Above; wind, penetrating
Below; wind, penetrating

This is one of the eight double trigrams. Sun represents the eldest daughter and gentleness like the wind – or like wood, with which it is also identified. It has, also, the property of penetration. In the natural world, the wind penetrates the clouds bringing clarity and serenity. In human affairs, it is the penetrating clarity of intelligence that uncovers the darkness of intrigue and perversity. It took the subtle philosophy of Tao to recognize that the concomitant of such penetration was willing submission. This is not submission to an external fate, but the ‘giving way’ which is the first step to victory.

Submission and gentleness lead to success in any minor matters. It is advantageous to have a destination in view and to visit a great man.

Will submission is necessary in carrying out the will of heaven. The strong yang line is correctly in the fifth place. This indicates that what is willed will be fulfilled. The weak yin lines in the first and fourth place are both obedient to the yang lines above them, indicating moderate success and the advantage of movement in any direction.

Winds follow one upon the other which is the image of Sun.
The Superior Man, accordingly, makes his commands known once more and performs his tasks according to the will of heaven.

Line 1

Coming and going like the wind. He should seek advantage in righteous persistence like a brave soldier.

Indecisiveness is often the outcome of submissiveness. This is wrong. Only the persistence shown by someone who behaves like a bold military commander can bring advance.

Line 2

He creeps beneath the bed. He consults with a confusion of magicians and diviners. But there is good fortune and no error.

Everything is unsure. When motives are hidden and their outcome cannot be decided, it is not blameworthy to make use of any means of determining what is to come.

Line 3

He penetrates repeatedly and must give way. Humiliation.

It is better to reach a decision quickly than to come eventually to an impasse as a result of constant questioning.

Line 4

The time for regret is past. Three kinds of game are found in the hunt.

The three kinds of game are appropriate especially for sacrifices to the gods, for feasting guests, and for everyday nourishment. When one occupies an important administrative position in which experience, innate modesty and decisive action can be combined, success is assured.

Line 5

Righteous persistence brings good fortune. Regrets vanish and everything is favourable. There is no beginning but a good end. Three days before the change and three days after bring good fortune.

This text promises good fortune, but it is important to make plans for there is only a limited period during which advantage can be taken of it. The beginning may not have been propitious, but almost unexpectedly the right time will make itself apparent

Line 6

He creeps beneath the bed. He loses his living and his axe. Persistence brings misfortune.

The subject of this text is too submissive, showing humility amounting to servility. This does him no good for as a result he loses not only his material wealth but his very means of survival.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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