53. Development (漸 Jiàn)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Below

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Symbolic Meaning

漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"漸，女歸吉，利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)

"Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers."

This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.

Image

Original Chinese:
"山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)

"Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs."

The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于干，小子厲，有言，无咎。"
(Hóng jiàn yú gān, xiǎo zǐ lì, yǒu yán, wú jiù.)

"The wild goose gradually approaches the shore. The young son is in danger. There are words, but no blame."

This line describes the early stages of progress, where things are still uncertain and fragile. The young son symbolizes inexperience, and the words represent advice or guidance. By listening to advice, one avoids blame and continues to progress.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于磐，飲食衎衎，吉。"
(Hóng jiàn yú pán, yǐn shí kàn kàn, jí.)

"The wild goose gradually approaches the rock. There is food and drink. Good fortune."

This line describes a stage of development where stability is reached, symbolized by the rock. The food and drink represent nourishment and support, indicating that progress is being sustained and good fortune follows.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于陸，夫徵不復，婦孕不育，凶；利禦寇。"
(Hóng jiàn yú lù, fū zhēng bù fù, fù yùn bù yù, xiōng; lì yù kòu.)

"The wild goose gradually approaches the land. The husband goes on a journey and does not return. The wife is pregnant but does not give birth. Misfortune. It is favorable to resist robbers."

This line speaks of challenges and setbacks in the process of development, symbolized by the husband’s absence and the failed pregnancy. However, it advises defending against external threats and staying vigilant, as this leads to protection and eventual success.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于木，或得其桷，无咎。"
(Hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù.)

"The wild goose gradually approaches the tree. Perhaps it finds a branch. No blame."

This line describes a stage of development where progress is uncertain but there is hope for success, symbolized by finding a branch to rest on. It advises continuing with patience, as there is no blame in making slow progress.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于陵，婦三歲不孕，終莫之勝，吉。"
(Hóng jiàn yú líng, fù sān suì bù yùn, zhōng mò zhī shèng, jí.)

"The wild goose gradually approaches the hill. The wife does not become pregnant for three years, but in the end, she is victorious. Good fortune."

This line speaks of a long delay in progress, symbolized by the wife’s failure to conceive for three years. However, in the end, success is achieved, and good fortune follows. It advises patience and perseverance in long-term goals.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于陸，其羽可用為儀，吉。"
(Hóng jiàn yú lù, qí yǔ kě yòng wéi yí, jí.)

"The wild goose gradually reaches the land. Its feathers can be used for ceremony. Good fortune."

This line describes the final stage of development, where success is fully realized, symbolized by the wild goose reaching the land. The feathers represent beauty and usefulness, indicating that progress has led to something valuable and good fortune follows.