Hexagram #31
Xián

Influence

"A lake on the mountain. To receive others, you must be empty (humble)."

Upper Trigram
Wind ()
Lower Trigram
Thunder ()

The Judgment

Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.

Original Text

亨,利贞,取女吉。

The Image

A lake on the mountain: The image of Influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him by his readiness to receive them.

Original Text

山上有泽,咸;君子以虚受人。

Interpretation

The Lines

Line 1

Six at the Beginning初六

"The influence shows itself in the big toe."

The intent to move is there, but action has not yet started.

Original: 咸其拇。

Line 2

Six at the Place 2六二

"The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune."

Do not rush blindly. Wait for the right moment.

Original: 咸其腓,凶,居吉。

Line 3

Nine at the Place 3九三

"The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating."

Blindly following others leads to humiliation. Think for yourself.

Original: 咸其股,执其随,往吝。

Line 4

Nine at the Place 4九四

"Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated as his thoughts go hither and thither, only those friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts will follow."

Calm your mind. Distraction prevents true influence.

Original: 贞吉,悔亡。憧憧往来,朋从尔思。

Line 5

Nine at the Place 5九五

"The influence shows itself in the back of the neck. No remorse."

Willpower alone cannot create true influence. The heart must be involved.

Original: 咸其脢,无悔。

Line 6

Six at the Top上六

"The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue."

Empty words have no real influence.

Original: 咸其辅,颊,舌。

"The Tao remains hidden, yet it nourishes all things."

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