Above; Deep dangerous waters
Below; Thunder and awakening

The sign for Zhun represents a new shoot struggling to burst its way through the soil in the first day of spring. Initial difficulties are followed by supreme success, the result of acting firmly and correctly. Nothing should be attempted without appointing those who can provide appropriate assistance.

The time is still full of disorder and obscurity. Nothing can be predicted with confidence. It is advantageous to appoint deputies and helpers, but it is unwise to suppose the storm is at an end.

Clouds and thunder represent the idea of initial difficulty. The Superior Man busies himself with creating order out of confusion.

Line 1

Obstacles and hesitation before action. Perseverance is rewarding.

It is advantageous to appoint assistants or helpers. When obstacles are encountered at the beginning of an endeavour, the best course may well be inaction. Not the avoidance of action, but time to persevere and calculate how best to overcome obstacles. The wise man chooses those who are to help him in a spirit of humility.

Line 2

Difficulties increase. One of the horses breaks free from her wagon. But he is not a highwayman. He is one who wishes her to be his wife. The chaste maiden rejects his advances and waits ten years before she bears children.

As the hindrances multiply, as the horses drag the wagon through the mud of a stormy night – suddenly, here is a mounted man trotting to and fro. But this is not an enemy. It is a friend who comes to offer help; yet his offer must not be accepted, because it will conflict with the freedom of decision. Only after a long time will the right moment present itself.

Line 3

He hunts the deer in the forest without a guide, and loses his way. The Superior Man understanding the situation gives up the chase. To continue brings humiliation.

Obstinately pursuing a goal without seeking advice is bound to result in failure. The wise man realizing the difficulties into which his impulsiveness has led him, retires to reconsider his actions.

Line 4

Horses break from the wagon. She seeks assistance of her suitor. Assistance is sought. The time is auspicious for moving forward.

There is a wrong time and a right time to accept offered help. It may mean that pride must be swallowed and that assistance must be sought from one who was previously rejected. There is no shame in accepting help in a difficult and dangerous situation.

Line 5

Obstacles to generosity. A little perseverance brings success. Much perseverance brings misfortune.

The individual is in a position where even his most generous gestures are misinterpreted. But he must not try to force the outcome. It is only through firm and confident actions, carried out unobtrusively that he will succeed in overcoming obstacles.

Line 6

The horses drag the wagon back. Tears of blood are wept.

The difficulties have been too great. The only way is back to the beginning. But success is not achieved by giving up and another way will be found.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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