Hexagram 15, Qiān (Modesty): Line 1

谦卦初六 · 地山谦 · 中文版

初六:谦谦君子,用涉大川,吉。

The line (Legge)

The first SIX, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.

Small Image commentary

'The superior man who adds humility to humility' is one who nourishes his (virtue) in lowliness.

象曰:谦谦君子,卑以自牧也。

In plain words

The noble person, modest in modesty, may cross the great river: good fortune. The first line is at the very bottom of the hexagram of modesty, as modest as can be. The Small Image says it cultivates itself through humility.

Applying it to your situation

If you face something big, this line suggests modesty can carry you further. Where do you need to lower yourself now?

Position

A broken (yin) line in the first place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 4; both are yin, so they do not respond.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Qiān changes into Hexagram 36 Míng Yí (Darkening of the Light). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·谦之明夷.

The hexagram

Hexagram 15 Qiān (Modesty). The Judgment: Qian indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Next: Line 2

English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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