Hexagram 31: Influence (Wooing)
Hexagram
31. Influence (Wooing) · Xian
Structure of the sign
The name of the hexagram means 'universal', 'all-pervading', and in a figurative sense 'to influence', 'to stimulate'. The upper trigram is Dui, the Joyous; the lower is Gen, Keeping Still. By its persistent, quiet influence, the lower, rigid trigram stimulates the upper, weak trigram, which responds to this stimulation joyfully and with gladness. Gen, the lower trigram, is the youngest son; the upper, Dui, is the youngest daughter. Thus the universal mutual attraction between the sexes is represented. In this wooing, the male must take the initiative and place himself below the female. Just as the first part of the book begins with the hexagrams of heaven and earth as the foundations of all that exists, so the second part begins with the hexagrams of courtship and marriage as the foundations of all social relations.
The Judgment
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. Taking a maiden to wife brings good fortune. The weak is above, the strong below; hence their forces attract each other, so that they unite. This creates success. For all success rests upon the effect of mutual attraction. Quietude within combined with joy without causes the joy not to exceed the proper measure, but to remain within the limits of what is right. This is the meaning of the added admonition: 'Perseverance furthers'; for by this, courtship—in which the strong man humbles himself beneath the weak maiden and shows consideration for her—is distinguished from seduction. This attraction of affinity is a universal law of nature. Heaven and earth attract each other, and thus all creatures come into being. Through such attraction the sage influences the hearts of men, and thus the world attains peace. From the attractions which things exert, one can perceive the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
The Image
A lake on the mountain: the image of Influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him by his readiness to receive them. A mountain with a lake on its summit is stimulated by the lake's moisture. It enjoys this advantage because its summit does not jut out, but is hollowed out. The image gives the counsel that one should keep oneself inwardly humble and free, so that one remains receptive to good advice. People soon cease to counsel him who believes he knows everything better than others.
The lines
Line 1
The influence shows itself in the big toe. A movement, before it is actually carried out, first shows itself in the toes. The idea of influencing is already there, but at first it does not yet appear outwardly to others. As long as the intention produces no visible effects, it is a matter of indifference to the outside world, leading neither to good nor to evil.
Line 2
The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune! Tarrying brings good fortune. The calf follows the foot in movement. It cannot move forward by itself, nor can it remain stationary alone. It is a movement that is dependent, and because it is not master of itself, it brings misfortune. One should wait quietly until one is impelled to action by genuine influence. Then one remains free from harm.
Line 3
The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. Continuing brings humiliation. Every mood of the heart stirs a movement. Whither the heart aspires, thither the thighs run without reflection; they hold to the heart, which they follow. But applied to human life, this manner of immediately setting oneself in motion at every impulse of a passing whim is not right and, if persistently continued, leads to humiliation. A threefold thought presents itself: One must not simply run after all people upon whom one wishes to exert an influence, but must know how to restrain oneself under certain circumstances. Likewise, one must not immediately yield to all the caprices of those in whose service one stands. And finally, in regard to the moods of one's own heart, one should never neglect the possibility of inhibition, upon which human freedom rests.
Line 4▶ ruling line
Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated and his thoughts flit to and fro, only those friends will follow upon whom he directs his conscious thoughts. Here the place of the heart is reached. The stimulation proceeding from here is the most important of all. Particular care must be taken that the influence is constant and good; then, despite the danger arising from the great mobility of the human heart, no remorse will be necessary. When the quiet power of one's personal being acts, the effects are normal. All people who are receptive to the vibrations of such a mind are then influenced. Influence over others should not manifest itself as a conscious and deliberate working upon them. For through such conscious agitation one becomes excited and worn out by the endless to and fro. Moreover, the effects are then limited to those people upon whom one consciously directs one's thoughts.
Line 5▶ ruling line
The influence shows itself in the nape of the neck. No remorse. The nape of the neck is the most immobile part of the body. When the influence manifests itself here, the will remains firm, and the influence does not lead to confusion. Therefore, remorse does not come into consideration here. What takes place in these depths of one's being, in the subconscious, can neither be called forth nor hindered by consciousness. To be sure, if one is thus incapable of being influenced oneself, an influence upon the outside world is also not possible.
Line 6
The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue. The most superficial way of trying to influence others is by mere chatter, without anything real corresponding to the words. Such stimulation through the mere movement of the vocal organs necessarily remains insignificant. Therefore nothing is added concerning good fortune or misfortune.
Below ☶ Mountain (Gen)
- Direction
- NE
- Element
- Mountain · Stone
- Attributes
- Keeping Still · Firm · Immovable · Setting Boundaries
- Family
- Youngest Son
Above ☱ Lake (Dui)
- Direction
- W
- Element
- Lake · Metal
- Attributes
- Joyous · Cheerful · Open · Contented · Abundant
- Family
- Youngest Daughter