15. Modesty (謙 Qiān)

Trigrams

Above

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Below

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Symbolic Meaning

謙 (Qiān) symbolizes modesty. This hexagram represents the virtue of humility, where individuals acknowledge their limitations and act without arrogance. Modesty brings success by allowing growth and development without drawing negative attention.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"謙亨，君子有終。"
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)

"Modesty creates success. The superior person completes their task."

This hexagram advises modest behavior and humility as the key to success. The superior person accomplishes their goals by staying humble and grounded. Modesty allows them to remain focused and avoid unnecessary challenges.

Image

Original Chinese:
"地中有山，謙。君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.)

"Within the earth, there is a mountain: The image of Modesty. The superior person reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little, thus balancing the gift of things."

The image of a mountain within the earth symbolizes hidden strength. The superior person uses this time to balance things, helping those with less and gently reducing the excess of those with more. This creates harmony and equilibrium in the world.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"謙謙君子，用涉大川，吉。"
(Qiān qiān jūn zǐ, yòng shè dà chuān, jí.)

"The modest superior person crosses the great water. Good fortune."

This line describes a modest person who undertakes great challenges, like crossing a large river. Their humility allows them to succeed in difficult endeavors, and good fortune follows.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"鳴謙，貞吉。"
(Míng qiān, zhēn jí.)

"Modesty that is proclaimed. Perseverance brings good fortune."

This line speaks of someone whose modesty is recognized by others. Even when humility is visible or acknowledged, perseverance in modesty still brings good fortune. Public humility does not diminish its value.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"勞謙君子，有終，吉。"
(Láo qiān jūn zǐ, yǒu zhōng, jí.)

"The superior person works hard with modesty. In the end, good fortune."

This line advises hard work combined with humility. By staying modest and diligent, the superior person achieves lasting success. Their efforts lead to good fortune and recognition in the end.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"無不利，撝謙。"
(Wú bù lì, huī qiān.)

"No disadvantage. Acting with modesty."

This line states that modest behavior carries no disadvantages. Acting with humility ensures success and prevents conflict or failure. It advises maintaining a modest approach in all situations.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"不富以其鄰，利用侵伐，無不利。"
(Bù fù yǐ qí lín, lì yòng qīn fá, wú bù lì.)

"Not enriching oneself at the expense of others. It is favorable to take action against difficulties. No disadvantage."

This line emphasizes fairness and integrity. It advises not to gain wealth or advantage by harming others. By taking action against difficulties, one can avoid disadvantage and ensure success.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。"
(Míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.)

"Modesty proclaimed. It is beneficial to lead an army and conquer cities and nations."

This line describes a situation where modesty allows one to lead others and succeed in large ventures. Even in positions of power, humility remains beneficial, leading to victory in difficult tasks.