirits and ancestors. "It is advantageous to see a great person and to be prosperous" means gathering must follow the right path, and with a great person in charge, it will be prosperous. "Using great sacrifices is auspicious, and it is advantageous to go somewhere" means when things gather, wealth increases, using great sacrifices and going somewhere are in accordance with the mandate of heaven. Observing the principles of gathering, the true nature of all things in heaven and earth can be clearly understood. The Great Image Commentary takes the image of the upper trigram Dui (Lake) and the lower trigram Kun (Earth) to say: water in the lake accumulates on the earth, and when it gathers, it is prone to break, which is the image of Cui. The gentleman takes this as a model, repairing weapons and organizing military preparations to guard against unexpected events.

彖曰：柔以時升，巽而順，剛中而應，是以大亨。用見大人，勿恤，有慶也。南征吉，志行也。象曰：地中生木，升。君子以順德，積小以高大。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Ascending: Yin flexibility follows the right time and ascends gradually; the lower trigram is Xun (Wind), symbolizing yielding and entering, and the upper trigram is Kun (Earth), symbolizing flexibility and compliance. Thus, it is both yielding and gentle. Nine in the Second, a Yang strength, is in the middle of the lower trigram and corresponds with Six in the Fifth, so the Hexagram Statement says "greatly smooth and unimpeded." "To see a great person, without worry" means that with such virtue, one may approach a great person without fear, and certainly will receive blessings. "A journey to the south is auspicious" refers to the south as a place of brightness and warmth, and going there allows one's aspirations to be realized. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Kun (Earth) and the lower trigram Xun (Wood) to represent the image of trees growing from the earth, rising gradually without being noticed, which is the image of ascending. The gentleman takes this as a model, following virtue without being hasty, accumulating day by day, and building up from small beginnings to great achievements.

彖曰：困，剛揜也。險以說，困而不失其所，亨，其唯君子乎？貞大人吉，以剛中也。有言不信，尚口乃窮也。象曰：澤無水，困。君子以致命遂志。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Being in Difficulty: "Being in difficulty" refers to the situation where yang strength is obscured by yin weakness. The lower trigram is Kan (Water), symbolizing danger, and the upper trigram is Dui (Lake), symbolizing joy. One may be in a dangerous situation yet still remain calm and content within, thus remaining steadfast in virtue despite hardship, hence being able to achieve success. Only a gentleman can attain this. The Hexagram Statement says that a great person who maintains rectitude is fortunate, because both the Nine in the Second and the Nine in the Fifth are yang lines occupying the central position, embodying the virtue of "strong and central." "There is no trust in words" means that in times of hardship, even if one speaks out, no one will believe, and relying solely on words will lead to a dead end. At such times, only action can clarify one's intentions. The Great Image takes the image of the upper trigram Dui (Lake) and the lower trigram Kan (Water) to say: the water in the lake has flowed down to the bottom, leaving the lake dry and without water, which is the image of being in difficulty. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, and would rather sacrifice his life than abandon his aspirations.

彖曰：巽乎水而上水，井；井養而不窮也。改邑不改井，乃以剛中也。汔至，亦未繘井，未有功也。羸其瓶，是以凶也。象曰：木上有水，井。君子以勞民勸相。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Well Hexagram: the lower trigram is Xun (Wind), representing entering, and the upper trigram is Kan (Water), representing water. A vessel goes deep into the water and then draws it up, which is the image of a well. Well water nourishes people and is inexhaustible. The Hexagram Statement says, "Changing the city but not the well"—a village may be moved, but a well cannot be relocated. This is like Nine in the Second and Nine in the Fifth, which are yang lines in the middle, whose virtue remains constant and does not change. "The water is nearly reached, but the rope has not yet been drawn up to the well"—this means the effort is almost complete but fails at the last moment, as if it has not succeeded. "The water vessel is broken"—this means the vessel used to draw water is broken, and all previous effort is lost, hence there is misfortune. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Kan (Water) and the lower trigram Xun (Wood) to represent a wooden bucket with water on top, which is the image of drawing water from a well. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, comforts the people's labor, and encourages mutual assistance, just as a well nourishes people.

彖曰：革，水火相息，二女同居，其志不相得，曰革。己日乃孚；革而信之。文明以說，大亨以正，革而當，其悔乃亡。天地革而四時成，湯武革命，順乎天而應乎人，革之時大矣哉！象曰：澤中有火，革。君子以治曆明時。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Revolution: the Upper Trigram is Dui (Lake) representing water, and the Lower Trigram is Li (Fire), with water and fire mutually restraining and controlling each other. Li represents the middle daughter, and Dui represents the young daughter; two women living in the same house with incompatible hearts will inevitably cause change, hence it is called "Revolution." The Hexagram Statement says "On the sixth day, trust is established," meaning that change occurs on a certain day before people believe in it, and once the change has taken place, people's hearts follow. The Lower Trigram Li represents civilization, and the Upper Trigram Dui represents harmony and joy; by using the virtue of civilization to bring joy to others, great success is achieved and one must remain upright. When change is properly carried out, regret naturally disappears. The transformation of heaven and earth allows the four seasons to be established; King Tang of Shang overthrew King Jie, and King Wu of Zhou defeated King Zhou, both following the heavenly way and aligning with people's hearts. The significance of the time context represented by the Hexagram of Revolution is indeed profound. The Great Image Commentary takes the image of fire in water to explain that when water and fire coexist and transform, it is the image of revolution; the gentleman takes this as a model, revises the calendar, distinguishes the seasons, and records the changes of heaven to follow them.

彖曰：鼎，象也。以木巽火，亨飪也。聖人亨以享上帝，而大亨以養聖賢。巽而耳目聰明，柔進而上行，得中而應乎剛，是以元亨。象曰：木上有火，鼎。君子以正位凝命。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of the Cauldron: The image of the Hexagram itself resembles a cauldron. The line Initial Six represents the foot, the lines Two, Three, and Four represent the body, the line Six Five represents the handle, and the line Upper Nine represents the lifting bar. The Lower Trigram is Xun (Wind), representing wood, and the Upper Trigram is Li (Fire), representing fire. Putting wood into fire is the image of cooking. (Here, "亨" is read as "cooking.") The sage cooks animals for sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, and also prepares the earth's bounty to nourish the sages. The Lower Trigram Xun represents humility and obedience, and the Upper Trigram Li represents brightness. Humble and obedient, yet with keen perception and clear vision; the line Six Five, being yin and soft, ascends to a noble position, attaining the center and responding to the strength of Nine Two below, so the Hexagram Statement says "Greatly亨," meaning great success and smooth progress. The Great Image takes the image of the Upper Trigram Li (Fire) and the Lower Trigram Xun (Wood) to say: fire on top of wood, which is the image of cooking, hence the image of the cauldron. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, maintaining his proper position, firmly holding fast to the mission entrusted by Heaven, like the cauldron, steady and unshakable.

彖曰：震亨，震來虩虩，恐致福也。笑言啞啞，後有則也。震驚百里，驚遠而懼邇也。出可以守宗廟社稷，以為祭主也。象曰：洊雷，震。君子以恐懼修省。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Zhen hexagram: Zhen brings about smoothness and success because the hexagram statement says that when the thunder shakes, people are startled and uneasy, and this sense of caution and reverence actually brings blessings. Later it says that one can be at ease and laugh freely, because first there is caution, and thus actions have order and discipline, so one can be secure and content. "Shaking a hundred miles" means that the power of thunder reaches far, shaking people at a distance and causing fear among those nearby. Such a great son is capable of bearing great responsibilities; once he comes forth to take charge, he can protect the ancestral temple and state, and be the master of worship. The Great Image takes the image of both upper and lower being Zhen, with thunder sounds coming continuously, saying: thunder resounds one after another, which is the image of Zhen; the gentleman takes this as a model, keeping in mind his fear and self-cultivation, transforming external shocks into inner warnings.

彖曰：艮，止也。時止則止，時行則行，動靜不失其時，其道光明。艮其止，止其所也。上下敵應，不相與也。是以不獲其身，行其庭不見其人，無咎也。象曰：兼山，艮。君子以思不出其位。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Gen hexagram: "Gèn" means to stop. When it is time to stop, one stops; when it is time to act, one acts. Motion and stillness both occur at the right time, and thus the path is bright. What is meant by "Gèn qí zhǐ" is that stopping occurs at the proper place, not merely remaining motionless. The entire hexagram consists of two Gen trigrams. The first and fourth lines, the second and fifth lines, and the third and top lines are all of the same nature but oppose each other, and they do not correspond. Thus they are not harmonious, and they do not relate to each other. Therefore, the hexagram statement says "bù huò qí shēn" — to be still to the point of forgetting one's own body, and "xíng qí tíng bù jiàn qí rén" — to walk through the courtyard without seeing anyone else. In this way, one does not see oneself internally and does not see others externally, achieving a state of forgetting self and others. Thus, there is no error. The Great Image Commentary takes the image of two mountains standing side by side. Mountains connected to each other, each stopping at its proper place, is the image of Gen. The gentleman takes this as a model, thinking within the bounds of his own position and duty.

彖曰：漸之進也，女歸吉也。進得位，往有功也。進以正，可以正邦也。其位剛，得中也。止而巽，動不窮也。象曰：山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Gradual Progress: "Gradual" means proceeding step by step, so the Hexagram Statement says that a woman marrying according to proper rites is auspicious—marriage follows the six rites in order, which is exactly the nature of gradual progress. The fifth line, being the yang line in the fifth position, gradually advances and attains its proper place, thus achieving success in action. Gradual progress in accordance with the right path can correct the state. The fifth line is yang and occupies the central position, thus being both strong and balanced. The lower trigram is Gen (Mountain), which signifies stopping, and the upper trigram is Xun (Wind), which signifies yielding. Thus, it can stop without being impetuous and yield without being contrary, so action does not lead to hardship. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Xun (Wood) and the lower trigram Gen (Mountain) to signify that trees grow on a mountain, accumulating day by day without being noticeable, which is the image of gradual progress. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, remaining in the virtue of the virtuous and gradually transforming customs, without seeking immediate results.

彖曰：歸妹，天地之大義也。天地不交，而萬物不興，歸妹人之終始也。說以動，所歸妹也。征凶，位不當也。無攸利，柔乘剛也。象曰：澤上有雷，歸妹。君子以永終知敝。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Marriage: a young woman marrying, which represents the great principle of the union of heaven and earth's yin and yang. If the energies of heaven and earth do not meet, all things cannot arise; similarly, the union of men and women is for humans both an end to one life and the beginning of a new generation. The lower trigram is Dui, representing joy, and the upper trigram is Zhen, representing movement. Movement caused by joy is exactly the eagerness of a young woman to marry. The Hexagram Statement says that going forward brings misfortune, because the lines six three, nine four, and six five mostly occupy yang positions with yin and vice versa, which are improper positions. "No advantage is found" is because six three oversteps nine two, and six five oversteps nine four, with yin softness riding over yang strength, which is not in accordance with the right way. The Great Image Commentary takes the upper trigram Zhen (Thunder) and the lower trigram Dui (Lake) as the image, saying that thunder moves over the lake, and the lake follows the thunder, which is the image of marriage. The gentleman takes this as a model, considering the long-term outcome at the beginning of a union and foreseeing possible difficulties and failures that may arise.

彖曰：豐，大也。明以動，故豐。王假之，尚大也。勿憂，宜日中，宜照天下也。日中則昃，月盈則食，天地盈虛，與時消息，而況於人乎？況於鬼神乎？象曰：雷電皆至，豐。君子以折獄致刑。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Abundance: "Abundance" means great prosperity. The lower trigram is Li (Fire), symbolizing brightness, and the upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder), symbolizing movement. By first observing clearly and then acting, one can achieve great abundance. The Hexagram Statement says, "The king comes to it"—only a king can reach such abundance, for he esteems grandeur. "Do not worry, it is appropriate at noon" means one should not be anxious, but rather act like the sun at noon, shining universally without partiality. However, the sun at noon will eventually set, and the full moon will eventually wane. The fullness and emptiness of heaven and earth change with the seasons; how much more so for human beings and spirits! Therefore, the way to deal with abundance is to recognize its inevitable decline and remain vigilant in advance. The Great Image takes the image of thunder and lightning occurring together, saying: Thunder's powerful movement and lightning's bright illumination occurring simultaneously represent the image of abundance. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, using clear discernment to judge cases, administer justice, and enforce punishment, combining authority with clarity.

彖曰：旅，小亨，柔得中乎外，而順乎剛，止而麗乎明，是以小亨，旅貞吉也。旅之時義大矣哉！象曰：山上有火，旅。君子以明慎用刑，而不留獄。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Travel: The Hexagram Statement says that travel can only bring slight success because the Six in the Fifth is yin and flexible, residing in the center of the outer trigram and thus attaining the quality of 'center', and can also follow and support the Nine at the Top and the Nine in the Fourth below, these yang forces. The lower trigram is Gen (Mountain), which signifies stopping, and the upper trigram is Li (Fire), which signifies brightness. The place of rest is attached to brightness. With these several conditions, it is possible to have slight success, and the traveler can achieve good fortune by maintaining uprightness. Being in exile, the difficulty of one's situation and the necessity of acting according to the appropriate time and meaning are of great significance. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Li (Fire) and the lower trigram Gen (Mountain) to represent the Hexagram: fire burning on a mountain, fire moving with grass and trees, not staying in one place, which is the image of travel. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, using punishment that is both clear and cautious, and not allowing cases to remain unresolved for long — just as a traveler does not stay in one place.

彖曰：重巽以申命，剛巽乎中正而志行。柔皆順乎剛，是以小亨，利有攸往，利見大人。象曰：隨風，巽。君子以申命行事。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Wind: both upper and lower trigrams are Wind, indicating a double layer of yielding and submission, used to repeatedly clarify orders. The Nine in the Fifth is yang and able to yield and submit to the principle of 'center and correctness,' thus enabling the mind to be carried forward; the two yin lines, the Six at the Beginning and the Six in the Fourth, both submit to their respective superior yang lines. With these layers, the Hexagram Statement says there is slight success, favorable for movement and favorable for meeting great persons—since virtue is yin, the effect will not be great, but it can subtly influence. The Great Image takes the image of both upper and lower being Wind, wind following wind, penetrating everywhere, as the image of Wind; the gentleman takes this as a model, repeatedly clarifying orders and then carrying out affairs, so that commands permeate everywhere like wind.

彖曰：兌，說也。剛中而柔外，說以利貞，是以順乎天，而應乎人。說以先民，民忘其勞；說以犯難，民忘其死；說之大，民勸矣哉！象曰：麗澤，兌。君子以朋友講習。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the卦 of Dui: "Dui" signifies joy. Nine in the Second and Nine in the Fifth are yang and centered, while Six in the Third and Six at the Top are yin and on the outside. This represents inner firmness and outer gentleness; joyful yet holding firm to the correct path. Thus, it can harmonize with the heavenly way and respond to the people's hearts. By leading the people with joy, they forget their toil; by guiding the people through hardship with joy, they forget death. The power of joy is so great that the people are naturally inspired and encouraged. The Great Image Commentary takes the image of both upper and lower parts being Dui, with two lakes connected. Two lakes depend on each other and moisten each other, which is the image of Dui. The gentleman takes inspiration from this, and with friends discusses learning and refines his knowledge together—mutually nourishing, just as two lakes support each other.

彖曰：渙，亨。剛來而不窮，柔得位乎外而上同。王假有廟，王乃在中也。利涉大川，乘木有功也。象曰：風行水上，渙。先王以享于帝立廟。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Dispersal: "Dispersal" means to scatter apart, yet the Hexagram Statement says it is smooth and unimpeded, because Nine in the Second, a yang line, comes from outside and resides in the center of the Lower Trigram, facing danger but not reaching destitution; Six in the Fourth, a yin line, is in the correct position in the Upper Trigram and is in harmony with Nine in the Fifth. The Hexagram Statement says "The king comes to the temple," because Nine in the Fifth is in the center of the Upper Trigram and can gather scattered hearts with sincerity and reverence. "It is advantageous to cross a great river" because the Upper Trigram is Xun (Wood), and crossing the river by boat made of wood can be successful. The Great Image takes the image of the Upper Trigram Xun (Wind) and the Lower Trigram Kan (Water) to say: wind moves over the water's surface, dispersing the waves, which is the image of dispersal; ancient kings took inspiration from this, worshiping the heavenly deities and establishing ancestral temples, using sacrifices to gather again the scattered hearts of people.

彖曰：節，亨，剛柔分，而剛得中。苦節不可貞，其道窮也。說以行險，當位以節，中正以通。天地節而四時成，節以制度，不傷財，不害民。象曰：澤上有水，節。君子以制數度，議德行。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Restraint: "Restraint" means control. The entire hexagram consists of three yin and three yang lines, with a balanced distribution of yin and yang. Both Nine in the Second and Nine in the Fifth are yang lines in the center, so they are smooth. The Hexagram Statement says "a harsh restraint is not enduring," meaning when restraint becomes unbearable, it cannot be maintained, and that path has reached its end. The lower trigram is Dui (Lake), representing joy, and the upper trigram is Kan (Water), representing danger. Thus, one can joyfully navigate through danger. Nine in the Fifth is in the proper position and practices restraint, being in the center and upright, hence it is smooth. Heaven and Earth have limits, so the four seasons can be established. Governing a country with regulations as restraint ensures that neither resources are wasted nor the people are harmed. The Great Image Commentary takes the image of the upper trigram Kan (Water) and the lower trigram Dui (Lake) to say: water on top of a lake, the lake has capacity but water should not be overfilled, which is the image of restraint. The gentleman takes this as a model, establishing various measures and standards, evaluating the differences in virtue, so that human affairs have proper proportions.

彖曰：中孚，柔在內而剛得中，說而巽，孚乃化邦也。豚魚吉，信及豚魚也。利涉大川，乘木舟虛也。中孚以利貞，乃應乎天也。象曰：澤上有風，中孚。君子以議獄緩死。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Zhongfu hexagram: "Zhongfu" means sincerity in the heart. The two yao that are yin, namely six three and six four, are located within the hexagram, while the two yang yao, nine two and nine five, each occupy the central positions. The hexagram is hollow in the middle, symbolizing sincerity in the heart, and solid in the middle, indicating firm trust. The lower trigram is Dui, representing joy, and the upper trigram is Xun, representing humility and submission. Joy and humility together create a sincere and harmonious disposition, which is sufficient to influence the state. The hexagram statement says "a pig and a fish are auspicious," meaning sincerity can communicate with even the smallest creatures like pigs and fish, let alone people. "It is advantageous to cross a great river" because the hexagram is hollow in the middle, like a boat made of hollow wood, so it does not sink. Sincerity combined with the advantage of upholding the correct path corresponds to the heavenly way, for the heavenly way is never deceitful. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Xun, representing wind, and the lower trigram Dui, representing marsh, as its symbolic meaning. Wind blows over the surface of the marsh, and the water responds, which is an image of mutual response. The gentleman takes this as a model, carefully examining legal cases, striving for thoroughness, and being lenient and cautious in capital punishment, treating human life with the utmost sincerity.

彖曰：小過，小者過而亨也。過以利貞，與時行也。柔得中，是以小事吉也。剛失位而不中，是以不可大事也。有飛鳥之象焉，有飛鳥遺之音，不宜上宜下，大吉；上逆而下順也。象曰：山上有雷，小過。君子以行過乎恭，喪過乎哀，用過乎儉。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Small Excess: "Small Excess" refers to a minor yin force slightly exceeding its limit but still being able to achieve success. Although it is an excess, one must remain upright, because this kind of "excess" is a temporary measure in accordance with the situation. The lines Six in the Second and Six in the Fifth, being yin and flexible, each occupy the central position, so doing small things brings good fortune; the lines Nine in the Third and Nine in the Fourth, being yang and strong, are out of position and not in the center, so they should not attempt great matters. The entire hexagram has four yin lines outside and two yang lines inside, resembling a bird with its two wings spread, hence the image of a flying bird. The Hexagram Statement says that a flying bird leaves a sorrowful cry, and it is not advisable to fly upward forcefully but rather to descend and rest, which brings great good fortune—because flying upward is against the trend, while descending is in harmony with the trend. The Great Image takes the hexagram's upper trigram Zhen (Thunder) and lower trigram Gen (Mountain) to indicate that thunder resounds on a mountain, its sound slightly more intense than on flat ground, which is the image of small excess. The gentleman takes this as a model, behaving with a slight excess of respect, showing a slight excess of grief in mourning, and practicing a slight excess of frugality in expenditure—these are all cases where it is better to slightly exceed than to fall short.

彖曰：既濟，亨，小者亨也。利貞，剛柔正而位當也。初吉，柔得中也。終止則亂，其道窮也。象曰：水在火上，既濟。君子以思患而預防之。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Completion: "Completion" means that the matter has already been crossed over and great achievements have been made, hence it is smooth and favorable. However, at this time, the things that are smooth and favorable are mostly minor matters, since the overall situation is already settled and there is no longer great action to be taken. The Hexagram Statement says it is favorable to maintain the right path, because all six lines are either yang in yang positions or yin in yin positions, with the firm and the yielding each in their proper places. "Initial good fortune" is because the second line, which is yin and soft, is in the middle of the lower trigram and thus follows the middle path. "Termination leads to disorder" means that if after achieving success one stops and does not continue to strive, disorder will reappear, for the path has already reached its end. The Great Image takes the upper trigram Kan (Water) and the lower trigram Li (Fire) as the symbolic image, saying that water is above fire, and water and fire complement each other and each fulfill their function, which is the image of completion. The gentleman takes this as a model, and in times of peace anticipates dangers and prepares for them in advance.

彖曰：未濟亨，柔得中也。小狐汔濟，未出中也。濡其尾，無攸利，不續終也。雖不當位，剛柔應也。象曰：火在水上，未濟。君子以慎辨物居方。

The Commentary on the Judgment explains the Hexagram of Not Yet Completed: "Not Yet Completed" refers to a matter that has not yet been accomplished, yet the Hexagram Statement says it is smooth and favorable, because the line six in the fifth position is a yin line that is in the middle of the upper trigram and thus attains the principle of "center," indicating the possibility of completion. The Hexagram Statement says a small fox is about to cross the river, meaning it has not yet escaped from the danger of the坎 (water) trigram. "Its tail is wet, there is no benefit" refers to the small fox, while crossing the river, getting its tail wet, exhausting its strength and unable to complete the task, thus there is no benefit. All six lines of the hexagram are yang lines in yin positions and yin lines in yang positions, though their positions are not appropriate, but the yin and yang lines correspond one by one, so even in the state of Not Yet Completed, there is still an opportunity for completion. The Great Image Commentary takes the upper trigram Li (Fire) and the lower trigram Kan (Water) as the image, saying: fire on water, fire rises upward and water flows downward, they do not interact, which is the image of Not Yet Completed; the gentleman takes this as a model, carefully distinguishing the nature of things, and placing each thing in its proper position -- first distinguishing, then talking about completion.