I Ching: One Interpretation a Day

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Publish Date: 2006-12-01
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【Interpretation of Hexagram Terms】
Initial Six: Treading on frost, solid ice will arrive. The Image says: "Treading on frost, solid ice," the Yin begins to congeal. Following this path, solid ice will form. The meaning of this line is that treading on frost indicates the cold season of ice is approaching. The Image states, treading on frost, the Yin begins to congeal. If this continues, solid ice will appear. At the beginning of planning, one must be cautious and learn to prevent minor issues from escalating: from the frost underfoot, one should anticipate the time of ice. Thus, one must block potential unfavorable situations before they arise.
Six Two: Straight, square, and great, without practice, there is no disadvantage. The Image says: "The movement of Six Two is straight and square." "Without practice, there is no disadvantage," the earth's light shines. The meaning of this line is that standing upright in position, being square in character, and having a broad mind that encompasses all things—maintaining natural qualities in position, character, and application—though unconventional, there is no gain without it. People must maintain excellent qualities, which is a crucial condition for achieving great things: being natural and not hypocritical, upholding morality without caring about immediate gains or losses, and one can achieve success in this way. Emphasizing natural qualities and opposing hypocrisy is the natural radiance emitted by the earth's gentle path.
Six Three: Containing brilliance, it is auspicious to persevere; or to serve the king, without success but with a good ending. The Image says: "Containing brilliance, it is auspicious," to act at the right time. "Or to serve the king," wisdom is vast. The meaning of this line is that restraining one's talents can bring auspiciousness. If one serves the king, there will be no success, but caution can lead to a good ending. The Image states, possessing virtuous qualities can bring the correct result to revitalize the king's cause, and one must act only when the time is right. "To sometimes serve the king's cause" indicates broad wisdom. "Containing brilliance" means to conceal and not reveal, showing one's virtue in stillness rather than in the presence of others. To work calmly and cautiously for a noble goal will ultimately bring what one desires.
Six Four: Binding the bag, no blame, no praise. The Image says: "Binding the bag, no blame," caution does not harm. The meaning of this line is that one should speak like a tightly bound bag, not speaking freely—this brings no harm and no praise. The Image states, "A tightly bound bag, no blame," caution does no harm. As one's status rises, one must speak and act cautiously, preserving oneself wisely. Speaking at the wrong time is better than not speaking at all; it not only does no good but may endanger oneself. Therefore, in the principles of the I Ching, "binding the bag" means not speaking when it is inappropriate. As the ancient saying goes: "Virtue or lack thereof depends on talent; opportunity or lack thereof depends on timing." When one is in a time of no opportunity, to preserve oneself wisely and wait for the right moment to act—what is wrong with that?
Six Five: Yellow robe, supreme auspiciousness. The Image says: "Yellow robe, supreme auspiciousness," culture is within. The meaning of this line is that the yellow robe (worn by the king) is extremely auspicious. The Image states, "Yellow robe, supreme auspiciousness," because culture resides within the attire. "Yellow robe, supreme auspiciousness" refers to a person not changing their original virtue as their status rises—this is highly valuable. To quietly cultivate one's inner qualities and reflect these qualities in one's actions, rather than showing off one's power.
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