Above; Thunder and awakening
Below; Heaven the creative

The four strong yang lines have entered from below and are ascending. The combination of the strength heaven with the with the powerful movement of the mountain is what gives meaning to the name of this hexagram. In appearance it is reminiscent of the horned head of the goat, an animal renowned for rapid powerful movement. The hexagram is also linked with the second month of the Chinese year (February – March), the time when everything is springing strongly to life.

Da Zhuang is the strength of the great. Perseverance in a course of righteousness brings reward.

The strength of righteousness and greatness combined brings full understanding of the inner nature of everything in heaven and on earth. The lower trigram, signifying strength controls the upper trigram which signifies movement. This results in great vigour. Righteous persistence is duly rewarded because in the context of this hexagram what is great and what is right are synonymous.

Thunder above the heavens is the image of the strength of greatness. The Superior Man does not lead a path that is not in accord with established order.

Line 1;

Strength in the toes. But going forward brings misfortune. This is certainly true. Have confidence.

The feet are the lowest part of the body and furthest from the brain. Trying to advance by sheer brute strength, like someone possessed of ambition but no intelligence is bound to lead to disaster. The wise man restrains his violent impulses but retains confidence in his future advancement.

Line 2

Righteous persistence brings good fortune.

There are now opportunities for advancement, but it is wise still not to plunge unheedingly ahead. Only by maintaining the true inner equilibrium of Tao, without excessive use of strength, is good fortune achieved.

Line 3

The inferior man exploits his strength but the Superior Man is restrained. Persistence is dangerous. The goat butts obstinately against the hedge and his horns are caught.

The inferior man who comes to power glories in it and abuses it. The wise man is conscious at all times of the danger inherent in thrusting ahead regardless of circumstances. He will renounce or limit his power when there is no purpose in an empty display of strength.

Line 4

Righteous persistence brings good fortune. Regrets vanish. The hedge falls apart. The goat frees himself. In a big wagon the axle is very strong.

Obstacles are best overcome by calm and intelligent perseverance. The goat does not free himself by fruitless struggling but by slowly working his horns free from the branches as they part. The power of the Superior Man does not show itself openly. As the wagon is borne forward dependent entirely upon the strength of its axle, so he is able to bear the great load of his responsibilities.

Line 5

The goat is lost too easily but there is no cause for regret.

The goat is renowned for its outward aggressiveness and it inward docility. The situation has been resolved, perhaps too easily. One gives up the struggle to rest. Nevertheless, abandoning one’s obstinate position at this point will bring misfortune.

Line 6

The goat butts obstinately against the hedge. There is no advantage in going on. But taking due note of the mistake brings good fortune.

Going too far, one comes to a deadlock in which it is impossible to advance or retreat. The more one struggles the more one becomes ensnared. But buy coming to an understanding of the obstacle one is enabled to find the solution.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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