34. The Power of the Great (大壯 Dà Zhuàng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
Symbolic Meaning
大壯 (Dà Zhuàng) represents great power and strength. This hexagram speaks of a time when great energy and force are available, but it advises using this power with care and wisdom. True strength comes from knowing when and how to apply it.
Judgment
Original Chinese:
"大壯，利貞。"
(Dà zhuàng, lì zhēn.)
"The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers."
This hexagram advises using great power wisely. Success comes from perseverance and the careful, deliberate application of strength. It is important to avoid rash or impulsive actions.
Image
Original Chinese:
"雷在天上，大壯。君子以非禮勿履。"
(Léi zài tiān shàng, dà zhuàng. Jūn zǐ yǐ fēi lǐ wù lǚ.)
"Thunder in heaven above: The image of The Power of the Great. The superior person avoids stepping beyond what is proper."
The image of thunder in heaven represents great power that must be controlled. The superior person, like thunder, understands the need for restraint and does not overstep the bounds of what is proper.
Line 1
Original Chinese:
"壯于趾，徵凶，有孚。"
(Zhuàng yú zhǐ, zhēng xiōng, yǒu fú.)
"Power in the toes. Advancing leads to misfortune. There is sincerity."
This line warns against acting impulsively or advancing too quickly, as it leads to misfortune. Although there may be sincerity, it advises caution in applying strength.
Line 2
Original Chinese:
"貞吉。"
(Zhēn jí.)
"Perseverance brings good fortune."
This line advises perseverance and steady application of power. By maintaining a course of consistent strength and not rushing, good fortune follows.
Line 3
Original Chinese:
"小人用壯，君子用罔，貞厲，羝羊觸藩，羸其角。"
(Xiǎo rén yòng zhuàng, jūn zǐ yòng wǎng, zhēn lì, dī yáng chù fān, léi qí jiǎo.)
"The inferior person uses power; the superior person uses restraint. Perseverance brings danger. A ram butts against a fence and gets its horns entangled."
This line contrasts the misuse of power by the inferior person and the wise use of restraint by the superior person. It warns that acting impulsively, like a ram butting a fence, leads to danger and entanglement.
Line 4
Original Chinese:
"貞吉，悔亡。藩決不羸，壯于大輿之輹。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Fān jué bù léi, zhuàng yú dà yú zhī fù.)
"Perseverance brings good fortune, and regret disappears. The fence breaks, and the strength is in the axle of a large wagon."
This line speaks of breaking through barriers. By persevering, regret fades, and one's strength, like that of a large wagon, is fully harnessed. It suggests overcoming obstacles with careful application of power.
Line 5
Original Chinese:
"喪羊于易，无悔。"
(Sàng yáng yú yì, wú huǐ.)
"Losing the ram in easy circumstances. No regret."
This line speaks of avoiding entanglement and danger. By letting go of something (symbolized by the ram), one avoids regret. It advises knowing when to release and not hold on to what may cause trouble.
Line 6
Original Chinese:
"羝羊觸藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利，艱則吉。"
(Dī yáng chù fān, bù néng tuì, bù néng suì, wú yōu lì, jiān zé jí.)
"A ram butts against a fence. It cannot advance or retreat. Nothing is favorable, but perseverance brings good fortune."
This line describes a situation where one is stuck, unable to move forward or back, like a ram entangled in a fence. Although it is an unfavorable situation, perseverance and patience eventually bring good fortune.