I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 28

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.3.4.5.6 -> 28

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

4. Youthful Folly

Yin Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin

28. Preponderance of the Great

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 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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"困蒙，吝。"
(Kùn méng, lìn.)
English Translation:
“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.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"童蒙吉。"
(Tóng méng jí.)
English Translation:
“Youthful folly brings good fortune.”

This line suggests that being young and inexperienced is not inherently negative, as it offers opportunities for growth and learning. Through the process of overcoming youthful folly, one can achieve success and good fortune. It is a reminder that ignorance is the starting point for wisdom.

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:

28. Preponderance of the Great (大過 Dà Guò)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dui (Lake)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 28

Hexagram 大過 (Dà Guò) represents a time when things have gone beyond their normal limits, requiring extraordinary measures. This hexagram speaks of a time when great strength or effort is needed to deal with overwhelming circumstances.

Hexagram 28 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大過，棟橈，利有攸往，亨。"
(Dà guò, dòng náo, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, hēng.)
English Translation:
“Preponderance of the Great. The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to undertake something. Success.”

This hexagram speaks of a situation where the weight of circumstances is too great, symbolized by the sagging ridgepole. Extraordinary efforts are required, and success comes through careful and deliberate action. It is a time for great strength.

Hexagram 28 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤滅木，大過。君子以獨立不懼，遯世无悶。"
(Zé miè mù, dà guò. Jūn zǐ yǐ dú lì bù jù, dùn shì wú mèn.)
English Translation:
“The lake rises above the trees: The image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior person stands alone without fear and withdraws from the world without regret.”

The image of a lake rising above the trees suggests an overwhelming situation. The superior person stands firm and does not fear the challenge. Sometimes, retreat and quiet reflection are necessary to cope with overwhelming circumstances.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team