I Ching · No.04 · Mêng / Youthful Folly

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Măng (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be progress and success. I do not (go and) seek the youthful and inexperienced, but he comes and seeks me. When he shows (the sincerity that marks) the first recourse to divination, I instruct him. If he apply a second and third time, that is troublesome; and I do not instruct the troublesome. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Translation

Mêng Hexagram. Success and prosperity. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. At the first divination, the spirits inform him. If he divines importunately a second and third time, it is importune; if it is importune, the spirits will not inform him. Yet it is a favorable inquiry. The Great Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, symbolizing the mountain; the lower trigram is Kan, symbolizing the spring. A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain is the image of Mêng (Youthful Folly). The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the forward-pressing mountain spring, thus cultivating his virtue through resolute and steadfast action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Wisdom is not yet developed, ignorant and blocked; hesitant and lacking decisiveness. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their wisdom is like that of a child, unable to distinguish right from wrong and losing their direction. If they can follow the teachings of wise teachers and good friends to enlighten their intelligence, they will find success.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Accumulate virtue and go forth to serve the world.
• Wealth 财运: Mining business; decisiveness leads to good fortune.
• Household 家宅: A gentleman residing here brings good fortune; the beginning of a marriage.
• Health 身体: Dispel pathogenic heat to ensure safety and peace.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The Image says 'A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain', which is hidden water, symbolizing an ambush. 'The gentleman' refers to the commander in the army. 'Cultivating virtue through resolute action'—resolute means courageous and decisive, cultivating means storing and nurturing; it means one should accumulate their sharp momentum and advance decisively.
• Business 营商: Contemplating the commentary on the Image, it seems to suggest the business of opening a mine. One should act decisively, which will bring good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: This is the image of a scholar who habitually embraces virtue but remains hidden deep in the mountains. The saying 'A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain' indicates that he will eventually go forth to serve the world.
• Household 家宅: One can infer that the house faces Kan and Gen. The phrase 'at the foot of the mountain' means it must be close to a mountain; 'gushing spring' means there must be a spring flowing beneath it. If a gentleman resides there, the house will surely bring good fortune.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Kan's earthly branch is Zi, and it corresponds to the Girl constellation (Nv) above. The 'Sheng Leng Fu' says, 'The Girl constellation governs marriage.' Gen below and Dui above form Xian (Influence), where the two qi influence each other, hence it is said 'Taking a wife brings good fortune.' 'A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain, Mêng' represents the beginning of a marriage.
• Illness 疾病: Gen represents stopping and Kan represents danger. The disease's condition must be pathogenic heat gradually sinking inward. Once the first line dispels the ignorance (发蒙), the evil qi will be expelled outward, ensuring no cause for concern.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Gen above). Gen is the image of a mountain, symbolizing stopping; Kan is the image of water, symbolizing danger. The shape of the hexagram represents danger at the foot of the mountain, yet continuing to advance without stopping, which constitutes ignorance, hence it is called the Mêng (Youthful Folly) hexagram. However, by seizing the opportunity and acting in a timely manner, it possesses the omen of enlightenment and smooth progress.

• Overall Image 大象: Mêng means dark and seeing nothing, hence it is suitable to 'enlighten the ignorant'.
• Fortune 运势: At first, one is confused and does not know the direction. One must be patient, wait for the opportunity to move, and listen more to others' opinions on all matters, then fortune will open up.
• Career 事业: At the beginning of an undertaking, there is chaos, disorder, and lurking dangers. The situation can be turned around through brave and resolute action. However, one must receive strict education to cultivate this spirit of striving for strength. One must remain down-to-earth; aiming too high is highly discouraged, otherwise one will fall into an isolated and helpless position.
• Business 经商: One must be cautious and prudent, and avoid seeking quick success and instant benefits. In particular, one should establish high business ethics and win by enhancing competitiveness through good reputation.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One must receive a good basic education and cultivate one's character. Moreover, if the motivation is pure, the goal can be achieved.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Pay attention to examining the partner's character and virtue; money should not be used as bait. Husband and wife need mutual tolerance and understanding.
• Decision 决策: At times one will fall into a state of confusion and distress, which, coupled with timidity and indecision, often ruins things. If one can accept the teachings of elders, or even harsh trials, discard doubt and fear, and wait for the appropriate opportunity, everything will surely go smoothly.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, (has respect to) the dispelling of ignorance. It will be advantageous to use punishment (for that purpose), and to remove the shackles (from the mind). But going on in that way (of punishment) will give occasion for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: In clearing the mountains and cultivating wild land, it is beneficial to make use of criminals who have committed offenses. Proceeding to remove their fetters will bring misfortune. The Image says: It is beneficial to punish criminals with penalties, as this can be used to rectify the legal system.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, there are many lawsuits and discord among relatives and friends, with much conflict, but they will eventually be liberated. For officials, it indicates an educational position or a post in the judicial system.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Seeking glory but receiving humiliation; restrain oneself.
• Wealth 财运: Avoid initiating lawsuits; stop when justice is served.
• Household 家宅: Manage the household with caution; the marriage may be called off.
• Health 身体: Fear of external trauma.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line text says 'dispelling ignorance' (发蒙), which refers to an army punishing violence and executing justice, like Emperor Yu's campaign against the Sanmiao; once they submitted, he recalled the army. Hence it is said: 'to rectify the law.'
• Business 营商: The first line lies at the beginning of the inner trigram, indicating it must be the first attempt at planning. Kan is difficulty. The line says 'dispelling ignorance' and 'using punishment,' showing that business operations will face obstacles and may lead to lawsuits. One should stop once justice is obtained; seeking to go too deep may bring harm, hence it is said 'Proceeding brings regret (往吝).'
• Fame & Career 功名: Wishing to go forth and seek glory may instead bring humiliation; it is advisable to stop on one's own accord.
• Marriage 嫁娶: Positioned at the very start, the line says 'dispelling ignorance,' indicating engagement in youth. Since there are many changes and troubles, calling off the marriage is acceptable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: The first line is a yin line in a yin position: giving birth to a girl, with fears of difficulties in childbirth.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Sun (Decrease). If divination encounters this hexagram, there will be gains, supreme good fortune, no disaster, and it is a favorable inquiry. Moreover, proceeding will bring benefit. Someone will present two bowls of food, which may be enjoyed. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen, Gen represents mountain; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui represents lake. Thus, having a lake below the mountain is the image of the Decrease hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, takes warning from the lake water eroding the foot of the mountain, thereby restraining their anger and blocking their desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the lower to increase the upper, decreasing the full to increase the empty; difficult at first and easy later, measuring expenditure by income. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram decrease themselves to benefit others. Although there will be some setbacks at the beginning, giving will always bring returns, representing a sign of blessing in disguise.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Dui below, Gen above). Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. With the mountain above and the lake below, the great lake erodes the base of the mountain. Decrease and increase alternate; there is gain in loss, and loss in gain. One must handle the relation between the two cautiously. Decreasing the lower to increase the upper: in governing a state, excess will damage the foundation of the country. Decrease where decrease is due, but it must be within one's capacity and moderate. Minimizing decrease and maximizing increase is the best.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, (shows its subject) exercising forbearance with the ignorant, in which there will be good fortune; and admitting (even the goodness of women, which will also be fortunate. (He may be described also as) a son able to (sustain the burden of) his family.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the second: Bundling up cut wild grass. This is an omen of good fortune. Shaking off ignorance and heading towards civilization. Taking a wife brings good fortune. Man and woman can match and establish a household. The Image says: Man and woman match and establish a household, because the two lines Nine at the second and Six at the third are close, showing the intersection of yin and yang, firm and yielding.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, human relations are harmonious, all things succeed, or they marry, or give birth to children and grandchildren, possessing wealth and blessings. Officials will secure their positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Possessing wealth and blessings; the son can succeed the father's career.
• Wealth 财运: Broadly gathering goods and selling them to other regions.
• Household 家宅: A virtuous wife and filial children can revitalize the family estate.
• Health 身体: Gentle calisthenics.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The second line is yang residing in a yin position; the line says 'embracing the ignorant' (包蒙), representing the wrapping up of all yin lines. The Image says 'the firm and yielding intersect' (刚柔接也)—the firm and yielding refer to the two armies, and 'intersect' means engaging in battle. 'Sustaining the family' (克家) is like saying defeating the enemy. In divination examples, wife represents wealth and son represents blessing; having defeated the enemy army, receiving their wealth and enjoying the blessings: very auspicious.
• Business 营商: The second and top lines are two yang lines enclosing three yin lines—one yang inside and one yang outside—symbolizing the wrapping of goods and trading in other regions, hence it is said 'To wrap the ignorant brings good fortune (包蒙吉).' 'Taking a wife' indicates taking a wife while traveling, having a wife and then a son. 'Sustaining the family' means the son will surely succeed the father's business.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is thought to lie not with oneself, but with one's son, hence it is said 'The son is capable of sustaining the family (子克家).'
• Household 家宅: The term 'embracing the ignorant' (包蒙) features Gen enclosing Kan, indicating a site surrounded by mountains and embraced by water. The terms 'taking a wife' and 'sustaining the family' mean the household will surely have a fine wife and fine children who can sustain and revitalize the family estate: good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Contemplating the line text, there are two fortunes, explicitly stating there are a wife and a son: no fortune could be greater.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, indicating wealth and nobility.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Po Hexagram. It is not favorable to have any destination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Kun as Earth. The mountain lies on the earth, eroded by wind and rain; this is the image of Splitting Apart (Po). The superior man observes this image, takes warning from the peeling of mountains and the collapse of cliffs, thereby generously winning the hearts of the people and enabling them to live and work in peace.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Erosion and decay, anxiety over disaster; difficult to advance and succeed, stop in accordance with the times. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, fortune is unfavorable, losses are many, and progress is blocked. It is advisable to stop in accordance with the times, keep to one's place, and guard oneself.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). Five Yin are below and one Yang is on top, indicating Yin is prosperous while Yang is isolated; the high mountain is attached to the earth. Both are images of peeling away, hence it is the 'Po Hexagram'. In this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, symbolizing that petty people are in power, superior men are in distress, and careers are ruined.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, (seems to say) that one should not marry a woman whose emblem it might be, for that, when she sees a man of wealth, she will not keep her person from him, and in no wise will advantage come from her.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the third: Do not take a woman by force for marriage; you will encounter resistance from armed men and lose your life, which brings no benefit. The Image says: One should not take the woman, for the line Six at the third is positioned above Nine at the second, representing the yielding riding on the firm, symbolizing a woman dominating a man, which is rebellious and contrary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, it will create disputes; minor cases lead to loss of wealth, while major cases lead to physical harm. Officials will bring humiliation upon themselves due to greed.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Forgetting righteousness upon seeing wealth; reputation ruined.
• Wealth 财运: Minor cases lead to loss of wealth, while major cases lead to physical harm.
• Household 家宅: A strong wife and a weak husband, fear of unrest; marriage is unsuitable.
• Health 身体: Be careful with diet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line says 'Do not take a woman' (勿用娶女). Woman is a yin image. In divination texts, the woman line represents wealth, and gold is also wealth. This suggests that when deploying troops, one should distribute wealth to accommodate the crowd rather than amass wealth to incur resentment. If one plunders goods, it will surely lead to defeat and death, hence 'Do not use (勿用)' is a profound warning.
• Business 营商: Six at the third is a yin line in a yang position, yin inside and yang outside, which must indicate a merchant traveling abroad. Traveling merchants must avoid greed for lust; the man desires her beauty, and the woman plots for his wealth. Once falling into a trap, minor cases lead to loss of wealth, while major cases lead to physical harm. The Image says: 'Conduct is not favorable (行不顺也).' 'Shun' (favorable/smooth) and 'Shen' (cautious) sound similar and share a common meaning; how can one not be cautious!
• Household 家宅: Contemplating the line text, the saying 'The hen crows at dawn: this is the ruin of the family' is a matter that should be deeply guarded against.
• Fame & Career 功名: The way of the wife corresponds to the way of the subject. Forgetting righteousness upon seeing wealth will surely lead to a ruined reputation; an unchaste woman corresponds to an disloyal subject.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gu Hexagram. Supreme good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river, but one should set out three days before the Jia day (the Xin day) and three days after the Jia day (the Ding day). The Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, the mountain; the lower trigram is Xun, the wind. A worthy man, like a mountain dwelling above, proclaims moral teachings and applies them to those below. Thus, 'Wind at the foot of the mountain' is the image of Decay. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the wind that blows over all things, thereby rescuing the myriad people and implementing moral education.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Three worms in a vessel, things decay and go to ruin; diligent exhortation turns danger into safety. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a time of hardship and confusion, and nothing goes as wished. It is advisable to make bold innovations, strive for strength, and work hard, so as to turn danger into safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Gen above), and it is the inverse hexagram (Zong Gua) of the Sui Hexagram. The original meaning of Gu is affairs, extending to mean troublesome matters and chaos. Worms growing in a vessel left unused for a long time is called 'Gu', symbolizing that long-lasting peace in the world leads to routine and corruption. One must innovate and create, govern and reorganize, rescue the crisis, and revitalize the enterprise.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, (shows its subject as if) bound in chains of ignorance. There will be occasion for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the fourth: Burdened by ignorance in clearing the mountains and cultivating wild land, one will face danger. The Image says: Troubled by ignorance, because one lives in isolation, far from daily life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, human relationships are cold and business is obstructed. Remaining still brings no disaster; acting brings loss. Officials find it difficult to be promoted due to a lack of appreciation.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Distant water cannot put out a nearby fire; of no help to the situation.
• Wealth 财运: Lacking capital, poverty is hard to avoid.
• Household 家宅: Located in a remote area, life is difficult and impoverished.
• Health 身体: Weak constitution, a disease of yin-cold nature.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: In deploying troops, one should enter deep and emerge clearly. The term 'confined folly' (困蒙) indicates entering a dark and dangerous place and being unable to get out, hence one is trapped. What could relieve the confinement is the yang of the first line; however, Six at the fourth is separated from the first line by two lines. Yang represents substance/reality (实), hence it is 'far from substance' (远实). Thus we know the rescue troops are far away and cannot arrive in time. Misfortune.
• Business 营商: The way of business values smooth progress over confinement, and openness over stinginess. 'Substance' (实) refers to capital; being 'far from substance' (远实) harms one's funds. The regret of confined folly means its path has reached a dead end.
• Fortune 时运: Mêng means darkness, and Kun means distress and poverty. Ignorant and distressed, one will be trapped to the end.
• Household 家宅: Judging by the line text, the family estate is impoverished and the house is located in a secluded area. The Image says 'solely far from substance' (独远实也), which indicates a solitary village lacking neighbors.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl. This girl will surely have few brothers, hence it is called solitary.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wei Ȝî intimates progress and success (in the circumstances which it implies). (We see) a young fox that has nearly crossed (the stream), when its tail gets immersed. There will be no advantage in any way.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wei Chi (Before Completion). Success. The little fox has almost crossed the river, but gets its tail wet. There is no advantage in any direction. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Kan, representing water. Fire is above water; water cannot overcome fire. This is the image of Before Completion. The superior man, observing this image, senses that water and fire are misplaced and cannot overcome each other, and thus with caution distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cannot assist, wait for the right time to act; grow from small to large, do not advance impetuously. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is obstructed, and things do not go as wished. It is advisable to progress from small to large, advance steadily, and patiently break through difficulties, then success will eventually be achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Li above). Li represents fire, and Kan represents water. Fire is above and water is below. The fire overpowers the water, and the task of putting out the fire is not yet completed, hence it is called Wei Chi (Before Completion). The Book of Changes (I Ching) begins with the two hexagrams Qian and Kun, and ends with Chi Chi (After Completion) and Wei Chi (Before Completion), fully reflecting the philosophy of change and development.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows its subject as a simple lad without experience. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the fifth: Cutting mountain trees, auspicious. The Image says: The reason the youthful and ignorant person is auspicious is that they are gentle and obedient.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, relying on noble mentors and good teachers will make everything go smoothly, and goals can be achieved.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and official position are not yet achieved; finding a good teacher will bring good fortune.
• Wealth 财运: Unable to be independent; must rely on others for operations.
• Household 家宅: Betrothed in childhood.
• Health 身体: Follow others' guidance for physical training.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The fifth line forms an overlapping trigram of Kun. The earthly branch is in Wei, corresponding to the Well constellation (Jing). The nine stars of the Bow and Arrow (Hushi) lie southeast of the Well, governing the punishment of rebels. Further east is the constellation of descendants, called the 'youthful folly' (童蒙), which refers to leading one's children and younger relatives to join the army, hence it is auspicious.
• Business 营商: The fifth line is the ruler of the hexagram. The line says 'youthful folly' (童蒙), indicating the shop owner must still be in childhood. The fifth line responds to the second line. The orthodox commentary says 'entrusting matters to the capable,' meaning to entrust affairs to an able person, which is the second line. The fifth-line shop owner, knowing he is young, obeys the second line to act as manager, hence 'youthful folly brings good fortune (童蒙吉).'
• Fame & Career 功名: Still in the years of 'youthful folly,' merit is not yet accomplished and fame is not yet achieved; but if one can obediently listen to the teaching of the second line, one's achievements will be immeasurable, hence it is called 'auspicious.'
• Marriage 婚姻: The upper body of Mêng is Gen, and Gen represents a young boy, which indicates betrothal in youth, hence it is said 'youthful folly brings good fortune (童蒙吉).'
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hwân intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Huan (Dispersion). Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is beneficial to cross the great river. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Kan, Kan is water. Wind moving over the water is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, observing this image, presented sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, established ancestral temples, and promoted the 'moral education' of honoring Heaven and filial piety toward ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Separation and dissolution, disasters disperse. Seize the opportunity to observe changes, nurture prestige, and build up strength. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, there may be difficulties at first, but in the end, the troubles will be resolved. If one is careful in all things, everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and lawlessness.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Xun above). The wind blows over the water, swelling the waves and spreading in all directions. Huan means the scattering of flowing water. It symbolizes the dispersion of organization and people's hearts. Proactive measures and methods must be taken to overcome and defeat evils, rescue the situation from dispersion, and turn danger into safety.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the topmost line, undivided, we see one smiting the ignorant (youth). But no advantage will come from doing him an injury. Advantage would come from warding off injury from him.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Cutting grass and felling trees. Safety. It is not beneficial to act as a robber, but it is beneficial to defend against robbers. The Image says: It is beneficial to defend against robbers, because the yang line Nine at the top resides at the head of the hexagram, showing that subordinates obey and support. The action of defending against robbers receives support from the crowd and will surely be victorious.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Neutral (Average): For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to the old ways. One must guard against lawsuits and the disturbance of robbers. Officials will hold positions like Minister of Justice (Sikou).

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Advisable to defend rather than attack; live in harmony with others.
• Wealth 财运: Obtaining through smooth means is advisable; buyers and sellers are in harmony.
• Household 家宅: The way of the wife values obedience; the way of the household is peaceful.
• Health 身体: Recuperation and maintenance are advisable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The top line's earthly branch is in Xu, corresponding to the Astride constellation (Kui) above. Kui governs weapons and storehouses, forbidding violation of the season, hence it is said 'beneficial to defend against robbers (利御寇).'
• Business 营商: The way of business lies entirely in utilization, and values obtaining things through smooth and proper means. Taking against the grain makes one a robber; taking smoothly means defending against robbers. 'Above and below' refers to the two parties of buying and selling; when buying and selling are in harmony, then above and below are in accord. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: 'Striking the ignorant' (击蒙) is written as 'binding the ignorant' (系蒙) by Ma and Zheng, which perfectly fits the meaning of the Old Man under the Moon binding feet with red silk. The Chun hexagram twice says 'Not a robber, but a marriage suitor,' meaning a good match results in marriage, while a bad match results in enmity. 'Beneficial to defend against robbers' indicates they will surely be a good match. The way of the wife values obedience; the Image says 'above and below are in accord (上下顺也),' indicating the household must be peaceful. Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy. This boy's childhood must be strictly disciplined.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.