Hexagram 62: Preponderance of the Small

Structure of the sign

While in the hexagram 'Preponderance of the Great' (No. 28) the strong lines predominate, and indeed inside, enclosed between the two lines at the beginning and the end, here the weak lines predominate, likewise outside, while the strong ones are inside. On this the state of exception rests. If the strong lines are outside, we have the hexagrams I, Providing Nourishment, and Chung Fu, Inner Truth, neither of which denotes exceptional conditions. When the strong lines inside predominate, they must assert themselves. That creates struggle and exceptional states on a large scale. Here, on the contrary, the weak is compelled to assume representation toward the outside. When one occupies a decisive post to which one is by nature not truly equal, extraordinary caution is necessary.

The Judgment

Preponderance of the Small. Success. Perseverance furthers. Small things may be done; great things should not be done. The flying bird brings the message: It is not good to strive upward, it is good to remain below. Great good fortune! Extraordinary modesty and conscientiousness will surely be rewarded with success; it is only important that they do not become an empty formula and servility, but remain linked with proper dignity in personal demeanor, so that one does not demean oneself. One must understand what the demands of the time are, in order to find the proper compensation for the deficiencies and damages of the time. Nevertheless, one must not count on great successes, since the necessary strength for this is lacking. Therefore the message is so important not to strive after lofty things, but to hold to what is lowly. That this message is brought by a bird results from the form of the hexagram. The four strong, heavy lines inside, which are supported only by two weak lines outside in Ta Kuo, No. 28, yield the image of the burdensome ridgepole. Here the supporting light lines are outside and in the majority; this yields the image of the soaring bird. But the bird should not presume to fly into the sun, but should descend to the earth, where its nest is. Thereby it delivers the message proclaimed by the hexagram.

The Image

Thunder on the mountain: the image of Preponderance of the Small. Thus the superior man in his conduct gives preponderance to reverence. In cases of bereavement he gives preponderance to grief. In his expenditures he gives preponderance to economy. Thunder on the mountain is different from that on the plain. In the mountains, thunder is much closer, whereas outside the mountains it is less audible than the thunder of an ordinary storm. Thus the superior man derives from this image the admonition to keep duty closer and more directly in view in all things than people of ordinary life do, although as a result his conduct might appear petty from the outside. He is especially meticulous in his actions. In cases of bereavement, inner emotional agitation is far closer to him than external formal display, and so in expenses for his own person he is extraordinarily simple and unpretentious. All this causes him to be an exceptional figure compared to the masses. But the essence of this exception lies in the fact that externally it stands on the side of the small.

The lines