37. The Family (家人 Jiā Rén)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

家人 (Jiā Rén) symbolizes the structure and harmony of the family. This hexagram speaks of order, mutual care, and proper relationships within the family unit. Success comes from cultivating harmony and fulfilling responsibilities.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"家人，利女貞。"
(Jiā rén, lì nǚ zhēn.)

"The Family. It is favorable for the woman to persevere."

This hexagram emphasizes the importance of harmony and order in the family, with a particular focus on the role of the woman in maintaining the household. Success comes from fulfilling responsibilities and persevering in one's duties.

Image

Original Chinese:
"風自火出，家人。君子以言有物，行有恆。"
(Fēng zì huǒ chū, jiā rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ yán yǒu wù, xíng yǒu héng.)

"Wind comes forth from fire: The image of The Family. The superior person speaks with substance and acts with consistency."

The image of wind coming forth from fire represents the dynamic energy of the family. The superior person, like a family leader, speaks and acts with consistency, ensuring harmony and order within the household.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"閑有家，悔亡。"
(Xián yǒu jiā, huǐ wáng.)

"Keeping the family together. Regret disappears."

This line advises maintaining harmony within the family. By keeping the family united and fostering cooperation, any regrets or discord disappear.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"无攸遂，在中饋，貞吉。"
(Wú yōu suì, zài zhōng kuì, zhēn jí.)

"There is no separation. She maintains the household. Perseverance brings good fortune."

This line focuses on the role of the woman in keeping the family and household together. By fulfilling her duties with perseverance, good fortune follows, and the family remains united.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"家人嗃嗃，悔厲吉；婦子嘻嘻，終吝。"
(Jiā rén hè hè, huǐ lì jí; fù zǐ xī xī, zhōng lìn.)

"The family bickers and argues. Regret turns into danger, but good fortune follows. If the wife and children are overly indulgent, there is shame in the end."

This line warns of family discord and indulgence. While some bickering is natural, if taken too far, it leads to regret and danger. Good fortune comes from finding balance. Overindulgence leads to long-term harm.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"富家，大吉。"
(Fù jiā, dà jí.)

"A wealthy family. Great good fortune."

This line describes a family that is both prosperous and harmonious. Wealth and success in the family bring great good fortune when order and harmony are maintained.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"王假有家，勿恤吉。"
(Wáng jiǎ yǒu jiā, wù xù jí.)

"The king approaches the family. Do not worry. Good fortune."

This line speaks of the influence of a higher power, such as the king, on the family. It advises not to worry, as the presence of a wise leader brings good fortune and stability to the household.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"有孚威如，終吉。"
(Yǒu fú wēi rú, zhōng jí.)

"There is trust and respect. In the end, good fortune."

This line describes a family where trust and respect are present, leading to lasting good fortune. It advises maintaining strong relationships based on mutual trust and respect.