贲
BìUpper: Mountain · 艮 · Lower: Fire · 离
Judgment亨。小利有攸往。
In plain wordsSuccess; a little advantage in going forward. Moderate adornment can help things go smoothly, but it is only the surface, and appearance should not outweigh substance.
The imageMountain above, fire below: fire at the foot of the mountain lights up the trees on its slopes and adds color.
A hint for youCaring about image and expression is fine, but the inner substance is the point. Spend some thought on small details, look to substance in big matters, and do not be misled by surfaces.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九贲其趾，舍车而徒。The first line, undivided, shows one adorning (the way of) his feet. He can discard a carriage and walk on foot.
- 六二贲其须。The second line, divided, shows one adorning his beard.
- 九三贲如濡如，永贞吉。The third line, undivided, shows its subject with the appearance of being adorned and bedewed (with rich favours). But let him ever maintain his firm correctness, and there will be good fortune.
- 六四贲如皤如，白马翰如，匪寇婚媾。The fourth line, divided, shows one looking as if adorned, but only in white. As if (mounted on) a white horse, and furnished with wings, (he seeks union with the subject of the first line), while (the intervening third pursues), not as a robber, but intent on a matrimonial alliance.
- 六五贲于丘园，束帛戋戋，吝，终吉。The fifth line, divided, shows its subject adorned by (the occupants of) the heights and gardens. He bears his roll of silk, small and slight. He may appear stingy; but there will be good fortune in the end.
- 上九白贲，无咎。The sixth line, undivided, shows one with white as his (only) ornament. There will be no error.
Grace; form serves substance
For entertainment and self-reflection only