I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 6 to Hexagram 11

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.1.3.6 -> 11

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

4. Youthful Folly

Yin Yin Yin Yang Yang Yang

11. Peace

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.

Line 1 Changing

This line 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:
“To enlighten youthful folly, it is beneficial to use punishment. Release shackles and manacles. Going forward leads to regret.”

This line indicates that sometimes, in order to correct ignorance or youthful folly, firm discipline or punishment may be necessary. However, it also advises that once the lesson is learned and the restrictions removed, one must proceed cautiously, as further missteps could lead to regret.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"勿用取女，见金夫，不有躬，无攸利。"
(Wù yòng qǔ nǚ, jiàn jīn fū, bù yǒu gōng, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“Do not marry a maiden who displays the folly of youth. She sees a rich man and does not have a firm character. Nothing is favorable.”

This line warns against entering into commitments with someone who is still immature or driven by superficial desires. The image of the maiden desiring a rich man symbolizes the folly of being attracted to wealth or status without developing inner character. Success in relationships and endeavors requires maturity and integrity.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"击蒙，不利为寇，利御寇。"
(Jī méng, bù lì wéi kòu, lì yù kòu.)
English Translation:
“Striking against youthful folly. It is not advantageous to take action like a bandit. It is favorable to defend against bandits.”

This line advises against reacting aggressively or forcefully to ignorance or youthful folly, which would be akin to acting like a bandit. Instead, it is more advantageous to defend against negative influences and guide others with patience. The best way to overcome youthful folly is through guidance, not force.

Changing to:

11. Peace (泰 Tài)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 11

Hexagram 泰 (Tài) symbolizes peace and harmony. This hexagram represents a time when heaven and earth are in perfect balance, and all things function smoothly. It signifies a period of prosperity, ease, and stability.

Hexagram 11 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"泰，小往大来，吉亨。"
(Tài, xiǎo wǎng dà lái, jí hēng.)
English Translation:
“Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune and success.”

This hexagram signifies a time of transition when small, petty concerns fall away, and larger, more significant matters take their place. It is a time of prosperity and harmony, where everything flows smoothly, bringing good fortune and success.

Hexagram 11 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地交泰，后以财成天地之道，辅相天地之宜，以左右民。"
(Tiān dì jiāo tài, hòu yǐ cái chéng tiān dì zhī dào, fǔ xiāng tiān dì zhī yí, yǐ zuǒ yòu mín.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth unite: The image of Peace. The ruler completes the cycle of heaven and earth, supports harmony, and ensures the welfare of the people.”

The image of heaven and earth in harmony represents a time when all elements work together in perfect balance. The wise ruler uses this time to support and enhance the natural order, ensuring that the people prosper and that peace and harmony are maintained.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team