Hexagram 22: Grace
Hexagram
22. Grace · Bi
Structure of the sign
The sign shows fire breaking forth from the secret depths of the earth and, flaring upward, illuminating and adorning the mountain, the heavenly height. Grace, or beautiful form, is necessary in every union so that it becomes ordered and pleasing rather than chaotic and disordered.
The Judgment
Grace has success. In small matters it is favorable to undertake something. Grace brings success. Yet it is not the essential foundation, but merely ornamentation. Therefore it must be applied only sparingly, in small matters. In the lower trigram, Fire, a yielding line enters between two firm lines and makes them beautiful; but the firm lines are the essence, while the yielding line is the beautifying form. In the upper trigram, Mountain, the firm line takes the determining position at the summit, so that here too it must be regarded as decisive. In nature, one perceives in the heavens the powerful light of the sun, upon which the life of the world depends. Yet this strong, essential element is transformed and given graceful variety by the moon and the stars. In human life, beautiful form consists in the presence of firm, strong institutions standing like mountains, rendered agreeable through lucid beauty. Contemplation of the forms in the heavens yields the power to understand time and its changing requirements. Contemplation of the forms in human life yields the power to shape the world. Note: The sign represents tranquil beauty: clarity within and stillness without. This is the quietude of pure contemplation. When desire is silenced and the will comes to rest, the world enters appearance as representation. As such it is beautiful and withdrawn from the struggle for existence. This is the world of art. Yet through mere contemplation the will is not permanently stilled; it will awaken once more, and all beauty was then only a transient moment of elevation. For this reason, this is not yet the true path to salvation. Confucius therefore felt quite uneasy when, upon consulting the oracle, he obtained the sign 'Grace'.
The Image
Fire at the foot of the mountain: the image of Grace. Thus does the superior man proceed in the clarification of current affairs, but he does not venture to decide contentious lawsuits in this way. The fire whose radiance illumines the mountain and makes it graceful does not shine over great distances. Thus, graceful form is indeed sufficient to brighten and clarify smaller matters, but weighty questions cannot be decided in this manner. They require greater gravity.
The lines
Line 1
He lends grace to his toes, leaves the carriage, and walks. The position at the beginning and in a subordinate place entails that one must take the toil of advancing upon oneself. One might have the opportunity to procure an illicit ease—represented under the image of the carriage. But a person of integrity disdains such conveniences obtained through questionable means. He finds it more graceful to go on foot than to ride unlawfully in a carriage.
Line 2▶ ruling line
He lends grace to the beard on his chin. The beard possesses no independent movement; it can move only together with the chin. The image therefore signifies that form is of value only as an accompaniment and consequence of substance. The beard is a superfluous ornament. To cultivate it for its own sake—without regard for the inner substance it is meant to adorn—would therefore be a mark of vanity.
Line 3
Graceful and moist. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. One finds oneself in a most charming situation in life. Grace and a glistening radiance surround one. Yet this grace, while it adorns, may also cause one to sink. Hence the warning not to sink into moist ease, but to maintain enduring perseverance. Therein lies good fortune.
Line 4
Grace or simplicity? A white horse comes as if on wings: He is no robber, he woos in due time. One finds oneself in a situation where doubt arises as to whether to continue seeking the grace of outward brilliance or whether it were better to return to simplicity. The answer already lies within this doubt. Confirmation approaches from without, drawing near like a winged white horse. The white color signifies simplicity. And even if at first it might seem disappointing to forego the comforts one could secure by other means, peace is found in loyal union with the friend and suitor. The winged horse is an image of thoughts that fly over all boundaries of space and time.
Line 5
Grace in hills and gardens. The roll of silk is meager and small. Humiliation, yet in the end good fortune. One withdraws from intercourse with people of the lowlands who seek only pomp and luxury, retreating into the solitude of the heights. There one finds a person whom one looks up to and desires as a friend. But the guest gifts one has to offer are slight and poor, bringing feelings of shame. Yet it is not the external gift that matters, but sincerity of heart; therefore all goes well in the end.
Line 6▶ ruling line
Simple grace. No blame. Here at the highest stage, all ornament is put aside. Form no longer conceals substance, but allows it to come into its full effect. The highest grace consists not in outward decoration of the material, but in its simple, appropriate shaping.
Below ☲ Fire (Li)
- Direction
- S
- Element
- Fire · Sun · Light
- Attributes
- Clarifying · Luminous · Clinging · Conscious · Beautiful
- Family
- Middle Daughter
Above ☶ Mountain (Gen)
- Direction
- NE
- Element
- Mountain · Stone
- Attributes
- Keeping Still · Firm · Immovable · Setting Boundaries
- Family
- Youngest Son