Hexagram 35: Progress
Hexagram
35. Progress · Jin
Structure of the sign
The hexagram represents the sun rising over the earth; it is therefore the image of rapid, easy progress, which at the same time signifies ever wider expansion and clarity.
The Judgment
PROGRESS: The powerful prince is honored with horses in large numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times. As an example, a time is depicted when a powerful feudal lord gathers the other princes in obedience and peace around the sovereign king, and is richly rewarded by the sovereign king and drawn into his closest presence. There is a twofold idea in this. The actual effect of the progress proceeds from a man in a subordinate position, whom the others regard as their peer, which is why they follow him willingly. This leader possesses sufficient inner clarity not to abuse the great influence he holds, but to use it for the benefit of his lord. The lord, for his part, is free from all jealousy, bestows lavish gifts upon the great man, and continually keeps him close to himself. An enlightened ruler and an obedient servant—these are the conditions of great progress.
The Image
The sun rises above the earth: the image of PROGRESS. Thus the superior man himself brightens his luminous talents. The light of the sun rising above the earth is by nature clear, but the higher the sun ascends, the more it emerges from the murky mists, shining forth across a wider expanse in its original purity. In the same way, the true nature of man is originally good, but it becomes clouded through contact with earthly things, and therefore requires purification so that it may shine in its inherent clarity.
The lines
Line 1
Advancing, yet repulsed. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, let him remain calm. No blame. At a time when everything presses forward toward progress, one remains uncertain whether one might not meet with rejection in advancing. Here it is essential simply to continue in what is right; this ultimately brings good fortune. It may happen that confidence is withheld. In such a case, one should not seek confidence at all costs; one must remain calm and serene, refusing to be provoked to anger. Thus one remains free of blame.
Line 2
Advancing, yet in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. One then receives great happiness from his ancestress. Progress is checked; one finds oneself prevented from entering into connection with the person in authority to whom one is allied. This brings sorrow. Yet in such a case, it is essential to remain steadfast; then one will receive great happiness from that figure in maternal mildness. This happiness arrives and is well deserved, because the mutual affection does not rest on selfish or partisan motives, but on firm and correct principles.
Line 3
All are in agreement. Remorse disappears. One presses forward in fellowship with others, by whose consent one is upheld. Thereby the cause for regret disappears—which might otherwise have been found in the fact that one lacks the independence to prevail alone against every adversity.
Line 4
Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger. In times of progress, it is easy for strong men, if they are in an improper place, to hoard much for themselves. But such conduct shuns the light. And since times of progress are always also times when the sun brings all clandestine dealings to light, perseverance in such actions necessarily brings danger.
Line 5▶ ruling line
Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything furthers. Here a situation is depicted in which, in times of progress, one occupies a decisive position and is gentle and reserved. One might reprove oneself for not having exploited the favor of the hour energetically enough to secure every possible advantage. Yet this remorse disappears. One must not take loss and gain to heart; these are secondary matters. It is far more important that in this manner one has secured opportunities for successful and blessed activity.
Line 6
Advancing with the horns is permitted only to punish one's own domain. Consciousness of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation. Advancing with the horns—that is, proceeding aggressively—should, in times such as these, be applied only against the faults of one's own people. In doing so, one must remain conscious that such aggressive action is always attended by danger. Thereby one avoids the mistakes that would otherwise threaten, and what one intended succeeds. On the other hand, a persistent continuation of this overly energetic attitude, especially toward those more distant, will bring humiliation.
Below ☷ Earth (Kun)
- Direction
- SW
- Element
- Earth
- Attributes
- Receptive · Yielding · Nourishing · Supporting · Dark
- Family
- Mother
Above ☲ Fire (Li)
- Direction
- S
- Element
- Fire · Sun · Light
- Attributes
- Clarifying · Luminous · Clinging · Conscious · Beautiful
- Family
- Middle Daughter