Hexagram 15: Modesty
Hexagram
15. Modesty · Qian
Structure of the sign
The hexagram is composed of Gen, Keeping Still, the mountain, and Kun. The mountain is the youngest son of the Creative, the representative of heaven on earth. It dispenses the blessings of heaven, the clouds and rain that gather around its summit, downward, and thereupon shines transfigured in heavenly light. This shows modesty and its effect in high and strong men. Above stands Kun, the earth. The attribute of the earth is lowliness, but for that very reason it is represented in this hexagram as exalted, in that it stands above the mountain. This shows the effect of modesty in lowly, simple men: they are thereby exalted.
The Judgment
Modesty creates success. The superior man brings things to an end. The law of heaven empties the full and fills the modest: when the sun stands at its highest, it must according to heavenly law move toward setting, and when it is lowest beneath the earth, it moves toward a new rising. When the moon is full, it wanes according to the same law, and when it is empty, it waxes once more. This heavenly law takes effect also in the destinies of men. The law of earth is to alter the full and to flow toward the modest: the high mountains are worn away by the waters and the valleys are filled up. The law of the powers of destiny is to harm the full and to bestow good fortune on the modest. And men, too, hate fullness and love modesty. Destinies follow fixed laws that operate with necessity. Yet it is within man's hands to shape his destiny, according as he exposes himself through his conduct to the influence of the blessing or destroying forces. When a man stands high and shows himself modest, he shines in the light of wisdom. When he is lowly and shows himself modest, he cannot be passed over. Thus the superior man succeeds in bringing his work to completion without boasting of what has been achieved.
The Image
Within the earth is a mountain: the image of Modesty. Thus the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them equal. One does not perceive the wealth of the earth within which a mountain is hidden, for the height of the mountain serves to balance the depths. Thus high and low complement each other, and the result is the plain. Here is the image of modesty: that which required long labor appears natural and easy. Thus does the superior man act when establishing order on earth. He levels the social disparities that are the source of strife, and thereby creates just and equitable conditions.
The lines
Line 1
A modest-modest superior man may cross the great water. Good fortune! A dangerous undertaking, such as crossing a great water, is rendered very difficult when many claims and considerations must be taken into account. On the other hand, it is easy if carried out quickly and simply. Therefore, the completely unassuming frame of mind of modesty is suited to accomplishing even difficult undertakings, because it sets up no demands and preconditions, but settles the matter simply and easily; for where no claims are asserted, no resistances arise.
Line 2
Modesty that expresses itself. Perseverance brings good fortune. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. If a person is inwardly so modest that this attitude shows itself in his outward conduct, it turns out to his good fortune: for in this way he naturally possesses the possibility of persistent influence, which can be supplanted by none.
Line 3▶ ruling line
A superior man of modesty and merit brings things to an end. Good fortune! Here is the center of the hexagram, where its secret is uttered. Through great achievements one soon acquires an eminent name. If one allows oneself to be dazzled by fame, criticism will very soon set in, and difficulties will arise. If, on the other hand, one remains modest despite one's merits, one wins popularity and gains the helping hands needed to carry the work one has undertaken through to the end.
Line 4
Nothing that would not be furthering for modesty in motion. Everything has its measure. Even modesty in conduct can be exaggerated. Here it is in its proper place, since the situation between a meritorious helper below and a benevolent ruler above brings with it very great responsibility. The trust of the superior must not be abused, nor may the merits of the subordinate be concealed. There are indeed officials who do not distinguish themselves. They shield themselves behind the letter of the statutes, they decline all responsibility, they accept payment without rendering corresponding service, they bear titles to which no reality lends significance. The modesty mentioned here is the exact opposite of that. Modesty in such a position shows itself precisely in that one devotes oneself with keen interest to one's duties.
Line 5
Not boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is furthering to attack with force. Nothing that would not be furthering. Modesty is distinct from weak good nature that lets everything take its course. When one occupies a responsible post, one must under certain circumstances take energetic action. But for this it is necessary that one does not seek to prevail by personally vaunting one's superiority; rather, one must be sure of one's surroundings. The intervention must be purely objective and must contain nothing personally wounding. In this, modesty shows itself even in severity.
Line 6
Modesty that expresses itself. It is furthering to set armies marching to discipline one's own city and one's own country. He who is truly in earnest with his modesty must see to it that it manifests in reality. He must proceed with great energy in doing so. When hostility arises, nothing is easier than to seek the fault in another. A weak man then perhaps withdraws into himself, offended, and pities himself, taking it for modesty that he does not defend himself. True modesty shows itself in setting about vigorously to create order, beginning the chastisement with one's own self and one's closest circle. Only by having the courage to set one's armies marching against oneself is something truly forceful accomplished.
Below ☶ Mountain (Gen)
- Direction
- NE
- Element
- Mountain · Stone
- Attributes
- Keeping Still · Firm · Immovable · Setting Boundaries
- Family
- Youngest Son
Above ☷ Earth (Kun)
- Direction
- SW
- Element
- Earth
- Attributes
- Receptive · Yielding · Nourishing · Supporting · Dark
- Family
- Mother