Hexagram 1: Qián (The Creative)
乾为天 · 第 1 卦 · Heaven over Heaven · 中文版
The Judgment
Qian (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
乾：元，亨，利，贞。
Commentary on the Judgment (Tuan)
Vast is the 'great and originating (power)' indicated by Qian! All things owe to it their beginning: - it contains all the meaning belonging to (the name) heaven. The clouds move and the rain is distributed; the various things appear in their developed forms. (The sages) grandly understand (the connexion between) the end and the beginning, and how (the indications of) the six lines (in the hexagram) are accomplished, (each) in its season. (Accordingly) they mount (the carriage) drawn by those six dragons at the proper times, and drive through the sky. The method of Qian is to change and transform, so that everything obtains its correct nature as appointed (by the mind of Heaven); and (thereafter the conditions of) great harmony are preserved in union. The result is 'what is advantageous, and correct and firm. (The sage) appears aloft, high above all things, and the myriad states all enjoy repose.
彖曰：大哉乾元，万物资始，乃统天。云行雨施，品物流形。大明终始，六位时成，时乘六龙以御天。乾道变化，各正性命，保合大和，乃利贞。首出庶物，万国咸宁。
The Great Image
Heaven, in its motion, (gives the idea of) strength. The superior man, in accordance with this, nerves himself to ceaseless activity.
象曰：天行健，君子以自强不息。
The six lines
Line 1 (first): In the first (or lowest) NINE, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.
'The dragon lies hid in the deep; - it is not the time for active doing:' - (this appears from) the strong and undivided line's being in the lowest place.
初九：潜龙，勿用。 象曰：潜龙勿用，阳在下也。 · 单爻页
Line 2 (second): In the second NINE, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
'The dragon appears in the field:' - the diffusion of virtuous influence has been wide.
九二：见龙在田，利见大人。 象曰：见龙在田，德施普也。 · 单爻页
Line 3 (third): In the third NINE, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.
'Active and vigilant all the day:' - (this refers to) the treading of the (proper) path over and over again.
九三：君子终日乾乾，夕惕若，厉无咎。 象曰：终日乾乾，反复道也。 · 单爻页
Line 4 (fourth): In the fourth NINE, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.
'He seems to be leaping up, but is still in the deep:' - if he advance, there will be no error.
九四：或跃在渊，无咎。 象曰：或跃在渊，进无咎也。 · 单爻页
Line 5 (fifth): In the fifth NINE, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
'The dragon is on the wing in the sky:' - the great man rouses himself to his work.
九五：飞龙在天，利见大人。 象曰：飞龙在天，大人造也。 · 单爻页
Line 6 (sixth (top)): In the sixth (or topmost) NINE, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.
'The dragon exceeds the proper limits; - there will be occasion for repentance:' - a state of fulness, that is, should not be indulged in long.
上九：亢龙有悔。 象曰：亢龙有悔，盈不可久也。 · 单爻页
All lines nine (use of nine)
(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number NINE. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.
'The same NINE (undivided) is used' (in all the places of this hexagram), but the attribute of heaven (thereby denoted) should not (always) take the foremost place.
用九：见群龙无首，吉。
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English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text, checked against ctext.org. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction.