Hexagram 57: The Gentle, The Wind
Hexagram
57. The Gentle, The Wind · Xun
Structure of the sign
Sun is one of the eight double trigrams. It represents the eldest daughter; its image is the wind or wood, and its attribute is gentleness, which nonetheless penetrates like the wind or like wood with its roots. The dark principle, which in itself is rigid and unmoving, is dissolved by the penetrating light principle to which it subordinates itself in gentleness. In nature, it is the wind that disperses gathered clouds, creating serene celestial clarity. In human life, it is the penetrating clarity of judgment that dismantles all hidden ulterior motives. In communal life, it is the powerful influence of an eminent personality who brings to light and scatters all clandestine machinations.
The Judgment
The Gentle. Success through small things. It is furthering to have somewhere to go. It is furthering to see the great man. Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. Influence should not be exerted through violence, but through continuous, subtle pressure. Such effects are less conspicuous than those gained by sudden surprise, but they are more lasting and complete. In order to operate in this manner, one must possess a clear goal; for only when penetrating influence acts persistently in the same direction can something be achieved. What is small can only attain success if it subordinates itself to a distinguished man who possesses the capacity to establish order.
The Image
Winds following one upon another: the image of the Gently Penetrating. Thus does the superior man spread his commands and carry out his undertakings. The penetrating power of the wind rests upon its ceaselessness. Through this it becomes so mighty. It uses time as the instrument of its effect. In like manner must the ruler's thoughts penetrate the soul of the people. For this, too, enduring influence through instruction and ordinance is requisite. Only when an ordinance has passed into the people's very soul does related action become possible. Unprepared action merely alarms and repels.
The lines
Line 1
In advancing and in retreating, the perseverance of a warrior is furthering. A gentle nature often borders on indecision. One lacks the inner strength to advance resolutely. A thousand doubts arise, yet one has no desire to retreat either, drifting indecisively back and forth. In such an instance, military resoluteness is the correct course: to do decisively that which duty demands. Resolute discipline is far superior to indecisive laxity.
Line 2
Penetration beneath the bed. One employs priests and magicians in great numbers. Good fortune! No blame. At times one contends with hidden adversaries, elusive influences that skulk into the darkest recesses and exert suggestive control from within. In such circumstances, it is necessary to track these matters down into their most secretive corners to determine the nature of the influences—this being the task of priests—and to remove them—this being the task of magicians. The very anonymity of such activities demands tireless energy, yet it meets with its reward. For once such uncontrollable influences are exposed to light and branded, they lose their power over men.
Line 3
Repeated penetration. Humiliation. Penetrating contemplation must not be carried to extremes; otherwise, it impairs the ability to decide. Once a matter has been thoroughly thought through, one must resolve and act. By constantly rethinking, one repeatedly encounters new misgivings, bringing humiliation upon oneself because one proves incapable of decisive action. ±
Line 4
Remorse disappears. In the hunt, three kinds of game are caught. When natural modesty is combined with energetic activity through the responsible post one holds and the experience one has gathered, great success is certain to be achieved. The three kinds of game served for sacrifices to the gods, the entertainment of guests, and daily sustenance. When game was secured for all three purposes, the outcome of the hunt was deemed exceptionally auspicious.
Line 5▶ ruling line
Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Nothing that does not further. No beginning, but an end. Before the change, three days; after the change, three days. Good fortune! Whereas in 'Work on What Has Been Spoiled' (No. 18) an entirely fresh starting point must be created, here it is solely a matter of reform. The beginning was imperfect, yet a moment has arrived when a new direction can be charted. One must alter and improve. This must be pursued with constancy—that is, in a steadfast and correct frame of mind; then success will follow, and remorse will vanish. It must be noted, however, that such improvements demand careful consideration. Prior to carrying out the alteration, repeated reflection is necessary; and after the change has taken effect, one must examine with care for some time how the improvements actually turn out in practice. Such conscientious work is accompanied by good fortune.
Line 6
Penetration beneath the bed. He loses his property and his axe. Perseverance brings misfortune. The insight is keen enough. One pursues harmful influences into their most concealed recesses, yet one no longer possesses the power to overcome them decisively. In this situation, every attempt to penetrate personal domains of darkness leads only to ill.
Below ☴ Wind (Sun)
- Direction
- SE
- Element
- Wood · Wind
- Attributes
- Gentle · Penetrating · Gradual · Persevering
- Family
- Eldest Daughter
Above ☴ Wind (Sun)
- Direction
- SE
- Element
- Wood · Wind
- Attributes
- Gentle · Penetrating · Gradual · Persevering
- Family
- Eldest Daughter