22. Grace (賁 Bì)

Trigrams

Above

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

賁 (Bì) represents grace, beauty, and adornment. This hexagram speaks of the power of beauty and form in enhancing life. Grace does not replace substance but enhances it.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"賁，亨，小利有攸往。"
(Bì, hēng, xiǎo lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

"Grace brings success. It is not favorable to take large ventures; small ventures are beneficial."

This hexagram advises focusing on grace and beauty in one's actions. Small, careful ventures bring success. The hexagram suggests that too much focus on appearance can lead to problems unless substance and action are in balance.

Image

Original Chinese:
"山下有火，賁。君子以明庶政，无敢折獄。"
(Shān xià yǒu huǒ, bì. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shù zhèng, wú gǎn zhé yù.)

"Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of Grace. The superior person brings clarity to governance but does not make final judgments."

The image of fire at the base of the mountain represents the beauty and clarity that come from grace. The superior person focuses on clarity and transparency in governance but does not rush into decisions or judgments.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"賁其趾，舍車而徒。"
(Bì qí zhǐ, shě chē ér tú.)

"Grace in the feet. Abandoning the carriage and walking."

This line advises simplicity and humility. By focusing on the basics (grace in the feet), one should proceed without unnecessary embellishments or complications. Success comes from simplicity and straightforwardness.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"賁其須。"
(Bì qí xū.)

"Grace in the beard."

This line speaks of external grace, focusing on appearance. It suggests that attention to how one presents oneself to the world is important, but it should not be overemphasized. Balance is key.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"賁如濡如，永貞吉。"
(Bì rú rú rú, yǒng zhēn jí.)

"Grace that comes gradually. Perseverance brings good fortune."

This line describes a gradual unfolding of grace. It advises perseverance and consistency, allowing beauty and clarity to develop over time. By remaining true to oneself, good fortune will follow.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"賁如皤如，白馬翰如，匪寇婚媾。"
(Bì rú bó rú, bái mǎ hàn rú, fěi kòu hūn gòu.)

"Grace that is plain and white. The white horse comes swiftly. It is not a bandit, but a suitor."

This line suggests that simplicity and purity are forms of grace. A swift arrival, like that of a white horse, represents a positive change. It reassures that what seems sudden is not threatening but brings good fortune, like a suitor seeking union.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"賁于丘園，束帛戔戔，吝，終吉。"
(Bì yú qiū yuán, shù bó jiān jiān, lìn, zhōng jí.)

"Grace in the hills and gardens. Small bundles of silk. Some regret, but in the end, good fortune."

This line speaks of grace in simple, natural surroundings. Even though one may feel limited or constrained, the simplicity brings eventual good fortune. Natural beauty and humility bring success in the end.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"白賁，无咎。"
(Bái bì, wú jiù.)

"Pure grace. No blame."

This line describes the highest form of grace—pure, unadorned beauty. It advises simplicity and authenticity, which leads to a state without blame or reproach. True grace comes from within.