55. Abundance (豐 Fēng)

Trigrams

Above

☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

豐 (Fēng) represents abundance, fullness, and prosperity. This hexagram speaks of a time of great success, where everything flourishes and grows. Success comes from managing abundance wisely and preparing for the inevitable changes that follow prosperity.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"豐，亨，王假之，勿憂，宜日中。"
(Fēng, hēng, wáng jiǎ zhī, wù yōu, yí rì zhōng.)

"Abundance. Success. The king approaches it. Do not worry. It is favorable to be at midday."

This hexagram advises embracing the current time of abundance and success. Just as midday represents the peak of the sun’s strength, this is a time of fullness and growth. However, it also advises managing this abundance with care and preparing for future changes.

Image

Original Chinese:
"雷電皆至，豐。君子以折獄致刑。"
(Léi diàn jiē zhì, fēng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhé yù zhì xíng.)

"Thunder and lightning arrive together: The image of Abundance. The superior person settles legal cases and administers punishment."

The image of thunder and lightning represents the intensity and power of abundance. The superior person, like a wise ruler, uses this time of prosperity to address issues, settle disputes, and ensure justice is served.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"遇其配主，虽旬无咎，往有尚。"
(Yù qí pèi zhǔ, suī xún wú jiù, wǎng yǒu shàng.)

"Meeting your match. Even for ten days, there is no blame. Going forward is favorable."

This line speaks of meeting an equal or partner who can assist in managing abundance. Although there may be a delay (symbolized by the ten days), moving forward with the right support brings success.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"豐其蔀，日中見斗，往得疑疾，有孚發若，吉。"
(Fēng qí bù, rì zhōng jiàn dǒu, wǎng dé yí jí, yǒu fú fā ruò, jí.)

"Abundance under the cover. At midday, one sees the constellation. Going forward brings suspicion and illness. There is trust. Good fortune follows."

This line describes a situation where abundance is hidden or not fully realized. There may be challenges or suspicion, but by maintaining trust and continuing forward, good fortune eventually follows.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"豐其沛，日中見沬，折其右肱，无咎。"
(Fēng qí pèi, rì zhōng jiàn mèi, zhé qí yòu gōng, wú jiù.)

"Abundance overflows. At midday, one sees foam. The right arm is broken. No blame."

This line speaks of abundance reaching its peak and beginning to overflow, symbolized by the foam at midday. Although there may be setbacks (like the broken arm), there is no blame, as this is a natural part of the cycle of abundance.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"豐其蔀，日中見斗，遇其夷主，吉。"
(Fēng qí bù, rì zhōng jiàn dǒu, yù qí yí zhǔ, jí.)

"Abundance under the cover. At midday, one sees the constellation. Meeting the leader of the tribe. Good fortune."

This line describes a situation where abundance is still partly hidden, but progress is made by meeting a wise leader or guide. With the right support, good fortune follows.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"來章，有慶譽，吉。"
(Lái zhāng, yǒu qìng yù, jí.)

"Bringing clarity and brilliance. There is praise and celebration. Good fortune."

This line describes the successful manifestation of abundance, where clarity and brilliance bring praise and recognition. It advises embracing this time of celebration and enjoying the good fortune that follows.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"豐其屋，蔀其家，闚其戶，闃其无人，三歲不覿，凶。"
(Fēng qí wū, bù qí jiā, kuī qí hù, què qí wú rén, sān suì bù dí, xiōng.)

"Abundance in the house. The family is hidden. One peers through the door and sees no one. For three years, no one is seen. Misfortune."

This line warns of isolation or neglect in a time of abundance. Although there may be prosperity, if one becomes too isolated or disconnected from others, misfortune follows. It advises staying connected and avoiding excessive self-reliance.