SunHexagram #57

Click on lines to change hexagram

Hexagram 57SunThe Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)

List

☯ H E X A G R A M ☯

Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)

Hexagram Text

Original Text

THE GENTLE. Success through what is small. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. It furthers one to see the great man.

Translation

Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kind are less striking to the eye than those won by surprise attack, but they are more enduring and more complete. If one would produce such effects, one must have a clearly defined goal, for only when the penetrating influence works always in the same direction can the object be attained. Small strength can achieve its purpose only by subordinating itself to an eminent man who is capable of creating order.

Image

Original Text

Winds following one upon the other:

Translation

The image of THE GENTLY PENETRATING. Thus the superior man Spreads his commands abroad And carries out his undertakings. The penetrating quality of the wind depends upon its ceaselessness. This is what makes it so powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler's thought should penetrate the soul of the people. This too requires a lasting influence brought about by enlightenment and command. Only when the command has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it possible. Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.

Line Texts (6)

1Line 1 · Six at the beginning

Line Text

In advancing and in retreating,

Translation

The perseverance of a warrior furthers. In born gentleness is often carried to the point of indecisiveness. One does not feel strong enough to advance resolutely. A thousand doubts crop up; one is, however, not minded to withdraw but drifts indecisively to and fro. In such a situation, a military decisiveness is the proper thing, so that one resolutely does what order demands. Resolute discipline is far better than irresolute license.

2Line 2 · Nine in the second place

Line Text

Penetration under the bed. Priests and magicians are used in great number. Good fortune. No blame.

Translation

At times one has to deal with hidden enemies, intangible influences that slink into dark corners and from this hiding affect people by suggestion. In instances like this, it is necessary to trace these things back to the most secret recesses, in order to determine the nature of the influences to be dealt with. This is the task of the priests; removing the influences is the task of the magicians. The very anonymity of such plotting requires an especially vigorous and indefatigable effort, but this is well worth while. For when such elusive influences are brought into the light and branded, they lose their power over people.

3Line 3 · Nine in the third place

Line Text

Repeated penetration. Humiliation.

Translation

Penetrating reflection must not be pushed too far, lest it cripple the power of decision. After a matter has been thoroughly pondered, it is essential to form a decision and to act. Repeated deliberation brings fresh doubts and scruples, and thereby humiliation, because one shows oneself unable to act.

4Line 4 · Six in the fourth place

Line Text

Remorse vanishes. During the hunt Three kinds of game are caught.

Translation

When a responsible position and accumulated experience lead one to combine innate modesty with energetic action, great success is assured. The three kinds of animals referred to served for offerings to the gods, for feasting guests, and for everyday consumption. When the catch answered all three purposes, the hunt was considered especially successful.

5Line 5 · Nine in the fifth place

Line Text

Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse vanishes. Nothing that does not further. No beginning, but an end. Before the change, three days. After the change, three days. Good fortune.

Translation

In the situation described in Ku, WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED, an entirely new point of departure must be set up, whereas here it is only a question of reforms. The beginning has not been good, but the moment has been reached when a new direction can be taken. Change and improvement are called for. Such steps must be undertaken with steadfastness, that is, with a firm and correct attitude of mind; then they will succeed, and remorse will disappear. But it must be remembered that such improvements require careful consideration. Before a change is made, it must be pondered over again and again. After the change is made, it is necessary to note carefully for some time after how the improvements bear the test of actuality. Such careful work is accompanied by good fortune.

6Line 6 · Nine at the top

Line Text

Penetration under the bed. He loses his property and his ax. Perseverance brings misfortune.

Translation

A man's understanding is sufficiently penetrating. He follows up injurious influences into the most secret corners. But he no longer has the strength to combat them decisively. In this case any attempt to penetrate into the personal domain of darkness would only bring harm.