30. The Clinging, Fire (離 Lí)

Trigrams

Above

☲ Lí (Fire)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

離 (Lí) symbolizes fire, which clings to the wood that fuels it. This hexagram speaks of dependence and clarity, as fire illuminates and requires a source of energy. Success comes from clear vision and the ability to adapt and depend on the right things.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"利貞，亨。畜牝牛，吉。"
(Lì zhēn, hēng. Xù pìn niú, jí.)

"Perseverance furthers. Success. Cultivating a cow brings good fortune."

This hexagram advises clarity and perseverance. Success comes from cultivating something stable and dependable, like a cow. By tending to one's responsibilities and maintaining clear vision, good fortune is assured.

Image

Original Chinese:
"明兩作，離。大人以繼明照四方。"
(Míng liǎng zuò, lí. Dà rén yǐ jì míng zhào sì fāng.)

"Fire above and fire below: The image of The Clinging, Fire. The superior person continues the light of clarity to illuminate the four corners of the world."

The image of fire reflects the need for clarity and illumination. The superior person spreads understanding and insight, ensuring that light and truth reach all corners of the world. It is a time to bring clarity to situations.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"履錯然，敬之无咎。"
(Lǚ cuò rán, jìng zhī wú jiù.)

"Treading with care. If you are reverent, there is no blame."

This line advises proceeding with caution. By acting with care and reverence, one avoids mistakes and blame. It is a time to be mindful and respectful in all actions.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"黃離，元吉。"
(Huáng lí, yuán jí.)

"Yellow light. Great good fortune."

This line describes the clarity and brightness of yellow light, symbolizing enlightenment and understanding. By achieving clear vision, great good fortune follows. It is a time of illumination and insight.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"日昃之離，不鼓缶而歌，則大耋之嗟，凶。"
(Rì zè zhī lí, bù gǔ fǒu ér gē, zé dà dié zhī jiē, xiōng.)

"When the sun sets, do not beat the drum and sing. Then there is lament from old age. Misfortune."

This line speaks of a time when clarity fades, like the setting sun. It advises against celebrating prematurely or acting carelessly. If one does not heed the situation, regret and misfortune follow, especially as time passes.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"突如其來如，焚如，死如，棄如。"
(Tū rú qí lái rú, fén rú, sǐ rú, qì rú.)

"Suddenly it comes, blazes up, dies down, and is thrown away."

This line describes something that flares up quickly but dies just as fast. It warns against fleeting passions or impulsive actions that cannot be sustained. By acting without stability, one risks losing everything.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"出涕沱若，戚嗟若，吉。"
(Chū tì tuó ruò, qī jiē ruò, jí.)

"Tears flow like streams and there is deep sorrow. Good fortune."

This line speaks of a time of grief and deep emotion, but it assures that good fortune follows. By experiencing and acknowledging the sorrow, one purifies their emotions and can move forward to better times.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"王用出征，有嘉折首，獲匪其醜，无咎。"
(Wáng yòng chū zhēng, yǒu jiā zhé shǒu, huò fěi qí chǒu, wú jiù.)

"The king uses clarity to go on a campaign. He captures the leader and brings good fortune. No blame."

This line describes a leader who uses clarity and insight to overcome opposition. By removing obstacles and acting decisively, success is assured and there is no blame. It advises strong, clear leadership.