Hexagram 55: Abundance

Line 1

When one meets one's destined ruler, one may remain together for ten days, and there is no blame. Going forth meets with recognition. To bring about a time of abundance requires the union of clarity and vigorous movement. Where these two qualities are found in two individuals, they are suited to each other; and even if they stay together for a full cycle in a time of fullness, it is not too long and no blame attaches. Therefore one may go forth to act; it will find recognition.

Line 2

The curtain is of such fullness that the polar stars are seen at midday. Going forth meets with mistrust and hatred. If one awakens him through truth, good fortune comes. It often happens that intrigues and partisan machinations intrude between the ruler who desires greatness and the man capable of carrying it out, darkening everything like an eclipse of the sun. Then, instead of the sun, the polar stars are seen in the sky. The master is cast into shadow by a faction that has seized power. If one were to undertake energetic action at such a time, one would encounter only suspicion and envy, making all movement impossible. At such a juncture, one must remain inwardly grounded in the power of truth, which ultimately proves potent enough to influence the ruler unseen, so that all turns out well.

Line 3

The brushwood is of such abundance that the tiny stars are seen at midday. He breaks his right arm. No blame. Here the image depicts the deepening obscuration of the sun. At this stage totality is reached, so that even the smallest stars become visible at midday. Translated into social conditions, the prince is so eclipsed that even the pettiest persons can push themselves forward. In such circumstances it is impossible for an able man, who might otherwise serve as the ruler's right hand, to undertake anything. It is as though his arm were broken. Yet it is not his fault that he is thus prevented from acting.

Line 4

The curtain is of such fullness that the polar stars are seen at midday. He meets his ruler of like kind. Good fortune! Here the darkness is already waning, and corresponding elements find one another. Here too a complement must be found: wisdom to match the readiness to act. Then all will go well. The complement considered here is the reverse of that in the first line: there, wisdom needed to be supplemented by energy; here, energy must be complemented by wisdom.

Line 6

His house is in abundance. He screens off his family. He peers through the gate and perceives no one anymore. For three years he sees nothing. Misfortune! Portrayed here is a man who, through arrogance and obstinacy, achieves the opposite of what he seeks. He strives for fullness and magnificence in his dwelling. He insists unconditionally upon being master in his house. Yet by this he estranges his family, so that in the end he stands utterly isolated.