I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 57 with Changing Lines 3, 5 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 57.3.5 -> 4
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
"巽，小亨，利有攸往，利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)
“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
"隨風，巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)
“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.
Line 3 Changing
"頻巽，吝。"
(Pín xùn, lìn.)
“Repeated gentleness brings regret.”
This line warns that being overly gentle or yielding can lead to regret. While gentleness is valuable, it must be balanced with firmness. It advises avoiding excessive accommodation, as this may result in missed opportunities or weakness.
Line 5 Changing
"貞吉，悔亡，無不利，無初有終，先庚三日，後庚三日，吉。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, wú bù lì, wú chū yǒu zhōng, xiān gēng sān rì, hòu gēng sān rì, jí.)
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. Nothing is unfavorable. No beginning, but an end. Three days before and three days after the new moon, good fortune.”
This line speaks of long-term success through perseverance and careful timing. Although progress may not be immediate, by staying consistent and planning ahead, good fortune follows. It advises patience and careful planning.
Changing to:
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.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team