I Ching · No.15 · Ch'ien / Modesty

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Translation

The Ch'ien (Modesty) Hexagram. Success and smoothness. If this hexagram is met in divination, the gentleman will achieve success. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Kun representing earth, and the inner trigram is Gen representing mountain. There is a mountain within the earth. The inner is high and the outer is low. Remaining high without being arrogant is the image of the Ch'ien hexagram. Observing this hexagram, the gentleman embraces modesty, reduces the superfluous and increases the deficient, measures the quantity of goods, and distributes them fairly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Modest, harmonious, patient, and yielding; honoring others while humbling oneself. Utilizing modesty, all things can be accomplished. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is lucky and peaceful, with promotion step-by-step. The future is very bright for those who are humble and patient, while the arrogant will surely meet defeat. Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Smooth at present, rising step-by-step.
• Wealth 财运: Reasonable prices, guaranteed profits.
• Household 家宅: A dwelling near the mountain; the whole family is safe and peaceful.
• Health 身体: An illness of internal depression; broaden your mind and relax.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Smooth at present, with an image of gradually rising step-by-step.
• Business 营商: Prices are balanced, profits are smooth and suitable, and this business can be preserved forever.
• Household 家宅: This residence is likely near the foot of a mountain; the family fortune is smooth and peaceful, bringing great benefit.
• Warfare 战征: The camp should be near a mountain. The troops must be well-organized, with strict and clear rewards and punishments. Move the army forward at the fifth line, and attack and capture cities and towns at the sixth line, achieving a great victory.
• Litigation 讼事: Peace and harmony are advisable; disputes are not.
• Illness 疾病: It is an illness of internal depression; it is advisable to relax the mind and seek treatment.
• Travelers 行人: Returning by boat, auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Must be searched for and found within a mound of earth.
• Harvest 年成: The wind and rain are well-regulated; between a bumper crop and a poor harvest, mediocre.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below and Kun above). Gen represents mountain, and Kun represents earth. There is a mountain on the earth's surface. The earth is low and the mountain is high, meaning inner high and outer low. It is a metaphor for not taking credit for great achievements, not self-praising for high reputation, and not being arrogant in a high position. This is humility.

• Overall Image 大象: The mountain should be on the earth's surface, but now it is under the earth, representing the virtue of humility.
• Fortune 运势: Auspicious, safe, and peaceful. The future is limitless, but one must eliminate any arrogant disposition.
• Career 事业: Not yet highly valued by others, but due to high moral character, you will eventually be recognized. There is no need to show off intentionally; in particular, do not abandon the virtue of humility. Work diligently in silence, and you will surely receive help from others and achieve great things in your career.
• Business 经商: Relatively smooth, but will not yield sudden huge profits. Accumulation must be gradual, so one should be extremely cautious, sincerely cooperate with others, abide by business ethics, and through diligent effort, achieve business development.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Naturally intelligent, but due to a personality not prone to self-promotion, one is often overshadowed at first. As long as you do not lose heart, continue to study your field diligently, and maintain a humble and eager-to-learn spirit, greater success lies in the future.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: A happy marriage should be strived for jointly by both parties. Otherwise, love will not succeed, and the family cannot be harmonious.
• Decision 决策: Possessing the humble virtue of being inner-high and outer-low, good at uniting others, and able to receive help from others. The career is very smooth; when encountering difficulties, danger can quickly be turned into safety, resulting in a narrow escape without actual harm. Due to the ability to earnestly absorb the strengths of others, progress is rapid and unobstructed, but special attention needs to be paid to academic study, moral conduct, and self-cultivation.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Modesty and more modesty; this is the demeanor of a gentleman. Having this virtue, even risking crossing a river by wading is auspicious. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: A gentleman of supreme modesty begins his self-cultivation with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to travel far or go on a trip; going out to do business will bring wealth. Officials should retreat and guard, and should not compete for profit with others; there will be many opportunities for business travel.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not contend with others, and naturally there will be no difficulties.
• Wealth 财运: Investing in the shipping industry is profitable.
• Household 家宅: Manage the household with virtue; peace and harmony.
• Health 身体: Swim for physical fitness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, all things are prosperous and smooth; it is beneficial to cross great rivers.
• Business 营商: At the beginning of operation, it is advisable to be humble and cautious, which will yield great profits.
• Household 家宅: Starting from scratch with hard work, accumulating wealth to become rich, the family business can be preserved for a long time.
• Illness 疾病: The wound of Ming Yi (Darkening of the Light).
• Lost Items 失物: Lost and cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Litigation 讼事: Both sides consume resources; one is bound to be harmed.
• Fame & Career 功名: Success can be achieved.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ming I (Darkening of the light) Hexagram. It is beneficial to divine about difficult matters. The Image says: The inner hexagram of this hexagram is Li, Li is the sun; the outer hexagram is Kun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinking into the earth is the image of Darkening of the light. Observing this image, the gentleman governs the people and administers the government not by being harshly scrutinizing to show intelligence, but by being outwardly simple and inwardly wise, tolerating things and drawing close to the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun enters into the earth, and the light is damaged; all things are obstructed, waiting for fortune. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, their fortune is poor, and everything is laborious. They should firmly adhere to the correct path, be patient and self-respecting, and await the opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Li below, Kun above). Li is light, Kun is obedience; Li is the sun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, light is damaged, the future is unclear, and the environment is difficult. It is advisable to follow the times and nurture obscurity, firmly adhere to the correct path, be outwardly simple and inwardly wise, and hide one's light and nurture obscurity.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Second Six: Wise and modest, divination yields an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: Wise and modest, the heart is upright and auspicious, because the second six line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, representing a person keeping to the path of uprightness and centrality.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, it is not advisable to act rashly, but rather to retreat and guard. Officials will be promoted, and scholars will advance and gain fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Reputation spreads; quite complacent and pleased.
• Wealth 财运: Gaining responses from others, profits come naturally.
• Household 家宅: The family has permanent property and also a good reputation.
• Health 身体: An illness of overexertion of the mind.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the reputation is widespread, surely bringing much satisfaction.
• Business 营商: Gaining profit.
• Household 家宅: The household wealth is abundant, and the reputation outside is also good.
• Warfare 战征: One can beat the drums and march straight forward, attacking and capturing the central camp, achieving a great victory.
• Illness 疾病: It is an illness of overexertion of the mind.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is the joy of certain attainment.
• Litigation 讼事: Grievances are voiced and redressed.
• Lost Items 失物: Obtained immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shêng (Pushing Upward) hexagram. Supreme success. It is beneficial to see the great man. Have no fear. Proceeding toward the south brings good fortune. The Image says: The outer trigram is Kun, Kun is Earth; the inner trigram is Xun, Xun is Wood. Wood growing within the earth is the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, in accordance with this image, conforms with virtue and duty, strengthens his cultivation, and starting from small things, step by step fosters high character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ascending and progressing upward, freely carrying out one's ambitions; emerging from darkness into light, gradually rising and advancing. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their luck is rising, all matters are developing positively upward, plans succeed, and both fame and fortune are achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Kun above). Kun is Earth and compliance; Xun is Wood and humility. The earth grows trees, which gradually develop and grow taller day by day to become useful timber, symbolizing step-by-step career advancement and a promising future, hence the name 'Shêng' (Pushing Upward).

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Third Nine: Diligent and modest; such a person will have a good outcome, and all affairs will be auspicious. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The diligent and modest gentleman is respected and obeyed by all the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, planning and schemes will yield profit, but it will exhaust the mind and body. Officials will be highly promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Success through hard labor; the later fortune is prosperous.
• Wealth 财运: The foundation is already established; preserve profits forever.
• Household 家宅: Maintain prosperity and safeguard peace; live and work in peace and contentment.
• Health 身体: Overworked; death may be imminent.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Hard work throughout life; at present all affairs are prosperous and smooth, and the fortune in old age is even better.
• Business 营商: At the beginning of the operation, there was all kinds of hard work; now that the foundation is established, profit can be made forever.
• Household 家宅: It must be starting from scratch with hard work and accumulating wealth to become rich, being able to maintain prosperity and safeguard peace, and the family business can be preserved for a long time.
• Illness 疾病: Fearing the illness turns into consumptive weakness, the span of life is ending.
• Lost Items 失物: Can be recovered later.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a son.
• Litigation 讼事: The wrongdoer submits voluntarily, and the matter can be settled.
• Fame & Career 功名: Obtaining this merit of labor, one will naturally be promoted and employed.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.

Line Text (Translation)

Fourth Six: Nothing that is not beneficial, as long as one moves forward bravely and is humble and cautious. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: Nothing that is not beneficial, as long as one moves forward bravely and is humble and cautious, because in this way one will not violate the laws.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, all things will flow smoothly, but officials, scholars, and merchants should firmly guard and yield; excessive prosperity leads to errors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: In good fortune; all affairs are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Many profits; leave some leeway.
• Household 家宅: Living together in modesty and harmony; naturally nothing is unfavorable.
• Health 身体: Take many walks to relax the mind; recovery will come naturally.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently in good fortune; all affairs are lucky.
• Business 营商: Follow instructions and profits will be made without fail; in all buying and selling, it is best to leave some leeway.
• Household 家宅: The whole family acts with modesty and harmony; everything is auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Commanding as desired; a great victory is assured.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to disperse and release pathogens, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;--to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Kuo hexagram. Success, this is a favorable divination. However, it is only suitable for small matters, not for great matters. A flying bird passes through the sky, leaving its voice by the ear, warning people: ascending leads to danger, while descending brings good fortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing Mountain; the upper trigram is Zhen, representing Thunder. Thunder over the mountain is the image of Hsiao Kuo. The superior man, observing this image, stands in awe of the heavenly thunder and dares not commit transgressions. Thus, in his conduct, he does not exceed in humility; in mourning, he does not exceed in grief; in expenditure, he does not exceed in thrift; he only seeks moderation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin is compliant and Yang is trapped; gentleness and flexibility are in action. Maintain caution and self-control; rapid advance is unfavorable. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are unfavorable. It is suitable for small things, but not for great things. Furthermore, guard against disputes and litigation arising from one's own mistakes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the overlapping of two different trigrams (lower Gen, upper Zhen). Gen is Mountain, and Zhen is Thunder. Thunder rumbles over the mountain, which cannot but inspire awe. Yang is great and Yin is small; the four Yin lines on the outside exceed the two Yang lines in the middle, hence it is called 'Hsiao Kuo' (Preponderance of the Small), indicating a small excess.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.

Line Text (Translation)

Fifth Six: Poverty is due to the invasion of hostile countries; it is advisable to launch a punitive expedition against them, and nothing is unfavorable. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: Meeting this line in divination is beneficial for waging war and punitive campaigns, because it is to punish those who do not obey the king's command.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, they will receive help from noble people to achieve success and gain profits, but must guard against bringing about disaster and disputing/suing others. Officials will employ both civil and military means, which is beneficial for progress. Scholars will have the opportunity to pass examinations and gain fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Rouse oneself to self-strengthening; do not tolerate or appease.
• Wealth 财运: Guard against others taking a share, which may cause further trouble.
• Household 家宅: Choose neighbors wisely when dwelling; keep watch and help each other; marriage proposal with a close neighbor.
• Health 身体: Clear away heat and reduce fire.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although currently in a proper fortune, there may be some friction; one should rouse oneself and not indulge in sheer appeasement.
• Business 营商: Guard against the profits earned being shared or taken by others, causing trouble.
• Household 家宅: Being able to choose neighbors wisely, one naturally gains the benefit of mutual watchfulness and assistance.
• Marriage 婚姻: Proposing marriage to a nearby woman brings great benefit.
• Illness 疾病: It is beneficial to use reducing and attacking decoctions, auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to call a neighbor as a witness to obtain justice.
• Lost Items 失物: Search for it at a neighbor's house, and it will be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chien Hexagram. Divining this hexagram, it is beneficial to travel to the southwest, and unfavorable to travel to the northeast. It is beneficial to see noble lords and princes, obtaining an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, Gen represents mountain. Mountains and rocks are rugged and jagged, and the streams bend and turn, which is the image of the Chien hexagram. The noble person (Junzi) observes this image, realizes the difficulty of walking the path, and thus turns inward to seek within themselves, cultivating their virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Struggling to take a step, facing thousands of hardships; caught in a dilemma between advancing and retreating, one should endure and wait for the right time. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are plagued by anxiety and suffering, and every step is difficult. It is advisable to keep to the correct path, avoid acting rashly; those who venture into dangerous situations will meet with disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Gen and upper Kan). Kan represents water, Gen represents mountain. Mountains are high and waters are deep, presenting numerous difficulties and life's hazards. Seeing danger and stopping, keeping oneself safe through wisdom—this can be called wisdom. Chien means difficulty in walking or limping.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Wise and modest; dispatching troops to launch a punitive campaign against cities and states will naturally bring victory. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: Wise and modest, yet if one still cannot touch and transform the cities and states to carry out one's will, one may dispatch troops to launch a punitive campaign against them.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, there are disturbances of disputes and lawsuits, but the truth will clarify itself without defense. Officials must cultivate virtue and nourish the body, with hope for progress.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The great fortune has passed; one's intentions are obstructed.
• Wealth 财运: Reputation without reality; carry out earnest reorganization.
• Household 家宅: Guard against evil influences.
• Health 身体: Nourish the mind and resolve.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The peak fortune has passed; currently not seeing success.
• Business 营商: Reputation without reality; it is advisable to reorganize the old business.
• Household 家宅: Guard against strange spirits or hauntings making noises at times; use rituals to suppress and remedy it.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to self-cultivate and nourish the mind and resolve.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

When one's resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,--there will be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gen Hexagram. Shedding responsibilities and retiring from office, he is no longer seen among the court ranks. Seeking him in his courtyard, he is not found. The person goes far away, so there is naturally no disaster. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: This hexagram is formed by two Gen trigrams stacked together. Gen represents the mountain; thus, the image of Gen is mountains standing one upon another, deep and stable. The superior man observes this hexagram image, takes it as a warning, does not let his thoughts go beyond his position, and preserves himself through wisdom and prudence.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Stopping and obstructing, there is no further progress; content with one's lot and not being greedy, one must not force things. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the road ahead is blocked; it is not advisable to advance rashly, but rather to keep watch and wait for an opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigrams (Gen below and Gen above). Gen represents the mountain; two mountains stacked together symbolize stillness. It is the opposite of the Zhen (Shock/Thunder) Hexagram. After a climax, a low tide inevitably follows, entering a phase of relative stillness of things. Still as a mountain, one should stop when it is time to stop, and act when it is time to act. Acting and stopping—that is, movement and stillness—must not miss their opportunities; they should be just right, with movement and stillness properly balanced, stopping where appropriate.

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.