36. Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí)

Trigrams

Above

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

明夷 (Míng Yí) represents a time when clarity and light are obscured. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or oppression, where one's light is dimmed or hidden. Success comes from remaining patient and inwardly strong while waiting for the right time to act.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"明夷，利艱貞。"
(Míng yí, lì jiān zhēn.)

"Darkening of the Light. It is favorable to persevere in hardship."

This hexagram advises perseverance during times of difficulty, when clarity and light are obscured. Success comes from remaining inwardly strong and enduring through hardship without losing hope.

Image

Original Chinese:
"明入地中，明夷。君子以莅眾用晦而明。"
(Míng rù dì zhōng, míng yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì zhòng yòng huì ér míng.)

"The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. The superior person manages the people by obscuring their brilliance but remaining internally bright."

The image of light sinking into the earth symbolizes a time of concealment or oppression. The superior person hides their brilliance to protect themselves but continues to maintain clarity and wisdom within.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"明夷于飛，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食，有攸往，主人有言。"
(Míng yí yú fēi, chuí qí yì. Jūn zǐ yú xíng, sān rì bù shí, yǒu yōu wǎng, zhǔ rén yǒu yán.)

"The light has been obscured in flight. The wings hang down. The superior person, in their journey, fasts for three days. There is somewhere to go. The leader speaks."

This line describes a time of restraint, where one must hide their brilliance and prepare internally. Fasting for three days symbolizes purification and readiness. Although there is difficulty, there is still a path forward, and guidance will come.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"明夷，夷于左股，用拯馬壯，吉。"
(Míng yí, yí yú zuǒ gǔ, yòng zhěng mǎ zhuàng, jí.)

"Darkening of the Light, wounding the left thigh. Using a strong horse to rescue brings good fortune."

This line describes being wounded or hindered, symbolized by an injury to the thigh. However, using strength and determination (the strong horse) to overcome the difficulty leads to good fortune.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾貞。"
(Míng yí yú nán shòu, dé qí dà shǒu, bù kě jí zhēn.)

"Darkening of the Light during the hunt in the south. Catching the leader of the group. It is not wise to act hastily."

This line describes a successful capture of a key figure, but it advises against acting too quickly. Although the leader has been caught, patience is needed before taking further action.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"入于左腹，獲明夷之心，于出門庭。"
(Rù yú zuǒ fù, huò míng yí zhī xīn, yú chū mén tíng.)

"Entering the left side of the belly, capturing the heart of Darkening of the Light. Emerging from the gate and courtyard."

This line speaks of penetrating the core of the situation and understanding the heart of the difficulty. By doing so, one can move forward and emerge from the hidden place, ready to act.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"箕子之明夷，利貞。"
(Jī zǐ zhī míng yí, lì zhēn.)

"The darkening of the light of the Prince of Ji. Perseverance brings benefit."

This line refers to the story of the Prince of Ji, who suffered greatly but maintained his inner clarity and strength. Perseverance through difficult times brings ultimate success.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"不明晦，初登于天，後入于地。"
(Bù míng huì, chū dēng yú tiān, hòu rù yú dì.)

"Not bright, but dark. First ascending to heaven, then entering the earth."

This line describes a situation where light and clarity seem to be lost, but this is part of a natural cycle. One first rises, then falls into darkness, symbolizing the ebb and flow of challenges. It advises patience during dark times.