Hexagram 53: Development (Jian)

Hexagram

53. Development · Jian

Structure of the sign

The hexagram is composed of Sun (Wood, Penetration) above, or without, and Gen (Mountain, Stillness) below, or within. A tree upon the mountain develops slowly and in accordance with order; consequently, it stands firmly rooted. This gives rise to the idea of development that advances gradually, step by step. The attributes of the figures likewise point to this: within is tranquility, which protects against rashness, and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.

The Judgment

Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune! Perseverance furthers. The development that leads to the maiden following the man into his home is hesitant. The various formalities must be fulfilled before the marriage takes place. This gradual development can also be applied to other situations, whenever correct relationships of cooperation are concerned, as for example in the appointment of an official. There, a proper development must be awaited. A precipitate course of action would not be good. In like manner, finally, it applies where one desires to exert influence upon others. There too, it is a matter of a correct path of development through the cultivation of one's own personality. All agitational influence does not work in the long run. Within oneself, too, development must take the same course if lasting results are to be attained. The gentle, adaptable, yet also penetrating element is the outer, which must proceed from inner tranquility. It is precisely the gradual nature of development that makes constancy necessary. For only constancy ensures that slow progress does not run into the sand.

The Image

Upon the mountain is a tree: the image of Development. Thus the superior man abides in dignified virtue in order to improve morals. The tree upon the mountain is visible from afar, and its development exerts an influence upon the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like marsh plants, but its growth proceeds gradually. The effect upon men can likewise only be gradual. No sudden influencing or awakening is enduring. Progress must be entirely gradual. And in order to achieve this progress in public opinion and public morals, it is necessary that the personality acquire influence and gravity. This comes about through careful and enduring work upon one's own moral development.

The lines

Line 1

The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame. The individual lines all take as their image the gradual flight of the wild goose. The wild goose is the symbol of marital fidelity. It is said of it that after the death of its mate it does not unite with another. The first line shows the first station on the migration of the waterfowl from the water to the heights. The shore is reached. The situation is that of a solitary youth who wishes to begin making his way in life. Because he has no one to come to meet him, his first steps are slow and hesitant, and he is surrounded by danger. Naturally he is subjected to much criticism. But these very difficulties keep him from overhasty action, and his progress succeeds.

Line 2▶ ruling line

The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune! The cliff is a secure place upon the shore. The development has advanced one step further. One is past the initial insecurity and has found a secure position in life through which one has an adequate livelihood. This first success, which opens the way for opportunities of effective action, gives the mood a certain cheerfulness, and with a tranquil mind one moves toward the future. It is said of the wild goose that it calls its companions when it finds food; this is the image of peace and concord in good fortune. One does not wish to keep one's happiness for oneself alone, but is prepared to share it with others.

Line 3

The wild goose gradually draws near the high plateau. The man goes forth and does not return. The woman carries a child, but does not bring it to birth. Misfortune! It furthers one to fight off robbers. The dry high plateau is not suitable for the wild goose. If it travels thither, it has lost its way and gone too far. This contradicts the law of development. It is the same in human life. If one does not let things develop quietly, but plunges precipitously into conflict on one's own initiative, this brings misfortune. One stakes one's own life, and the family perishes as a result. But this is by no means necessary; it is solely the consequence of transgressing the law of natural development. If one does not seek out battle on one's own, but confines oneself to holding one's ground vigorously and warding off unjustified attacks, all goes well.

Line 4

The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it finds a flat branch. No blame. The tree is not a place suitable for a wild goose. But if it is clever, it finds a flat branch upon which it can stand. In life, too, in the course of development, one often comes into situations that do not suit one, in which it is difficult to maintain oneself without danger. Here it is important to be clever and yielding. Then, in the midst of danger, one can find a secure place in which it is possible to live.

Line 5▶ ruling line

The wild goose gradually draws near the summit. For three years the woman bears no child. In the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune! The summit is an elevated place. In a high position one easily falls into isolation. One is misunderstood by the person upon whom one depends: the wife by her husband, the official by his master. The cause of this is deceitful people who have thrust themselves in between. The consequence is that relationships remain sterile and nothing is accomplished. But development brings it about that such misunderstandings dissolve and union is finally achieved after all.

Line 6

The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune! Here life is concluded. The work stands completed. High into the heavens rises its path, like the flight of wild geese when they have left all earthly ground behind. Thither they fly, maintaining the order of their flight, forming figures of strict lines. And when their feathers fall, they can be used for ornament in sacred temple pantomimes. Thus the life of a perfected man is a bright light for the people of the earth, who look up to him as a model.

Below ☶ Mountain (Gen)

Direction: NE
Element: Mountain · Stone
Attributes: Keeping Still · Firm · Immovable · Setting Boundaries
Family: Youngest Son

Above ☴ Wind (Sun)

Direction: SE
Element: Wood · Wind
Attributes: Gentle · Penetrating · Gradual · Persevering
Family: Eldest Daughter