51. The Arousing (震 Zhèn)

Trigrams

Above

☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

Below

☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

Symbolic Meaning

震 (Zhèn) represents the arousing power of thunder. This hexagram speaks of sudden shocks or disturbances that cause fear but also inspire movement and change. Success comes from responding to challenges with clarity and decisive action.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"震，亨。震來虩虩，笑言啞啞。震驚百里，不喪匕鬯。"
(Zhèn, hēng. Zhèn lái xì xì, xiào yán yǎ yǎ. Zhèn jīng bǎi lǐ, bù sàng bǐ chàng.)

"The Arousing. Success. Thunder comes with a terrifying roar. Laughter and conversation follow. The shock spreads over a hundred miles, but the sacrificial vessels are not spilled."

This hexagram advises staying calm and composed in the face of sudden challenges or shocks. While the initial disturbance may cause fear, success comes from remaining centered and not letting the shock disrupt important matters.

Image

Original Chinese:
"洊雷，震。君子以恐懼修省。"
(Jiàn léi, zhèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ kǒng jù xiū xǐng.)

"Thunder repeated: The image of The Arousing. The superior person examines themselves with fear and caution."

The image of repeated thunder symbolizes the need to stay alert and cautious. The superior person, like thunder, remains aware of potential dangers and uses self-examination to avoid mistakes. Caution leads to success.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"震來虩虩，後笑言啞啞，吉。"
(Zhèn lái xì xì, hòu xiào yán yǎ yǎ, jí.)

"Thunder comes with a terrifying roar. Later, laughter and conversation. Good fortune."

This line describes a situation where a sudden shock causes fear, but once the danger has passed, people relax and laugh. It advises remaining calm and composed during disturbances, as good fortune follows.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"震來厲，億喪貝，跻于九陵，勿逐，七日得。"
(Zhèn lái lì, yì sàng bèi, jī yú jiǔ líng, wù zhú, qī rì dé.)

"Thunder comes dangerously. A hundred thousand coins are lost. Climbing up the nine hills, do not chase. In seven days, it is recovered."

This line describes a shock that causes great loss, symbolized by the coins. However, by staying calm and not chasing after what is lost, recovery happens naturally within time. It advises patience and trust in the process.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"震蘇蘇，震行無眚。"
(Zhèn sū sū, zhèn xíng wú shěng.)

"Repeated thunder frightens. Moving forward brings no misfortune."

This line describes repeated shocks that cause fear. However, by continuing to move forward and not letting fear control one's actions, there is no misfortune. It advises courage and resilience in the face of challenges.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"震遂泥。"
(Zhèn suì ní.)

"Thunder terrifies, but then it comes to rest in the mud."

This line speaks of a situation where fear is initially overwhelming, but the danger soon passes and things settle. It advises remaining calm, as the disturbance is temporary and will resolve without lasting harm.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"震往來厲，億無喪，有事。"
(Zhèn wǎng lái lì, yì wú sàng, yǒu shì.)

"Thunder comes and goes dangerously. A hundred thousand coins are not lost. There is something to do."

This line describes repeated disturbances that cause fear but ultimately no loss. It advises staying alert and ready for action, as there is still work to be done despite the challenges.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"震索索，視矍矍，征凶，震不于其躬，于其鄰，無咎，婚媾有言。"
(Zhèn suǒ suǒ, shì jué jué, zhēng xiōng, zhèn bù yú qí gōng, yú qí lín, wú jiù, hūn gòu yǒu yán.)

"Thunder terrifies, eyes stare with fear. Going forward brings misfortune. The thunder strikes not oneself, but one’s neighbor. No blame. There are words in marriage."

This line speaks of fear and disturbance affecting those nearby, but not oneself. It advises avoiding unnecessary action, as going forward brings misfortune. There may be tension or conflict in relationships, symbolized by the words in marriage.