I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 5, 6 to Hexagram 29

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.5.6 -> 29

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

4. Youthful Folly

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin

29. The Abysmal (Water)

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 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:

29. The Abysmal (Water) (坎 Kǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 29

Hexagram 坎 (Kǎn) symbolizes danger, difficulty, and the need to navigate through perilous situations. This hexagram speaks of repeated challenges and the need for resilience and wisdom in order to move through difficulties successfully.

Hexagram 29 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"習坎，有孚，維心亨，行有尚。"
(Xí kǎn, yǒu fú, wéi xīn hēng, xíng yǒu shàng.)
English Translation:
“The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do has merit.”

This hexagram speaks of repeated dangers, symbolized by water that constantly flows and faces obstacles. Success comes from being sincere and steady in the face of these challenges. Inner strength and determination bring merit and success.

Hexagram 29 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水流至坎，習坎。君子以常德行，習教事。"
(Shuǐ liú zhì kǎn, xí kǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ cháng dé xíng, xí jiào shì.)
English Translation:
“Water flows into the abyss: The image of The Abysmal. The superior person cultivates virtue and continues their teaching.”

The image of water flowing into the abyss represents constant challenges. The superior person uses these challenges to cultivate inner strength and virtue, continuing their teaching and work despite difficulties.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team