I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 1, 4 to Hexagram 38
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.1.4 -> 38
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.
Line 1 Changing
"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.)
“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 4 Changing
"困蒙，吝。"
(Kùn méng, lìn.)
“Entangled in youthful folly, one faces difficulty and regret.”
This line describes a situation where ignorance or inexperience leads to being trapped in difficult circumstances. The entanglement of youthful folly causes missteps that bring about regret. It suggests that without proper guidance or self-awareness, one risks getting stuck in errors.
Changing to:
38. Opposition (睽 Kuí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 38
Hexagram 睽 (Kuí) represents opposition or divergence. This hexagram speaks of differences between people or situations, where opposing forces or viewpoints lead to tension. Success comes from recognizing and managing these differences.
Hexagram 38 Judgment
"睽，小事吉。"
(Kuí, xiǎo shì jí.)
“Opposition. Small matters bring good fortune.”
This hexagram advises focusing on small matters and resolving them carefully during times of opposition. Success comes from managing differences and not letting minor conflicts escalate into major problems.
Hexagram 38 Image
"上火下澤，睽。君子以同而異。"
(Shàng huǒ xià zé, kuí. Jūn zǐ yǐ tóng ér yì.)
“Fire above, the lake below: The image of Opposition. The superior person seeks unity in diversity.”
The image of fire above and the lake below represents two opposing forces. The superior person seeks to find harmony within these differences, recognizing that unity can be found even in diversity.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team