Sixty-Four Hexagrams

Heaven's movement is powerful and unceasing. The noble person, inspired by this, cultivates relentless self-improvement, striving toward the highest virtue without rest.

The earth's condition is one of devoted receptivity. The noble person, contemplating this image, extends their virtues abundantly to support all beneath heaven.

The image of clouds and thunder represents the chaos of beginnings. The noble person, facing such challenges, brings order out of confusion through careful planning and organization.

The image of a mountain standing above a deep abyss represents the educator towering above the ignorant. The noble person, seeing this image, strengthens their character through unceasing learning and self-reflection, understanding that education is a lifelong pursuit.

The mountain setting sun suggests a brief rest before nightfall. The noble person, facing the waiting period, drinks and eats sparingly while remaining content in hardship. They understand that waiting is itself a form of action requiring patience and proper conduct.

Heaven and water flow in opposite directions, each going their separate way. The noble person, seeing this image of fundamental opposition, carefully considers before taking any action, understanding that conflict requires wisdom to navigate.

The mountain beneath the earth represents the Army concealed and resting. The noble person develops massive, inclusive virtue to lead and unify the people, understanding that true military strength comes from moral authority.

Water flowing together upon the earth represents fellowship and mutual support. The noble person, contemplating this image, examines their relationships carefully before committing to any group, ensuring alignments are based on virtue.

Wind moving across the heavens represents the gradual accumulation of influence. The noble person, contemplating this image, refines their speech and attends to every detail, understanding that small accumulations require careful attention.

Heaven above and joy below create the image of proper conduct and natural order. The noble person, seeing this image, clearly distinguishes high from low, establishing proper relationships and stabilizing the people's minds.

Heaven and earth joining in harmony create the image of Great Peace. The ruler, understanding this cosmic union, arranges marriages between families with proper ceremony, strengthening social bonds.

Heaven and earth failing to unite create the image of Obstruction. The noble person, seeing this, carefully guards their virtue and lives simply, reducing expenses and avoiding waste.

Fire blazing upward toward heaven represents the warmth of fellowship and shared purpose. The noble person, seeing this image, observes the patterns of heavenly governance and implements them below, bringing harmony through wise leadership.

Fire burning bright above represents illumination and clarity in leadership. The noble person, seeing this image, reduces the overly strong and supports the weak, maintaining balance and harmony in society.

A mountain hidden beneath the earth represents the virtue of humility that remains concealed. The noble person, seeing this image, diminishes the excessive and augments the deficient, bringing balance to all under heaven.

Thunder rising from the earth creates the image of spontaneous joy and enthusiasm. The noble person, seeing this, follows the divine movement with decisive action, never hesitating.

Thunder within the lake represents the image of Following. The noble person observes this and knows when to rest, entering their home at nightfall to recuperate.

Wind blowing across the mountain represents decay that needs correction. The noble person inspires the people and strengthens their spirit to overcome corruption.

Earth rising above the lake represents the approach of the great to the small. The noble person teaches tirelessly and protects the people without limit.

Wind blowing over the earth represents the image of Contemplation. The kings of old traveled through their realm, observed the people, and gave them proper instruction.

Thunder and lightning united form the image of Biting Through. The kings of old established laws and punishments to maintain order.

Fire at the foot of the mountain represents the image of Grace. The noble person observes this and brings order out of confusion without relying on ornamentation.

The mountain resting on the earth represents the image of Splitting Apart as the foundation erodes. The rulers of old strengthened towns at mountain bases and cultivated fields to prepare for decline.

Thunder within the earth represents the return of yang energy. The kings of old closed the passes at the winter solstice, ceasing travel and visits until the energy returned.

Thunder rolling under heaven represents all things attaining natural innocence. The kings of old used this symbolism to issue beneficent decrees and proclaim them to all people.

Heaven contained within the mountain represents the Taming Power of the Great. The noble person studies many sayings and deeds of the past to strengthen character.

Thunder at the foot of the mountain represents Providing Nourishment. The noble person is careful with words and temperate in eating and drinking.

The lake rising above the trees represents Preponderance of the Great. The noble person stands alone without fear and withdraws without regret.

Water flowing on to reach its goal represents the Abysmal repeated. The noble person cultivates the virtue of the heart and maintains consistency in work.

Brightness rising twice represents the image of Fire. The great person continues heaven's work by illuminating all regions of the world.

A lake on the mountain represents Influence. The noble person accepts people with an open mind.

Thunder and wind represent the image of Duration. The noble person stands firm and does not change direction.

The mountain under heaven represents Retreat. The noble person keeps the inferior at a distance, not with anger but with dignified reserve.

Thunder in heaven above represents Great Power. The noble person does not tread upon paths that violate established order.

The sun rising over the earth represents Progress. The noble person makes his brilliant virtue shine forth.

Light sinking into the earth represents Darkening of the Light. The noble person manages affairs with hidden wisdom—not displaying brilliance but still achieving results.

Wind coming forth from fire represents Family. The noble person has substance in his words and constancy in his way of life.

Fire above and lake below represent Opposition. The noble person seeks unity in diversity.

Water on the mountain represents Obstruction. The noble person turns inward to cultivate character.

Thunder and rain represent Deliverance. The noble person forgives errors and pardons crimes.

At the foot of the mountain is the lake, representing Decrease. The noble person controls anger and restrains desires.

Wind and thunder represent Increase. The noble person moves toward good when he sees it and corrects errors when he sees them.

The lake rising up to heaven represents Breakthrough. The noble person dispenses riches downward and refrains from resting on his virtue.

Wind under heaven represents Coming to Meet. The sovereign dispenses his commands to the four quarters.

The lake over the earth represents Gathering. The noble person makes his weapons ready and guards against the unexpected.

Wood growing within the earth represents Pushing Upward. The noble person, devoted in character, builds up small things to attain the great.

No water in the lake represents Oppression. The noble person stakes his life on following his will.

Water over wood represents the Well. The noble person comforts the people and urges them to help one another.

Fire in the lake represents Revolution. The noble person sets the calendar and defines the seasons.

Fire over wood represents the Cauldron. The noble person consolidates position and secures destiny.

Repeated thunder represents the Arousing. The noble person in fear and dread examines himself.

Mountains standing close together represent Keeping Still. The noble person does not permit thoughts to go beyond his situation.

A tree on the mountain represents Development. The noble person lives in virtue and improves the customs.

Thunder over the lake represents the Marrying Maiden. The noble person foreknows the beginning through the ending.

Thunder and lightning both come, representing Abundance. The noble person decides lawsuits and carries out punishments.

Fire on the mountain represents the Wanderer. The noble person is clear-minded and cautious in imposing punishments and does not delay trials.

Winds following one upon the other represent the Gentle. The noble person repeats his charge and makes his actions effective.

Lakes resting on one another represent the Joyous. The noble person joins with his friends for discussion and practice.

Wind driving over the water represents Dispersion. The ancient kings offered sacrifice to the Lord and erected temples.

Water over the lake represents Limitation. The noble person establishes number and measure, and discusses virtue and conduct.

Wind over the lake represents Inner Truth. The noble person discusses criminal cases and delays executions.

Thunder on the mountain represents Preponderance of the Small. The noble person exceeds in reverence in conduct, in sorrow in mourning, and in thrift in expenditures.

Water over fire represents After Completion. The noble person takes thought of misfortune and arms himself against it in advance.

Fire over water represents Before Completion. The noble person is careful in differentiating things so that each finds its place.