Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light
Hexagram
36. Darkening of the Light · Ming Yi
Structure of the sign
Here the sun has sunk under the earth and is therefore darkened. The name of the hexagram properly means 'wounding of the bright'; therefore the individual lines frequently speak of woundings. The situation is the exact opposite of that in the preceding hexagram. There a wise man at the top had able helpers with whom he advanced in common; here a dark man is in the authoritative position, through whom the able and wise man is injured.
The Judgment
Darkening of the Light. In adversity it furthers one to be persevering. One must not allow oneself to be swept along defenselessly by unfavorable circumstances, nor permit one's inner steadfastness of will to be bent. This is possible if one is inwardly clear and outwardly yielding and compliant. Through such an attitude even the greatest adversity can be overcome. Under certain circumstances one must indeed conceal one's light in order to be able to carry through one's will despite difficulties in one's immediate environment. Perseverance must dwell in the inmost consciousness and must not show itself outwardly. Only thus can one maintain one's will amidst difficulties.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth: the image of Darkening of the Light. Thus does the superior man live with the great multitude: he veils his light, yet remains bright. In times of darkness it is necessary to be cautious and reserved. One should not needlessly incur overwhelming enmity through heedless conduct. In such times one should indeed not join in the practices of men, yet neither should one bring them critically to light. In social intercourse during such times one must not wish to know everything. One must let many things rest without allowing oneself to be deceived thereby.
The lines
Line 1
Darkening of the light in flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man on his wanderings eats nothing for three days. But he has a place to go. The host has gossip to say about him. With a grand resolve one seeks to soar above all obstacles. But then one encounters hostile fate. One withdraws and yields. The time is difficult. Restlessly one must hasten on without a permanent dwelling place. If one is unwilling to make inward compromises and wishes to remain true to one's principles, one falls into want. But one has one's fixed goal toward which one strives, even if the people among whom one lodges do not understand one and slander one.
Line 2▶ ruling line
The darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh. He renders help with the strength of a horse. Good fortune. Here the master of light is in a subordinate position. He is wounded by the lord of darkness. But the wound is not fatal, only a hindrance. Rescue is still possible. The one affected thinks not of himself, but only of the rescue of the others who are also endangered. Therefore he seeks with utmost strength to save what can be saved. In this dutiful action lies good fortune.
Line 3
Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great head is taken. One must not expect perseverance too hastily. Seemingly, a play of chance is at work. While the strong and faithful man strives in eager activity to create order, without any ulterior motives, he encounters as if by chance the ringleader of the disorder and gets possession of him. Thereby victory is won. But one must not carry out the elimination of abuses too hastily. That would be of evil, because the abuses have been in vogue for too long.
Line 4
He penetrates into the left side of the belly. One obtains the heart of the darkening of the light, and leaves gate and courtyard. One finds oneself in the vicinity of the chief of darkness and thus learns his secretmost thoughts. In this way one recognizes that improvement is no longer to be hoped for, and one is enabled in good time to leave the place of disaster before it breaks in.
Line 5▶ ruling line
Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers. Prince Chi lived at the court of the dark tyrant Chou Hsin, who serves, though unnamed, as the historical example underlying the whole situation. Prince Chi was a relative of this tyrant; therefore he could not withdraw from the court. He therefore concealed his good principles and feigned madness. Thus he was kept as a slave, yet without allowing himself to be led astray in his principles by external hardships. From this arises the teaching for those who cannot leave their posts in times of darkness. In addition to unconquerable perseverance within, they require double caution without, in order to escape the danger. ±
Line 6
Not light, but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, then he plunged down into the depths of the earth. Here the climax of darkness is reached. The dark power was at first placed so high that it could wound all the good and the light. In the end, however, it perishes through its own darkness, for evil must fall at the very moment when it has completely overcome the good and thus consumed the power to which it hitherto owed its existence.
Bottom ☲ Fire (Li)
- Direction
- S
- Element
- Fire · Sun · Light
- Attributes
- Clarifying · Luminous · Clinging · Conscious · Beautiful
- Family
- Middle Daughter
Top ☷ Earth (Kun)
- Direction
- SW
- Element
- Earth
- Attributes
- Receptive · Yielding · Nourishing · Supporting · Dark
- Family
- Mother