Darkening of the Light
"The light has sunk into the earth. Veil your light but remain true within."
The Judgment
Darkening of the Light. In adversity It furthers one to be persevering.
Original Text
利艰贞。
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. Thus the superior man lives with the great mass: He veils his light, yet still shines.
Original Text
明入地中，明夷；君子以莅众，用晦而明。
The Lines
Nine at the Beginning初九
"Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man does not eat for three days on his wanderings. But he has somewhere to go. The host has occasion to gossip."
Hide your light when danger threatens. Endure hardship without complaint.
Original: 明夷于飞，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食。有攸往，主人有言。
Six at the Place 2六二
"Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh. He gives aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune."
Even when injured, you can still help others. Strength saves you.
Original: 明夷，夷于左股，用拯马壮，吉。
Nine at the Place 3九三
"Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon."
Success takes time. Do not rush to fix everything at once.
Original: 明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾贞。
Six at the Place 4六四
"He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light. And leaves gate and courtyard."
Understand the source of darkness, then leave it behind.
Original: 入于左腹，获明夷之心，于出门庭。
Six at the Place 5六五
"Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers."
Maintain your inner light even in the darkest times.
Original: 箕子之明夷，利贞。
Six at the Top上六
"Not light but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, then he plunged into the earth."
Those who abuse power will eventually fall.
Original: 不明，晦。初登于天，后入于地。