26. The Taming Power of the Great (大畜 Dà Chù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
Symbolic Meaning
大畜 (Dà Chù) represents the power of restraint and control over great forces. This hexagram speaks of holding back powerful forces for the right time. Success comes from patience, wisdom, and self-control.
Judgment
Original Chinese:
"大畜，利貞。不家食，吉。利涉大川。"
(Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
"The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable not to eat at home. It is favorable to cross the great water."
This hexagram advises perseverance and restraint. It is not a time for indulgence, but rather for preparation and control. Success comes from being patient and waiting for the right moment to act.
Image
Original Chinese:
"天在山中，大畜。君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。"
(Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé.)
"Heaven within the mountain: The image of The Taming Power of the Great. The superior person studies the words and deeds of the past to strengthen their character."
The image of heaven within the mountain suggests that great power is being restrained and controlled. The superior person uses this time to reflect on past wisdom and experience, cultivating their inner strength.
Line 1
Original Chinese:
"有厲，利已。"
(Yǒu lì, lì yǐ.)
"Danger threatens. It is favorable to remain still."
This line advises caution in the face of potential danger. By staying still and not acting rashly, one avoids harm. Patience and restraint bring safety.
Line 2
Original Chinese:
"輿說輻。"
(Yú shuō fú.)
"The axle has been removed from the wagon."
This line speaks of a situation where forward movement is impossible. The axle, symbolizing movement, has been removed. It advises staying in place and waiting for the right time to proceed.
Line 3
Original Chinese:
"良馬逐，利艱貞。曰閑輿衛，利有攸往。"
(Liáng mǎ zhú, lì jiān zhēn. Yuē xián yú wèi, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
"Good horses are chasing. Perseverance brings success in difficult times. There is talk of harnessing the wagon. It is favorable to have a destination."
This line describes a situation of chasing after something of value. Success comes through perseverance in difficult circumstances. It is a time to harness resources and move forward carefully, but with a clear goal in mind.
Line 4
Original Chinese:
"童牛之牿，元吉。"
(Tóng niú zhī gù, yuán jí.)
"The horns of the young bull are bound. Great good fortune."
This line speaks of controlling youthful energy and aggression. By restraining the impulses of the young bull, great good fortune is achieved. It advises channeling strength and energy wisely.
Line 5
Original Chinese:
"豶豕之牙，吉。"
(Fēn shǐ zhī yá, jí.)
"The tusks of a gelded boar. Good fortune."
This line describes the taming of a potentially dangerous force. The boar, symbolizing wild energy, has been controlled. By keeping power under control, good fortune is ensured.
Line 6
Original Chinese:
"何天之衢，亨。"
(Hé tiān zhī qú, hēng.)
"The path to heaven is open. Success."
This line speaks of a time when the way forward is clear and success is assured. After a period of restraint and preparation, the time for action has come, and the path to success is wide open.