明夷
Míng YíUpper: Earth · 坤 · Lower: Fire · 离
Judgment利艰贞。
In plain wordsIt favors staying on the right course in hardship. In a dark or oppressive setting, one conceals one's talents and light while keeping the inner way, and in this way stays safe.
The imageEarth above, fire below: light sinks beneath the ground like the sun at dusk, so brightness is wounded.
A hint for youWhen the environment is unfriendly to you, protect yourself first and do not argue over everything. Keep your heart firm and do the work in front of you, so that outside darkness does not change you.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九明夷于飞，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食，有攸往，主人有言。The first line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, flying, but with drooping wings. When the superior man (is revolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes, the people there may speak (derisively of him).
- 六二明夷，夷于左股，用拯马壮，吉。The second line, divided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, wounded in the left thigh. He saves himself by the strength of a (swift) horse; and is fortunate.
- 九三明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾贞。The third line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, hunting in the south, and taking the great chief (of the darkness). He should not be eager to make (all) correct (at once).
- 六四入于左腹，获明夷之心，于出门庭。The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (just) entered into the left side of the belly (of the dark land). (But) he is able to carry out the mind appropriate (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, quitting the gate and courtyard (of the lord of darkness).
- 六五箕子之明夷，利贞。The fifth line, divided, shows how the count of Kî fulfilled the condition indicated by Ming Î. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
- 上六不明晦，初登于天，后入于地。The sixth line, divided, shows the case where there is no light, but (only) obscurity. (Its subject) had at first ascended to (the top of) the sky; his future shall be to go into the earth.
Darkened light; keep your light inside
For entertainment and self-reflection only