I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 3, 5 to Hexagram 57

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.3.5 -> 57

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

4. Youthful Folly

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang Yin

57. The Gentle

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 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.

Changing to:

57. The Gentle (巽 Xùn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 57

Hexagram 巽 (Xùn) represents the gentle, penetrating influence of wind. This hexagram speaks of subtlety and gradual progress. Success comes from gentle persistence, allowing time for small influences to create great changes.

Hexagram 57 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽，小亨，利有攸往，利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)
English Translation:
“The Gentle. Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.”

This hexagram advises taking small, gradual steps toward progress. Like the wind, influence is subtle but consistent. Success comes from moving forward carefully and seeking wise counsel when needed.

Hexagram 57 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨風，巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)
English Translation:
“Wind following wind: The image of The Gentle. The superior person uses clear orders and acts with authority.”

The image of wind following wind represents a situation where influence builds gradually, reinforcing itself over time. The superior person, like the wind, acts with gentle authority and clear guidance, ensuring progress through consistency.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team