I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 34 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 34.1.3.4.6 -> 4
34. The Power of the Great (大壯 Dà Zhuàng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 34
Hexagram 大壯 (Dà Zhuàng) represents great power and strength. This hexagram speaks of a time when great energy and force are available, but it advises using this power with care and wisdom. True strength comes from knowing when and how to apply it.
Hexagram 34 Judgment
"大壯,利貞。"
(Dà zhuàng, lì zhēn.)
“The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises using great power wisely. Success comes from perseverance and the careful, deliberate application of strength. It is important to avoid rash or impulsive actions.
Hexagram 34 Image
"雷在天上,大壯。君子以非禮勿履。"
(Léi zài tiān shàng, dà zhuàng. Jūn zǐ yǐ fēi lǐ wù lǚ.)
“Thunder in heaven above: The image of The Power of the Great. The superior person avoids stepping beyond what is proper.”
The image of thunder in heaven represents great power that must be controlled. The superior person, like thunder, understands the need for restraint and does not overstep the bounds of what is proper.
Line 1 Changing
"壯于趾,徵凶,有孚。"
(Zhuàng yú zhǐ, zhēng xiōng, yǒu fú.)
“Power in the toes. Advancing leads to misfortune. There is sincerity.”
This line warns against acting impulsively or advancing too quickly, as it leads to misfortune. Although there may be sincerity, it advises caution in applying strength.
Line 3 Changing
"小人用壯,君子用罔,貞厲,羝羊觸藩,羸其角。"
(Xiǎo rén yòng zhuàng, jūn zǐ yòng wǎng, zhēn lì, dī yáng chù fān, léi qí jiǎo.)
“The inferior person uses power; the superior person uses restraint. Perseverance brings danger. A ram butts against a fence and gets its horns entangled.”
This line contrasts the misuse of power by the inferior person and the wise use of restraint by the superior person. It warns that acting impulsively, like a ram butting a fence, leads to danger and entanglement.
Line 4 Changing
"貞吉,悔亡。藩決不羸,壯于大輿之輹。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Fān jué bù léi, zhuàng yú dà yú zhī fù.)
“Perseverance brings good fortune, and regret disappears. The fence breaks, and the strength is in the axle of a large wagon.”
This line speaks of breaking through barriers. By persevering, regret fades, and one's strength, like that of a large wagon, is fully harnessed. It suggests overcoming obstacles with careful application of power.
Line 6 Changing
"羝羊觸藩,不能退,不能遂,无攸利,艱則吉。"
(Dī yáng chù fān, bù néng tuì, bù néng suì, wú yōu lì, jiān zé jí.)
“A ram butts against a fence. It cannot advance or retreat. Nothing is favorable, but perseverance brings good fortune.”
This line describes a situation where one is stuck, unable to move forward or back, like a ram entangled in a fence. Although it is an unfavorable situation, perseverance and patience eventually bring good fortune.
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
"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.)
“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
"山下出泉,蒙。君子以果行育德。"
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
“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