I Ching · No.28 · Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

Translation

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Restrain yourself and practice self-reflection; it is not yet time to seek fame.
• Wealth 财运: Low prices suddenly surge; it is difficult to grasp the timing.
• Household 家宅: Prevent the house from tilting; marriage between the old and the young.
• Health 身体: Both liver and kidneys are exhausted; it is not easy to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: 'Extinction' means annihilation. In great matters it threatens to destroy a nation; in small matters it threatens to destroy oneself. The image is indeed ominous. If drawn when commanding an army, there is fear of disaster from sudden flood waters submerging the troops.
• Business 营商: The Image says, 'The lake submerges the wood.' There is a trend where low prices suddenly rise sharply.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'He stands alone without fear, and withdraws from the world without regret' means that one should retire and live in seclusion, and must not seek fame at this time.
• Household 家宅: Dui (Lake) is above, Xun (Wood) is below; the image is inverted and the positions are improper. Guard against the disaster of destruction and misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: This is a symptom of internal stagnation of liver-fire with kidney-qi rushing upward; treatment is not easy.
• Marriage 婚嫁: 'The lake submerges the wood.' There is fear that the spouses are mismatched in age, one being old and the other young.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Lost Items 失物: The lost item must have fallen into a water ditch.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

• Overall Image 大象: The four Yang lines in the middle represent a solid ridgepole, but the beginning and the end lines are Yin. Being weak and unable to support the weight, the structure is on the verge of breaking.
• Fortune 运势: It presents an image of ability falling short of one's wishes and being overburdened, with many worries. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.
• Career 事业: Hidden dangers appear in one's career, and one may even be beset by crises. Great care and caution are absolutely necessary. One must adhere to the middle way, act with humility and joy, be bold yet cautious, and seek help from others. When necessary, extraordinary measures may be taken, disregarding conventional rules to take a calculated risk.
• Business 经商: Acting in too much of a hurry and expanding too quickly; it is advisable to scale back and make adjustments. In competition, one is in an disadvantageous position. Never be overconfident, let alone self-willed. One should observe the wind direction at all times and wait for the right moment to act. Only with absolute certainty may one take a risk to strive for a turnaround.
• Seeking Fame 求名: The greatest risk is to be unrealistic and pursue impractical, empty fame, resulting in a reputation that exceeds reality. Only by maintaining a humble attitude, acting cautiously, devoting oneself to hard work, disregarding the gossip of others, and pressing forward can one pursue the initial goal.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Self-knowledge is of the utmost importance. One must not rush for quick success, but should consider carefully and use proper means to bring about success, though necessary clever tactics are not ruled out.
• Decision 决策: Living in extraordinary times, it will be extremely disadvantageous if matters are not handled properly. Depending on the actual situation, one must neither act rashly nor be indecisive, but should combine strength with flexibility, humbly seek others' opinions, act with caution, pursue goals boldly without fearing gossip, and strive for the situation to take a turn for the better.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows one placing mats of the white mâo grass under things set on the ground. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Placing offerings on white reeds with reverence; there will be no blame. The Image says: 'Placing offerings on white reeds with reverence' uses soft material for the underlay, which is just like the Yin line of Six at the beginning occupying the lowest position of the hexagram.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who get this line will secure their wealth and profits by acting cautiously. If the overall fortune is bad, beware of the sorrow of wearing mourning clothes. For officials, caution and prudence will secure their salary and position.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treat others with gentleness and leniency, and succeed together.
• Wealth 财运: Soft and white goods can bring profit.
• Household 家宅: The surroundings are overgrown and desolate.
• Health 身体: The body is weak from illness; use warming and drying medicines.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: When setting out on a campaign for the first time, avoid excessive harshness and violence. It is advisable to treat subordinates with leniense and gentleness.
• Business 营商: The transported goods must be medicines, or tea and cotton. Their color will be white and their texture soft, and all can bring profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Pulling up reeds together with their roots; this is the image of advance together with others of the same class.
• Household 家宅: The house must be near a low and damp place, with overgrown weeds outside the building.
• Illness 疾病: The body is weak from illness and there is dampness in the lower burner; it must be treated with warming and drying medicines.
• Lost Items 失物: Search for it on the grass.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kuai Hexagram. In the royal court, music is played and dances are performed. Someone cries out: 'An enemy is invading.' An order comes from the town: 'It is unfavorable to launch an attack; we must stand ready in strict defense.' Encountering this hexagram in divination, it is auspicious to travel abroad. The Image says: The upper trigram is Dui, which is the Marsh; the lower trigram is Qian, which is Heaven. This shows the waters of the marsh rising up to heaven, watering the earth; this is the image of the Kuai Hexagram. Seeing this image, the gentleman bestows benefits upon those below, not daring to claim credit or be arrogant, and takes this as a warning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Dispel and decide, one must be resolute and firm; auspicious at first but ominous at last, be cautious and self-respecting. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, their great fortune is passing, and difficulties are approaching. They should heighten vigilance and be prudent in words and deeds.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian is Heaven and Strength; Dui is Marsh and Joy. The moisture of the marsh rises, bursting forth as rain, falling upon the earth to nourish all things. Five yang lines displace one yin line; displacement is not difficult, resoluteness (the meaning of displacement/breakthrough) is enough. Therefore, it is named Kuai, which means decision/breakthrough.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows a decayed willow producing shoots, or an old husband in possession of his young wife. There will be advantage in every way.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: A withered willow puts forth new shoots. An old man takes a young wife. Everything is favorable. The Image says: An old husband and a young wife are mismatched in age; this is an unusual union.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. Those who get this line may marry a wife, take a concubine, or have a son; a superior man gains a young wife and an adopted son. Retired officials will be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Achieving fame in old age, turning defeat into victory.
• Wealth 财运: The timber business should yield profit.
• Household 家宅: A withered tree blossoms; an old husband and a young wife succeed in bearing children.
• Health 身体: Danger gives way to safety.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: There is an image of turning defeat into victory.
• Business 营商: Dui represents Yin and also metal; Xun represents wind and also wood, indicating metal and wood business. 'A withered willow puts forth new shoots' means that planting trees or trading timber will be 'entirely favorable'.
• Fame & Career 功名: Judging by the line image, fame must wait until old age to be achieved.
• Household 家宅: This house must have suffered many misfortunes in the past, being a Yang residence built on Yin ground. Recently, with the Yang Nine activated, there will surely be a withered tree blossoming, which is this sign. Favorable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Indicates an old widower remarrying and succeeding in bearing children; great good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Danger gives way to safety.
• Lost Items 失物: Will certainly be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsien Hexagram. Prevalence. A favorable oracle. Marrying a maiden brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Dui, representing lake. A lake on the mountain; the mountain air and the water's breath interact and influence each other. This is the image of Hsien. In accordance with this, the superior man, taking pattern from the deep valleys and the vast lakes, keeps his mind open and humble, receiving instruction from others with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mutual attraction of the two sexes, responding according to the righteous path; things resound when struck, recognizing the times and understanding the moment of opportunity. Small Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should treat others with humility, which will bring good luck and success in undertakings. However, do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Dui above). Gen is mountain; the lake is water. Dui (yielding) is on top, and Gen (firm) is below. The water seeps downward; the yielding is above and the firm is below, interacting and influencing each other. Influence leads to completion.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows a beam that is weak. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: The ridgepole sags. Misfortune. The Image says: The misfortune of the sagging ridgepole is because a bent ridgepole leads to the collapse of the house, offering no support.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who get this line must guard against great disaster leading to the loss of family property, or diseases of the feet and eyes. Officials must be careful to avoid demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Obstinate and self-opinionated; though succeeding at first, one will fail in the end.
• Wealth 财运: Relying only on oneself, losing both people and wealth.
• Household 家宅: The ridgepole breaks, making the house uninhabitable; marriage is unfavorable.
• Health 身体: Fear of unexpected accidents.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The 'ridgepole' is the master of a house, which corresponds to the commander of an army. 'Sagging' means breaking. A sagging ridgepole is the image of the commander being harmed. The fault lies in the commander being too rigid and fierce, refusing to listen to others, hence misfortune.
• Business 营商: Business requires others' assistance to succeed. If one acts entirely alone, not only will the enterprise remain small, but there is also fear of unexpected losses. The 'sagging ridgepole' implies the anxiety of losing both people and wealth, hence misfortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Those who can bear great responsibility are called 'materials for ridgepoles and beams.' Since it is 'sagging,' the ridgepole fails to be a ridgepole. Though one may succeed at first, failure is inevitable in the end. Misfortune.
• Household 家宅: This house is inauspicious; the ridgepole breaks and the rafters collapse, making it uninhabitable. Misfortune.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Nine in the third place is a Yang line in a Yang position, representing isolated Yang without support. The marriage will not succeed, and even if it does, it will be inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but there is fear he cannot be raised.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kun (Oppression/Exhaustion). Success. Divination regarding matters of princes and nobles is auspicious, without misfortune. When encountering this hexagram in divination, a person with guilt cannot clear themselves through explanations. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The upper trigram is Dui (Lake), and the lower trigram is Kan (Water). Water seeps beneath the lake bed, drying up the lake; this is the image of Oppression. Observing this, the superior person encourages himself in times of hardship, becoming stronger through adversity, and sacrifices his life to carry out his long-cherished ambitions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No water in the lake, experiencing oppression and exhaustion; myriad things do not grow, cultivate virtue and quietly maintain one's position. Inauspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram fall into difficult straits, with nothing going as desired. It is advisable to resolutely adhere to the correct path and wait for the right opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Dui above). Dui is Yin, representing the Lake, signifying joy; Kan is Yang, representing Water, signifying danger. Lake over Water is Oppression. Falling into adversity, it is difficult to display one's talents; yet by resolutely maintaining the correct path and remaining content in oneself, one will surely achieve success and break free from the predicament.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows a beam curving upwards. There will be good fortune. If (the subject of it) looks for other (help but that of line one), there will be cause for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: The ridgepole is braced. Good fortune. If there are other aims, there is humiliation. The Image says: The good fortune of the braced ridgepole is because when the ridgepole does not sag, the house will not collapse.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. Those who get this line will have many building and renovation matters. They can undertake great tasks but should not plan small ones. Officials will surely be heavily relied upon. Scholars will advance and win fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Able to bear great responsibilities; do not seek minor matters.
• Wealth 财运: Timber business can yield profit.
• Household 家宅: The gates and doors are grand.
• Health 身体: Chest distension, but harmless.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: When marching and pitching camp, it is advisable to occupy high ground and key positions with solid support underneath. Thus the camp foundation is secure, allowing both advance and retreat, and one will naturally not be disrupted by the enemy, hence good fortune.
• Business 营商: This must refer to the timber trade, with large wood sufficient for building great chambers. Other businesses might not fare as well.
• Fame & Career 功名: The line says 'the ridgepole is braced,' indicating a great talent capable of bearing heavy responsibilities to match this sign. Minor efforts are not their strength and they would disdain to engage in them.
• Household 家宅: The ridgepole and rafters of this house are magnificent, and the gate is grand. Good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: It appears there is a raised lump in the middle of the chest, but it is harmless.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Well Hexagram. Rebuilding the town but not rebuilding the well amounts to doing nothing. People come and go to draw water from the well. If the well becomes dry and silted up, and instead of cleaning it, one breaks the water pitcher, this is an image of danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Kan, and Kan is water. Water seeps down and trees grow: this is the image of The Well. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on the well water that nourishes people, thereby encouraging the people to be industrious and to exhort one another.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Still water connects to the source, and fortune is calm; do not change what you guard, and maintain the status quo. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should cultivate their character and nourish their nature, let things take their natural course, and face them with composure. Stillness brings benefit, while movement brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Xun below and Kan above) superimposed. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees obtain water and grow vigorously. People rely on the well for life, and the well is dug by people. They nourish each other; the well nourishes people with water, never running dry. People should adopt this virtue to be industrious and self-encouraging.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows a decayed willow producing flowers, or an old wife in possession of her young husband. There will be occasion neither for blame nor for praise.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: A withered willow puts forth flowers. An old woman takes a young husband. No blame, no praise. The Image says: 'A withered willow puts forth flowers'—how can the flowers last long? 'An old woman takes a young husband'—such a thing is after all disgraceful.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who get this line will find planning disadvantageous, or find grief rising from joy, and beautiful things turning ugly; an image of adversity followed by smooth sailing. Officials should not remain in office for long.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Finding satisfaction in old age; seek smooth and steady progress.
• Wealth 财运: Beware of amorous sentimentality, which leads to the loss of both fame and wealth.
• Household 家宅: Improper relationships in the bedchamber; the woman is older and the man is younger.
• Health 身体: Neither good nor bad.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: If drawn when commanding troops, the chief and deputy commanders in the army must be mismatched, their positions inverted and appointments inappropriate. Although they may win a battle temporarily, it cannot be sustained.
• Business 营商: Beware of merchants indulging in extramarital affairs, causing scandals to spread.
• Household 家宅: Beware of impropriety in the bedchamber, and tribulus growing by the wall.
• Fame & Career 功名: Indicates achieving success and passing examinations in old age.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The ages must be mismatched and the pairing improper.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter who cannot be raised.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Heng Hexagram. Success, without error, favorable divination. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder; the lower trigram is Xun, which represents wind. Wind and thunder cleanse and renew, keeping the universe ever fresh; this is the image of Heng (Duration). The noble man observes this image to establish himself in the correct path and hold firm without changing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Constancy and permanence, long-lasting without change; the noble man acts with benefit, not changing his direction. Minor Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must ground themselves in the correct path, hold firm without changing, and make persistent efforts; then they will surely achieve success. Those who lack perseverance and are fickle will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Zhen above). Zhen represents the male and thunder; Xun represents the female and wind. The firm Zhen is above, and the yielding Xun is below. With the firm above and the yielding below, the creation follows constant laws, promoting each other's growth. The yin and yang correspond to each other in accordance with normal principles, hence it is called Heng (Duration).

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject with extraordinary (boldness) wading through a stream, till the water hides the crown of his head. There will be evil, but no ground for blame.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Wading through the water, it rises over the head. Misfortune. No blame. The Image says: The danger of wading through the water arises because the situation has come to this, and blame is of no avail.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who get this line should not advance, but rather withdraw and defend to remain safe. There may be ailments on the face. For officials, there is the danger of their high achievements threatening the ruler, putting their lives at risk.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Having worked extremely hard, one wins a good reputation.
• Wealth 财运: Be cautious in shipping goods to avoid losses.
• Household 家宅: Beware of floods.
• Health 身体: Facial swelling; it may be difficult to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: There is fear of the tragic death of the commander-in-chief in battle.
• Fame & Career 功名: One has the painful determination of hanging one's head by the hair or piercing one's thigh with an awl; thus one's name will spread far, and where there is a will, there is a way.
• Business 营商: Shipping goods across the ocean requires the utmost caution.
• Illness 疾病: Fear of water-qi rushing upward, causing swelling of the head and face. Misfortune.
• Household 家宅: Fear of great floods rising, causing walls to tilt and houses to collapse.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kou Hexagram. Dreaming of an injured woman. In divination, encountering this hexagram is unfavorable for marrying a woman. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, which is heaven; the lower trigram is Xun, which is wind. Thus, wind blowing under heaven is the image of the Kou Hexagram. Recognizing this, the ruler emulates the wind blowing over all things to disseminate teachings throughout the world and make proclamations to the four quarters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin grows and Yang declines, great fortune wanes in the middle; many obstructions, exercise caution to guard against them. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, and all affairs are unfavorable. One should act with caution, and pay special attention to amorous disputes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Qian above). Qian is heaven, and Xun is wind. There is wind under heaven, blowing across the earth; Yin and Yang intermingle, and all things flourish. The Kou Hexagram is the opposite of the Guai Hexagram, forming an inversed pair. Kou means to mate or meet, where Yin and Yang encounter each other. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, they cannot coexist for long.

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.