Hexagram 15, Qiān (Modesty): Line 6 (top)

谦卦上六 · 地山谦 · 中文版

上六:鸣谦,利用行师,征邑国。

The line (Legge)

The sixth SIX, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.

Small Image commentary

'His humility has made itself recognised:' - (but) all his aims have not yet been attained. He may employ the force of arms, (but only) in correcting (his own) towns and state.'

象曰:鸣谦,志未得也。可用行师,征邑国也。

In plain words

Modesty that is heard of; it is favourable to set the army in motion to bring one's own city and state to order. The top line is at the far end of modesty: its name is known, but its aims are not fulfilled, and it can only put its own domain in order. The Small Image says its aims are not achieved; the army may be used only to set its own city and state right.

Applying it to your situation

If you are easygoing but feel things never move, this line suggests starting with what is within your own reach. What could you put in order right away?

Position

A broken (yin) line in the top place, which is a yin (even) place, so it is in its proper place. Its partner is line 3; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Qiān changes into Hexagram 52 Gèn (Keeping Still). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·谦之艮.

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).

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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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