Hexagram 35, Jìn (Progress): Line 4

晋卦九四 · 火地晋 · 中文版

九四:晋如鼫鼠,贞厉。

The line (Legge)

The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject with the appearance of advancing, but like a marmot. However firm and correct he may be, the position is one of peril.

Small Image commentary

'(He advances like) a marmot. However firm and correct he may be, his position is one of peril:' - his place is not that appropriate for him.

象曰:鼫鼠贞厉,位不当也。

In plain words

Advancing like a marmot: holding on is dangerous. The creature named here is greedy yet timid, said to have five skills and master none. The fourth line is yang in a yin place, clinging to high rank while afraid, just below the ruler, as if it had taken its position by stealth. The Small Image says its position is improper.

Applying it to your situation

If you hold a high position but feel unsure of yourself, clinging to it and afraid to lose it, this line suggests asking whether you measure up. Which real skill most needs building up?

Position

A solid (yang) line in the fourth place, which is a yin (even) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 1; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Jìn changes into Hexagram 23 Bō (Splitting Apart). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·晋之剥.

The hexagram

Hexagram 35 Jìn (Progress). The Judgment: In Jin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

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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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