19. Approach (臨 Lín)

Trigrams

Above

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Below

☱ Dui (Lake)

Symbolic Meaning

臨 (Lín) represents approach and the movement of something toward fulfillment or completion. It signals the coming of a new season or the start of a new phase. This hexagram advises careful preparation and foresight.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"臨，元亨，利貞。至于八月有凶。"
(Lín, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng.)

"Approach. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune."

This hexagram speaks of approaching success and a period of growth or renewal. However, it also warns that success must be tempered by caution. After a time of abundance (symbolized by the eighth month), challenges may arise. Preparation and foresight are key to sustaining success.

Image

Original Chinese:
"地上有澤，臨。君子以教思無窮，容保民无疆。"
(Dì shàng yǒu zé, lín. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiào sī wú qióng, róng bǎo mín wú jiāng.)

"The earth above the lake: The image of Approach. The superior person teaches and supports without limit, and nurtures the people without boundaries."

The image of the earth rising above the lake symbolizes the approach of abundance and renewal. The superior person uses this time to nurture and educate others, helping to sustain growth for the long term.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"咸臨，貞吉。"
(Xián lín, zhēn jí.)

"Enthusiastic approach. Perseverance brings good fortune."

This line describes an enthusiastic approach to new opportunities. By embracing challenges with excitement and staying true to one's principles, good fortune follows.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"咸臨，吉，无不利。"
(Xián lín, jí, wú bù lì.)

"Enthusiastic approach. Good fortune. Everything is favorable."

This line speaks of the advantages of an enthusiastic approach. By being open and optimistic, success is assured, and everything proceeds favorably.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"甘臨，无攸利，既憂之，无咎。"
(Gān lín, wú yōu lì, jì yōu zhī, wú jiù.)

"Sweet approach. No advantage. Worry about it, but there is no blame."

This line warns against approaching situations with excessive ease or overconfidence. While there is no immediate harm, it is wise to be cautious and avoid complacency. Concern about the situation ensures no blame.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"至臨，无咎。"
(Zhì lín, wú jiù.)

"Approach in full confidence. No blame."

This line advises confidence in one's approach. By acting with certainty and clarity of purpose, no harm or blame comes, and the way forward is smooth.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"知臨，大君之宜，吉。"
(Zhī lín, dà jūn zhī yí, jí.)

"Wise approach. It is fitting for a great leader. Good fortune."

This line describes the approach of a wise leader who understands the right time to act. Such a leader brings good fortune by combining wisdom with decisive action.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"敦臨，吉，无咎。"
(Dūn lín, jí, wú jiù.)

"Generous approach. Good fortune. No blame."

This line advises a generous and compassionate approach to others. By acting with kindness and understanding, good fortune comes, and no harm or blame follows.