Hexagram 31, Xián (Influence): Line 4

咸卦九四 · 泽山咸 · 中文版

九四:贞吉悔亡,憧憧往来,朋从尔思。

The line (Legge)

The fourth NINE, undivided, shows that firm correctness which will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose.

Small Image commentary

'Firm correctness will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance:' - there has not yet been any harm from (a selfish wish to) influence. 'He is unsettled in his movements:'(his power to influence) is not yet either brilliant or great.

象曰:贞吉悔亡,未感害也。憧憧往来,未光大也。

In plain words

Steadfastness brings good fortune and regret vanishes. Restlessly coming and going, only friends follow your thoughts. The fourth line sits among three yang lines, in the place of the heart; feeling should be upright and selfless, and if it is deliberately managed, its reach is narrow. The Great Commentary builds on this line: what need has the world of thought and worry? The Small Image says steadfastness keeps feeling from doing harm, while restless coming and going is not yet broad or bright.

Applying it to your situation

If you are working hard to influence people, this line suggests that sincere, selfless feeling reaches further than careful management. In this relationship, are you managing, or feeling?

Position

A solid (yang) line in the fourth place, which is a yin (even) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 1; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Xián changes into Hexagram 39 Jiǎn (Obstruction). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·咸之蹇.

The hexagram

Hexagram 31 Xián (Influence). The Judgment: Xian 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.

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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. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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