Hexagram 19: Approach
Hexagram
19. Approach · Lin
Structure of the sign
The Chinese word Lin possesses a series of meanings that cannot be exhausted by a single word. The ancient commentaries on the Book of Changes give as its first meaning 'becoming great.' What becomes great are the two strong lines that grow into the hexagram from below. With them the light-giving power expands. From there the thought progresses to the concept of approach, specifically the approach of what is strong and superior toward what is lowly. Ultimately, it also signifies the condescension of a superior toward the people, as well as the taking in hand of affairs. The hexagram is assigned to the twelfth month (January–February), since after the solstice the light power is already once again ascending.
The Judgment
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune. The hexagram as a whole points to a time of hopeful progress. Spring approaches. Joy and compliance draw the high and the lowly closer together. Success is assured. Yet determined and persevering work is required to make full use of the favor of the time. And one thing more: the springtime does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. Then only two strong, light lines remain, which are not advancing, however, but retreating (cf. the following hexagram). One must take heed of this reversal in good time. If evil is met in this manner, before it has yet made its appearance—indeed before it has even begun to stir—one will become master of it.
The Image
Above the lake is the earth: the image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without bounds in tolerating and protecting the people. The earth borders upon the lake from above; this is the image of approach and the condescension of the higher toward those who stand lower. From the two parts of the image arises his conduct toward these men. Just as the lake shows inexhaustible depth, so the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to instruct men; and just as the earth is boundlessly vast, sustaining and cherishing all creatures, so the sage sustains and cherishes men, without excluding any portion of humanity through boundaries of any kind.
The lines
Line 1▶ ruling line
Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune. Good begins to prevail and finds responsiveness in an influential place. From there an impulse goes out to the capable man to draw near. One may join this upward movement. Only one must take care not to lose oneself in the currents of the time, but to persevere in what is right: this brings good fortune.
Line 2▶ ruling line
Joint approach. Good fortune! Everything furthers. Since one is in the position of being prompted from above to approach, and possesses within oneself the strength and consistency that needs no warning, one meets with good fortune. Nor does the future need to cause anxiety. One knows well that all earthly things are transitory, and that decline follows every ascent; yet one does not let oneself be misled by this universal fate. Everything furthers. Therefore one will tread the paths of life swiftly, uprightly, and boldly.
Line 3
Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one reaches grief over it, one becomes free of blame. Progress is joyous. One attains power and influence. But this harbors the danger that, relying on one's position, one feels comfortable and lets this relaxed, indolent mood show in one's dealings with people. That is harmful under all circumstances. Yet the possibility of a change of mood exists. If one feels grief over this mistaken attitude, if one senses the responsibility inherent in an influential position, one frees oneself from fault.
Line 4
Complete approach. No blame. While the three lower lines denote the ascent to power and influence, the three upper show the conduct of those in higher positions toward the lowly, to whom they grant influence. Here is shown a completely open-minded approach of a superior to a capable man, whom he draws into his company without regard to class prejudice. This is very favorable.
Line 5
Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune! A prince or someone in a leading position ought to possess the wisdom to draw into his circle capable men who are knowledgeable in the management of affairs. His wisdom consists as much in knowing how to select the right people as in letting those he has chosen have a free hand, without interfering personally in the affairs. For only through this restraint will he find the people necessary to handle all demands properly.
Line 6
Magnanimous approach. Good fortune. No blame. A sage who has overcome the world and is inwardly finished with life may, under certain conditions, find himself called upon to enter the mundane sphere once more and approach other men. This is of great benefit to the others, to whom he directs his teaching and aid. Nor is this magnanimous self-abasement any blemish to him.
Below ☱ Lake (Dui)
- Direction
- W
- Element
- Lake · Metal
- Attributes
- Joyous · Cheerful · Open · Contented · Abundant
- Family
- Youngest Daughter
Above ☷ Earth (Kun)
- Direction
- SW
- Element
- Earth
- Attributes
- Receptive · Yielding · Nourishing · Supporting · Dark
- Family
- Mother