I Ching · No.62 · Hsiao Kuo / Preponderance of the Small

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

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.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Maintaining purity and aloofness only invites others' jealousy.
• Wealth 财运: The price is unsuitable, leaving no profit to be made.
• Household 家宅: A home in a high place; an old husband and a young wife.
• Health 身体: Excessive cold or excessive heat.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: One's path is pure and high, with an attitude of refusing to associate with the corrupt and vulgar.
• Business 营商: Due to temporarily excessive prices that are out of step with the times, both buying and selling are difficult.
• Fame & Career 功名: Because one does not harmonize with contemporary customs, one is instead envied or resented by others.
• Warfare 战征: Camping on the mountain, the position is too high, making both advance and retreat difficult.
• Marriage 婚姻: Likely an old husband and a young wife, with too great a difference in age.
• Household 家宅: This house is likely situated on a high mountain.
• Illness 疾病: An illness of excessive cold or excessive heat, which must be balanced to achieve moderation.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

• Overall Image 大象: Thunder on the mountain. Although the thunder is loud, it is blocked by the mountain and its sound is weakened, which is 'Hsiao Kuo'.
• Fortune 运势: All matters are unfavorable. It is suitable for small things, but not for great things. Furthermore, guard against minor mistakes causing alarm and leading to disputes and litigation.
• Career 事业: Actions should be cautious and prudent; do not take risks, and especially do not exploit loopholes. However, as long as one adheres to proper conduct, one can move forward courageously, strive hard, and expand one's career. Nevertheless, one must keep a sense of proportion and avoid aiming too high, lest disaster be incurred. Adaptability is key.
• Business 经商: Not fully grasping the market situation, one may first test the waters slightly and then immediately rein in actions. Otherwise, it will lead to danger. One should not undertake large-scale actions, nor is it necessary to be timid and fearful. Move steadily and develop step by step.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One should follow the principle of moderation and rectitude, and the logic of step-by-step progress, to achieve steady advancement. Do not chase after empty fame, and especially do not seek high positions regardless of actual conditions.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: There should be a longer period of mutual understanding; do not act in haste.
• Decision 决策: Actions must maintain a sense of proportion and stop at the right limit. In times of prosperity, guard against going too far, and rein oneself in promptly. Excess will not achieve success but will instead invite disaster. All actions must adapt to changes; do not be stubborn.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, suggests (the idea of) a bird flying, (and ascending) till the issue is evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: A flying bird passes through the sky, bringing a presage of misfortune. The Image says: A flying bird passes through the sky, bringing a presage of misfortune; this is something that cannot be helped.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, they lack the favor of heaven, and disasters come suddenly. Officials have the worry of suddenly incurring disaster. For scholars, there is a sign of soaring straight up into the sky.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not content with one's lot, the outcome is worrisome.
• Wealth 财运: Overestimating one's abilities, failure is inevitable.
• Household 家宅: The house should be low and small; the families should be well-matched in social status.
• Health 身体: Difficult to preserve the soul and spirit.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path is marked by discontent with one's lot, vainly desiring to soar and advance; misfortune.
• Business 营商: With small strength planning grand designs, and low status plotting high positions, overestimating oneself will surely lead to defeat.
• Fame & Career 功名: One should find peace in a humble and small position.
• Warfare 战征: Being at the beginning under Gen, it is advisable to keep the troops stationary.
• Marriage 婚姻: The match should be equal in status; do not seek alliance with families of higher status.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable for the house to be low and small.
• Illness 疾病: The soul and spirit are scattering; misfortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Feng (Abundance). Holding a sacrifice, the king will personally attend the ancestral temple. Do not worry, the best time is at midday. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Li, Li is lightning. Lightning and thunder together show a major celestial phenomenon revealed by heaven, which is also the image of the hexagram Feng. In observing this image, the superior man, inspired by the brilliance and majesty of lightning and thunder, decides lawsuits and administers punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Grandeur and fullness, acquiring wealth and gaining profit; plans and hopes will be fulfilled, and there will surely be celebrations. Minor luck: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is strong, undertakings can succeed, and both fame and fortune can be gained. However, one should not be overly greedy, but rather find contentment in what one has, and guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy, loss of wealth, or even fire hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Zhen above). Lightning flashes and thunder rolls, leading to great achievements, symbolizing reaching the summit like the midday sun. Warning: One must pay close attention to things moving in the opposite direction; prosperity and decline are inconstant, and one must remain vigilant.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject passing by his grandfather, and meeting with his grandmother; not attempting anything against his ruler, but meeting him as his minister. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: He passes by his grandfather and meets his grandmother; he does not reach the prince but meets the minister. Although there is a mismatch, it is not in vain, and thus there is no blame. The Image says: He does not reach the prince, because a minister indeed must not surpass the prince.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, they receive guidance from influential people, and their hopes and plans will succeed. If officials are strict with themselves and fulfill their duties, promotion is promising.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A smooth fortune; getting half of what is desired is already sufficient.
• Wealth 财运: Although not fully laden, obtaining half is acceptable.
• Household 家宅: An image of unrest; it is feared they are not a proper match.
• Health 身体: The effect of the medicine has not yet arrived; continue diagnosis and treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path is smooth; though not gaining the whole, still obtaining half is enough to escape blame.
• Business 营商: Trading with capital, though not returning fully laden, it is still sufficient to be called getting five out of ten.
• Fame & Career 功名: Failing to obtain the highest, one has already acquired the middle.
• Warfare 战征: Having already decapitated the enemy general and captured their flag, what blame can there be?
• Illness 疾病: The effect of the medicine has not yet taken hold.
• Marriage 婚姻: It is feared they are not a proper match.
• Household 家宅: The resident deity of the house is unsettled.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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).

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject taking no extraordinary precautions against danger; and some in consequence finding opportunity to assail and injure him. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: Do not criticize excessively, but stop his erroneous development. If one lets him go unbridled, it will instead harm him, and misfortune will surely follow. The Image says: Letting him go unbridled instead harms him; the misfortune is extreme beyond words.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, their fortune is poor, and they must guard against accidents. Officials must guard against harm by petty and wicked people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not make rash advances; protect oneself to avoid disaster.
• Wealth 财运: Going out to do business, bandits are to be feared.
• Household 家宅: Guard closely against disasters; watch out for enemies.
• Health 身体: Knife wounds are dangerous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path is not straight; by being cautious and guarding oneself, one may still avoid disaster.
• Business 营商: Transporting goods outward, guard against the danger of robbery; it is advisable not to move forward.
• Fame & Career 功名: Do not seek it; seeking it will bring disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: If it is not a marriage, it is an enemy; guard against it.
• Household 家宅: Disaster is at the door; guard against it carefully.
• Illness 疾病: Beware of knife wounds; misfortune.
• Lost Items 失物: No need to search for it, only then can disaster be avoided.
• Litigation 讼事: Beware of incurring capital punishment.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but difficult to rear.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yü indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Yü (Enthusiasm). Favorable for establishing feudal lords and mobilizing armies. The Image says: The upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder) representing thunder, and the lower trigram is Kun (Earth) representing the earth. Spring thunder rumbles and the earth shakes, stimulating and bringing forth all things; this is the image of the Yü hexagram. Observing this, the ancient kings took inspiration from the thunder that fills the earth to create music, praising virtue, presenting it magnificently to the Supreme Lord (Shangdi) and extending the honor to their ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Thunder emerges from the earth; pleasing, obedient, and joyful. In times of peace and happiness, one must guard against troubles and adversity. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram accord with heaven and adapt to the times. Everything goes auspiciously, and one can receive assistance from elders. However, one must guard against sexual temptations and must not indulge in the world of sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Zhen above). Kun represents Earth and compliance; Zhen represents Thunder and movement. Thunder emerges according to the season, signifying the return of spring to the earth. Acting in compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and the Qian (Modesty) hexagram are reverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, interacting with one another.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject falling into no error, but meeting (the exigency of his situation), without exceeding (in his natural. course). If he go forward, there will be peril, and he must be cautious. There is no occasion to be using firmness perpetually.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: No error, do not criticize him, but prevent mistakes from happening. If going forward into danger, warning must be given immediately; there is no need to divine the future fortune. The Image says: Do not criticize excessively, but prevent mistakes from happening, because the Yang line of nine in the fourth place is in a Yin position, like a person in an unfavorable situation who is prone to error. If going forward into danger, warning must be given, because committing a mistake knowingly will only accelerate one's own failure.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to rest in the ordinary and hold to one's duty; do not act rashly.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Observe the situation; do not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Stop at the right limit; do not be overly greedy.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to dwell in peace; do not rush into matchmaking and betrothals.
• Health 身体: Quietly nourish one's spirit.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The timing is to be defined by what is appropriate; do not act rashly or advance lightly.
• Business 营商: Stop when it is appropriate; do not be overly greedy.
• Fame & Career 功名: Do not seek rapid advancement, and you will naturally enjoy the celebration of a chance meeting; if you act rashly in hope of honor, you will likely instead incur disaster.
• Warfare 战征: The fourth line is strong but out of place; it is advisable not to launch an attack, only then can one escape blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: A good match will come naturally and be met when the time is right; do not rush into matchmaking and betrothals.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to dwell in peace; there is no need to relocate.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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

Changing Hexagram (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.

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.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, (suggests the idea) of dense clouds, but no rain, coming from our borders in the west. It also (shows) the prince shooting his arrow, and taking the bird in a cave.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Over my western outskirts, dense clouds gather, rain is imminent. The prince went to shoot birds but captured beasts in a cave. The Image says: Dense clouds gather, rain is imminent, because the rain clouds have already gathered in the sky.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, it is unfavorable for planning new endeavors; keeping to the old ways is best. Officials face the danger of being retired.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A time of plainness; difficult to achieve great things.
• Wealth 财运: Small profits can be obtained; no need to think too much.
• Household 家宅: A family of modest comfort; feared not to be a primary wife.
• Health 身体: Treatable with acupuncture and moxibustion.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path is ordinary, difficult to achieve great things, only suitable for small gains.
• Business 营商: Small profits can be captured.
• Fame & Career 功名: Living in retirement in the mountain forests, one should receive a summons of the bow and banner (an invitation to office).
• Warfare 战征: The enemy is in the mountain cave with an ambush laid; it is advisable to attack and capture them first.
• Marriage 婚姻: It is an association formed by climbing through walls and looking through crevices (an improper courtship), not a formal marriage.
• Weather 天时: Severe drought.
• Lost Items 失物: Should search for it in a cave or underground.
• Illness 疾病: Should be treated with acupuncture.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided, shows. its subject not meeting (the exigency of his situation), and exceeding (his proper course). (It suggests the idea of) a bird flying far aloft. There will be evil. The case is what is called one of calamity and self-produced injury.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Failing to stop, thus committing a transgression, like a flying bird entering a net; misfortune, this is called disaster. The Image says: Failing to stop, thus committing a transgression, as shown by the position of the Yin line of six at the top, the person is too arrogant and reckless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, their fortune is poor. They do not know how to retreat and guard; excessive rigidity leads to breaking.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not knowing how to retreat and guard, one brings disaster upon oneself.
• Wealth 财运: The timing is wrong; there is no gain but loss.
• Household 家宅: An image of dispersion and separation; watch out for cunning schemes.
• Health 身体: A dangerous illness; seek an excellent physician immediately.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The higher the more dangerous, the further the advance the more severe; not knowing how to retreat and guard, misfortune is self-inflicted.
• Fame & Career 功名: Rash advancement brings disaster.
• Business 营商: Neither meeting the right time nor refraining from reckless advance, defeat is certain.
• Warfare 战征: When the army advances and meets no enemy troops, know that the enemy must have set an ambush in secret; it is advisable to retreat immediately, otherwise one will surely fall into danger and difficulty.
• Marriage 婚姻: Guard against falling into the schemes of cunning matchmakers.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Small success. Divining on traveling is auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain. Fire on the mountain, illuminating the hidden depths: this is the image of the Wanderer. The superior man, in accordance with this, is clear and cautious in administering justice and executing penalties, neither daring to abuse punishments nor delaying the cases.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The journey is destitute, drifting and unstable; small hopes can be achieved, but grand ambitions are hard to realize. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters undergo many changes, as if being in a foreign land. Small matters can succeed, but great matters are hard to accomplish; it is advisable to adhere strictly to routine.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Li above). This hexagram is the opposite of the Feng hexagram (Abundance), serving as its inversed hexagram. Fire burns on the mountain, burning without stopping, the flames constantly spreading forward, like a traveler on the road, hurrying on their journey. Hence it is named Lü (The Wanderer).

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.