谦
QiānUpper: Earth · 坤 · Lower: Mountain · 艮
Judgment亨，君子有终。
In plain wordsModesty brings success, and the noble person sees things through to a good end. Being strong without boasting and willing to lower one's stance makes others glad to help and lets matters finish well.
The imageEarth above, mountain below: a mountain that is tall by nature but lies beneath the ground, high yet content to stay low.
A hint for youGiving credit to others and keeping a low profile is not weakness; it draws people to you. Work steadily, and what deserves to be seen will be seen.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六谦谦君子，用涉大川，吉。The first line, divided, shows us the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
- 六二鸣谦，贞吉。The second line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
- 九三劳谦君子，有终吉。The third line, undivided, shows the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.
- 六四无不利，㧑谦。The fourth line, divided, shows one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.
- 六五不富，以其邻，利用侵伐，无不利。The fifth line, divided, shows one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.
- 上六鸣谦，利用行师，征邑国。The sixth line, divided, shows us humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; but (he will only) punish his own towns and state.
Modesty earns support
For entertainment and self-reflection only