I Ching · No.53 · Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kien suggests to us the marriage of a young lady, and the good fortune (attending it). There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Translation

Jian (Gradual Progress) Hexagram. A woman's marriage is good. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Xun, representing wood. Wood planted on the mountain grows continuously; this is the image of Jian. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the mountain nurturing the forest, thereby dwelling in virtue and taking on the social responsibility of refining customs.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Progressing in an orderly sequence, accumulating the small to achieve the great; gradual progress leads to benefit, while haste leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, luck will gradually open up. All matters should progress step-by-step, then planning will succeed. Impatience is not advised; haste leads to failure.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune turns in your favor, bringing joy and satisfaction.
• Wealth 财运: Gaining profit gradually; do more good deeds.
• Household 家宅: A superior man dwells here; a virtuous woman makes a good wife.
• Health 身体: Rest and recuperate in peace.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Like a tree on a high mountain, experiencing the growth and blossoming of spring.
• Business 营商: The mountain hides treasures, and wood can grow; moreover, Xun represents commerce, yielding triple profits. Obtaining this hexagram means one will surely gain profits gradually.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fully qualified to be selected as a talent of virtue.
• Warfare 战征: Be cautious when advancing the three armies, as enemy forces may lie in ambush in deep mountains and dense forests.
• Marriage 婚姻: She must be a virtuous and gentle lady, hence 'a good match for a superior man'.
• Household 家宅: It must be a household of virtue and a neighborhood of benevolence, fit for a superior man's dwelling.
• Illness 疾病: An illness caused by wood overcoming earth; it is advisable to rest and recuperate.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth before the full moon indicates a boy, and after indicates a girl.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Xun above). Gen represents mountain, and Xun represents wood. There are trees on the mountain growing gradually, and the mountain rises accordingly. This is a process of gradual progress, hence called Jian. Jian means progress, advancing gradually without haste.

• Overall Image 大象: Trees planted on the mountain grow gradually, symbolizing step-by-step progress.
• Fortune 运势: Gradually heading towards a bright future. It is advisable to build a solid foundation in all matters to achieve joy and celebration, but one must guard against romantic entanglements and document errors.
• Career 事业: After a period of relative stillness, a new phase of your career begins. At this time, the greatest danger is rashness and hasty advance. You must progress step-by-step and keep your feet on the ground. At the same time, pay attention to moral cultivation and approach your career with a calm and humble attitude; then nothing will be unfavorable.
• Business 经商: Currently in a stage of steady forward development, you must seize opportunities. Neither be blindly optimistic nor stop moving forward; instead, adopt a strategy of gradual progress and act according to your capability. Observe business ethics and expand the market with good service.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Emulate the spirit of trees taking root on a mountain and growing gradually. Improve yourself solidly in both virtue and study. At the same time, shoulder the responsibility of refining social customs. Seeking fame or recognition should be gradual; do not strive for hasty advance.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Do not act with undue haste. Happy and fulfilling, the husband and wife will live in harmony into old age.
• Decision 决策: The moment for your luck to turn has arrived; do not miss the golden opportunity. Be extremely cautious; gradual progress is beneficial and advantageous. Conducting yourself with a humble and harmonious attitude will bring strong support and lead to great success.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows the wild geese gradually approaching the shore. A young officer (in similar circumstances) will be in a position of danger, and be spoken against; but there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: The wild goose gradually approaches the mountain stream. If divining this line, watch out for children's mischief leading to danger; they should be admonished, then there will be no disaster. The Image says: The child's mischief leads to danger, but because the parents scold and stop them, logically no accident should occur.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, luck is poor and plans are unfavorable.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just beginning, patience is required.
• Wealth 财运: An agreement exists beforehand; guard against petty people.
• Household 家宅: No major problem yet; the female is older and the male is younger.
• Health 身体: Adults are fine, children need medical attention.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Of humble status and young age, luck is just beginning; though there is danger, there is no blame.
• Warfare 战征: Stationing troops by the riverbank, beware of danger and adversity; fortunately, intelligence arrives, allowing escape from blame.
• Business 营商: In goods transactions, guard against petty people causing difficulties; because the agreement was made early, no harm will come.
• Fame & Career 功名: Great fortune is smooth; though at the bottom initially, there is an image of gradual progress.
• Marriage 婚姻: The female is older and the male is younger; since the matchmaker's words are settled, she should wait for the proper age to marry, no blame.
• Household 家宅: This house is near the water; guard against petty people having sickness or distress, yet there is no major blame.
• Illness 疾病: Unfavorable for children or petty people, adults will have no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chia Jên (Family) hexagram. Divination regarding the affairs of women is auspicious. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Sun, and Sun represents wind; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Fire within and wind without: wind assists the fire's force, and fire assists the wind's power, complementing each other, which is the image of the Family. The gentleman observes this image, thereby realizing that his words must have substance so as not to be empty, and his conduct must be persistent to be abundant.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts turn inward, and the family way flourishes; strict, upright, and constant, their minds cannot be swayed. Slightly auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, collaborating and working with others will be beneficial, and there are many signs of happy events. Those with harmonious families can work together with one heart to develop their careers.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Li below and Sun above). Li represents fire; Sun represents wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. All things should be based on the internal, and then extend to the external. What originates within takes shape without. It metaphorically implies governing the family first, and then governing the world. When the family way is correct, the world will be at peace and happy.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows the geese gradually approaching the large rocks, where they eat and drink joyfully and at ease. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: The wild goose gradually approaches the large rocks, eating and drinking joyfully. If divining this line, it is auspicious. The Image says: Eating and drinking joyfully signifies that the person earns their own living and never eats or drinks at others' expense.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, everything is favorable and they are at peace anywhere.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Guests are happy and at ease; both fame and wealth are obtained.
• Wealth 财运: Increasing daily, steady as a rock.
• Household 家宅: Living in harmony; growing old together.
• Health 身体: A disease of overeating and drinking.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Obtaining both happiness and abundance without worries; auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Abundant food for the troops, the army is cheerful; there is an image of being as stable as a rock.
• Business 营商: The second line dwells in the middle of Xun. Xun represents commerce and profit. As the line text says 'advancing from the bank to the rocks', there is a trend of progressing gradually to a higher level; auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is an image of feasting with guests; fame is assured; auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Line two responds to line five, meaning marriage between two and five. Both lines two and five are auspicious, predicting growing old together.
• Household 家宅: The foundation of this house is solid, and the entire family is in harmony; auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Caused by overeating and drinking; it is advisable to promote digestion and soothe the stomach, the illness will be cured in a few days.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sun intimates that (under the conditions which it denotes) there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward in whatever direction. It will be advantageous (also) to see the great man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sun Hexagram. Small success. It is beneficial to have a destination, and beneficial to see great men. The Image says: This hexagram is formed by doubling the Sun trigram; Sun represents wind, thus the continuous wind follows, blowing incessantly. This is the image of Sun. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the incessantly blowing wind, thereby repeatedly clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing government decrees, and instilling the great principles of social order.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Submissive and accommodating, acting with humility; gaining help from noble people, benefits lie in distant places. Small good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram experience fluctuating fortune; it is advisable to adapt to circumstances and act with humility, which will bring unexpected gains.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Sun below, Sun above). Sun is wind; two winds are superimposed, the continuous wind never ends, penetrating everywhere. Sun means submission. A humble attitude and behavior will lead to success in all endeavors.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows them gradually advanced to the dry plains. (It suggests also the idea of) a husband who goes on an expedition from which he does not return, and of a wife who is pregnant, but will not nourish her child. There will be evil. (The case symbolised) might be advantageous in resisting plunderers.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: The wild goose gradually approaches the dry plains. If divining this line, the husband goes on an expedition and may not return, and the woman becomes pregnant but may miscarry; this is an omen of danger. However, it is beneficial to resist invaders. The Image says: The husband goes on an expedition and does not return, indicating that he is separated from the ranks and encounters danger. The woman becomes pregnant but miscaries, indicating that she fails to protect the fetus. Beneficial to resist invaders, indicating that the people can be of one heart and mind to defend the country.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, there are many disturbances, disharmony in relationships, and harm from thieves. Officials will face obstacles in promotion and worry about being demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is not upright; watch out for misfortune.
• Wealth 财运: Difficult to gain profit; guard against thieves.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable for childbirth; guard against separation.
• Health 身体: Fear of difficulty in ensuring both mother and child survive during childbirth.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Luck is not upright; guard against external misfortunes.
• Warfare 战征: Beneficial for defense, unfavorable for launching an expedition.
• Business 营商: Unlikely to profit; guard against robbery and theft.
• Fame & Career 功名: Only by engaging in military or political affairs can fame be achieved.
• Marriage 婚姻: Guard against the regret of initial chaos ending in final separation.
• Household 家宅: This house is unfavorable for childbirth.
• Illness 疾病: A woman giving birth; fear that both mother and child cannot be saved.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows the geese gradually advanced to the trees. They may light on the flat branches. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Four: The wild goose gradually approaches the trees, and some rest on the flat logs. If divining this line, there is no disaster. The Image says: Some wild geese rest on flat logs without disaster because the yin line Six Four is situated below the yang line Nine Five, symbolizing a person possessing obedient and humble virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who obtain this line, it is beneficial for construction and self-sufficiency. Officials must make themselves at home wherever they are, as promotions are uncertain.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be at ease with circumstances to avoid blame.
• Wealth 财运: Profit is very small; preserving capital is enough.
• Household 家宅: Possibility of living in widowhood.
• Health 身体: Excessive liver-fire.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Luck has lost its rectitude, but by keeping compliant and being at ease with whatever comes, one can also avoid blame.
• Business 营商: Gaining slightly, just enough to avoid blame.
• Warfare 战征: Having formed a pincers movement, the enemy's strength is already declining.
• Fame & Career 功名: Engaging in competition, the gains are also tiny.
• Illness 疾病: The illness lies in excessive liver-wood; it is advisable to regulate qi and recuperate.
• Household 家宅: This house has many widowed or single women, feeling they married the wrong person.
• Travelers 行人: Losing track of years abroad, just adapting to circumstances to find shelter, not returning for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows the geese gradually advanced to the high mound. (It suggests the idea of) a wife who for three years does not become pregnant; but in the end the natural issue cannot be prevented. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: The wild goose gradually approaches the high mound. If divining this line, the wife does not conceive for many years, but in the end nothing can prevent their union; auspicious. The Image says: In the end nothing can prevent their union, which is auspicious, as the wife achieves her wish of living in harmony with her husband until old age.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, difficulty comes first and ease follows. Officials will attract much slander, starting in darkness and ending in brightness.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is balanced and correct; success will surely be achieved in three years.
• Wealth 财运: Average at present, but great prosperity will come in three years.
• Household 家宅: Suitable for dwelling; children will arrive somewhat late.
• Health 身体: Recovery will take three years.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Luck is balanced and upright; after three years, everything will be favorable; auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Stationing troops on a large mound; after three years, invincible wherever they go; auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Success is assured in three years.
• Business 营商: Unlikely to profit at present; upon reaching the top line, one can monopolize generous profits, which is after three years.
• Marriage 婚姻: Children arrive somewhat late; auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The house is situated among large mounds; auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows the geese gradually advanced to the large heights (beyond). Their feathers can be used as ornaments. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Nine: The wild goose gradually approaches the cloud-heights; its feathers can be used for ritual dances. This is a sign of good fortune. The Image says: The feathers can be used for ritual dances, which is auspicious; the feathers used for ritual dances should be pure and unmixed, just as the human mind should be undisturbed.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will receive recommendations from others, succeed in their plans, remain untouched by misfortunes, and enjoy much blessing and profit. For officials, the grand fortune has arrived and they will be heavily relied upon. For scholars, they will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Grand fortune has arrived; one can serve the world.
• Wealth 财运: The goods are beautiful and priced high, naturally yielding profits.
• Household 家宅: Splendid and impressive; auspicious marriage.
• Health 身体: Healthy and vigorous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Luck is at its peak; one can come forth to serve the world; auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Advancing troops from the flat lands, with majestic and impressive presence, invincible in every attack.
• Business 营商: The goods are beautiful and priced high; profit is assured.
• Fame & Career 功名: Stepping forward to serve the world, serving as a model for the realm.
• Marriage 婚姻: Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This house is situated in a high position, presenting a glorious sight; auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

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.