5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Below

☰ Qián (Heaven)

Symbolic Meaning

需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)

"If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water."

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Image

Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)

"Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease."

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"需于郊。利用恒，无咎。"
(Xū yú jiāo. Lì yòng héng, wú jiù.)

"Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to be persistent. No fault."

This line suggests that during the early stages of waiting, one remains on the outskirts, not yet in the center of action. Patience and persistence are key to avoid acting prematurely. By maintaining steadiness, one avoids mistakes and prepares for the proper moment.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"需于沙。小有言，终吉。"
(Xū yú shā. Xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.)

"Waiting on the sand. There may be some gossip, but in the end, good fortune."

In this line, the image of waiting on sand represents an uncertain and shifting situation. During this time, there may be criticism or gossip, but these small disturbances will not affect the final outcome. Patience and perseverance will lead to success despite the distractions.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"需于泥，致寇至。"
(Xū yú ní, zhì kòu zhì.)

"Waiting in the mud. This brings about the arrival of enemies."

Waiting in the mud represents a difficult and precarious situation where progress is hindered. Being in such a vulnerable position can attract opposition or enemies. This line advises caution, as remaining in a weak or compromised position too long may lead to conflict or harm.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"需于血，出自穴。"
(Xū yú xuè, chū zì xué.)

"Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit."

This line symbolizes a situation of extreme danger or difficulty (blood). The advice here is to take action to extricate oneself from this perilous position rather than continue waiting passively. Escaping from the 'pit' represents the need for proactive measures when circumstances become too dangerous.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"需于酒食，贞吉。"
(Xū yú jiǔ shí, zhēn jí.)

"Waiting while eating and drinking. Perseverance brings good fortune."

This line indicates a time of calm and comfort during the period of waiting. It suggests that one should enjoy what is available and maintain perseverance. By doing so, good fortune will follow. The key message is to wait patiently, nourish oneself, and stay prepared for the right opportunity.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"入于穴，有不速之客三人来，敬之终吉。"
(Rù yú xué, yǒu bù sù zhī kè sān rén lái, jìng zhī zhōng jí.)

"Entering the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Treat them with respect, and in the end, there will be good fortune."

This final line portrays an unexpected situation (the arrival of three uninvited guests) that may initially seem challenging. However, by treating the unexpected circumstances or individuals with respect and patience, good fortune will result. This line advises composure and open-mindedness when confronted with surprises.