Hexagram 16, Yù (Enthusiasm): Line 6 (top)

豫卦上六 · 雷地豫 · 中文版

上六:冥豫,成有渝,无咎。

The line (Legge)

The topmost six, divided, shows its subject with darkened mind devoted to the pleasure and satisfaction (of the time); but if he change his course even when (it may be considered as) completed, there will be no error.

Small Image commentary

'With darkened mind devoted to the harmony and satisfaction (of the time),' as shown in the topmost (line): - how can one in such a condition continue long?

象曰:冥豫在上,何可长也。

In plain words

Lost in pleasure; but if one changes once things are done, there is no fault. The top line is at the height of enjoyment and deeply absorbed, but if it changes course there is still no fault. The Small Image asks how being lost in pleasure at the top could last.

Applying it to your situation

If you find you have sunk into some comfort for too long, this line suggests it is not too late to change. Which habit would you like to start adjusting?

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; both are yin, so they do not respond.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Yù changes into Hexagram 35 Jìn (Progress). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·豫之晋.

A recorded case from Takashima

Yu to Jin: starting a side venture in a busy season: A friend, busy with his trade, saw another opening and wanted to take it on as well. The top line of Yu, "blind in enjoyment; if one changes after it is done, no fault", led Takashima to call it a fantasy of easy profit blind to its dangers, and to urge him to change his mind at once.

The hexagram

Hexagram 16 Yù (Enthusiasm). The Judgment: Yu indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

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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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