Hexagram 4 · ䷃
Youthful folly brings good fortune.
The state of ignorance and folly that characterizes youth brings good fortune when one seeks proper instruction and guidance. The time calls for humility and a willingness to learn from those wiser.
The state of being not yet instructed represents the time of蒙. What must be done at this time is to seek proper guidance and instruction.
The Tuan explains that蒙 represents the condition of one who has not yet received instruction. In this state, the essential action is to seek out proper teachers and guides who can lead one from darkness to understanding.
The mountain below the abyss shows the image of Youthful Folly. The noble person strengthens their character through continuous learning and reflection.
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.
To begin an expedition brings misfortune. Seeking instruction brings good fortune.
Launching into uncertain ventures without proper guidance leads only to misfortune. Better to seek out instruction from wise teachers.
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Beginning an expedition lacks proper guidance.
Launching ventures without proper counsel leads to error.
Under the mountain, a woman is seized. This is not beneficial.
A woman taken captive beneath a mountain represents harmful associations. Such entanglements bring no benefit.
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Six-two being seized under the mountain shows that improper relations bring no benefit.
Six-two seized beneath the mountain shows that improper associations bring only harm.
Do not marry this woman.
Rejecting improper alliances protects one's integrity. Remain discerning in relationships.
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Not marrying this woman maintains one's integrity.
Not marrying such a woman preserves one's dignity and integrity.
Entangled as if trapped by pustules, regret.
You find yourself bound as if by pus-filled sores, entrapped by your own confusion. Only regret can follow from this state.
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Being entangled as if by pustules shows one is not yet free from confusion.
Bound as if by pustules reveals how deep confusion still clings to one's nature.
The childish person receives sustenance.
The ignorant but teachable one receives sustenance from proper sources, finding nourishment for growth.
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Receiving sustenance shows the childish person has found proper nourishment.
The youthful person receiving sustenance shows finding proper nourishment for growth.
The childish person acts without instruction; beneficial to smite the defense.
The foolhardy who act without wisdom's guidance should be firmly corrected. Even harsh measures may prove beneficial when applied to ingrained foolishness.
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Acting without instruction, attacking what is hardened—how can this be proper?
Acting without instruction reveals hardened foolishness that smiting may address.