Hexagram 1 · ䷀
Supreme success. Perseverance is beneficial. This is the pure creative force moving all things forward.
Judgment
Supreme success. Perseverance is beneficial. This is the pure creative force moving all things forward.
Image
Heaven's movement is powerful and unceasing. The noble person, inspired by this, cultivates relentless self-improvement, striving toward the highest virtue without rest.
Lines
The dragon remains hidden beneath the surface, gathering strength. This is not yet the time for action. The dragon emerges onto the fields, visible to all. It is favorable to seek...
Supreme success. Perseverance furthers.
Supreme success. Perseverance is beneficial. This is the pure creative force moving all things forward.
Great indeed is the creative power of Qian. All things receive their beginning from it, and it rules heaven. Clouds move and rain falls; all beings take shape. With the six lines each fulfilling its time, one rides the six dragons to govern heaven. Through the transformations of the Way of Qian, each thing finds its true nature and destiny, preserving great harmony; thus perseverance furthers. It heads forth among all beings, and all lands find peace.
Qian is the power of heaven in full creative motion. It initiates all beings, orders their unfolding, and brings harmony when one follows its course with steadiness and correctness.
The movement of heaven is powerful. The noble person strengthens themselves through ceaseless self-improvement.
Heaven's movement is powerful and unceasing. The noble person, inspired by this, cultivates relentless self-improvement, striving toward the highest virtue without rest.
"Origin" is the head of goodness; "success" is the gathering……
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Hidden dragon, do not act.
The dragon remains hidden beneath the surface, gathering strength. This is not yet the time for action.
Small Image
"Hidden dragon, do not act." The yang energy remains below.
The hidden dragon represents yang energy still developing underground, its power too immature for action.
Dragon appearing in the field, it furthers one to see the great person.
The dragon emerges onto the fields, visible to all. It is favorable to seek guidance from those of great virtue.
Small Image
"Dragon appearing in the field." virtue spreads widely.
The dragon appearing in the field shows virtue spreading to all corners, bringing benefit to all.
The noble person engages in determined self-improvement all day; at nightfall, they remain cautious. Danger, but no error.
The noble person progresses ceaselessly throughout the day, maintaining vigilance even at night. Though difficulties arise, there is no blame.
Small Image
"Engaging in determined self-improvement all day." Repeatedly following the correct path.
Constant diligent effort throughout the day reflects repeated practice of the correct path.
Leaping dragon in the depths.
The dragon leaps between depths and heights, choosing the right moment. There is no disaster in advancement.
Small Image
"Leaping dragon in the depths." Advancing causes no disaster.
The dragon leaping in the depths can advance or retreat freely, finding the opportune moment.
Flying dragon in the heavens.
The dragon soars through the heavens, reaching its full potential. It is time to act with authority and wisdom.
Small Image
"Flying dragon in the heavens." The great person creates and transforms.
The dragon flying in heaven represents the great person creating and shaping the world through their actions.
Arrogant dragon has cause to repent.
The dragon has risen too high, becoming arrogant. This will lead to regret, as excess cannot be sustained.
Small Image
"Arrogant dragon has cause to repent." Fullness cannot endure.
The arrogant dragon that has risen too high represents excess that cannot be maintained over time.
What does Ch'ien / The Creative mean in the I Ching?
Supreme success. Perseverance is beneficial. This is the pure creative force moving all things forward.
How should I study Hexagram 1 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The dragon remains hidden beneath the surface, gathering strength. This is not yet the time for action. The dragon emerges onto the fields, visible to all. It is favorable to seek...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Qian is the power of heaven in full creative motion. It initiates all beings, orders their unfolding, and brings harmony when one follows its course with steadiness and correctness.
Primary text: Zhouyi / I Ching, including the Judgment, Image, line texts, and related commentaries.
Translation basis: public-domain and modern study references, with AI used only as a learning aid.