Above; fire, brightness, beauty
Below; Earth the passive.

This hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth, a symbol of steady and unimpeded progress.

The great prince is honoured with many horses and in a single day the emperor grants him three audiences.

The Chinese character Jin itself means progress. The combination of the passive trigram below with beauty of the trigram above represents the earth radiant with bright light. The weak yin lines ascend to the fifth and ruling line of the hexagram, signifying a great prince, splendid steeds and royal flavour.

The effect of progress comes from the prince, a man subservient to his emperor but at the same time a leader of others. He does not abuse his influence, but dedicates it to the service of his ruler who, enlightened and free from jealousy, showers favours upon him.

Jin is the image of progress. The sun rising above the earth. The Superior Man reflects in himself the brightness of heavenly virtue.

Line 1

Going forward, then hindered. Persistence brings good fortune. He meets lack of confidence with tranquility. No error.

Even when everything seems to be going forward, one may be brought to a halt by influences over which one has not control. It may be that those with whom one is dealing have no confidence in themselves. The only wise course is not to attempt to arouse confidence or try to force one’s way forward, but to remain cheerfully untroubled by the delay.

Line 2

Progress in sorrow. Persistence brings good fortune. Great happiness comes from the honoured grandmother.

The sorrow arises from the fact that the progress envisaged receives no recognition. There is no alternative to perseverance, even though present circumstances bring unhappiness. In due course someone, man or woman, will bestow gentle affection and instruction.

Line 3

All are in accord. Sorrow vanishes.

This is the moment at which one realizes that one is making true progress. The backing of others is encouraging.

Line 4

Making progress like a squirrel. Persistence is dangerous.

The squirrel builds up large stores of food. Some of them are in places that the squirrel subsequently forgets. The squirrel in a cage constantly runs forward on its wheel making for a destination that it can never reach. So the man who amasses great possessions (often by dubious means) seems to have goal in view but seldom reaches it. Often he loses not only his gains but everything he has.

Line 5

All sorrow vanishes. Care not for loss or gain. It is advantageous to have a destination. All things are favourable.

A man who finds himself in an important position in an era of progress should keep himself gentle and impassive. He should not regret past mistakes. He should look forward in confidence that all his ventures will succeed.

Line 6

He butts onward with lowered horns only to subdue his own people. Consciousness of his danger brings no blame. Persistence results in humiliation.
Making progress by means of attack is only permissible in a situation where it is necessary to correct the mistakes of one’s own followers. To pursue punishment for its own sake is a sign of a lack of enlightenment. One who remains aware of the danger he risks is able to avoid mistakes. He succeeds in what he sets out to do. Perseverance is aggressive behaviour can only lead to shame and misfortune.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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