Hexagram 9: The Taming Power of the Small
Hexagram
9. The Taming Power of the Small · Siau Tschu
Structure of the sign
The hexagram signifies the small, the power of the dark that restrains, tames, and holds back. In the fourth place, the place of the minister, is a yielding line that holds in check all the remaining strong lines. Viewed from the standpoint of the image, it is the wind blowing in heaven above. It restrains the ascending breath of the Creative, the clouds, so that they condense. But it is not yet strong enough to bring about precipitation. The hexagram presents a configuration in which strong elements are temporarily held in check by the weak. This can only happen through gentleness if it is to be attended by success.
The Judgment
The Taming Power of the Small has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western territory. The allegory is drawn from the circumstances of affairs in China in the time of King Wen. He originated from the west, but was at that time in the east at the court of the supreme king, the tyrant Chou Hsin. The time for large-scale action had not yet come. He could hold the tyrant in check to some degree only through friendly persuasion. Hence the image of abundant clouds rising, promising moisture and blessing to the land, yet for the present no rain falls. The situation is not unfavorable. There is prospect of ultimate success. But obstacles still stand in the way. One can only undertake preparatory work. Only through small measures of gentle persuasion can one take effect. The time for sweeping intervention is not yet here. But one succeeds at least in exerting a restraining and taming influence within a limited scope. In this, firm inner resolve and gentle outward adaptation are necessary to carry through one's will.
The Image
The wind drives across the heavens: the image of the Taming Power of the Small. Thus does the superior man refine the outward form of his being. The wind indeed gathers the clouds in heaven, but because it is only air without solid body, it produces no great and enduring effects. Thus for man, in times when a great outward effect is not possible, nothing remains but to refine his being in its expressions on a small scale.
The lines
Line 1
Return to the way. How could this be a fault! Good fortune! It lies in the nature of the strong to press forward. Yet in doing so, he enters the sphere of restraint. Therefore he returns to the way suited to his situation, where he is free in advance and retreat. It is good and sensible not to attempt to force things by violence, and in the nature of the case it brings good fortune.
Line 2
He allows himself to be drawn into returning. Good fortune! In oneself, one would like to advance. But before proceeding further, one sees from the example of other like-minded men that this way is blocked. In such a case, a sensible and determined man will not first expose himself to a personal rebuff, but will withdraw together with other like-minded companions when striving forward is unsuited to the time. This brings good fortune, because in this manner he does not compromise himself.
Line 3
The spokes burst from the wagon wheel. Husband and wife roll their eyes. Here an attempt is made to press forward by force, in the consciousness that the restraining power is slight. Yet since, according to circumstances, the weak actually possesses the power, this attempt at surprise must fail. External conditions impede progress, just as a wagon cannot proceed when the spokes burst from the wheel. One does not yet submit to this hint of destiny. Therefore irritating disputes arise, as between husband and wife. This is naturally not a favorable condition; for even if, owing to the situation, the weaker party succeeds in holding firm, too many difficulties are bound up with it for it to produce a gratifying effect. In consequence, the strong party cannot use his power to exert a proper influence upon his surroundings. He has suffered a rebuff where he had hoped for an easy victory; thereby he has compromised his dignity. ±
Line 4
If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way. No blame. In a difficult, responsible post, one must guide and tame the powerful one at whose side one stands, so that what is right may come to pass. In this lies great danger, even causing fear of bloodshed. But the power of selfless truth is greater than all these obstacles. It makes such an impression that one brings one's endeavors to a successful conclusion, and all danger of bloodshed and all fear disappear.
Line 5▶ ruling line
If you are sincere and faithfully bound, you are rich in your neighbor. Faithfulness leads to a firm bond because it rests upon mutual complement. In the weaker party, faithfulness consists in devotion; in the stronger party, in dependability. This mutual complement leads to true wealth, which shows itself all the more clearly because one does not keep it for oneself alone, but shares it with one's neighbor. Shared joy is double joy.
Line 6
The rain falls, rest sets in. This is due to the lasting effect of character. The woman comes into danger through perseverance. The moon is almost full. If the superior man persists, misfortune comes. Success is attained. The wind has gathered the rain. A firm standpoint is reached. This has come about through the gradual accumulation of small effects arising from reverence for a superior character. Yet a success gathered piece by piece requires great caution. If one were now to indulge the conceit that one could insist upon it, that would be dangerous. The feminine, the yielding, which has attained victory, must never obstinately appeal to it. That would bring danger. The dark power in the moon is strongest when it is nearly full. When, as a full moon, it stands directly opposite the sun, its waning is inevitable. Under such conditions, one must rest content with what has been achieved. To advance further before the time has arrived would bring misfortune.
Below ☰ Heaven (Kien)
- Direction
- NW
- Element
- Heaven · Metal
- Attributes
- Creative · Strong · Untiring · Luminous
- Family
- Father
Above ☴ Wind (Sun)
- Direction
- SE
- Element
- Wood · Wind
- Attributes
- Gentle · Penetrating · Gradual · Persevering
- Family
- Eldest Daughter