Ta ChuangHexagram #34

Click on lines to change hexagram

Hexagram 34Ta ChuangThe Power of the Great

List

☯ H E X A G R A M ☯

Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great

Hexagram Text

Original Text

THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers.

Translation

The hexagram points to a time when inner worth mounts with great force and comes to power. But its strength has already passed beyond the median line, hence there is danger that one may rely entirely on one's own power and forget to ask what is right. There is danger too that, being intent on movement, we may not wait for the right time. Therefore the added statement that perseverance furthers. For that is truly great power which does not degenerate into mere force but remains inwardly united with the fundamental principles of right and of justice. When we understand this point--namely, that greatness and justice must be indissolubly united--we understand the true meaning of all that happens in heaven and on earth.

Image

Original Text

Thunder in heaven above:

Translation

The image of THE POWER OF THE GREAT. Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths That do not accord with established order. Thunder--electrical energy--mounts upward in the spring. The direction of this movement is in harmony with that of the movement of heaven. It is therefore a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power. However, true greatness depends on being in harmony with what is right. Therefore in times of great power the superior man avoids doing anything that is not in harmony with the established order.

Line Texts (6)

1Line 1 · Nine at the beginning

Line Text

Power in the toes. Continuing brings misfortune.

Translation

This is certainly true. The toes are in the lowest place and are ready to advance. So likewise great power in lowly station is inclined to effect advance by force. This, if carried further, would certainly lead to misfortune, and therefore by way of advice a warning is added.

2Line 2 · Nine in the second place

Line Text

Perseverance brings good fortune.

Translation

The premise here is that the gates to success are beginning to open. Resistance gives way and we forge ahead. This is the point at which, only too easily, we become the prey of exuberant self-confidence. This is why the oracle says that perseverance (i.e., perseverance in inner equilibrium, without excessive use of power) brings good fortune.

3Line 3 · Nine in the third place

Line Text

The inferior man works through power.

Translation

The superior man does not act thus. To continue is dangerous. A goat butts against a hedge And gets its horns entangled. Making a boast of power leads to entanglements, just as a goat entangles its horns when it butts against a hedge. Whereas an inferior man revels in power when he comes into possession of it, the superior man never makes this mistake. He is conscious at all times of the danger of pushing ahead regardless of circumstances, and therefore renounces in good time the empty display of force.

4Line 4 · Nine in the fourth place

Line Text

Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears.

Translation

The hedge opens; there is no entanglement. Power depends upon the axle of a big cart. If a man goes on quietly and perseveringly working at the removal of resistances, success comes in the end. The obstructions give way and all occasion for remorse arising from excessive use of power disappears. Such a man's power does not show externally, yet it can move heavy loads, like a big cart whose real strength lies in its axle. The less that power is applied outwardly, the greater its effect.

5Line 5 · Six in the fifth place

Line Text

Loses the goat with ease.

Translation

No remorse. The goat is noted for hardness outwardly and weakness within. Now the situation is such that everything is easy; there is no more resistance. One can give up a belligerent, stubborn way of acting and will not have to regret it.

6Line 6 · Six at the top

Line Text

A goat butts against a hedge. It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward.

Translation

Nothing serves to further. If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune. If we venture too far we come to a deadlock, unable either to advance or to retreat and whatever we do merely serves to complicate thing further. Such obstinacy leads to insuperable difficulties. But if, realizing the situation, we compose ourselves and decide not to continue, everything will right itself in time.