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.

A spring emerging at the foot of a mountain suggests the first stirring of understanding. The noble person uses decisive discipline and steady practice to cultivate virtue.

Clouds gathering in the sky suggest conditions forming before the rain arrives. The noble person waits without agitation, keeping life orderly and spirit untroubled.

Heaven and water move in opposite directions, showing separation and dispute. The noble person therefore gives thought to the beginning of every undertaking, so that conflict can be prevented at its source.

Water hidden within the earth suggests resources and force held together beneath the surface. The noble person gathers people through tolerance and steadies them through discipline.

Water over the earth represents Holding Together. The ancient rulers used this image to establish many states and cultivate close ties with the feudal lords.

Wind moving across heaven suggests influence that accumulates little by little. The noble person uses this time to refine outward conduct and cultivate graceful virtue.

Heaven above and lake below represent Treading. The noble person distinguishes high and low and thereby steadies the hearts of the people.

Heaven and earth joining show a time when order can be shaped for the good of all. The ruler responds by harmonizing human affairs with the larger pattern of the world.

Because the higher and lower no longer connect, the noble person protects inner worth, avoids display, and does not seek honor through salary or position.

Fire under heaven spreads its light broadly. The noble person responds by discerning real differences and affinities, so that unity is built on clarity rather than confusion.

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 within the earth suggests real height concealed beneath low appearance. The noble person reduces excess, supplements deficiency, and distributes things evenly.

Thunder rising out of the earth suggests collective energy suddenly coming alive. The ancient kings answered this by giving joy proper form through music, ritual, and reverence.

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 Grace. The noble person brings clarity to public affairs but does not lightly decide legal cases.

When what is above rests on what is below, foundations matter. The ruler secures stability by strengthening the base rather than embellishing the top.

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.

Twofold brightness suggests light renewed again and again. The great person keeps this brightness alive and extends it outward in every direction.

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.

There is no water in the lake: the image of Oppression. The noble person gives up life itself to fulfill the 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 above the lake represents the Marrying Maiden. The noble person keeps the end in view and understands what decays.

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.

Wind following wind represents the Gentle. The noble person reiterates commands and carries affairs through.

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 above water represents Before Completion. The noble person carefully distinguishes things and places each in its proper position.