62. Preponderance of the Small (小過 Xiǎo Guò)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Symbolic Meaning
小過 (Xiǎo Guò) represents the preponderance of the small, symbolizing a time when small details or minor adjustments are crucial. This hexagram speaks of paying attention to the small things that can make a big difference. Success comes from caution, care, and addressing minor issues before they become major problems.
Judgment
Original Chinese:
"小過，亨。利貞。可小事，不可大事。飛鳥遺之音，不宜上，宜下，大吉。"
(Xiǎo guò, hēng. Lì zhēn. Kě xiǎo shì, bù kě dà shì. Fēi niǎo yí zhī yīn, bù yí shàng, yí xià, dà jí.)
"Preponderance of the Small. Success. Perseverance furthers. Small matters are possible, not great matters. The bird flies and leaves its call. It is better to remain below, not above. Great good fortune."
This hexagram advises focusing on small matters and being cautious about taking on larger challenges. Success comes from attention to detail and avoiding overambitious actions. Like the bird, it is better to stay grounded and avoid unnecessary risks.
Image
Original Chinese:
"山上有雷，小過。君子以行過乎恭，喪過乎哀，用過乎儉。"
(Shān shàng yǒu léi, xiǎo guò. Jūn zǐ yǐ xíng guò hū gōng, sàng guò hū āi, yòng guò hū jiǎn.)
"Thunder on the mountain: The image of Preponderance of the Small. The superior person acts with excessive respect, mourning with excessive grief, and uses excessive restraint in spending."
The image of thunder on the mountain symbolizes the need for caution and attention to detail. The superior person, like the mountain, remains still and grounded, while showing excessive respect, grief, or restraint to ensure success.
Line 1
Original Chinese:
"飛鳥以凶。"
(Fēi niǎo yǐ xiōng.)
"A bird flies out of season. Misfortune."
This line warns against acting too early or out of sync with the situation. Like a bird flying out of season, premature action leads to misfortune. It advises waiting for the right time to act.
Line 2
Original Chinese:
"過其祖，遇其妣。不及其君，遇其臣，无咎。"
(Guò qí zǔ, yù qí bǐ. Bù jí qí jūn, yù qí chén, wú jiù.)
"Passing by the ancestors, meeting the mother. Not reaching the ruler, meeting the servant. No blame."
This line describes a situation where one makes progress but does not reach the highest goal. However, by meeting those of lower rank, success is still achieved, and there is no blame. It advises being content with smaller achievements.
Line 3
Original Chinese:
"弗過防之，從或戕之，凶。"
(Fú guò fáng zhī, cóng huò qiāng zhī, xiōng.)
"Not going beyond the limits, but being followed and attacked. Misfortune."
This line warns that even when one stays within limits, external forces or opponents may cause harm. It advises staying alert and protecting oneself from potential threats, as misfortune may arise from external sources.
Line 4
Original Chinese:
"无咎。弗過遇之，往厲必戒，勿用永貞。"
(Wú jiù. Fú guò yù zhī, wǎng lì bì jiè, wù yòng yǒng zhēn.)
"No blame. Not going beyond, meeting danger. Going forward requires caution. Do not persist."
This line advises caution when encountering difficulties. Although there is no blame for staying within limits, moving forward may bring danger. It advises being careful and avoiding long-term commitments at this time.
Line 5
Original Chinese:
"密雲不雨，自我西郊，公弋取彼在穴。"
(Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo, gōng yì qǔ bǐ zài xué.)
"Dense clouds but no rain. Coming from my western suburbs. The prince shoots and takes it in the cave."
This line describes a situation where there are signs of potential but no immediate results, symbolized by clouds without rain. However, by taking precise action (the prince shooting the prey), success is achieved. It advises waiting for the right moment to act.
Line 6
Original Chinese:
"弗遇過之，飛鳥離之，凶，是謂災眚。"
(Fú yù guò zhī, fēi niǎo lí zhī, xiōng, shì wèi zāi shěng.)
"Not meeting, going beyond. The bird flies away. Misfortune. This is called calamity and blunder."
This line warns of missing an opportunity by going too far or acting too late. The bird flying away symbolizes lost chances, leading to misfortune. It advises being careful not to miss important moments or act out of time.