Preponderance of the Small
"Thunder on the mountain. Small things may be done; great things should not be done."
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 well to strive upward, it is well to remain below. Great good fortune.
Original Text
亨，利贞。可小事，不可大事。飞鸟遗之音，不宜上宜下，大吉。
The Image
Thunder on the mountain: The image of Preponderance of the Small. Thus in his conduct the superior man gives preponderance to reverence. In bereavement he gives preponderance to grief. In his expenditures he gives preponderance to thrift.
Original Text
山上有雷，小过；君子以行过乎恭，丧过乎哀，用过乎俭。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"The bird meets with misfortune through flying."
Do not aim too high too soon.
Original: 飞鸟以凶。
Six at the Place 2六二
"She passes by her ancestor and meets her ancestress. He does not reach his prince and meets the official. No blame."
Modesty and restraint are appropriate now.
Original: 过其祖，遇其妣。不及其君，遇其臣。无咎。
Nine at the Place 3九三
"If one is not extremely careful, somebody may come up from behind and strike him. Misfortune."
Overconfidence leads to danger.
Original: 弗过防之，从或戕之，凶。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"No blame. Without passing him by, he meets him. Going entails danger. One must be on guard. Do not be persevering."
Be flexible and cautious. Do not force things.
Original: 无咎，弗过遇之。往厉必戒，勿用永贞。
Six at the Place 5六五
"Dense clouds, no rain from our western territory. The prince shoots and hits him who is in the cave."
Success comes from targeting the hidden problem.
Original: 密云不雨，自我西郊。公弋取彼在穴。
Six at the Top上六
"He does not meet him but passes him by. The flying bird leaves him. Misfortune. This means bad luck and injury."
Arrogance and overreaching bring disaster.
Original: 弗遇过之，飞鸟离之，凶，是谓灾眚。