I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 6 to Hexagram 4

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.2.3.6 -> 4

Old Yin Young Yin Young Yin Old Yang Old Yin Young Yin

15. Modesty

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin

4. Youthful Folly

15. Modesty (謙 Qiān)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 15

Hexagram 謙 (Qiān) symbolizes modesty. This hexagram represents the virtue of humility, where individuals acknowledge their limitations and act without arrogance. Modesty brings success by allowing growth and development without drawing negative attention.

Hexagram 15 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"謙亨，君子有終。"
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Modesty creates success. The superior person completes their task.”

This hexagram advises modest behavior and humility as the key to success. The superior person accomplishes their goals by staying humble and grounded. Modesty allows them to remain focused and avoid unnecessary challenges.

Hexagram 15 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地中有山，謙。君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.)
English Translation:
“Within the earth, there is a mountain: The image of Modesty. The superior person reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little, thus balancing the gift of things.”

The image of a mountain within the earth symbolizes hidden strength. The superior person uses this time to balance things, helping those with less and gently reducing the excess of those with more. This creates harmony and equilibrium in the world.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鳴謙，貞吉。"
(Míng qiān, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Modesty that is proclaimed. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line speaks of someone whose modesty is recognized by others. Even when humility is visible or acknowledged, perseverance in modesty still brings good fortune. Public humility does not diminish its value.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"勞謙君子，有終，吉。"
(Láo qiān jūn zǐ, yǒu zhōng, jí.)
English Translation:
“The superior person works hard with modesty. In the end, good fortune.”

This line advises hard work combined with humility. By staying modest and diligent, the superior person achieves lasting success. Their efforts lead to good fortune and recognition in the end.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。"
(Míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.)
English Translation:
“Modesty proclaimed. It is beneficial to lead an army and conquer cities and nations.”

This line describes a situation where modesty allows one to lead others and succeed in large ventures. Even in positions of power, humility remains beneficial, leading to victory in difficult tasks.

Changing to:

4. Youthful Folly (蒙 Méng)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 4

Hexagram 蒙 (Méng) represents youthful folly, the state of ignorance and inexperience. It symbolizes the early stages of development when one lacks knowledge or wisdom and requires guidance. Youthful Folly encourages learning, seeking instruction, and being open to correction in order to grow and mature.

Hexagram 4 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"发蒙，利用刑人，用说桎梏，以往吝。"
(Fā méng, lì yòng xíng rén, yòng shuō zhì gù, yǐ wǎng lìn.)
English Translation:
“Youthful folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool, but the young fool who seeks me. At the first oracle, I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers.”

Youthful folly represents a lack of knowledge and understanding, which can only be overcome through learning. The judgment advises that one should seek wisdom rather than passively wait for it. At the same time, if someone repeatedly asks the same question without making an effort to learn, their behavior is considered importunate, and they will not receive further instruction. Success comes through the sincere pursuit of knowledge and perseverance.

Hexagram 4 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下出泉，蒙。君子以果行育德。"
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
English Translation:
“A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youthful Folly. The superior person fosters character by thoroughly carrying out his or her resolve.”

The image of a spring beneath the mountain suggests that wisdom and clarity are hidden beneath the surface, much like how a youth must grow and develop in character before wisdom can emerge. The superior person fosters their development by persistently acting on their resolve, committing to a path of learning and self-improvement.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team