35. Progress (晉 Jìn)

Trigrams

Above

☲ Lí (Fire)

Below

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Symbolic Meaning

晉 (Jìn) represents progress and advancement. This hexagram speaks of a time of rapid movement and development, fueled by enthusiasm and the support of others. Success comes from steady, forward motion and remaining adaptable.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"晉，康侯用錫馬蕃庶，晝日三接。"
(Jìn, kāng hóu yòng xī mǎ fán shù, zhòu rì sān jiē.)

"Progress. The prince is honored with horses in large numbers. He is granted audience three times in one day."

This hexagram describes a time of rapid progress, where great honors and opportunities come frequently. Success comes from maintaining this momentum and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Image

Original Chinese:
"明出地上，晉。君子以自昭明德。"
(Míng chū dì shàng, jìn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zì zhāo míng dé.)

"The sun rises above the earth: The image of Progress. The superior person illuminates their own virtue."

The image of the sun rising represents progress and growth. The superior person uses this time to bring clarity and illumination to their virtues, spreading light and understanding to others.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"晉如摧如，貞吉。罔孚，裕无咎。"
(Jìn rú cuī rú, zhēn jí. Wǎng fú, yù wú jiù.)

"Progressing but hindered. Perseverance brings good fortune. No blame for not being believed."

This line describes progress that is hindered or blocked, but perseverance leads to success. Although others may not believe in the progress at first, remaining steady ensures good fortune.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"晉如，愁如，貞吉。受茲介福于其王母。"
(Jìn rú, chóu rú, zhēn jí. Shòu zī jiè fú yú qí wáng mǔ.)

"Advancing with sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Receiving a great blessing from the queen mother."

This line describes progress that is accompanied by sorrow or difficulty, but perseverance leads to blessings. A great reward or support comes from a higher power, symbolized by the queen mother.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"眾允，悔亡。"
(Zhòng yǔn, huǐ wáng.)

"All are in agreement. Regret disappears."

This line describes a time when everyone is aligned and in agreement, which leads to the removal of regret or hesitation. Progress moves forward smoothly when there is unity and consensus.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"晉如鼫鼠，貞厲。"
(Jìn rú shí shǔ, zhēn lì.)

"Advancing like a rat. Perseverance brings danger."

This line warns against advancing in a sneaky or underhanded way, like a rat. Although perseverance is advised, acting in a less-than-honorable manner brings danger. It advises caution in how one moves forward.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"悔亡，失得勿恤，往吉，無不利。"
(Huǐ wáng, shī dé wù xù, wǎng jí, wú bù lì.)

"Regret disappears. Do not worry about loss or gain. Going forward brings good fortune. Everything is favorable."

This line advises not to worry about material loss or gain. By moving forward with confidence, good fortune follows. It is a time when everything is favorable and regret fades away.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"晉其角，維用伐邑，厲吉，无咎，貞吝。"
(Jìn qí jiǎo, wéi yòng fá yì, lì jí, wú jiù, zhēn lìn.)

"Advancing with horns. Only to conquer the city. Danger, but good fortune. No blame, but perseverance leads to regret."

This line describes aggressive progress, like advancing with horns. It suggests danger but also good fortune, especially in conquering challenges. However, perseverance may lead to regret if not tempered with wisdom.