25. Innocence (無妄 Wú Wàng)

Trigrams

Above

☰ Qián (Heaven)

Below

☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

Symbolic Meaning

無妄 (Wú Wàng) symbolizes innocence or the absence of falsehood. This hexagram speaks of acting with sincerity, without ulterior motives, and maintaining a state of natural purity. Success comes from being genuine and spontaneous.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"無妄，元亨，利貞。其匪正有眚，不利有攸往。"
(Wú wàng, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Qí fěi zhèng yǒu shěng, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

"Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. If one is not as they should be, they have misfortune, and it is not favorable to undertake anything."

This hexagram advises maintaining innocence and sincerity. Success comes from acting with integrity and without ulterior motives. However, if one strays from the right path, misfortune follows. It is important to be true to oneself.

Image

Original Chinese:
"天下雷行，物與无妄。先王以茂對時育萬物。"
(Tiān xià léi xíng, wù yǔ wú wàng. Xiān wáng yǐ mào duì shí yù wàn wù.)

"Thunder beneath heaven: The image of Innocence. The ancient kings nurtured and cared for all beings, responding to the seasons and bringing prosperity to all things."

The image of thunder moving beneath heaven represents the power of natural forces. The superior person uses this time to nurture and care for others, aligning their actions with the natural rhythms of life. This brings prosperity and success.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"無妄，往吉。"
(Wú wàng, wǎng jí.)

"Innocence. Going forward brings good fortune."

This line advises proceeding with innocence and sincerity. By acting without ulterior motives, one finds success and good fortune.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"不耕获，不菑畬，则利有攸往。"
(Bù gēng huò, bù zī yú, zé lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

"Not plowing, but harvesting. Not planting, but reaping. It is favorable to undertake something."

This line suggests that natural rewards come without forced effort. By acting in alignment with the natural flow of life, success comes easily. It is a favorable time to act.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"无妄之災，或系之牛，行人之得，邑人之災。"
(Wú wàng zhī zāi, huò xì zhī niú, xíng rén zhī dé, yì rén zhī zāi.)

"Innocent misfortune. A tied-up cow is taken by a passerby. The passerby gains, while the town suffers misfortune."

This line describes a situation where innocent actions lead to unintended consequences. The passerby benefits from something that was not theirs to take, while the community suffers. It warns of misfortune even when acting innocently.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"可貞，无咎。"
(Kě zhēn, wú jiù.)

"Perseverance brings no blame."

This line advises staying true to one's path with perseverance. By maintaining innocence and sincerity, one avoids blame and misfortune. It is a time to stay committed.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"无妄之疾，勿藥有喜。"
(Wú wàng zhī jí, wù yào yǒu xǐ.)

"Innocent illness. Do not use medicine. There is joy."

This line speaks of a temporary difficulty that resolves naturally. Rather than trying to force a solution, it advises patience, as the issue will resolve on its own and bring happiness.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"无妄，行有眚，无攸利。"
(Wú wàng, xíng yǒu shěng, wú yōu lì.)

"Innocence leads to misfortune. It is not favorable to go anywhere."

This line warns that even innocent actions can lead to misfortune if one is not careful. It advises against taking any action at this time, as it may lead to unintended consequences.