Above; fire, brightness
Below; heaven the creative

Here the flame burns in the highest heaven, revealing all things in it light. The weak yin line is in the place of the ruler, indicating that wealth comes to the man who is modest and benevolent, even though he occupies a high position.

Da You indicates wealth in abundance and great success.

As in the preceding hexagram, (Tong Ren), it is the weak yin line that holds the hexagram together, and it occupies the most important position. The virtues of the hexagram are strength and vigour combined with elegance and brightness. Because it responds to heaven, performing all things at the proper time, it indicates great progress and success.

Fire in the heavens above is the image of possessions in abundance. The Superior Man, obeying the benevolent will of heaven suppresses evil and advances the virtuous.

Line 1

He has no communion with evil, remaining blameless; keeping conscious of difficulty he averts reproach.

The man who is beginning to amass possessions is so far without blame; he has not attracted envy and dislike because he has not yet been forced to compromise with his principals. But wealth can be utterly destructive if a wealthy man is led astray. Only an awareness of the obstacles he has yet to overcome can keep him on the right path of righteousness.

Line 2

Big wagons are for loading. He may attempt any enterprise without reproach.

There is no fear of failure for lack of resources. The big wagon is ready to be loaded with possessions and can transport them wherever they may be needed. The man who intends to undertake a great venture must be ready for any eventuality, and must be prepared to entrust his wealth to others who will take a share in the responsibility.

Line 3

A prince offers all to the emperor. But this not in a small man’s power.

The truly magnanimous man should not regard all that he possesses as his exclusive property, but should devote it to the good of the people at large. A petty man attempts to keep everything for himself, to the detriment both of himself and of the common good.

Line 4

He distinguishes himself from his neighbours. No blame.

A rich and powerful man among other rich and powerful men must remain aloof. But provided he does not do this from a false sense of pride, or show envy and attempt to compete with them, he remains without reproach.

Line 5

He who is sincere and accessible but maintains his dignity will gain great honours.
This indicates a very favourable situation. The hearts of the people are won, not by force and repression, but by benevolence and philanthropy. But when the benevolent man is too readily accessible, he may well be treated with insolence; and insolence can only be kept in check by careful maintenance of dignity at all times.

Line 6

Giving and receiving; blessed by the heavens, he enjoys great good fortune.

The relationship between the great and good man and those around him is one of reciprocal benevolence; he gives from his wealth and receives their thanks. They give their love and receive his protection.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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