I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 12

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.3.4.5.6 -> 12

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

15. Modesty

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

12. Standstill

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 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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"無不利，撝謙。"
(Wú bù lì, huī qiān.)
English Translation:
“No disadvantage. Acting with modesty.”

This line states that modest behavior carries no disadvantages. Acting with humility ensures success and prevents conflict or failure. It advises maintaining a modest approach in all situations.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不富以其鄰，利用侵伐，無不利。"
(Bù fù yǐ qí lín, lì yòng qīn fá, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“Not enriching oneself at the expense of others. It is favorable to take action against difficulties. No disadvantage.”

This line emphasizes fairness and integrity. It advises not to gain wealth or advantage by harming others. By taking action against difficulties, one can avoid disadvantage and ensure success.

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:

12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 12

Hexagram 否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.

Hexagram 12 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)
English Translation:
“Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.”

In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.

Hexagram 12 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors.”

The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team